Resting-state fMRI in patients with refractory epilepsy with and without drop attacks: exploring the connectivity of sensorimotor cortex.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with multifocal or generalized epilepsies manifesting with drop attacks have severe refractory seizures and significant cognitive and behavioural abnormalities. It is unclear to what extent these features relate to network abnormalities and how networks in sensorimotor cortex differ from those in patients with refractory focal epilepsies. Thus, in this study we sought to provide preliminary data on connectivity of sensorimotor cortex in patients with epileptic drop attacks, in comparison to patients with focal refractory epilepsies. METHODS: Resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) data was available for 5 patients with epileptic drop attacks and 15 with refractory focal epilepsies undergoing presurgical evaluation. Functional connectivity was analyzed with a seed-based protocol, with primary seeds placed at the precentral gyrus, the postcentral gyrus and the premotor cortex. For each seed, the subjects' timeseries were extracted and transformed to Z scores. Between-group analysis was then performed using the 3dttest+ + AFNI program. RESULTS: Two clusters of reduced connectivity in the group with drop attacks (DA group) in relation to those with focal epilepsies were found in the between-group analysis: the precentral seed showed reduced connectivity in the surrounding motor area, and the postcentral seed, reduced connectivity with the ipsilateral posterior cingulate gyrus. In the intra-group analyses, sensorimotor and premotor networks were abnormal in the DA group, whereas patients with focal epilepsies had the usual connectivity maps with each seed. CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows differences in the cerebral connectivity in the sensorimotor cortex of patients with generalized epilepsies and drop attacks which should be further explored to better understand the biological bases of the seizure generation and cognitive changes in these people.

Anatomy of the optic radiations from the white matter fiber dissection perspective: A literature review applied to practical anatomical dissection.

Background: Knowledge of the anatomical course of the optic radiations and its relationship to medial temporal lobe structures is of great relevance in preoperative planning for surgery involving the temporal lobe to prevent damage that may result in postsurgical visual field deficits. Methods: In this anatomical study, we reviewed the literature on this topic and applied the information to practical anatomical dissection. The three-dimensional relationship between the course of the optic radiations and structures accessed in the main microneurosurgical approaches to the medial temporal lobe was examined by applying Klingler's white matter fiber dissection technique to five formalin-fixed human brains. The dissections were performed with an operating microscope at magnifications of ×3-×40. High-resolution images were acquired during dissection for identification of the anatomical structures, focusing on the characterization of the course of the optic radiations in relation to medial temporal lobe structures. Results: In all five dissected brains, we could expose and clearly define the relationship between the optic radiations and medial temporal lobe structures, improving our understanding of these complex structures. Conclusion: The knowledge gained by studying these relationships will help neurosurgeons to develop risk-adjusted approaches to prevent damage to the optic radiations in the medial temporal region, which may result in a disabling visual field deficit.

Control of drop attacks with selective posterior callosotomy: Anatomical and prognostic data.

OBJECTIVE: In a previous proof of concept study, selective posterior callosotomy achieved similar degree of control of drop attacks as total callosotomy, while sparing prefrontal interconnectivity. The present study aims to confirm this finding in a larger cohort and to provide anatomical and prognostic data. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with refractory drop attacks had selective posterior callosotomy and prospective follow up for a mean of 6.4 years. Twenty-seven patients had post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18 had tractography (DTI) of remaining callosal fibers. Pre and postoperative falls were quantified and correlated with demographic, clinical and imaging data. RESULTS: Mean monthly frequency of drop attacks had a 95 % reduction, from 297 before to 16 after the procedure. Forty- one patients (80 %) had either complete or greater than 90 % control of the epileptic falls. Age and duration of epilepsy at surgery correlated with outcome (p values, respectively, 0.042 and 0.005). Mean index of callosal section along the posterior-to-anterior axis was 53.5 %. Extending the posterior section anterior to the midbody of the corpus callosum did not correlate with seizure control (p 0.91), providing fibers interconnecting the primary motor (M1) and caudal supplementary motor areas (SMA) were sectioned. Only one patient had a notable surgical complication which resolved in two days. CONCLUSIONS: This level III cohort study with objective outcome assessment confirms that selective posterior callosotomy is safe and effective to control epileptic falls. Younger patients with smaller duration of epilepsy have better results. A posterior section contemplating the splenium, isthmus and posterior half of the body (posterior midbody) seems sufficient to achieve complete or almost complete control of drop attacks.

