Glioma tectal pediátrico con hidrocefalia y ventriculomegalia. Dos casos clínicos / Pediatric tectal glioma presented with acute hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly. Two case reports

Los gliomas tectales representan un subtipo de tumores de bajo grado que se desarrollan en la región tectal, en la parte superior del tronco encefálico. Los síntomas incluyen los causados por el aumento de la presión intracraneal por hidrocefalia obstructiva. Son comunes la cefalea, la visión borrosa o doble, las náuseas y los vómitos. El tratamiento de la hidrocefalia es la ventriculostomía endoscópica del tercer ventrículo o la derivación ventrículo-peritoneal. Los gliomas tectales se diagnostican habitualmente en la infancia, pero son frecuentes también en adultos. En general son benignos y de progresión lenta; es suficiente el seguimiento ambulatorio clínico y radiológico. Se presentan dos pacientes pediátricos con tumores de la placa tectal mesencefálica. Un niño de 11 años y una niña de 15 años concurrieron al Departamento de Emergencias con diferentes síntomas. El niño fue tratado con derivación ventrículo-peritoneal por hidrocefalia aguda.

Tectal gliomas represent a subset of low-grade tumors that arise in the tectal region at the roof of the brainstem. Symptoms of tectal glioma include those caused by increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Headache, blurred vision, double vision, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms. In the treatment, ETV (endoscopic third ventriculostomy) or VP-shunt (ventriculoperitoneal) can be applied to treat hydrocephalus. Tectal gliomas are usually diagnosed in childhood and often occur in adults. They are often benign, slowly progressing lesions; outpatient clinical and radiological followup is sufficient. We present two cases of pediatric patients with mesencephalic tectal plate tumors. An 11-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl applied to the Emergency Department with different complaints. The 11 year-old-boy was treated with VP-shunt due to acute hydrocephalus.

Practical techniques for safely removing long-term implanted ventricular catheters to minimize bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Removing ventricular catheters, particularly those implanted for extended periods, poses significant challenges for neurosurgeons due to potential complications such as bleeding from adhesions to the ependyma or choroid plexus. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review various techniques for safely removing ventricular catheters, emphasizing methods that minimize the risk of hemorrhagic complications. METHODS: A comprehensive narrative review focused on techniques developed and documented in the literature for safely detaching ventricular catheters adhered to brain structures. RESULTS: Various techniques have been identified that enhance the safety of catheter removal. Notably, the use of monopolar diathermy to coagulate and release adhesions has proven effective. Innovations such as insulated suction devices and the strategic use of flexible endoscopes have also contributed to safer removal procedures, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding cerebral tissue and preventing catastrophic hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The removal of ventricular catheters, especially those with long-term implantation, requires precise and cautious techniques to avoid severe complications. The study underscores the importance of adopting advanced surgical techniques and the continuous evolution of safer practices in neurosurgery. These methods not only ensure patient safety but also facilitate the handling of potentially complex and life-threatening situations during catheter removal.

Prognostic factors for endoscopic third ventriculostomy success in hydrocephalus with myelomeningocele.

