[Endoscopic treatment of 140 pituitary tumors, results and complications]. / Tratamiento endoscópico de 140 tumores de hipófisis, resultados y complicaciones.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 140 patients with pituitary adenomas treated by an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) over a period of 4 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed between 2011 and 2014. Pre and post operative MRI, ophtalmological assessment, endocrinological laboratory evaluation and surgical morbidity and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: 57,9% of the patients had functional tumors (n=81), acromegaly being the most frequent sub-type (29.3%). 78.6% of the lesions were macroadenomas (n=110) of which 56.4% (n=62) involved the cavernous sinus, 61 patients presented with visual field defects (44%) of which 50.8% of patients showed improvement after surgery. Gross total removal was achieved in 60% of the cases. Hormonal remission was achieved in the 75% of the patients with functional tumors. The morbidity rate was 15% and one patient died after surgery (mortality 0.7%). CONCLUSION: EEA is a safe and effective tool to treat pituitary adenomas. The main limitation for complete surgical resection is the cavernous sinus invasion.

Polyetheretherketone interbody cages versus autogenous iliac crest bone grafts with anterior fixation for cervical disc disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the fusion rate, operation time, recovery of disc space height, clinical duration and improvement, return to activities of daily living, and complication rate associated with anterior cervical discectomy with interbody fusion by using polyetheretherketone cages or autogenous iliac crest bone grafts as disc replacement in a series of 60 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2006 and February 2010 a retrospective analytical observational cohort study was carried out in 60 consecutive patients surgically treated with anterior cervical discectomy with interbody fusion for degenerative disc desease at the Neurosurgical Department of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. The patients were divided into 2 groups for the assessment of clinical characteristics, demographics, fusion rates, duration of surgical procedure, neurological and functional outcomes, imaging results, and complications. Group A included patients treated with autogenous iliac crest bone grafts, and group B included patients treated with polyetheretherketone cages. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.8 years. Female patients comprised the majority in both groups (63.3%). Cervicobrachialgia was the most common presentation. Clinical improvement, fusion rates, and recovery of disc space height were similar in both groups. The operation time was significantly shorter in the polyetheretherketone group (P<0.001). Twenty percent (n=6) of the patients in group A suffered complications, >80% of which were associated with iliac crest bone graft harvesting. Patients in group B had no complications (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although outcomes were very successful in both groups in terms of fixation stability, recovery of disc space, return to activities of daily living and work, and remission of symptoms, operation time was considerably shorter for patients in the polyetheretherketone group, who had none of the complications associated with iliac crest bone graft harvesting, both differences being statistically significant.

Supratentorial and infratentorial brain abscesses: surgical treatment, complications and outcomes--a 10-year single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the variables determining morbidity, mortality and outcome in subjects with brain abscesses treated at a single center over a 10-year period. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a series of 59 patients with brain abscesses surgically treated with stereotactically guided aspiration or open craniotomy excision. Such variables as age, gender, clinical presentation, number of days to diagnosis, location, number of lesions, predisposing factors, mechanism of infection, etiological agent, and therapy were analyzed independently. Complications were defined as any deviation from the normal postoperative course occurring within 30 days of surgery, and classified according to a four-point gradual severity scale. Postoperative outcome was appraised through the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 6 months after surgery, 0-4 points were considered poor outcome and 5 points good outcome. RESULTS: Eighty abscesses were diagnosed and surgically managed in 59 patients. The mean age was 44.69 years (range: 0.16-77); 59.3% were female. The median number of days to diagnosis was 7. Most frequent clinical presentations included fever (52.5%), headache (42.4%), and focal neurologic deficits (39%). Mechanism of infection was mainly hematogenous spread (32.2%). Stereotactically guided aspiration was the treatment of choice for 74.6% of the patients, whereas 25.4% of the cases were managed through open craniotomy excision. Outcome was favorable in 81.35% (n = 48) of the subjects. General morbidity was 27.1%, and mortality stood at 10.16%. Out of a total 38.98% (n = 23) of complications, two-thirds were due to medical causes. The analysis of variables revealed that only age (p = 0.02), immunosuppression (OR 5.83; p = 0.012) and hematogenous spread (p < 0.01) were associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppression, hematogenous spread and advanced age were predictors of poor prognosis. Most of the complications following brain abscess management were not directly related to surgery or surgical technique.

