Analysis of the different pathways of ectopic recurrence of craniopharyngioma in pediatric patients: presentation of cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Craniopharyngioma is a tumor derived from the squamous epithelium of Rathke's pouch. Despite successful excision, recurrence is common, typically occurring at the original tumor site. More rarely, recurrences can manifest at distant locations. This article reports on three distinct types of ectopic recurrence and reviews the existing literature. METHODS: We reviewed clinical records and neuroimaging data of craniopharyngioma patients at our institution, identifying three cases of ectopic recurrence. Additionally, we conducted a literature review of similar cases published between 1975 and 2023, focusing on historical background, pathophysiology, clinical and radiological features, and treatment options. RESULTS: We identified nineteen articles detailing ectopic recurrence of craniopharyngiomas in pediatric patients. The right frontal lobe was the most frequently reported site of recurrence. The shortest interval to recurrence was 11 months, while the longest was 14 years. Most cases were managed with surgical resection, yielding positive outcomes. In our cases, the recurrence sites were temporal intraparenchymal, intraosseous orbital, and occipital intraventricular. All were successfully treated with surgery, with no subsequent recurrences. CONCLUSION: Although craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign, they can recur locally and, more rarely, at distant sites. Surgical intervention is generally well-tolerated. Further research into tumor cell dissemination mechanisms is essential to develop strategies for preventing ectopic recurrence.

How I do it: operative nuances of the Encephalo-Duro-Mio-Synangiosis (EDMS) technique for pediatric moyamoya disease and syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease, a progressive occlusive arteriopathy mainly affecting the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, leads to abnormal "Moyamoya vessels" and ischemic events in children due to decreased cerebral blood flow. Surgery, especially indirect revascularization, is suggested for pediatric Moyamoya cases. METHOD: We present the Encephalo-Duro-Mio-Synangiosis (EDMS) technique, illustrated with figures and videos, based on 14 years' experience performing 71 surgeries by the senior author (SGJ) and the Moyamoya Interdisciplinary Workteam at "Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan" Pediatric Hospital. CONCLUSION: EDMS is a simple and effective treatment for Moyamoya disease, enhancing procedure precision and safety, reducing associated risks, complications, and improving clinical outcomes.

Cylinder tumor surgery in pediatric low-grade gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Periventricular pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) present a surgical challenge due to their deep-seated location, accessibility, and relationship with the subcortical network connections. Minimally invasive parafascicular approaches with tubular brain retractors (port brain surgery) have emerged, in recent years, as an alternative to conventional microsurgical and endoscopic approaches for removal of periventricular tumors. OBJECTIVES: To describe the minimally invasive approach with tubular brain retractors for periventricular pLGG, its technique, applications, safety, and efficacy. METHODS: In this article, we describe the port brain surgery techniques for periventricular pLGG as performed in different centers, with different commercialized tubular retractor systems. Illustrative cases followed by a literature review are analyzed, with a detailed description of different approaches or techniques, comparing their advantages and disadvantages with contemporary microsurgical and endoscopic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The port brain surgery with micro-exoscopic vision and endoscopic assistance, for the treatment of deep-seated lesions such as periventricular pLGG, is an alternative for achieving a functionally safe-gross total or subtotal-tumor resection, obtaining adequate tissue for pathological examination. This technique could offer a new dimension for a less-invasive, safe, and effective access to deep-seated tumors, offering the possibility to lower morbidity in experienced hands.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets and craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis is an underdiagnosed complication associated with hypophosphatemic rickets. The study aims to describe the clinical and auxological characteristic of children with hypophosphatemic rickets and craniosynostosis, describe the usual treatment, and compare the characteristics with those of children without craniosynostosis. METHODS AND PATIENTS: An observational and retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical notes and cranial images were reviewed. Out of 96 children, only the 50 patients who had skull images were included. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients, 26 (15 males) had craniosynostosis (52%). No differences were observed in birth size, age, height, body proportions, alkaline phosphatase, serum phosphate, or percent tubular reabsorption of phosphate at first appointment among children with or without craniosynostosis. Among patients with craniosynostosis, dolichocephaly was prevalent. The sagittal suture was affected in all patients with craniosynostosis, with 19 of 26 children (73%) affected with isolated scaphocephaly. Pan-sutural craniosynostosis was present in 7 children (27%). None of the children had microcephaly, 7 of them presented macrocephaly and, in the remaining subjects, head circumference was normal. Five patients had undergone at least 1 cranial remodeling surgery. One patient with craniosynostosis was diagnosed with a Chiari I malformation. Molecular characterization of PHEX gene was performed in 14 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Craniosynostosis is an underdiagnosed complication of hypophosphatemic rickets. Many patients with normal head size and growth may go undiagnosed, thus it is important to consider this association for early diagnosis and possible surgical treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct long-term follow-up.

