Sudden Death in Adults Caused by Intracranial Pathology: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To review the literature, and to identify the main intracranial pathologies that cause sudden deaths in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The systematic review was carried out in concordance with the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Epilepsy and intracranial hemorrhage have been found to be the two main causes of sudden and unexplained deaths in adults due to intracranial pathologies. Intracranial neoplasms are not among the two main causes of SD, as they are usually discovered before fatality, so their rate of SD is not so extensive. It is noticed that the highest incidence of this type of death is also related to the abusive use of alcohol and other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and nicotine. There is a possibility that the actual incidence of SD in adults due to intracranial pathologies is even greater, since there is a lack of reliability in autopsies and the fact that most SD in adults are not witnessed. CONCLUSION: The most recurrent etiologies of SD in adults are epilepsy, intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis or purulent abscess and tumors. Thus, it represents real challenge for neurosurgeons, since their understanding, accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment of these pathologies, in addition to healthy lifestyle habits by people can reduce the possibility of SD.

Basal Ganglia Traumatic Hematoma: Case Series and Literature Review / Hematoma traumático em gânglios da base: Série de casos e revisão da literatura

Introduction Basal ganglia traumatic hematoma (BGTH) is rare, occurring in 3% of closed traumatic brain injuries, and it is associated with a poor prognosis. In the present paper, the authors present a series of 16 BGTH cases, describing their causes, treatment, and results. Patients and Methods Thisis a retrospective study of 16 patients diagnosed with BGTH, associated with a literature review in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, using the terms craniocerebral trauma AND basal ganglia and basal ganglia AND hematoma AND trauma. Articles published in the period from 1986 to 2019 were selected, resulting in a total of 19 articles that met the inclusion criteria taking into account their citations and their respective impacts. Results Sixteen patients were studied. They were all male, with an average age of 21 years and 5 months. The main cause of BGTH was traffic accident (12). The mean score in the Glasgow coma scale at admission was 8. All patients underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of the skull. The putamen was the most affected structure (5). Thirteen patients underwent conservative treatment, and three drained the associated intracranial hematoma. Nine patients died, and seven, and four had neurological sequel. Conclusions The neurosurgeon's knowledge of GBTH, including diagnosis and clinical surgical management, is extremely important, as this type of lesion is associated with a poor prognosis.

Introdução O hematoma traumático dos gânglios da base (HTGB) é raro, ocorrendo em 3% dos traumatismos cranioencefálicos fechados, estando associado a mau prognóstico. Neste artigo, os autores apresentam uma série de 16 casos de HTGB, descrevendo suas causas, tratamento e resultados. Pacientes e métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de HTGB, associado a uma revisão de literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google Scholar, utilizando os termos: "Craniocerebral Trauma" AND "Basal Ganglia" and "Basal Ganglia"AND "Hematoma"AND "Trauma." Foram selecionados artigos com período de 1986 a 2019, resultando em um total de 19 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão levando em consideração suas citações e seus respectivos impactos. Resultados Dos 16 pacientes foram estudados, todos do sexo masculino e com idade média de 21 anos e 5 meses. A principal causa de HTGB foi acidente de trânsito (12). A pontuação média na escala de coma de Glasgow na admissão foi de 8. Todos foram submetidos a uma tomografia computadorizada do crânio. Putamen foi o mais afetado (5). Treze pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento conservador e três apresentaram o hematoma intracraniano associado. Nove pacientes morreram e sete, e quatro tiveram sequelas neurológicas. Conclusões O conhecimento dos neurocirurgiões sobre HTGB, diagnóstico e manejo clínico cirúrgico é de extrema importância, pois está associado a um mau prognóstico.

Nontraumatic Intracranial Epidural Hematoma: Systematic Review of the Literature / Hematoma epidural intracraniano não traumático: revisão sistemática da literatura