Single Burr-Hole Extended Transforaminal Approach for Concurrent Endoscopic Surgery in the Third Ventricle Posterior to the Foramen of Monro and Ventriculostomy: Clinical Series and Planning Steps.

OBJECTIVE: For endoscopic surgery of third ventricular lesions posterior to the foramen of Monro that frequently require a third ventriculostomy during the same procedure, the extended transforaminal approach (ETFA) through the choroid fissure has been proposed. This study reports clinical results and provides anatomic background and guidelines for individual planning of a single burr-hole approach and a safe transchoroid entry zone. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of 25 cases of concurrent third ventricle surgery and third ventriculostomy via ETFA. Assessment was made of a safe transchoroidal entry zone on cadavers (6 hemispheres) and of planning guidelines on magnetic resonance imaging showing occlusive hydrocephalus (30 sides). RESULTS: ETFA was feasible in all 25 cases. The safe transchoroid entry zone was sufficient in 16 cases; in 9 cases, additional transchoroid opening with transection of the anterior septal vein was required without clinical consequences. The anatomic study showed a safe transchoroid entry zone of 5 mm (3-6 mm) for posterior enlargement of the foramen of Monro. Individual planning on magnetic resonance imaging of patients with enlarged third ventricles showed an optimal burr-hole position 22 mm (10-30 mm) lateral to the midline and 8 mm (27 to -23 mm) precoronal; a foramen of Monro diameter of 7 mm (3-11 mm) and a safe transchoroid entry zone of 6 mm (3-12 mm). CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, concurrent endoscopic surgery of third ventricular lesions posterior to the foramen of Monro and ventriculostomy are feasible through a single burr hole and a transchoroid extension of the transforaminal approach. Precise preoperative planning is recommended for anticipating the individual anatomic nuances.

El lóbulo de la ínsula: Parte 2 - Anatomía microquirúrgica y correlación clínico-quirúrgica / The lobe of the insula: Part 2 - Microsurgical anatomy and clinical-surgical correlation

Introducción: El conocimiento profundo de la anatomía microquirúrgica del lóbulo de la ínsula es crucial para operar pacientes con tumores en esta región. Objetivo: El objetivo de la segunda parte de este estudio es correlacionar la anatomía microquirúrgica con casos ilustrativos retirados de nuestra casuística de 35 pacientes en los cuales fueron realizados 44 cirugías de tumores en relación con el lóbulo de la ínsula. Material y Métodos: A lo largo de marzo de 2007 y agosto de 2014, 44 microcirugías fueron realizadas en 35 pacientes portadores de tumores insulares y los hallazgos de las cirugías y mapeo cerebral se correlacionaron con la anatomía microquirúrgica. Resultados: De una serie de 44 pacientes con tumores de la ínsula, la mayoría de los casos eran gliomas de bajo grado de malignidad (29 casos). El inicio de los síntomas en 34 pacientes fue epilepsia, siendo esta refractaria al tratamiento medicamentoso en 12 casos. El grado de resección fue subtotal o total en la mayoría de los casos de la serie. La mejoría en la calidad de vida (epilepsia, etc.) estuvo presente en más de la mitad de los pacientes. El déficit neurológico permanente estuvo presente en tres pacientes. Conclusión: En los tumores insulares, es tan importante el conocimiento profundo de la anatomía, como el saber utilizar e interpretar en tiempo real las observaciones de la monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria.

Introduction: The deep knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy of the insular lobe is crucial to operate patients with tumors in this region. Objectives: Our purpose in this second part is to correlate insular surgical anatomy with illustrative cases from 4 surgeries performed on 35 patients with insular tumors. Materials and Methods: From March 2007 to August 2014, 44 microsurgeries were performed on 35 patients with insular glioma tumors. Of these, 29 cases were low-grade gliomas. Seizures were the first symptom in most cases. Total, or near total tumor resection was achieved in most of the patients. Improvement in quality of life was achieved in more than half of the patients after surgery. Moderate and permanent neurological deficits were present in 3 patients. Results: The majority of cases were low grade malignancy gliomas (29 cases). The onset of symptoms in 34 patients was epilepsy, being refractory to drug treatment in 12 cases. The degree of resection was subtotal or total in most cases of this series. The improvement in the quality of life (epilepsy, etc.) was present in more than half of the patients. Permanent neurological deficit was present in three patients. Conclusion: For insular tumors, microsurgical anatomy knowledge is as important as cortical and subcortical mapping