Gender differences in macroprolactinomas: study of clinical features, outcome of patients and ki-67 expression in tumor tissue.

Prolactinomas in men are usually macroprolactinomas and other investigators have attributed bigger size of tumors in men to delay in diagnosis. A retrospective study of 71 macroadenomas (42 men) was carried out. Parameters studied were age, signs and symptoms at presentation, time of onset of symptoms, basal prolactin, estradiol, and total testosterone levels, tumor size and Ki 67 expression in tumor tissue. Male patients were older. Visual defects were significantly more prevalent in men. Hardy 4 stage tumors were found only in men. We found no significant correlation between tumor size and the patients age nor between tumor size and the onset of symptoms. Whereas basal E2 levels (21.2+/-12.9 vs. 33.3+/-43.3 pg/ml, p=n.s.) were very similar in male and female patients, testosterone levels were significantly higher in men (0.6+/-0.5 vs. 1.8+/-1.2 ng/ml, p=0.02). The rate of cell proliferation represented by Ki 67 was significantly higher in tumors in men (3.5+/-1.2 vs. 1.5+/-0.5%, p=0.0001). This is the first study focused in macroprolactinomas that shows that they are clinically and biologically more aggressive in men. Hypogonadism in men could appear later in the progression of prolactinomas and this might explain why men were older at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, testosterone could be a source for E2 in situ aromatization giving male tumors an advantage in cell proliferation.

[Surgical treatment of optic foraminal meningiomas, surgical technique and outcomes from a series of 18 patients]. / Tratamiento Quirúrgico de los Meningiomas del Foramen Óptico, Técnicay Resultados de una Serie de 18 Pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Optic foraminal meningiomas produce a rapid deterioration of visual function even when its size is small, thus diagnosis and management differ from other clinoideal meningiomas. The purpose of this study is to present the technique for excision and results of our series of foraminal meningiomas (FM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of medical records of 47 patients harboring primary intraorbital meningiomas (PIM) was performed. In PIM patients fifty two operations were carried out. Fronto-orbital craniotomy was employed followed by extradural decompression of the optic canal, resection of the intraorbital component, and exploration of the optic nerve intradurally. RESULTS: Among 12 patients with PIM who had useful vision preoperatively the visual acuity was preserved in 7 cases, improved in 2, and worsened in 3 cases. In 18 patients exophthalmos was the main symptom and in 35 patients unilateral blindness. Six recurrences occurred 2 to 10 years after surgery. Five of them were reoperated on. We indicated radiotherapy after recurrence in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: The management of PIM remains controversial and conservative management is frequently proposed. Based on our frequent findings of intracranial extension, our approach has been to perform a total or subtotal removal of the tumor, sparing the optic nerve in patients with useful preoperative vision.

Histologically confirmed isolated IgG4-related hypophysitis: two case reports in young women.

UNLABELLED: IgG4-related hypophysitis is a recently described entity belonging to the group of IgG4-related diseases. Many other organs can also be affected, and it is more common in older men. To date, 32 cases of IgG4-related hypophysitis have been reported in the literature, 11 of which included confirmatory tissue biopsy and the majority affecting multiple organs. The aim of this report is to present two cases of biopsy-proven IgG4-related hypophysitis occurring in two young female patients with no evidence of involvement of other organs at the time of diagnosis. LEARNING POINTS: IgG4-related hypophysitis belongs to the group of IgG4-related diseases, and is a fibro-inflammatory condition characterized by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells and storiform fibrosis.It is more common in older men, but young women may also present this type of hypophysitis.Although involvement of other organs is frequent, isolated pituitary disease is possible.Frequent clinical manifestations include anterior hypopituitarism and/or diabetes insipidus.THE DIAGNOSIS MAY BE CONFIRMED WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: a pituitary biopsy with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, with more than ten IgG4-positive cells; a sellar mass and/or thickened pituitary stalk and a biopsy-proven involvement of another organ; a sellar mass and/or thickened pituitary stalk and IgG4 serum levels >140 mg/dl and sellar mass reduction and symptom improvement after corticosteroid treatment.Glucocorticoids are recommended as first-line therapy.