Introduction Epidural hematoma (EDH) is generally a direct sequela of head injury. Spontaneous EDH is rarely described in the literature. Spontaneous EDH can be caused by infections of adjacent regions, vascular malformations of the dura mater, metastases to the bone skull, and disorders of blood coagulation. The preferred treatment is surgical. The prognosis is directly related to the size, location, and Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission and the underlying disease. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed the search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Abstracts and articles were screened according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results The literature review yielded 1,156 records from the databases, of which a total of 164 full-text articles were included in the final synthesis, plus 22 additional relevant studies. A total of 89 case report studies were included, providing 95 unique patients. There was a predominance of coagulopathies as the main etiology of spontaneous EDH. A total of 45.3% of the patients presented lesions in > 1 brain lobe. The frontal lobe was the most prevalent location of EDH. The most used neuroimaging exam was computed tomography (CT). Surgical intervention was the most common treatment performed. A total of 24.2% of the patients died. Conclusion Nontraumatic EDH represents an uncommon manifestation of several pathologies. Clinical investigation should be aware of such a possibility. Healthcare professionals should value the physical examination and clinical history of the patient. Given the scarcity of information on the pathogenesis of spontaneous EDH, further studies are needed to better define intervention strategies and therapies for these patients.

Introdução Geralmente, o hematoma epidural (HED) é decorrente de traumatismo cranioencefálico. O HED espontâneo tem sido ocasionado por infecção de áreas adjacentes, malformação vascular na dura-máter, metástases para osso do crânio e doenças da coagulação sanguínea. Seu prognóstico está diretamente relacionado com o tamanho, a localização, o escore na escala de coma de Glasgow na admissão e a doença de base. Metodologia Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida e seguiu as diretrizes Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA, na sigla em inglês). Realizamos a pesquisa nos bancos de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase e Scopus. Os resumos e artigos foram selecionados de acordo com os nossos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados A revisão da literatura resultou em 1,156 registros nas bases de dados, dos quais um total de 164 artigos com texto completo foram incluídos na síntese final; mais 22 estudos relevantes foram adicionados. Um total de 89 estudos de caso foi incluído, fornecendo 95 pacientes únicos. Havia uma predominância de coagulopatias como a principal etiologia do HED espontâneo. Um total de 45,3% dos pacientes apresentava lesões em > 1 lobo cerebral. A intervenção cirúrgica foi o tratamento mais comum realizado. Um total de 24,2% dos pacientes morreu. Conclusão Hematoma epidural não traumático representa uma manifestação incomum de várias patologias. A investigação clínica deve estar atenta a tal possibilidade e os profissionais de saúde devem valorizar o exame físico e a história clínica do paciente. Dada a escassez de informações sobre a etiopatogenia do HED, mais estudos são necessários para melhor definir estratégias de intervenção e terapias para estes pacientes.

Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Patients Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury: Literature Review

The present literature review aims to present the physiology of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) as well as its clinical course, conceptualizing them, and establishing its diagnosis and treatment. Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity is a rare syndrome, which often presents after an acute traumatic brain injury. Characterized by a hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, when diagnosed in its pure form, its symptomatologic presentation is through tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypertension, dystonia, and sialorrhea. The treatment of PSH is basically pharmacological, using central nervous system suppressors; however, the nonmedication approach is closely associated with a reduction in external stimuli, such as visual and auditory stimuli. Mismanagement can lead to the development of serious cardiovascular and diencephalic complications, and the need for neurosurgeons and neurointensivists to know about PSH is evident in order to provide a fast and accurate treatment of this syndrome.

Anatomy of the Middle Meningeal Artery

Introduction The middle meningeal artery (MMA) is an important artery in neurosurgery. As the largest branch of the maxillary artery, it provides nutrition to the meninges and to the frontal and parietal regions. Diseases, including dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), pseudoaneurysm, true aneurysm, traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF), Moya-Moya disease (MMD), recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), migraine, and meningioma,may be related to the MMA. The aim of the present study is to describe the anatomy of the MMA and to correlate it with brain diseases. Methods A literature review was performed using the PubMed, Scielo, Scientific Direct, Ebsco, LILACS, TripDataBase and Cochrane databases, with the following descriptors: neurosurgery, neuroanatomy, meninges and blood supply. Discussion The MMA is embedded in a cranial groove, and traumatic or iatrogenic factors can result in MMA-associated pseudoaneurysms or arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). In hemodynamic stress, true aneurysms can develop. Arteriovenous fistulas, pseudoaneurysms, and true aneurysms can be effectively treated by endovascular or surgical removal. In MMD, the MMA plays a role in the development and in the improvement of collateral circulation. Finally, in cases of CSDH, when standard surgery and drainage fail, MMA embolization can constitute a great alternative. Conclusion The MMA is a relevant structure for the understanding of neurosurgical diseases. In conclusion, every neurosurgeon must know the anatomy of the MMA sufficiently to correlate it with the diagnosed pathology, thus obtaining treatment effectiveness and preventing brain lesion.