Selective Posterior Callosotomy for Treatment of Epileptic Drop Attacks: Video Documentation of the Surgical Technique: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

This is a surgical technique video of selective posterior callosotomy (SPC), a novel surgical procedure to alleviate refractory epileptic drop attacks.1 Departing from traditional approaches aiming the anterior half or the entire callosum, SPC sections the posterior half of the callosum sparing prefrontal connectivity.1 Drop attacks are generalized epileptic seizures characterized by sudden falls.1 These seizures are often seen in diffuse brain pathology associated with generalized or multifocal epilepsies, whose electroencephalogram (EEG) "fingerprint" is bilaterally synchronous epileptic discharges.1 Sectioning the callosum to control drop attacks follows the rationale that the rapid synchronization of discharges between motor and premotor regions of both hemispheres is the basis.1 The standard approach to callosotomies always contemplated the anterior fibers of the callosum.2 Literature reports that anterior sections lead to unsatisfactory control of drop attacks, and results are improved when extended into a total callosotomy.2,3 This evidence coupled with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings showing that motor and premotor fibers actually cross through posterior half of the callosum led us to hypothesize that selective section of the posterior half of the callosum would section all relevant motor fibers and control drop attacks to a similar extent to total callosotomies, with the advantage of sparing prefrontal interconnectivity3 and no split-brain syndrome. Both our series, one retrospective, followed by a new prospective study have confirmed SPC to be a safe procedure, leading to complete or greater than 90% control of epileptic falls in 85% of patients.1 The video presented here was recorded during a selective posterior callosotomy performed on a 13-yr-old girl who had hundreds of uncontrollable drop attacks per day. Falls were completely controlled with significant gains in psychomotor development and cognition, after 5 yr of follow-up. The patient provided signed consent to the surgical procedure, video acquisition, photo acquisition, and storage at operations, and the publication of this material.

Parte I: Anatomía microquirúrgica tridimensional de la ínsula / Part I: Three-dimensional microsurgical anatomy of the insula

Introducción: El lóbulo de la ínsula, o ínsula, se encuentra oculto en la superficie lateral del cerebro. La ínsula está localizada profundamente en el surco lateral o cisura silviana, recubierta por los opérculos frontal, parietal y temporal. Objetivo: Estudiar la compleja anatomía del lóbulo de la ínsula, una de las regiones de mayor complejidad quirúrgica del cerebro humano, y su correlación anatómica con casos quirúrgicos. Material y Métodos: En la primera parte de este estudio presentamos los resultados de nuestras disecciones microquirúrgicas en fotografías 2 D y 3D; en la segunda parte de nuestro trabajo, la correlación anatómica con una serie de 44 cirugías en pacientes con tumores de la ínsula, principalmente gliomas, operados entre 2007 y 2014. Resultados: Extenso conjunto de fibras subcorticales, incluyendo el fascículo uncinado, fronto-occipital inferior y el fascículo arcuato, conectan la ínsula a las regiones vecinas. Varias estructuras anatómicas responsables por déficits neurológicos severos están íntimamente relacionadas con la cirugía de la ínsula, tales como lesiones de la arteria cerebral media, cápsula interna, áreas del lenguaje en el hemisferio dominante y arterias lenticuloestriadas. Conclusión: El entrenamiento en laboratorio de neuroanatomía, estudio de material impreso en 3D, el conocimiento sobre neurofisiología intra-operatoria y el uso de armamento neuroquirúrgico moderno son factores que influencian en los resultados quirúrgicos

Introduction: The insular lobe, or insula, is the cerebral lobe sitting deep in the sylvian fissure and hidden by the lateral surface of the brain. It is covered by the frontal, parietal and temporal operculum. Objectives: To study the anatomy of the insular lobe, one of the most complex parts of the human brain, and to correlate this anatomy with intraoperative findings. Materials and Methods: In the first part of this article we show the results of our dissections, documented in 2D and 3D, and focus on microsurgical anatomy. In the second part we correlate the anatomical structures with intraoperative findings from 44 insular tumor surgeries, mainly gliomas, of patients operated on from 2007 to 2014. Results: Huge bundles of subcortical fibers, like uncinate, inferior fronto-occipital and arcuate fascicles, connect the insula to the neighboring structures. Several anatomical structures related to neurological disabilities are closely related to insular surgery, like the middle cerebral artery, internal capsule, lenticulostriate arteries and cortical and subcortical language circuits. Conclusions: Microsurgical laboratory training, 3D documentation, knowledge of brain mapping and modern neurosurgical armamentarium are important factors in achieving good results with insular glioma tumors.