Lung destruction secondary to intrapulmonary migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter: report of an unusual case and literature review.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for the treatment of hydrocephalus is one of the most common pediatric neurosurgical procedures. Complications, including infections, catheter obstruction, shunt breakdown, and hemorrhage, have been described in the literature. Occasionally, however, uncommon and devastating complications occur. We report a case of a 10-year-old female patient who at birth underwent surgical closure of lumbar myelomeningocele and placement of a CSF shunt at another center. Her neurosurgical follow-up was poor. She presented at our institution with a history of recurrent pneumonia. Control chest X-rays showed a right pulmonary infiltrate with lung retraction and mediastinal shift. Chest and brain CT scans confirmed the intrapulmonary location of the distal catheter tip and ventricular dilation. Surgical shunt revision was performed with removal of the intrapulmonary catheter and placement of a new intraperitoneal catheter. Subsequently, right pneumonectomy was performed with good postoperative recovery of the patient. Intrathoracic migration of the distal catheter of the CSF shunt is an extremely rare complication that may produce severe morbidity. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports on extensive lung destruction secondary to intrathoracic and intrapulmonary ventriculoperitoneal shunt migration. In patients with CSF shunts and pulmonary symptoms, intrapulmonary catheter migration should be considered.

Complicaciones inusuales de las derivaciones ventrículoperitoneales. A propósito de 2 casos pediátricos / Unusual complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. About 2 pediatric cases

Introducción: Durante el seguimiento de los pacientes con derivación ventrículoperitoneal (DVP) para el tratamiento de la hidrocefalia se pueden presentar complicaciones habituales relacionadas a la derivación, tales como infecciones u obstrucción/ruptura del sistema derivativo. Sin embargo, raramente se pueden observar complicaciones más raras y graves que pueden afectan a órganos como el corazón y el pulmón. Pacientes y métodos: Presentamos 2 pacientes con raras complicaciones relacionadas a la DVP. El primero, un paciente de 10 años, que después de 7 años de la implantación de una DVP presentó episodios de neumonía recurrente secundaria a la migración intrapulmonar del catéter distal. El segundo caso, un paciente de 3 años, que 5 meses posteriores a la colocación de una DVP presentó síntomas de hipertensión endocraneana secundarios a migración intracardíaca del catéter distal. Conclusión: La migración intrapulmonar e intracardíaca del catéter distal son complicaciones extremadamente raras, pero que pueden producir morbilidad importante. Los pacientes con derivación ventrículoperitoneal deben ser controlados de forma rutinaria de por vida, con la finalidad de evitar comorbilidades asociadas a sus complicaciones.