PURPOSE: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a prevalent neural tube closure defect often associated with hydrocephalus, necessitating surgical intervention in a significant proportion of cases. While ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) has been a standard treatment approach, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has emerged as a promising alternative. However, factors influencing the success of ETV in MMC patients remain uncertain. This retrospective observational study aimed to identify clinical and radiological factors correlating with a higher success rate of ETV in MMC patients. METHODS: Medical records of MMC patients who underwent ETV at a tertiary care center between 2015 and 2021 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were analyzed. ETV success was defined as the absence of further hydrocephalus treatment during follow-up. RESULTS: Of 131 MMC patients, 21 met inclusion criteria and underwent ETV. The overall success rate of ETV was 57.1%, with a six-month success rate of 61.9%. Age ≤ 6 months was significantly associated with lower ETV success (25%) compared to older patients (76.9%) (OR: 0.1; 95% CI 0.005-2.006; p = 0.019). Radiological factors, including posterior fossa dimensions and linear indices, did not exhibit statistically significant associations with ETV success. CONCLUSION: Age emerged as a significant factor affecting ETV success in MMC patients, with younger patients exhibiting lower success rates. Radiological variables did not significantly influence ETV outcomes in this study. Identifying predictors of ETV success in MMC patients is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Pediatric shunt failure in a resource limited Lower-Middle Income Country (LMIC) institution in La Paz, Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: Shunt failure is an undesirable but common occurrence following neurosurgical shunting for pediatric hydrocephalus. Little is known about the occurrence of failure in lower-middle income country (LMIC) settings in South America. The objective of this study was to evaluate shunt failure in the sole publicly funded pediatric hospital in La Paz, Bolivia, with limited resources. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients at the Children's Hospital of La Paz, Bolivia (Hospital del Niño "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria"), was conducted to identify all patients whose index surgical shunting for hydrocephalus was performed between 2019 and 2023. Categorical, continuous, and shunt failure data were statistically summarized. RESULTS: A total of 147 unique pediatric patients underwent index ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus in the study period. There were 90 (61%) male and 57 (39%) female patients, with a median age of 2.2 months at index shunting procedure. The most common surgical indications were congenital hydrocephalus (n = 95, 65%), followed by hydrocephalus secondary to congenital defect (n = 25, 17%) and tumor (n = 18, 12%). A total of 18 (12%) of patients experienced inpatient failure during index admission requiring surgical revision at a median time of 12.5 days after index shunting. Postoperative imaging (OR 2.97, P = 0.037) and postoperative infection (OR 3.26, P = 0.032) during index admission both independently and statistically predicted inpatient failure. Of the 96 patients (65%) with postoperative follow-up, 16 (n = 16/96, 17%) patients experienced outpatient failure requiring readmission to hospital and surgical revision at a median time of 3.7 months after discharge. Kaplan-Meier estimations of overall inpatient and outpatient failure in this cohort were 23% (95% CI 14-37) and 28% (95% CI 15-49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both inpatient and outpatient shunt failures are significant complications in the management of pediatric hydrocephalus in La Paz, Bolivia. We identify multiple avenues to improve these outcomes which are institution-specific based on the review of these failures. Lessons learnt may be applicable to other similarly resourced institutions across South American LMICs.

Assessment of Ventricular Size and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children with Postnatal Closure of Myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if ventricular size before shunting is correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with postnatal myelomeningocele closure. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective review included children with postnatal surgical closure of myelomeningocele and neuropsychological testing between 2018 and 2023 at the University of California, San Francisco. Frontal-occipital horn ratio (FOHR) was measured immediately before shunt placement or on the first study that reported ventricular stability for nonshunted patients. The primary outcome was full scale IQ (FSIQ) on the Weschler Intelligence Scale. Secondary outcomes included indices of the Weschler scale, the Global Executive Composite from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the general adaptive composite from the Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale. Univariable and multivariable regression was used to determine if FOHR was correlated with neuropsychological scores. RESULTS: Forty patients met the inclusion criteria; 26 (65%) had shunted hydrocephalus. Age at neuropsychological testing was 10.9 ± 0.6 years. FOHR was greater in the shunted group (0.64 vs 0.51; P < .001). There were no differences in neuropsychological results between shunted and nonshunted groups. On univariable analysis, greater FOHR was associated with lower FSIQ (P = .025) and lower Visual Spatial Index scores (P = .013), which remained significant on multivariable analysis after adjusting for gestational age at birth, lesion level, shunt status, and shunt revision status (P = .049 and P = .006, respectively). Separate analyses by shunt status revealed that these effects were driven by the shunted group. CONCLUSIONS: Greater FOHR before shunting was correlated with lower FSIQ and the Visual Spatial Index scores on the Weschler Intelligence Scales. Larger studies are needed to explore further the relationship between ventricle size, hydrocephalus, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Assessing pediatric neurosurgery capacity in La Paz, Bolivia: an illustrative institutional experience of a lower-middle-income country in South America.