Quando uma cefaleia sinaliza um tumor cerebral? / When does a headache signal a brain tumor?

Introdução: O objetivo principal deste tudo é facilitar o acesso a profissionais da área médica aos dados de literatura referentes à cefaleia de origem neoplásica. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica, investiga-se os principais sinais clínicos da doença, de maneira a simplificar a prática médica das casuísticas comumente encontradas na rotina clínica. Métodos: Revisão bibliográfica sobre o diagnóstico e manejo de cefaleias com provável origem neoplásica visando aprimorar a acurácia na identificação dessa patologia. Resultados: Observamos que a cefaleia de provável origem neoplásica apresenta uma clínica atípica na grande maioria dos casos, a qual varia com tipo, tamanho, localização e velocidade de crescimento do tumor. Para correto diagnóstico clínico, é recomendado a procura por sinais de alerta e, quando presentes, um exame de imagem com TC ou RNM se faz necessário. Como a sobrevida nesses pacientes costuma ser limitada, é imperativo o diagnóstico preciso da etiologia da cefaleia para controle adequado da dor e escolha do tratamento. Caso nenhum sinal de alerta esteja presente, deve-se então tranquilizar o paciente. Conclusão: A cefaleia, por sua natureza comum, é benigna na maior parte dos casos, sendo subvalorizada pelo próprio paciente. De fato, são poucas as ocorrências de tumores cerebrais concomitantes à cefaleia. Entretanto, investigar e tratar os casos em que a cefaleia está presente é de suma importância para o manejo correto do paciente, pois 71% dos tumores cerebrais apresentam cefaleia como primeiro sinal clínico, segundo dados da literatura.

Introduction: The main objective is to facilitate access to science-related literature for headache associated with brain tumors. Through a bibliographic review, investigating the main clinical events of the disease, in a way to simplify a medical practice of the common series are a medical routine. Methods: Bibliographic review on the diagnosis and management of headache with neoplastic origin helping to improve the accuracy in the identification of this pathology. Results: Headache of probable neoplastic origin presents with atypical characteristics in the vast majority of cases, which varies on type, size, location and speed of tumor growth. For correct clinical diagnosis, the search for warning signs is recommended and, when present, an imaging examination with CT or MRI is mandatory. As the survival in these patients is usually limited, it is imperative to accurately diagnose the etiology of headache for adequate pain control and treatment choice. If no alert signal is present, the patient should be reassured. Conclusion: Headache has a benign nature in most cases. However, it is still undervalued by patients. In fact, there are few occurrences of brain tumors concomitant with headache. Investigating and treating the cases in which headache is present is of paramount importance for the correct management of the patient, since 71% of the brain tumors present headache as the first clinical sign.

Epilepsia do lobo temporal: é possível curar? / Temporal lobe epilepsy: it is possible to cure?

Objetivos: O tratamento inicial de pacientes com epilepsia do lobo temporal é feito com drogas antiepilépticas, porém grande parte destes apresenta epilepsia refratária aos medicamentos e, portanto, devem ser avaliados para cirurgia de ressecção. Para tanto, este artigo fornece informações para avaliação cirúrgica e uma análise do tratamento cirúrgico nestes casos refratários da doença. Métodos: As buscas foram realizadas na base de dados MEDLINE. A estratégia de busca foi desenvolvida utilizando-se os seguintes termos de pesquisa: "temporal lobe epilepsy" AND "epilepsy surgery". Cada termo foi revisado individualmente e sinônimos de cada termo foram combinados. Os critérios de elegibilidade foram estudos realizados em humanos e com texto disponível, publicados em português ou inglês, atualizado. Resultados: De um total de 1330 artigos que foram encontrados na base de dados, 6 artigos foram incluídos nessa revisão, além das referências de livros-texto do tema. Conclusões: Surgical evaluation requires the identification of the early focus of seizures, and if that focus is in an area of the brain that can be removed with a low risk of new neurological deficits. The surgical treatment has been shown to be beneficial, allowing potentially curative ducts in patients who previously would be resistant to pharmacological treatment.