Introduction: during the follow-up of patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts for the treatment of hydrocephalus, common complications may occur, such as infections or obstruction/rupture of the shunt system. However, more rare and serious complications that affect organs such as the heart and lungs can be observed Patients and methods: we present 2 patients with rare complications related to VP shunts. The first, a 10-year-old patient, who 7 years after implantation of a VP shunt, presented episodes of recurrent pneumonia secondary to intrapulmonary migration of the distal catheter. The second case, a 3-year-old patient, who 5 months after the placement of a VP shunt, presented with symptoms of intracranial hypertension secondary to intracardiac migration of the distal catheter. Conclusion: intrapulmonary and intracardiac migration of the distal catheter are extremely rare complications, but they can cause significant morbidity. Patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts should be routinely monitored for life by neurosurgeons, in order to avoid comorbidities associated with potential complications.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the skull: report of an unusual case, review of the literature, and a diagnostic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare neoplasm mainly seen in children under 1 year of life. The most common location of the tumor is the maxilla followed by the cranial vault. Surgery is the treatment of choice and outcome mainly depends on extent of resection. OBJECTIVES: To report an atypical case of an 8-year-old patient with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, to review the cases with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the skull published over the last 13 years, and to provide a diagnostic approach that may allow recognition of a pattern in these rare neoplastic lesions. METHODS: A case is reported with a description of the clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological features. Additionally, the literature was reviewed to identify reports of patients with melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the cranial vault and all cases published in PubMed over the last 13 years were included. Only studies that evaluated clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological findings were included. CONCLUSION: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare entity that may present with unusual features, but nevertheless has an identifiable pattern that allows the tumor to be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions in children.

Neurosurgical training with simulators: a novel neuroendoscopy model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present a novel neuroendoscopy simulation model in live animals, with the objective of enhancing patient safety with realistic surgical training. METHODS: A simulation model using live Wistar rats was designed after the approval of the Institutional Committee for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Under anesthesia, a hydroperitoneum was created in order to simulate a cavity with mesenteric membranes and vessels, viscera, and a solid and bleeding tumor (the liver) floating in a liquid environment. For validation purposes, we evaluated trainees' basal and final skills for each neuroendoscopic procedure, and we also acknowledged trainees' and instructors' opinion on the model's realism. RESULTS: This model is simple and low cost effective for complete and real-life training in neuroendoscopy, with the possibility of performing all the basic and advanced endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic exploration, membrane fenestration, vessel coagulation, hematoma evacuation, and endoscopic tumor biopsy and resection using a ventricular neuroendoscopy set. Although the model does not represent human ventricular anatomy, a reliable simulation is possible in real living tissue in a liquid environment. Trainees' skills improvements were notorious. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques require specific training. Simulation training can improve and accelerate the learning curve. The presented training model allows simulating the different neuroendoscopic procedures. We believe that due to its practical possibilities, its simplicity, low cost, reproducibility, and reality, being live animal tissue, it can be considered a fundamental model within a complete training program on neuroendoscopy.

[Neurosurgical planning using osirix software]. / Planificación Neuroquirúrgica con Software Osirix.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomical individuality is key to reduce surgical trauma and obtain a better outcome. Nowadays, the advances in neuroimaging has allowed us to analyze this anatomical individuality and to plan the surgery. With this objective, we present our experience with the OsiriX software. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: We present three different applications as example of forty procedures performed. Case 1: Patient with a premotor cortex convexity parasagittal meningioma; Case 2: Patient with a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma operated on 2 years ago in another institution, achieving a partial resection by a transsphenoidal approach; Case 3: Patient with bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles lesions. OsiriX Software was used for surgical planning. Volumetric CT and MRI images were fused and 3D reconstruction images obtained, to analyze anatomical relationships, measure distances, coordinates and trajectories, among other features. DISCUSSION: OsiriX software is a useful, open-source and free software tool that provides the surgeon with valuable information. It allows to study individual patient's anatomy and plan a surgical approach in a fast, simple, inexpensive and safety way. In Case 1 the software let us analyze the relationship of the tumor with the surrounding structures in order to minimize the approach's morbidity. In Case 2, to understand the unique anatomic characteristics of an already operated patient giving us important information regarding pathways and need for extra bone removal, achieving a complete tumor resection by an endoscopic transnasal approach. In Case 3, allowed us to obtain the stereotactic coordinates and trajectory for a not visualizable CT scan lesion. CONCLUSION: When expensive neuronavigation systems are not available, OsiriX is an alternative for neurosurgical planning, with the aim of reducing trauma and surgical morbidity.