Options to manage postcraniotomy acute pain in neurosurgery: no protocol available.

The physical processes of incision, traction and hemostasis used for craniotomy, stimulate nerve fibers and specific nociceptors, resulting in postoperative pain. During the first 24 h after craniotomy, 87% of patients have postoperatory pain. The rate of suffering pain after craniotomy falls 3% for every year of life. The objective of this study is to review the available therapeutic options to help physicians treating this pain, and discuss pain mechanisms, pathophysiology, plasticity, risk factors and psychological factors. This is a narrative review of the literature from 1970 to June 2019. Data were collected by doing a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Reviews and a manual search of all relevant literature references. The literature includes some drugs treatment: Opioids, codeine, morphine, and tramadol, anti-inflammatory non-steroids such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, gabapentin. It discusses: side effects, pharmacodynamics and indications of each drug, anatomy and Inervation of Skull and its Linigs, pathogenesis of pain Post-craniotomy, scalp nerve block, surgical nerve injury, neuronal plasticity, surgical factors and chronic post-surgical pain.

Tranexamic acid in Neurosurgery: a controversy indication-review.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the measures indicated to reduce bleeding and the need for volume replacement. However, data on risks and benefits are controversial. This study analyzes the effectivity and risks of using tranexamic acid in neurosurgery. We selected articles, published from 1976 to 2019, on the PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, and The Cochrane Database using the descriptors: "tranexamic acid," "neurosurgery," "traumatic brain injury," "subdural hemorrhage," "brain aneurysm," and "subarachnoid hemorrhage." TXA can reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in trauma and spinal surgery. Despite the benefits of TXA, moderate-to-high doses are potentially associated with neurological complications (seizures, transient ischemic attack, delirium) in adults and children. In a ruptured intracranial aneurysm, the use of TXA can considerably reduce the risk of rebleeding, but there is weak evidence regarding its influence on mortality reduction. The TXA use in brain surgery does not present benefit. However, this conclusion is limited because there are few studies. TXA in neurosurgeries is a promising method for the maintenance of hemostasis in affected patients, mainly in traumatic brain injury and spinal surgery; nevertheless, there is lack of evidence in brain and vascular surgeries. Many questions remain unanswered, such as how to determine the dosage that triggers the onset of associated complications, or how to adjust the dose for chronic kidney disease patients.

Perinatal Asphyxia: Factors Associated with Noncompliance in the specialized Outpatient Treatment / Asfixia Perinatal: Fatores Associados à não-Adesão no Tratamento Ambulatorial Especializado

Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of preventable brain injury. Between four and nine million newborns develop birth asphyxia. It is estimated that 1.2 million evolve to death and at least the same number develops important disabling neurological sequels. These children need to be accompanied by experts, especially in the first year of life. The continuity of care after hospital discharge should be guaranteed so that there is follow-up care to those who are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. To identify factors associated with dropout of outpatient specialized treatment of children diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia. The study was conducted in neonatal care clinic specializing in a reference hospital for high-risk births in the state of Sergipe. 98 children with perinatal asphyxia discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of this hospital participated in the study. Results: the children who were followed up were between two months to two years old, and predominantly male 69. Ten children were discharged at age 24 months and had important neurological sequels. Thirty-one children were discharged aged 10 to 20 months without deficit and 35 remained in regular monitoring. There was a record of 22 cases of noncompliance, before the sixth medical consultation. Among the reasons for the doctor following the abandonment of the follow-up service, there were more reasons regarding the absence of symptoms (and distance from home). The absence of symptoms and distance from the capital were associated with the abandonment of outpatient treatment of anoxic children. Outpatient services should be organized to minimize the follow-up abandon situations. (AU)