Aims: The initial treatment of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy is made with antiepileptic drugs, but a large part of these presents refractory to drugs and therefore should be evaluated for resection surgery. For both, this article provides information for surgical evaluation and an analysis of surgical treatment in these cases of refractory disease. Methods: The searches were conducted on MEDLINE database. The search strategy was developed using the following search terms: "temporal lobe epilepsy" AND "epilepsy surgery". Each term has been reviewed individually and each term synonyms were combined. The eligibility criteria were studies in humans and with text available, published in Portuguese or English, updated. Results: From 1330 articles found in the database, 6 articles were included in this review, in addition to the references to textbooks. Conclusions: Surgical evaluation requires the identification of the early focus of seizures, and if that focus is in an area of the brain that can be removed with a low risk of new neurological deficits. The surgical treatment has been shown to be beneficial, allowing potentially curative ducts in patients who previously would have been by the failure of chronic drug therapy.

Compressão medular epidural metastática: uma emergência neurocirúrgica / Metastatic epidural spinal compression: a neurosurgical emergency

Introdução: A compressão medular epidural metastática (CMEM) é uma emergência oncológica. A doença metastática na medula ocorre por meio de disseminação hematogênica ou através da propagação direta do tumor. A queixa mais frequente em pacientes com CMEM é dor, no entanto, uma gama de manifestações neurológicas pode ser encontrada nos casos de CMEM. Métodos: O capítulo é uma revisão dos artigos das principais revistas de neurocirurgia e oncologia encontradas no banco de dados da biblioteca virtual MEDLINE e apresenta um protocolo de CMEM baseado nos guidelines internacionais. Resultados: A Ressonância Magnética (RM) é o principal exame quando há suspeita clínica de CMEM e deve ser realizado com brevidade, a fim de evitar atraso no diagnóstico e danos neurológicos permanentes. O tratamento inicial da CMEM é realizado com corticosteroides. Todavia o tratamento cirúrgico é a terapêutica definitiva, sendo a laminectomia posterior e a descompressão circunferencial as técnicas operatórias de escolha. Além disso, a radioterapia é uma alternativa ao tratamento cirúrgico e deve ser considerada. Conclusão: A CMEM é uma emergência oncológica importante que pode acarretar em danos permanentes aos pacientes. Todo médico deve se atentar para a possibilidade da CMEM diante de queixas álgicas e neurológicas em pacientes oncológicos.

Introduction: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is a medical emergency. Metastatic disease on the spinal cord occurs by hematogenous dissemination or through direct tumoral propagation. Back pain is the most frequent symptom associated with CMEM. However, neurological manifestations may be also present. Methods: This chapter is a review of the major articles from Neurosurgery and Oncology journals found on MEDLINE database and presents a protocol based on the international guidelines. Results: Magnetic Resonance is the main neuroimaging technology when CMEM is suspected and must be done as soon as possible in order to avoid diagnosis delay and permanent neurological damage. Initial management is carried with corticosteroids, but surgery is the definitive treatment. The commonly used techniques are Posterior Decompressive Laminectomy and Circumferential Spinal Cord Decompression. Radiotherapy can be used as an alternative treatment. Conclusion: CMEM is an important oncologic emergency that may lead to permanent neurological damages. Physicians should be vigilant for CMEM when oncologic patients have back pain and/or neurological disorders.

La Insulectomía podría ser un abordaje ideal para crisis insulares y peri-insulares? / Insulectomy for insular and peri-insular seizures could be an ideal and safe approach?

La insulectomía es una técnica microquirúrgica establecida para el tratamiento de la epilepsia refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico. El origen insular de la epilepsia es inusual, sin embargo, con la investigación a través de electrodos híbridos este tipo de epilepsia ha incrementado su diagnóstico. Los autores hacen hincapié en las funciones insulares, así como los puntos de referencia anatómicos para la cirugía. Se discuten las principales complicaciones y las bases fisiológicas para las indicaciones de cirugía.