Absceso cerebral odontogénico posraspaje radicular: informe de un caso / Odontogenic brain abscess after periodontal therapy: a case report

Objetivo: informar un caso de absceso cerebral odontogénico secundario a bacteriemia posraspaje radicular y revisar el tratamiento de esta patología poco frecuente. Caso clínico: un paciente de sexo masculino, de 57 años de edad, con antecedentes de diabetes tipo II mal controlada, fue intervenido mediante una limpieza gingival con cavitador ultrasónico, sin profilaxis antibiótica. A las 2 semanas, evolucionó con cefalea, fiebre y deterioro del sensorio. Al ingresar al hospital, se le realizó una resonancia cerebral que evidenció imagen compatible con absceso temporomesial izquierdo. Se efectuó la evacuación quirúrgica bajo guía estereotáxica y se rescató material purulento con cultivos positivos para Streptococcus milleri. Se indicó un tratamiento antibiótico con ceftriaxona y metronidazol. El paciente evolucionó con mejoría sintomática, sin déficit neurológico y sin lesión, según la imagen por resonancia magnética de control. Conclusión: los abscesos cerebrales constituyen una patología con alta morbimortalidad. Aunque el origen odontogénico es raro, es necesario evaluar a los pacientes con comorbilidades -como la inmunosupresión- y someterlos a prácticas habituales de bajo riesgo, a fin de minimizar probables complicaciones asociadas.

Absceso cerebral odontogénico posraspaje radicular: informe de un caso / Odontogenic brain abscess after periodontal therapy: a case report

Objetivo: informar un caso de absceso cerebral odontogénico secundario a bacteriemia posraspaje radicular y revisar el tratamiento de esta patología poco frecuente. Caso clínico: un paciente de sexo masculino, de 57 años de edad, con antecedentes de diabetes tipo II mal controlada, fue intervenido mediante una limpieza gingival con cavitador ultrasónico, sin profilaxis antibiótica. A las 2 semanas, evolucionó con cefalea, fiebre y deterioro del sensorio. Al ingresar al hospital, se le realizó una resonancia cerebral que evidenció imagen compatible con absceso temporomesial izquierdo. Se efectuó la evacuación quirúrgica bajo guía estereotáxica y se rescató material purulento con cultivos positivos para Streptococcus milleri. Se indicó un tratamiento antibiótico con ceftriaxona y metronidazol. El paciente evolucionó con mejoría sintomática, sin déficit neurológico y sin lesión, según la imagen por resonancia magnética de control. Conclusión: los abscesos cerebrales constituyen una patología con alta morbimortalidad. Aunque el origen odontogénico es raro, es necesario evaluar a los pacientes con comorbilidades -como la inmunosupresión- y someterlos a prácticas habituales de bajo riesgo, a fin de minimizar probables complicaciones asociadas.(AU)

Planificación neuroquirúrgica con software osirix. presentación de 3 casos y descripción de la técnica utilizada / Neurosurgical planning with osirix software. presentation of 3 cases and description of the technique used