Asfixia perinatal é uma das principais causas de lesão cerebral evitável. Cerca de quatro a nove milhões de recém-nascidos desenvolvem asfixia ao nascer. Estima-se que 1,2 milhão evoluem para óbito e desenvolvem sequelas neurológicas incapacitantes. Essas crianças precisam ser acompanhadas por especialistas, principalmente no primeiro ano de vida. A continuidade da assistência após a alta hospitalar deve ser garantida para que haja seguimento do cuidado aos que apresentam maior risco de morbimortalidade. Identificar fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento ambulatorial especializado de crianças diagnosticadas com asfixia perinatal. Estudo desenvolvido no ambulatório de assistência neonatal de uma maternidade referência para partos de alto risco no estado de Sergipe. Participaram do estudo 98 crianças anoxiadas egressas da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal dessa maternidade. As crianças acompanhadas tinham entre dois meses a dois anos, predominantemente do sexo masculino 69. Dez crianças receberam alta por idade aos 24 meses, apresentando sequelas neurológicas importantes. Trinta e uma crianças receberam alta entre 10 a 20 meses sem déficit e 35 mantiveram-se em acompanhamento regular. Houve o registro de 22 casos de abandono do tratamento, antes da sexta consulta médica. Entre os motivos para o abandono do seguimento no serviço de follow-up, predominaram a ausência de sintomas e a distância do domicílio. A ausência de sintomas e a distância da capital estiveram associadas ao abandono de tratamento ambulatorial de crianças anoxiadas. Os serviços ambulatoriais devem estar organizados para minimizar situações de abandono do seguimento. (AU)

Kernohan-Woltman Notch Phenomenon ­ Case Report

The Kernohan-Woltman notch phenomenon is a paradoxical neurological manifestation consisting of a motor deficit ipsilateral to a primary brain injury. It has been observed in patients with brain tumors and with supratentorial hematomas. It is considered a false localizing neurological sign. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan has been the test of choice. The recognition of this phenomenon is important to prevent a surgical procedure on the opposite side of the lesion. The present case report describes a case of chronic subdural hematoma with a probable finding of the Kernohan-Woltman phenomenon, and it discusses its pathophysiology, imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis.

Microsurgical Treatment of Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm (P2P Segment): Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) represent 1% of all intracranial aneurysms and usually present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Objective The aimof the present study is to describe the case of an adult man presenting a saccular aneurysm of the right PCA at the posterior half of the postcommunicating (P2P) segment, and to discuss the technical nuances of the approach and of the clipping process. Case Report An investigation of a chronic headache in a 55-year-old man found a saccular aneurysm located just posterior to the most lateral portion of the right cerebral peduncle. A digital subtraction arteriography revealed a 7.8 mm 5.6 mm 4.8 mm posterior-medial projecting aneurysm of the right PCA at the P2P segment. A subtemporal approach was performed with partial aspiration of the right parahippocampal gyrus for a better exposure of the vascular structures. A proximal temporary occlusion of the PCA was performed at the anterior half of the postcommunicating P2A segment. The aneurysm was clipped with two semi-curved clips. The patient presented an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. Conclusion Aneurysms of the PCA are an uncommon vascular disease that challenges the ability of the neurosurgeons due to their many anatomical nuances, to their vast number of perforators, and to the risk of bleeding. However, the operative management of aneurysms of the PCA is technically feasible, safe and effective when performed respecting microsurgical principles.

Diagnosis of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Functional Myelography.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The diagnosis of a lumbar spinal stenosis demands advanced diagnostic radiologic techniques. In recent decades magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has replaced myelography, now considered an old-fashioned technique. It was our hypothesis that functional myelography still plays an important role in selected cases. We investigated how our surgical strategy was influenced by the results of MRI, functional myelography, and postmyelography computed tomography (CT) in patients with a lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: The sagittal diameters of the lumbar spinal canal were measured from L1 to S1 on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. MRI, functional myelography, and postmyelography CT were compared in each of the patients. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated in each method. We examined how the surgical strategy was influenced by the results of these different methods. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients (21 women and 29 men; mean age: 70 years, [range: 49-86 years]) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Functional myelography revealed a sensitivity of 0.99, a specificity of 0.79, and a positive predictive value of 0.45. The MRI exhibited a sensitivity of 0.93, a specificity of 0.74, and a positive predictive value of 0.39. Postmyelography CT showed a sensitivity of 0.96, a specificity of 0.75, and a positive predictive value of 0.41. A functional myelography revealed more information than the MRI and resulted in a change in the surgical strategy in 11 of 50 patients (22%) in comparison with the sole results of MRI or a postmyelography CT. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases with multilevel lumbar spinal stenosis, functional myelography revealed the highest precision in reaching a correct diagnosis. It resulted in a change in the surgical approach in every fifth patient in comparison with the MRI and proved most helpful, especially in elderly patients.