Insulectomy is an established microsurgical technique for treatment of insular epilepsy refractory to clinical management. The insular origin of epilepsy is unusual, however with depth investigation through hybrids electrodes such kind of epilepsy is increasing its diagnosis. The authors emphasizes the insular functions as well as the anatomical landmarks for surgery. The main complications are discussed and physiological basis for indications.

Selective posterior callosotomy for drop attacks: A new approach sparing prefrontal connectivity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel approach to control epileptic drop attacks through a selective posterior callosotomy, sparing all prefrontal interconnectivity. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with refractory drop attacks had selective posterior callosotomy and prospective follow-up for >4 years. Falls, episodes of aggressive behavior, and IQ were quantified. Autonomy in activities of daily living, axial tonus, and speech generated a functional score ranging from 0 to 13. Subjective effect on patient well-being and caregiver burden was also assessed. RESULTS: Median monthly frequency of drop attacks decreased from 150 to 0.5. Thirty patients (83%) achieved either complete or >90% control of the falls. Need for constant supervision decreased from 90% to 36% of patients. All had estimated IQ below 85. Median functional score increased from 7 to 10 (p = 0.03). No patient had decrease in speech fluency or hemiparesis. Caregivers rated the effect of the procedure as excellent in 40% and as having greatly improved functioning in another 50%. Clinical, EEG, imaging, and cognitive variables did not correlate with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study with objective outcome assessment suggests that selective posterior callosotomy is safe and effective to control drop attacks, with functional and behavioral gains in patients with intellectual disability. Results are comparable to historical series of total callosotomy and suggest that anterior callosal fibers may be spared. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that selective posterior callosotomy reduces falls in patients with epileptic drop attacks.

Microsurgical anatomy of the central lobe.

OBJECT: The central lobe consists of the pre- and postcentral gyri on the lateral surface and the paracentral lobule on the medial surface and corresponds to the sensorimotor cortex. The objective of the present study was to define the neural features, craniometric relationships, arterial supply, and venous drainage of the central lobe. METHODS: Cadaveric hemispheres dissected using microsurgical techniques provided the material for this study. RESULTS: The coronal suture is closer to the precentral gyrus and central sulcus at its lower rather than at its upper end, but they are closest at a point near where the superior temporal line crosses the coronal suture. The arterial supply of the lower two-thirds of the lateral surface of the central lobe was from the central, precentral, and anterior parietal branches that arose predominantly from the superior trunk of the middle cerebral artery. The medial surface and the superior third of the lateral surface were supplied by the posterior interior frontal, paracentral, and superior parietal branches of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries. The venous drainage of the superior two-thirds of the lateral surface and the central lobe on the medial surface was predominantly through the superior sagittal sinus, and the inferior third of the lateral surface was predominantly through the superficial sylvian veins to the sphenoparietal sinus or the vein of Labbé to the transverse sinus. CONCLUSIONS: The pre- and postcentral gyri and paracentral lobule have a morphological and functional anatomy that differentiates them from the remainder of their respective lobes and are considered by many as a single lobe. An understanding of the anatomical relationships of the central lobe can be useful in preoperative planning and in establishing reliable intraoperative landmarks.

Cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point as a reliable landmark to place the corticectomy and reach the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus approach.

OBJECTIVE: To establish preoperatively the localization of the cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point (ICP) and use it as a reliable landmark when approaching the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus access. To review relevant anatomical features regarding selective amigdalohippocampectomy (AH) for treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHOD: The cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point was used in more than 300 surgeries by one authors as a reliable landmark to reach the temporal horn. In the laboratory, forty cerebral hemispheres were examined. CONCLUSION: The cortical projection of the ICP is a reliable landmark for reaching the temporal horn.

Cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point as a reliable landmark to place the corticectomy and reach the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus approach / Projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior como uma referência anatômica confiável para a realização da corticectomia e abordagem do corno temporal através do giro temporal médio.

Objective To establish preoperatively the localization of the cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point (ICP) and use it as a reliable landmark when approaching the temporal horn through a middle temporal gyrus access. To review relevant anatomical features regarding selective amigdalohippocampectomy (AH) for treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Method The cortical projection of the inferior choroidal point was used in more than 300 surgeries by one authors as a reliable landmark to reach the temporal horn. In the laboratory, forty cerebral hemispheres were examined. Conclusion The cortical projection of the ICP is a reliable landmark for reaching the temporal horn. .