Objetivo: conocer la individualidad anatómica es clave para reducir el trauma quirúrgico y obtener un mejor resultado. Actualmente, el avance en las neuroimágenes ha objetivado esa individualidad anatómica, permitiendo planificar la intervención quirúrgica. Con este objetivo, presentamos nuestra experiencia con el software Osirix. Descripción de la técnica: se presentan 3 casos ejemplificadores. Caso 1: paciente con meningioma de la convexidad parasagital izquierda en área premotora; Caso 2: paciente con macroadenoma hipofisario, operada previamente por vía transeptoesfenoidal en otra institución con una resección parcial; Caso 3: paciente con lesiones bilaterales en pedúnculos cerebelosos medios. Se realizó la planificación prequirúrgica con el software OsiriX, fusionando y reconstruyendo en 3D las imágenes de TC e IRM, para analizar relaciones anatómicas, medir distancias, coordenadas y trayectorias, entre otras funciones. Discusión: el software OsiriX de acceso libre y gratuito permite al cirujano, mediante la fusión y reconstrucción en 3D de imágenes, analizar la anatomía individual del paciente y planificar de forma rápida, simple, segura y económica cirugías de alta complejidad. En el Caso 1 se pudieron analizar las relaciones del tumor con las estructuras adyacentes para minimizar el abordaje. En el Caso 2, el software permitió comprender la anatomía post-operatoria previa del paciente, para determinar la trayectoria del abordaje transnasal endoscópico y la necesidad de ampliar su exposición, logrando la resección tumoral completa. En el Caso 3 permitió obtener las coordenadas estereotáxicas y trayectoria de una lesión sin representación tomográfica. Conclusión: en caso de no contar con costosos sistemas de neuronavegación o estereotáxia, el software OsiriX es una alternativa a la hora de planificar la cirugía, con el objetivo de disminuir el trauma y la morbilidad operatorias.

Introduction: understanding of the anatomical individuality is key to reduce surgical trauma and obtain a better outcome. Nowadays, advances in neuroimages allows to analyze this anatomical individuality and so planning surgery. With this objective, we present our experience with the OsiriX software. Technical description: we present three different applications as examples. Case 1: patient with a premotor cortex convexity parasagittal meningioma; Case 2: patient with a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma operated on 2 years ago in another institution, with partial resection by transsphenoidal approach; Case 3: patient with bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles lesions. OsiriX Software was used for surgical planning. Volumetric CT and MRI images were fused and 3D reconstruction images obtained, to analyze anatomical relationships, measure distances, coordinates and trajectories, among other features.Discussion: OsiriX software is a useful, open-source and free software tool that provides surgeons with valuable informations. It allows to study individual patient’s anatomy and plan a surgical approach in a fast, simple, economic and safe way. In Case 1 the software let us analyze the relationship of the tumor with the surrounding structures in order to minimize the approach’s morbidity. In Case 2, to understand the unique anatomic characteristics of an previously operated patient giving us important information regarding pathways and need for extra bone removal, achieving a complete tumor resection by an endoscopic transnasal approach. In Case 3, allowed us to obtain the stereotactic coordinates and trajectory for a not visualizable CT scan lesion.Conclusion: when expensive neuronavigation systems are not available, OsiriX is an alternative for neurosurgical planning, with the aim of reducing trauma and surgical morbidity.

Guía de neurocirugía para el manejo de la hipertensión endocraneana en pacientes con criptococosis meningea / Neurosurgery guide for the management of intracranial hypertension in patients with meningeal cryptococcosis

La mortalidad asociada a la criptococosis meníngea es del 20-40% a las 10 semanas a pesar del tratamiento médico adecuado (anfotericina B y terapia antiretroviral). El aumento de la presión endocraneana así como una terapéutica antifúngica insuficiente, son factores determinantes de mortalidad. El cuadro de hipertensión endocraneana (cefalea, náuseas, vómitos, disminución de la agudeza visual, deterioro de conciencia) ocurre en un 50 % de los pacientes con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea [1]. La fisiopatología no es del todo conocida, exponiéndose como causa la obstrucción de absorción de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) a nivel de las granulaciones aracnoideas por el microorganismo o por el polisacárido capsular, produciendo una hidrocefalia comunicante sin dilatación ventricular. El objetivo del trabajo ha sido determinar la secuencia diagnóstico-terapéutica frente a un paciente con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea y posible hipertensión endocraneana en el Hospital de Agudos Juan A. Fernandez. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline y revistas de resorte neuroquirúrgico utilizando las palabras claves: "Criptococosis meníngea" y "hipertensión endocraneana". En base a la evidencia suministrada por los diferentes artículos se describe una guía de manejo de la hipertensión endocraneana en la criptococosis meníngea.