Epidemiological profile and findings found intra operatively of glioblastoma at the neurosurgery service of Santa Casa of Ribeirão Preto Hospital - SP - Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico y hallazgos intraoperatorios de los glioblastomas en el servicio de neurocirurgia del Hospital Santa Casa de Ribeirão Preto - SP - Brasil

Introducción: El Glioblastoma (GB) o Astrocitoma grado IV (OMS), representan 15-20 por ciento de los tumores del SNC y aproximadamente 50 por ciento de los gliomas en adultos. Objetivo: Revelar el perfil epidemiológico del HSCMRP, correlacionar los hallazgos macroscópicos y microscópicos durante la cirugía de enero de 2011 a noviembre de 2015. Método: Estudio epimedeológico observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, 429 casos de tumores intracraneales a partir de los datos obtenidos de los archivos de La institución y los registros patológicos de los pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente. Resultados: Tumores encontrados 429 y 96 (22,37 por ciento) GB, edad media de 59 años, predominante séptima década 33 por ciento. Una relación entre mujeres y hombres fue de 1:1.12, respectivamente. Las quejas más frecuentes: dolor de cabeza (58 por ciento), confusión (41 por ciento), hemiparesia 37 por ciento. Comorbilidades frecuentes: hipertensión (64 por ciento), diabetes (22 por ciento) y fumadores (24 por ciento). La topografía más común fue la frente izquierdo. El tiempo medio de inicio de los síntomas a la cirugía fue de 39 días. Resección completa en 76 por ciento de los casos. La duración media de la recurrencia fue de 96 días, en 68% de los pacientes se observó una exuberancia de los vasos trombosados durante la cirugía Hallazgos patológicos: necrosis 98 por ciento, mitosis atípica 96 por ciento, proliferación microvascular 73 por ciento y polimorfismo nuclear 57 por ciento. Discusión: GB estado del arte. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados son similares con la literatura. Observación intraoperatoria de vasos trombosados y agresividad tumoral en pacientes con peor pronóstico y menor tiempo de recaída sugiere que es real, sin embargo. El pequeño número de casos, necesita más investigación, incluyendo otros hallazgos y resultados inmunohistoquímicos.

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GB) or Astrocytoma grade IV (WHO), represent 15-20 percent of CNS tumors and approximately 50 percent of gliomas in adults. Objective: Reveal the epidemiological profile of HSCMRP, correlate macroscopic and microscopic findings during surgery treated from January 2011 to November 2015. Method: Observational epidemiological study, descriptive, retrospective, of medical records of 429 cases of intracranial tumors from data obtained from the files of the institution and pathological records of patients treated surgically. Results: Total tumors found 429 and 96 (22.37 percent) GB with a mean age of 59 years, predominant seventh decade of life 33 percent. A relationship between women and men was with little difference 1:1.12, respectively. The most common complaints were headache (58 percent), confusion (41 percent), hemiparesis 37 percent. Most prevalent comorbidities: hypertension (64 percent) and diabetes (22 percent) and smokers (24 percent). Most common topography were followed by left front lesions. The average time of onset of symptoms to surgery was 39 days. Complete resection in 76 percent of cases. The mean length of postoperative recurrence was 96 days, in 68 percent patients were noticed an exuberance of thrombosed vessels during surgery. Pathological findings: necrosis 98%, atypical mitosis 96%, microvascular proliferation 73 percent and nuclear polymorphism 57 percent. Discussion: GB state of art. Conclusion: Our results are very slightly with the literature. The association of intraoperative observation thrombosed vessels, and tumor aggressiveness in patients with worse prognosis and shorter time to relapse, suggests that it is real, however, the small number of cases, needs further investigation, including other findings and immunohistochemical results.