Objetivo Estabelecer a projeção cortical do ponto coiroideo inferior e usá-la como referência para realizar a corticectomia e a abordagem do corno temporal do ventrículo lateral em cirurgias para o tratamento da epilepsia temporal mesial. Método A projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior foi utilizada por um dos autores seniors em mais de 300 casos de epilepsia temporal mesial para atingir o corno temporal do ventrículo lateral. Conclusão A projeção cortical do ponto coroideo inferior foi útil e confiável na abordagem do corno temporal do ventrículo lateral e ela está geralmente localizada na margem inferior do giro temporal médio, em média, a 4,52 cm posterior ao polo temporal. .

Bilateral Rasmussen's encephalitis associated with type II focal cortical dysplasia: Dormant 'second' epileptogenic zone in contralateral disease.

Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is an inflammatory, probably autoimmune disorder manifested by refractory seizures and progressive deterioration of one cerebral hemisphere [1]. Here, we describe the unfortunate history of a girl with a progressive disorder which, upon clinical, neuroimaging, and histopathological evaluation, proved to be bilateral RE associated with type II focal cortical dysplasia. Whether the second pathology is relevant for the extent of the disease is discussed. We demonstrated histopathological evidence of RE and type II FCD in the left hemisphere, which led to EPC on the right hemibody at presentation. In addition, there was unequivocal progressive cortical and subcortical atrophy of the right hemisphere, which accounted for the EPC on the left hemibody. This is highly compatible with RE (+/- FCD) in the right hemisphere as well. Although the association of FCD and RE - as well as the occasional occurrence of bilateral RE - has already been reported [3-5], this is the first such case in which bilateral RE and FCD co-occur.

Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia associated with intraventricular shunts.

CSF eosinophilia (CSF-eo) is uncommon and is usually caused by helminthic infections. However, it has also been found in ∼30% of patients experiencing intraventricular shunt malfunctions. We present a case report and review the conditions associated with CSF-eo and their prophylaxis. An 8 year-old boy with tetraventricular hydrocephalus has had several shunt malfunctions over the last three years. During hospitalization in January 2009 for shunt revision, a transient 30% eosinophilia was detected in his cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) concomitant with Staphylococcus epidermidis infection and long term vancomycin administration. After several shunt replacements and antibiotic treatment, CSF-eo eventually disappeared with good overall clinical response. CSF-eo is a transient and focal event mainly associated with infection, reactions to foreign substances, particles or blood, or obstruction of tubing by normal or fibro-granulomatous tissues. Infection associated with CSF-eo is usually caused by S. epidermidis and Propioniumbacterium acnes. In addition to infection, allergy to silicone and other foreign materials may also be a cause of CSF-eo. We review the diversity of conditions and proposed mechanisms associated with CSF-eo, as well as recommendations for the care of patients with shunts. Detection of CSF-eo has been shown to be a useful indicator of shunt malfunction. As such, it provides physicians with an indicator of a hypersensitivity reaction that is underway or the need to identify bacterial infection. We also highlight the need for improved biocompatibility of shunt hardware and describe strategies to avoid conditions leading to shunt malfunction.

Displasias Corticais / Cortical Dysplasias

Este artigo revisa bases fisiopatológicas e classificação das displasias corticais. Enfocamos a importância do diagnóstico precoce, através dos métodos clássicos e novos. Além disso, abordamos as terapêuticas existentes e as situações em que devem ser utilizadas.

O papel do neurocirurgião no incremento da qualidade de vida em pacientes idosos: hidrocefalia de pressão normal e estreito lobar / The paper of the neurosurgeon in the increment of the quality of life in aged patients: hydrocephalus of normal pressure and lumbar narrow canal

The purpose of the authors is to attempt to two fifferent diseases that usually are misdiagnosed in the generalist medical practice: the lumbar spinal stenosis and the normal pressure lydrocephalus in the elderly. In this article, there is a review of clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies, with special attention to differential diagnosis, particular care and appropriate management of this group of patients by the neurosurgeo, intending t offer definitive resolution.

Sondas e drenos / Stents and drain

Os autores realizam uma revisão não-sistemática sobre os principais aspectos envolvidos no uso de drenos e sondas em pacientes cirúrgicos, utilizando a base de dados do MEDLINE e revisão da literatura