Assessing the role of selected growth factors and cytostatic agents in an in vitro model of human dura mater healing.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a common concern in skull base surgery. Appropriate dural healing is crucial to prevent CSF leaks but the entire process has been barely understood so far. Here, we review the impact of growth factors and chemotherapeutic agents on an explant culture of human dural fibroblasts and a 3D subculture grown in a collagen mesh scaffold. METHODS: Human dural specimens were harvested during surgical procedures where they would not be further used therapeutically or diagnostically. Explant cultures were grown in Petri dishes, and subcultures were grown in collagen mesh scaffolds. Insulin, fibroblast growth factor type 2 (FGF-2), and human serum were analyzed for their effect as growth factors, whereas mitomycin C, vincristine, and colchicine were analyzed for their role as inhibitors. Cell count was used as a parameter to assess the effects of these factors. In addition, the effects of human serum were assessed using collagen mesh scaffolds. RESULTS: Insulin, FGF-2, and human serum increased culture cell count; human serum also achieved an increased number of viable fibroblasts embedded in a collagen mesh. Mitomycin C, which is a mitosis inhibitor, showed no significant effect on cell count, whereas colchicine and vincristine, which inhibit both mitosis and migration, resulted in cell growth suppression. DISCUSSION: In our model, dural defect closure is achieved through cell migration rather than through cell growth. Adding growth factors to the dural suture line or into a collagen mesh might prove useful to stimulate dural closure.

A new model for dura mater healing: human dural fibroblast culture.

OBJECTIVE: Dura mater healing is crucial to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks after neurosurgical procedures. Biological mechanisms leading to dural closure are only partially understood and have been studied in animals exclusively. We studied an in vitro model of dural closure which uses human cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used human dura intended for disposal after surgery. Explant primary cultures were performed. Cells were characterized through common staining and immunohistochemistry. A cell growth curve was elaborated and the effect of dexamethasone on cell count was assessed. Spongostan®, oxidized regenerated cellulose and autologous plastic materials were also evaluated for their effect on cellular growth. RESULTS: All specimens showed growth in fusiform cells, which project pseudopods and fuse into spindles. Cells showed desmin and vimentin positivity, and were negative for all the other stains, behaving phenotypically like fibroblasts. No collagen base was necessary for cell growth. Dexamethasone decreased cell count in the primary culture as well as in the explant, and reduced the cell proliferation marker Ki-67. Spongostan® was successfully used as a graft, and fibroblast cultures were additionally developed with muscle, pericranium, galea, and fascia. Oxidized cellulose induced cell death by lowering the pH of the solution. DISCUSSION: According to the findings, unlike mini-pigs and rabbits, in humans, dural fibroblast sensitivity to collagen seems to be lower. Dexamethasone inhibits fibroblast invasion, which is the biological base of wound dehiscence in cranial surgery. Although Spongostan is useful, Surgicel® can lower the media pH, thereby inhibiting cellular growth.