OBJECTIVE: The current pediatric neurosurgery capacity in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in South America is poorly understood. Correspondingly, the authors sought to interrogate the neurosurgical inpatient experience of the sole publicly funded pediatric hospital in one of the largest regional departments of Bolivia to better understand this capacity. METHODS: A retrospective review of all neurosurgical procedures performed at the Children's Hospital of La Paz, Bolivia (Hospital del Niño "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria") between 2019 and 2023 was conducted after institutional approval using a recently implemented national electronic medical record system. RESULTS: A total of 475 neurosurgical admissions satisfied inclusion for analysis over the 5-year span. The majority of admissions were from within the La Paz Department (87%) via the emergency department (77%), without private insurance (83%). The most common indications for neurosurgical intervention were trauma (35%), followed by hydrocephalus (28%), congenital disease (12%), infection (5%), and craniosynostosis (3%). Overall, the median age at time of surgery was 2.0 years, and the median operating time was 1.5 hours with a minority of intraoperative complications (2%). The most common inpatient complication was unplanned return to the operating room (19%), most commonly seen in congenital indications. At final discharge, the median postoperative length of stay was 10 days. Twenty-seven (6%) of the 475 patients died during hospitalization, most commonly seen in tumor indications. Of the 448 patients who were discharged, 299 (67%) returned for at least one follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: There is restricted breadth in neurosurgical indications and outcomes achievable at the Children's Hospital of La Paz, Bolivia. As such, the capacity of pediatric neurosurgery at institutions in LMICs in South America such as this one is very limited. Identifying and prioritizing actionable interventions to improve this capacity is institution- and LMIC-dependent, and as such, future efforts will need to be tailored appropriately.

Bilateral abducens and facial nerve palsies following fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt with laparoscopic-assisted abdominal catheter placement.

Introduction: Hydrocephalus, altering cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, affects 175 per 100,000 adults worldwide. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) manage symptomatic hydrocephalus, with 125,000 cases annually. Despite efficacy, VPS face complications, necessitating interventions. Research question: "What are the mechanisms and risk factors for bilateral VIth and VIIth lower motor neuron palsies in hydrocephalus patients with a fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt?" Material and methods: This study details a 36-year-old female with a neonatal meningitis history, multiple shunt replacements, admitted for abdominal pain secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease. An abdominal shunt catheter removal and external ventricular drain placement occurred after consultation with a general surgeon. A cardiac atrial approach and subsequent laparoscopic abdominal approach were performed without complications. Results: After one month, the patient showed neurological complications, including decreased facial expression, gait instability, and bilateral VIth and VIIth lower motor neuron palsies, specifically upgazed and convergence restriction. Discussion: The complication's pathophysiology is discussed, attributing it to potential brainstem herniation from over-drainage of CSF. Literature suggests flexible endoscopic treatments like aqueductoplasty/transaqueductal approaches into the fourth ventricle. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for increased awareness in monitoring neurological outcomes after the fourth ventriculoperitoneal shunt, particularly in cases with laparoscopic-assisted abdominal catheter placement. The rarity of bilateral abducens and facial nerve palsies emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to understand pathophysiology and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for this unique complication.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for the Management of Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricular system. It can stem from obstructive and nonobstructive causes. Pregnancy introduces physiopathological changes that may heighten the risk of developing or worsening symptomatic hydrocephalus. Nevertheless, comprehensive reports on this aspect, especially regarding surgical interventions, remain scarce. Case Report A young woman with a history of recurrent headaches experienced a worsening of her symptoms at the onset of her pregnancy. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the first trimester revealed increased ventricular dilation, indicating an obstructive cause due to aqueduct stenosis. During a neurosurgical board meeting, treatment options were discussed, considering the identifiable obstruction, the heightened intra-abdominal pressure associated with pregnancy, and the risk of ventricular shunt dysfunction. The patient underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) without complications, leading to both symptom relief and a successful conclusion to the pregnancy. Discussion Neurosurgical procedures in pregnant women are uncommon due to the increased risks to both the mother and the fetus. However, when performed by a qualified multidisciplinary team, they can lead to positive outcomes. In cases of hydrocephalus during pregnancy, ETV appears to be a viable alternative for surgical intervention, particularly when hydrocephalus becomes symptomatic and an obstructive cause is identified, whether in patients with existing shunts or those with newly developed hydrocephalus.