Association between Wegener´s granulomatosis and severe lumbar pain

Introducción: La granulomatosis de Wegener (GW) es una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica caracterizada por vasculitis granulomatosa necrotizante que afecta principalmente a las vías respiratorias superiores, pulmones y riñones. Sin embargo, con menos frecuencia puede afectar a los músculos, las articulaciones, la piel, los ojos, el sistema cardiovascular y el sistema nervioso. La presencia de dolor lumbar consiste en una manifestación clínica inusual debido a la afectación del sistema nervioso. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es alertar a los profesionales de la salud acerca de la posibilidad de cortar el dolor lumbar estar relacionado con la granulomatosis de Wegener, su impacto en la vida diaria del paciente, así como los signos clínicos y las formas de diagnóstico. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión de la literatura utilizando PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, SciELO, EBSCO. Los trabajos seleccionados entre 1995 y 2013 por un total de 48 obras de las cuales se seleccionaron 21 de acuerdo con sus informes de afectación neurológica, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Discusión: Los síntomas neurológicos pueden ocurrir en 22-50 por ciento de los pacientes durante el curso de la GW. sistema nervioso (SNC) central es poco frecuente (sólo 2-8 por ciento de los pacientes) dolor lumbar .Severe es una manifestación clínica poco frecuente y puede estar asociada con la participación de sistema nervioso central y periférico. CNS debido a la compresión de la médula espinal a nivel lumbar. sistema nervioso periférico debido a la compresión de las raíces nerviosas. Conclusión: La granulomatosis de Wegener es ser una enfermedad sistémica puede presentar diferentes manifestaciones clínicas De acuerdo con el sitio involucrado. Es asociaciones con el dolor lumbar es rara y la refleja la afectación neurológica. Por lo tanto, en pacientes con dolor lumbar grave sin diagnóstico confirmado, granulomatosis de Wegener no debería ser considerado.

Introduction: Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatousvasculitis which primarily affects upper respiratory tract, lungs and kidneys. However, less frequently can affect muscles,joints, skin, eyes, cardiovascular system and nervous system. The presence of lumbar pain consists in an unusual clinicalmanifestation due to the involvement of the nervous system. Objective: The objective of this study is to alert health professionalsabout the possibility that severe lumbar pain be related to Wegener’s granulomatosis, it’s impact on the patient’s dailylife as well as clinical signs and diagnosis forms. Materials and Methods: Literature review using PubMed, MEDLINE, GoogleScholar, SciELO, EBSCO. Selected works from 1995 to 2013 totaling 48 works of which 21 were selected according to theirreports of neurological involvement, diagnosis and treatment. Discussion: Neurological symptoms may occur in 22-50 percent of patients during the course of WG. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon (only 2-8 percent of patients).Severelumbar pain is a rare clinic manifestation and it can be associated with the involvement of central and peripheral nervous system.CNS due to compression of the spinal cord at the lumbar level. Peripheral nervous system due to compression of nerveroots. Conclusion: Wegener’s granulomatosis for being a systemic disease can present different clinical manifestations accordingto the involved site. It’s associations with lumbar pain is rare and reflects it’s neurological involvement. Therefore, inpatients with severe lumbar pain without confirmed diagnosis, Wegener’s granulomatosis should be considered.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Spontaneous Resolution

Introduction Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is a hemorrhagic brain injury that persists for more than 21 days after its initial formation. The incidence is predominantly among the elderly population (> 65 years), and varies from 58 to 74/100,000 inhabitants. Spontaneous resolution is considered variable; in the literature series, it is < 1­20% of cases. Objectives To expose the CSH pathophysiological mechanisms of spontaneous resolution and some treatments that lead to hematoma volume reduction. Methods Literature review between 1971 to 2016, using the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scielo, LILACS and Cochrane databases using key-words, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Discussion Spontaneous resolution of the CSH pathophysiology is controversial; however, it can be attributed to four basic mechanisms: 1) outer capsule membrane maturation; 2) decreased fibrinolysis; 3) bidirectional flow of blood vessels; and 4) platelet plug. Some drugs, such as mannitol, corticosteroids, tranexamic acid and atorvastatin, contribute to CSH resolution, since they change the capsule membrane permeability, and inhibit the fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems. Conclusion Spontaneous resolution is unpredictable; in some cases, it has a large temporal evolution (of up to 6 years). It occurs in small or laminar collections, asymptomatic or with transient neurological symptoms, and the pathophysiology is still controversial to this day. Therefore, surgical treatment should remain the first option, even though the conservative management is adopted for some patients. Rigorous outpatient and radiological follow-up are recommended.