[Endoscopic transnasal surgery for pituitary adenomas]. / Cirugía transnasal endoscópica para tumores de hipófisis: Endoscopic transnasal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: To explain the technique used and to describe the outcome of the first 52 patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery to treat pituitary tumors at our institution. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of 52 patients in whom endoscopic transnasal surgery for pituitary tumors was performed during the period from June 2011 to June 2012. We analyzed the demographic characteristics of these patients, their underlying disease, and the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.52 years, ranging from 18 to 79. The distribution was similar between men and women. The most common types of adenoma were: Non-functioning adenomas (40.4%), GH-producing tumors/Acromegaly (25%) and ACTH-producing tumors/Cushing's disease (23.1%). Approximately 70% were macroadenomas. Only one patient had complications. There was no death in this series. CONCLUSION: Although more definitive conclusions will be drawn after further study of this technique, our impression is that the endoscopic view seem to provide more anatomical details than microscopic one. Moreover, it allows direct visualization of remaining tumor, sites of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and the normal gland, since the endoscope may be introduced into the sella. These advantages may allow achieving better surgical outcomes in terms of disease control and complication prevention.

A new classification of complications in neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: To define and grade neurosurgical and spinal postoperative complications based on their need for treatment. METHODS: Complications were defined as any deviation from the normal postoperative course occurring within 30 days of surgery. A four-grade scale was proposed based on the therapy used to treat the complications: grade I, any non-life-threatening complications treated without invasive procedures; grade II, complications requiring invasive management such as surgical, endoscopic, and endovascular procedures; grade III, life-threatening adverse events requiring treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU); and grade IV, deaths as a result of complications. Each grade was classified as a surgical or medical complication. An observational test of this system was conducted between January 2008 and December 2009 in a cohort of 1190 patients at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. RESULTS: Of 167 complications, 129 (10.84%) were classified as surgical, and 38 (3.19%) were classified as medical complications. Grade I (mild) complications accounted for 31.73%, grade II (moderate) complications accounted for 25.74%, and grade III (severe) complications accounted for 34.13%. The overall mortality rate was 1.17%; 0.84% of deaths were directly related to surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present a simple, practical, and easy to reproduce way to report negative outcomes based on the therapy administered to treat a complication. The main advantages of this classification are the ability to compare surgical results among different centers and times, the ability to compare medical and surgical complications, and the ability to perform future meta-analyses.

Sternberg's canal as a cause of encephalocele within the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus: A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Intrasphenoidal encephaloceles are extremely rare findings. Sternberg's canal is a lateral craniopharyngeal canal resulting from incomplete fusion of the greater wings of the sphenoid bone with the basisphenoid. It acts as a weak spot of the skull base, which may lead to develop a temporal lobe encephalocele protruding into the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus (SS). CASE DESCRIPTION: We present two cases of intrasphenoidal encephalocele due to persistence of the lateral craniopharyngeal canal. The first case presented with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and the second one was referred to the neurosurgical department with CSF rhinorrhea and meningitis. Radiological investigations consisted of computed tomography (CT) scan, CT cisternography and magnetic resonance images in both cases. These imaging studies identified a herniated temporal lobe through a bony defect which communicates the middle cranial fossa with the lateral recess of the SS. Both patients underwent a transcranial repair of the encephalocele because of the previous failure of the endoscopic surgery. There was no complication related to the surgical procedure and no recurrence of CSF leakage occurred 2 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Encephalocele within the lateral recess of the SS is a rare entity which must be suspected in patients who present with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Congenital intrasphenoidal encephaloceles, which are located medial to the foramen rotundum, seem to be due to persistence of the Sternberg's canal. Transcranial approach is a good option when a transnasal approach had failed previously.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de los meningiomas del foramen óptico: técnica y resultados de una serie de 18 pacientes / Surgical treatment of optic foramen meningiomas: technique and results of a series of 18 patients