Supratentorial intraventricular solitary schwannoma. Case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to present a case of a solitary intraventricular schwannoma with a review of the literature and to analyse the current theories of its origin. DESCRIPTION: A 16-year-old male patient, without any pathological, genetic or familial history of significance, presented with symptoms of intracranial hypertension and progressive left brachiocrural paresis. The magnetic resonance image showed a bulky intraventricular space-occupying lesion emerging from the posterior horn of the right lateral ventricle, with an irregular nodular component intimately connected to the choroid plexus, and a multiloculated cystic component extending beyond the ventricle. SURGICAL APPROACH: A right parietal craniotomy was performed, revealing a multiloculated cyst with xantochromic fluid and a soft brownish red nodule. The lesion was dissected surrounding the periphery and coagulating a vascular pedicle related to the wall of the right lateral ventricle and its choroid plexus. Total excision was achieved. The pathological exam reported an intraventricular schwannoma (WHO grade 1). The patient evolved favourably, with no recurrence at 36-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The literature describes less than 45 cases of schwannomas not associated to cranial nerves of the following locations: intramedullary, leptomeningeal and only 12 intraventricular cases. The three theories explaining the origin of this last group describe: (1) a neoplastic transformation of peripheral nerve fibres, (2) a neoplastic transformation of autonomic neural tissue located within the intraventricular choroid plexus and (3) an abnormal embryogenesis leading to a failed migration of the neural crest cells. Complete resection is the therapeutic goal for this benign pathology to avoid recurrence.

Cavernous sinus tuberculoma mimicking a neoplasm: Case report, literature review, and diagnostic and treatment suggestions for tuberculomas in rare locations.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus tuberculomas are extremely rare, but the increasing incidence worldwide of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis, mostly due to human immunodeficiency virus and poor sanitary conditions, and the ability of tuberculomas to mimic a brain neoplasm makes cavernous sinus tuberculomas a suspicious pathologic finding in the differential diagnosis of a brain space-occupying lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present an immunocompetent patient with no signs of systemic tuberculosis and an isolated right cavernous sinus space-occupying lesion. A skull base approach was performed and tumor resection achieved. The postoperative course was uneventful. Pathologic findings consisted of a tuberculoma and antituberculous treatment was immediately begun with total tumor regression after a 12-month regimen. After reviewing the literature, we propose suggestions to orient the diagnosis and a treatment algorithm for tuberculomas in rare locations. CONCLUSION: Tuberculomas in rare locations, as the cavernous sinus, are a challenging pathology as they have the ability to mimic a brain neoplasm. Although first line treatment are antituberculous therapy (4 drugs for at least 12 months) and adjuvant steroids, in inconclusive cases, surgical biopsy or excision is recommended for histopathologic confirmation and to reduce the mass effect, always following with antituberculous therapy and adjuvant steroids.

Tratamiento endoscópico en neurocisticercosis de cisternas basales e intraventriculares / Endoscopic treatmente in basal cisterns and intraventricular neurocisticercosis