Introdução O hematoma subdural crônico (HSDC) é uma lesão cerebral hemorrágica que persiste por mais de 21 dias após o começo de sua formação. A sua incidência é predominantemente na população idosa (> 65 anos), e varia de 58­74 /100.000 habitantes, e sua resolução espontânea é considerada rara e variável nas séries da literatura em < 1­20% dos casos. Objetivos Expor os mecanismos fisiopatológicos que favorecem a resolução espontânea do HSDC e alguns tratamentos que favorecem a redução do volume do hematoma. Métodos Revisão bibliográfica entre 1971 e 2016, utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scielo, LILACS e Cochrane, por meio de palavras-chave, com critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Discussão A fisiopatologia da resolução espontânea dos HSDCs é controversa, porém pode ser atribuída a quatro mecanismos: 1) maturação da membrana externa da cápsula; 2) diminuição da fibrinólise; 3) fluxo bidireccional de vasos sanguíneos; e 4) tampão plaquetário. Alguns medicamentos, tais como manitol, corticoesteroides, ácido tranexâmico e atorvastatina, também podem favorecer a resolução dos HSDCs, uma vez que alteram a permeabilidade da membrana da cápsula e inibem os sistemas fibrinolítico e inflamatório. Conclusão A resolução espontânea é imprevisível; em alguns casos, tem ampla evolução temporal em até 6 anos. Ocorre em coleções pequenas ou laminares, assintomáticas ou com sintomas neurológicos transitórios, e sua fisiopatologia ainda hoje é controversa. Portanto, o tratamento cirúrgico deve continuar sendo a primeira opção, embora se adote uma conduta conservadora para alguns pacientes. O seguimento ambulatorial e radiológico rigoroso é recomendado.

Quadrigeminal cisterna lipoma: report of two cases and literature review / Lipoma da cisterna quadrigeminal: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura

Intracranial lipomas are congenital, benign and slow-growing tumors. The incidence were 0.1 to 0.5 percent of all primary brain tumors and are often diagnosed in incidental findings of neuroradiological investigation. Lipoma in quadrigeminal region occurs in 25 percent of intracranial lipomas and has been reported as lipomas in quadrigeminal cistern (perimesencephalic cistern), quadrigeminal plate, ambiens cistern or superior medullary velum. MRI is the most major exam. The treatment is conservative in most cases, surgical removal is hampered by their deep location and contiguous with adjacent neurovascular structures. The authors report two cases of lipoma in the quadrigeminal region, incidental findings and discuss the clinical findings, neuroimaging and treatment.

Lipomas intracranianos são tumores congênito, benigno e de crescimento lento. Sua incidência é de 0.1 a 0.5 por cento de todos os tumores cerebrais primários e são frequentemente diagnosticados em achados incidental de investigação neuroradiológica. Lipoma na região quadrigeminal ocorre em 25 por cento dos lipomas intracranianos e tem sido relatados como lipomas na cisterna quadrigeminal (cisterna perimesencefálica), placa quadrigeminal, cisterna ambiens ou véu medular superior. O exame de eleição é ressonância magnética. O tratamento é conservador na maioria dos casos, a remoção cirúrgica é dificultada pela sua localização profunda e da contiguidade com estruturas neurovasculares adjacentes. Os autores relatam dois casos de lipoma na região quadrigeminal achados incidentalmente e discutem os achados clínicos, imagem e tratamento.

Acute Arterial Hypertension in Patients undergoing Neurosurgery

Introduction Between 20­50% of neurosurgical patients may develop early perioperative complications, and 25% have more than one clinical complication. The most commons are high blood pressure (25%) and cardiovascular events (7%). Intraoperative hypertension is characterized by an increase of 20% in basal blood pressure. Objectives The aim of this paper is to review and discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of perioperative hypertension in patients undergoing neurosurgery, and to propose one table with therapeutic options. Methods A review using Scielo, PubMed, Ebsco and Artmed databases with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles published from 1957 to 2015 were selected. Discussion Five factors were established as causes: arterial hypertension, clinical conditions, surgical procedures, and operative and anesthetic factors. Specific causes preoperative, intraoperative and posoperative. The pathophysiology may have some relationship with catecholamines and sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Conclusion Perioperative hypertension in neurosurgery may have many causes, some of them recognizable and preventable. This increased pressure may be associated with intracranial hematomas in some cases. The recognition and treatment of this disease can be helpful in the management of the postoperative period.