Introducción: los meningiomas del foramen óptico producen un rápido deterioro de la función visual aún cuando su tamaño es pequeño, por eso su diagnóstico y manejo difiere del resto de los meningiomas clinoideos. El propósito de este estudio es presentar la técnica y los resultados de nuestro manejo quirúrgico de meningiomas foraminales (MF). Pacientes y Métodos: se llevó a cabo una revisión de las historias clínicas de 47 pacientes con meningiomas primarios intraorbitarios. Se realizaron 52 cirugías en los pacientes con MF. Se empleó una craneotomía fronto-orbitaria, seguida de una descompresión extradural del canal óptico, resección del componente intraorbitario y exploración intradural del nervio óptico. Resultados: de los 12 pacientes con MF que presentaban la visión conservada, la agudeza visual fue preservada en 7 casos, mejoró en 2, y empeoró en 3. En 18 pacientes, el principal síntoma fue exoftalmos y en 35 pacientes ceguera unilateral. Ocurrieron 6 recurrencias, 2 a 10 años después de la resección quirúrgica. Cinco de ellos fueron reoperados. Se indicó radioterapia después de la recurrencia en 3 pacientes. Conclusión: el manejo de los MF continúa siendo controvertido y frecuentemente se propone un tratamiento conservador. Basados en nuestros hallazgos de frecuente extensión intracraneal, proponemos realizar una resección total o subtotal del tumor, preservando el nervio óptico en pacientes con visión prequirúrgica conservada.

Introduction: optic foramen meningiomas produce rapid deterioration of visual function even when its size is small, so its diagnosis and management differs from other clinoidal meningiomas. The purpose of this study is to present the technique and results of our surgical management of foraminal meningiomas (FM).Patients and Methods: a review of medical records of 47 patients harboring primary intraorbital meningiomas (PIM) was performed. In PIM patients fifty two operations were carried out. Fronto-orbital craniotomy was employed followed by extradural decompression of the optic canal, resection of the intraorbital component, and exploration of the optic nerve intradurally.Results: among 12 patients with PIM who had useful vision preoperatively the visual acuity was preserved in 7 cases, improved in 2, and worsened in 3 cases. In 18 patients exophthalmos was the main symptom and in 35 patients unilateral blindness. Six recurrences occurred 2 to 10 years after surgery. Five of them were reoperated on. We indicated radiotherapy after recurrence in 3 patients.Conclusion: the management of PIM remains controversial and conservative management is frequently proposed. Based on our frequent findings of intracranial extension, our approach has been to perform a total or subtotal removal of the tumor, sparing the optic nerve in patients with useful preoperative vision.

Preliminary report on tumor stem cell/B cell hybridoma vaccine for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive glioma, presents with a rapid evolution and relapse within the first year, which is attributed to the persistence of tumor stem cells (TSC) and the escape of immune surveillance. Mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) cytoimplant has been shown to function as a powerful intratumor pro-inflammatory cytokine pump. Tumor B-cell hybridoma (TBH) vaccines have been shown to function as antigen-presenting cells. We evaluated the toxicity and efficiency of each treatment alone and in combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In an open study, 12 consecutive patients were evenly divided into 3 groups, each group receiving 3 different treatments. Patients in Group 1 were treated, after diagnosis, with debulking surgery (DS)+radiotherapy (Rx), and after the first relapse underwent DS+MLC treatment. Patients in Group 2 were similarly treated but after the first relapse underwent DS+MLC+TBH. Finally, patients in Group 3 were similarly treated but after the first relapse underwent DS+TBH. Nestin PAP stain assessed TSC participation in TBH. RESULTS: Treatment with MLC had strong and rapid therapeutic effects, but was limited in duration and induced various degrees of brain inflammation. Treatment with MLC+TBH acted synergistically, provoking a rapid, strong and lasting therapeutic response but also generating different degrees of brain inflammation. A lasting therapeutic effect without generating high degrees of brain inflammation occurred in patients treated with TBH vaccine alone. CONCLUSION: TSC vaccine consisting of TBH alone seems to have potent adjuvant reactions overcoming both persistence of tumor stem cells and immune escape of GBM without provoking an encephalitic reaction.