Objetivo: presentar nuestra experiencia en neurocisticercosis intraventricular y cisternal basal tratados con técnicas mínimamente invasivas endoscópicas y exponer los conceptos actuales del tratamiento de esta patología. Material y método: se trataron tres pacientes, todos con síntomas de hipertensión endocraneana secundaria a hidrocefalia y diagnóstico definitivo de neurocisticerosis. Caso 1: presentó dos quistes en cisternas interpeduncular y prepontina. Caso 2: presentó dos quistes en ventrículo lateral. Caso 3: quiste en la cisterna interpeduncular. Todos recibieron tratamiento médico (albendazol + dexametasona por 1 mes) y quirúrgico, realizando resección parcial (caso 3) o total (caso 1 y 2) de los quistes por via endoscópica transventricular y derivaciones internas (tercerventriculostomia o septopelucidostomia) en dos pacientes (caso 1 y 3). Resultados: dos casos requirieron derivación valvular a posteriori por hidrocefalia comunicante. Todos evolucionaron favorablemente, sin ventriculitis ni disfunción valvular en el seguimiento. Conclusiones: el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo endoscópico para la neurocisticercosis intraventricular y de cisternas basales ofrece una alternativa terapéutica simple y de baja morbilidad a esta grave y compleja patología. Permite remover los quistes, en casos seleccionados, evitando la degeneración quística, y realizar derivaciones internas reduciendo la necesidad de derivación valvular, y así sus complicaciones.

Tratamiento endoscópico en neurocisticercosis de cisternas basales e intraventriculares / Endoscopic treatmente in basal cisterns and intraventricular neurocisticercosis

Objetivo: presentar nuestra experiencia en neurocisticercosis intraventricular y cisternal basal tratados con técnicas mínimamente invasivas endoscópicas y exponer los conceptos actuales del tratamiento de esta patología. Material y método: se trataron tres pacientes, todos con síntomas de hipertensión endocraneana secundaria a hidrocefalia y diagnóstico definitivo de neurocisticerosis. Caso 1: presentó dos quistes en cisternas interpeduncular y prepontina. Caso 2: presentó dos quistes en ventrículo lateral. Caso 3: quiste en la cisterna interpeduncular. Todos recibieron tratamiento médico (albendazol + dexametasona por 1 mes) y quirúrgico, realizando resección parcial (caso 3) o total (caso 1 y 2) de los quistes por via endoscópica transventricular y derivaciones internas (tercerventriculostomia o septopelucidostomia) en dos pacientes (caso 1 y 3). Resultados: dos casos requirieron derivación valvular a posteriori por hidrocefalia comunicante. Todos evolucionaron favorablemente, sin ventriculitis ni disfunción valvular en el seguimiento. Conclusiones: el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo endoscópico para la neurocisticercosis intraventricular y de cisternas basales ofrece una alternativa terapéutica simple y de baja morbilidad a esta grave y compleja patología. Permite remover los quistes, en casos seleccionados, evitando la degeneración quística, y realizar derivaciones internas reduciendo la necesidad de derivación valvular, y así sus complicaciones. (AU)

Colesteatoma tricompartimental del ápice petroso. Abordaje extradural extendido a la fosa media / Petrous apex cholesteatoma in three compartments. Extradural approach extended to median fosa

Objetivo: presentar un caso de colesteatoma del ápice petroso con crecimiento al cavum de Meckel, fosa infratemporal y fosa posterior, tratado quirúrgicamente con abordaje de fosa media extendido, asistido por endoscopia. Presentación: paciente femenino de 65 años, sin comorbilidades, que comienza con hipoestesia trigeminal derecha y evoluciona con anestesia y debilidad en la rama motriz del quinto par derecho. En la resonancia magnética y tomografía se observa lesión expansiva quística paraselar derecha que expande el foramen oval y erosiona la punta del peñasco extendiéndose a la fosa posterior, hipointenso en T1, hiperintenso en T2, difusión positiva. Intervención: fue intervenida quirúrgicamente, realizándose abordaje extradural extendido de fosa media, clinoidectomia anterior, y resección transdural/transtentorial del componente en al fosa posterior, bajo asistencia endoscópica. Se obliteró el espacio con periostio y fascia temporal vascularizada. La paciente evolucionó favorablemente sin complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Conclusión: con el objetivo de lograr la resección completa de colesteatomas voluminosos tri-compartimentales se sugiere abordajes complejos y extendidos a la base del cráneo, asistidos por endoscopia.