Introdução Entre 20­50% dos pacientes neurocirúrgicos podem desenvolver complicações perioperatórias precoces, e cerca de 25% têm mais de uma complicação clínica. A complicação mais comum é pressão arterial elevada (25%); eventos cardiovasculares (7%). Hipertensão Arterial intraoperatória é considerada quando se aumenta 20% o valor absoluto do seu valor da pressão de base. Objetivos O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento da hipertensão perioperatória em pacientes que passaram por neurocirurgia, e propor uma tabela com opções terapêuticas. Métodos Revisão utilizando as bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, Ebsco e Artmed com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Artigos publicados de 1957 a 2015. Discussão Cinco fatores foram estabelecidos como causas: hipertensão, condições clínicas, os procedimentos cirúrgicos, fatores operatórios e fatores anestésicos. Existem causas específicas préoperatório, intraoperatório e pós-operatório estabelecidas. A fisiopatologia pode ter alguma relação com catecolaminas e com a estimulação simpático do sistema nervoso. Conclusão A hipertensão perioperatória na neurocirurgia pode ter várias causas, algumas delas reconhecíveis. Este aumento da pressão arterial pode estar associado à incidência de hematomas intracranianos. Reconhecimento e manejo adequado da doença pode ajudar no controle da pressão durante o período pós-operatório.

Factors predicting the outcome following surgical treatment of mesial temporal epilepsy due to mesial temporal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the most common disease found in an epilepsy surgery series. Early age of onset, a history of febrile convulsions, epileptiform discharges on EEG, duration of epilepsy, number of generalized seizures and severity of psychiatric disorders are possible prognostic factors in patients with MTS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to review the clinical, semiotic, psychological, electrophysiological and neuroradiological researches and relate their findings to the prognosis of patients with MTS who underwent anteromedial temporal lobectomy (ATL). METHODS: Of 1,214 patients evaluated for surgery in the epilepsy Center of Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), a tertiary Brazilian epilepsy center, 400 underwent ATL for MTS. Examinations and clinical data were analyzed and compared with the Engel Outcome Classification. RESULTS: Of all the items analyzed, the MRI showed the greatest influence on patient outcome. As for the clinical evaluation and pathological antecedents, age at surgery, epilepsy duration, perinatal insults, family history of epilepsy, febrile seizures, neuropsychological abnormalities and presence of generalized tonic-clonic seizure all had statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In order to identify the most appropriate candidates for ATL, it is very important to consider the prognostic factors associated with a favorable outcome for counseling patients in daily practice.

Prognosis of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After Implementation of a Nurse Assessment Protocol.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on the severity of the injury, the patient's level of consciousness upon admission, and differences in treatment protocols. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the prognosis of TBI victims after implementation of a nurse assessment protocol. METHOD: This is a blind, nonrandomized clinical study carried out at a public emergency hospital in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: The study involved 480 patients with an average (SD) age of 35.7 (±16.6) years. Most of the patients were male (p = .02). In the preprotocol and postprotocol groups, motorcycle accidents (p = .023) were more frequent, with a 10.2% death rate. The clinical conditions associated with TBI and the tomographic findings were not affected in either the preprotocol or postprotocol groups (p = .07). There was a significant reduction (p = .05) in death rate from 12.6% to 7.3% and a decrease in the percentage of discharge with aftereffects from 32.8% to 22.8%. Factors independently associated with mortality were as follows: approximately 2.5 times more likely to not apply the protocol associated with an increased chance of death, followed by a 23 times higher risk of TBI severity, and age, with an odds ratio of 1.04. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing the protocol, there was a reduction of death rate of patients with severe TBI and aftereffects in patients with moderate TBI. The severity of TBI was the main independent predictive determinant of mortality, followed by nonuse of protocol and age.

Choroid plexus coagulation for pediatric hydrocephalus: review of historical aspects and rebirth

This study aims to review historical aspects and rebirth of the endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation (CPC) for pediatric hydrocephalus. The first CPC procedure goes back to early 1930s. After the development of other treatment methods and the understanding of CSF dynamics, the application of CPC dramatically decreased by 1970s. In 2000s, there was a rebirth of CPC in combination with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and remains one of the options for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in selected cases. CPC might provide a temporary reduction in CSF production to allow the further development of CSF absorption in infant, and adding to ETV for infants with communicating hydrocephalus may increase the shunt independent rate thus avoiding the consequence of late complication related to the shunt device. This is important for patients who are difficult to be followed up, due to geographical and/or socioeconomic difficulties. And also adding CPC to ETV for obstructive hydrocephalus in infants younger than 1 year of age may also increase the successful rate. Furthermore, CPC may be an option for cases with high chance of shunt complication such as multiloculated hydrocephalus, extreme hydrocephalus and hydranencephaly. In comparison with the traditional treatment of CSF shunting, the role of CPC needs to be further evaluated in particular concerning the neurocognitive development.