Tratamiento endoscópico de 140 tumores de hipófisis, resultados y complicaciones / Endoscopic treatment of 140 pituitary tumors, results and complications

Objetivo: Presentar los resultados y las complicaciones de 140 pacientes con adenomas hipofisarios operados por vía transnasal endoscópica en un período de 4 años. Material y métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo desde marzo del 2011 hasta diciembre del 2014. Se analizaron las imágenes, los estudios oftalmológicos y hormonales, tanto pre como postoperatorios, así como también la morbimortalidad asociada al procedimiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Se registró un 57,9% de pacientes con tumores funcionantes (n = 81), siendo la patología más frecuente la acromegalia (29,3%). El 78,6% fueron macroadenomas (n = 110), de los cuales el 56,4% (n = 62) presentaban invasión del seno cavernoso; 61 presentaron alteración en el campo visual computarizado (44%). Tras la intervención, el 50,8% de los pacientes obtuvo mejoría. En un 60% de los casos se alcanzó una resección completa. De los pacientes con patología funcionante (81 casos), un 25% persistió con enfermedad activa tras la cirugía. Se registró un 15% de pacientes complicados (n = 21) y un solo fallecimiento (0,7%). Conclusión: Según los resultados obtenidos, esta técnica presenta baja morbimortalidad y elevado éxito terapéutico. La principal limitante para la resección quirúrgica completa es la invasión del seno cavernoso

Objective: To present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 140 patients with pituitary adenomas treated by an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) over a period of 4 years. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed between 2011 and 2014. Pre and post operative MRI, ophtalmological assessment, endocrinological laboratory evaluation and surgical morbidity and mortality were assessed. Results: 57,9% of the patients had functional tumors (n = 81), acromegaly being the most frequent sub-type (29.3%). 78.6% of the lesions were macroadenomas (n = 110) of which 56.4% (n = 62) involved the cavernous sinus, 61 patients presented with visual field defects (44%) of which 50.8% of patients showed improvement after surgery. Gross total removal was achieved in 60% of the cases. Hormonal remission was achieved in the 75% of the patients with functional tumors. The morbidity rate was 15% and one patient died after surgery (mortality 0.7%). Conclusion: EEA is a safe and effective tool to treat pituitary adenomas. The main limitation for complete surgical resection is the cavernous sinus invasion

Neurofibromatosis segmentaria fronto temporo orbitaria: reporte de un caso: Revisión de la literatura / Fronto temporo orbitary segmental neurofibromatosis: Report of one case

Objective. To report a case of segmental neurofibromatosis located in the fronto temporal orbitary region. Description. A 54 year-old patient with a right progressive exoftalmos due to a tumor inside the orbit. He was operated 18 years ago with an histopatology diagnosis of neurofibroma. He recovered well from the surgery, but 3 years ago the right exoftalmos reappeared. The MRI shows multiple subgaleal tumors located in the right fronto temporal area, inside and outside the orbit. Intervention. A right fronto orbitary craniotomy was performed with the resection of soft non encapsulated subgaleal lesions. Conclusion. Segmental neurofibromatosis is a rare affection wich is very difficult to deal with, because of the high incidence of recurrence of the neurofibromas. Despite this, in cases like this one a surgical treatment is highly recommended to prevent not only visual defects but also cosmetic alterations.

Glioblastoma multiforme de fosa posterior. Presentacion de un caso / Posterior fosa multiform glioblastoma

Objective: to report a case of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of the posterior fossa. Description: male, 53 years old, with a clinical presentation of dizziness and diplopia. MRI: posterior fossa tumor in the left cerebellar hemisphere, with an extension to the peduncle, brain stem and cerebellopontine angle. Intervention: a subtotal ressection was performed through a suboccipital craniotomy. Pathology informed GBM. After surgery the patient completed the treatment with radiotherapy (60Gy). The outcome was favorable. Conclusion: the preoperative diagnosis of a posterior fossa GBM is difficult because its a extremely rare localization, nevertheless it must be suspected (AU)