Migration of the anal distal end due to ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement: an atypical case report of a 9-month-old infant with tuberculous meningitis and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) represents one of the most classic and widely used treatments for hydrocephalus in pediatric patients. Migration and externalization of the distal end of the catheter through the rectum are extremely rare complications of intestinal perforation with devastating consequences such as meningitis or peritonitis due to enteric bacteria that are significantly life-threatening. Besides, one of the biggest topics with that is that it can happen without producing symptoms, like the patient we present in this case report, which further masks the condition and puts the patient's life more at risk. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 9-month-old infant patient, with a history of prematurity, tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and hydrocephalus, who came to ED with a functional VPS and the distal end of the catheter protruding outside the rectum for 7 days, without presenting neurological or intestinal symptoms accompanying. One of the parameters that guided the diagnosis and made us suspicious of asymptomatic intestinal perforation (IP) was the background of TMB. The patient was immediately transferred to the OR where both ends of the shunt were removed: in the first instance, the shunt tube was disconnected through the abdomen, thus withdrawing through the anus, and subsequently, the proximal end of the catheter was exteriorized. In turn, the intestinal fistula was successfully repaired laparoscopically, and prophylactic antibiotic treatment was early administered. On the 6th postop day, a shunt was internalized, and a child was discharged on postop day 15 without complications with alarm guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of this article strongly suggest that (1) anal extrusion of catheters is an uncommon complication but real: for this reason, its development should be considered in all patients with VPS, especially in infants. (2) The patients are often asymptomatic since false tracts can form around the catheter protecting it from spillage, and thus can be removed without complications. (3) Special care should be taken in patients with conditions that increase the risk of developing IP, such as TMB.

Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma: Aggressive behavior coursing with cerebellar invasion and hydrocephalus.

Background: Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) is a very rare condition. The prognosis is dismal for advanced tumors. Due to its rarity, information in the literature is scarce. Here, we report a unique case of TBSCC with cerebellar invasion and hydrocephalus. Case Description: A 46-year-old reported right-sided hearing loss and a painful right retroauricular mass for 4 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 8.7 × 7.6 × 6.4 cm mass invading the right temporal and occipital bones. After a biopsy and 3 surgical procedures over 6 months, the diagnosis of TBSCC was obtained. Due to invasion of the cerebellar tissue and obstructive hydrocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed. The patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. However, palliative care was initiated due to tumor progression. Conclusion: We report a case of advanced TBSCC with poor prognosis despite surgical treatment and radiotherapy. More data are necessary to provide new and better treatment to these patients.

Management of shunt dysfunction using noninvasive intracranial pressure waveform monitoring: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) treatment consists of using valves for drainage, as it is for hydrocephalus in general. Despite this, complications can occur, putting the patient at risk, and neurological monitoring is crucial. OBSERVATIONS: A 61-year-old male, who had been diagnosed with NPH 3 years prior and was being treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with a programmable valve, presented to the emergency department because of a traumatic brain injury due to a fall from standing height. No previous complications were reported. He had an altered intracranial pressure (ICP) waveform in the emergency room when monitored with the brain4care device, with a P2/P1 ratio of 1.6. Imaging helped to confirm shunt dysfunction. Revision surgery normalized the ratio to 1.0, and the patient was discharged. Upon return after 14 days, an outpatient analysis revealed a ratio of 0.6, indicating improvement. LESSONS: In selected cases of NPH, noninvasive ICP waveform morphology analysis can be effective as a diagnostic aid, as well as in the pre- and postsurgical follow-up, given the possibility of comparing the values of ICP preoperatively and immediately postoperatively and the outpatient P2/P1 ratio, helping to manage these patients.

Current Role of Surgery in the Treatment of Neurocysticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in low- and middle-income countries. The infection is pleomorphic, caused by the larval form of the cestode, Taenia solium, and part of the heterogeneity of its clinical presentations is associated with the localization of the parasite within the CNS. Changes in the current epidemiological trends of NCC indicate that extra-parenchymal NCC is proportionally becoming more frequent. Extraparenchymal NCC is commonly accompanied by raised intracranial hypertension due to hydrocephalus, which is an emergency requiring cyst extirpation by surgical intervention to relieve the symptoms. Although less frequent, parenchymal cysts may also reach giant sizes requiring urgent surgical treatment. Finally, there is an advancement in the comprehension of the association between NCC and epilepsy-and patients with drug-resistant seizures are candidates for surgical treatment. In this narrative review, we summarize the present state of knowledge to update the current trends in the role of surgery in the treatment of NCC.

Pediatric tectal glioma presented with acute hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly. Two case reports. / Glioma tectal pediátrico con hidrocefalia y ventriculomegalia. Dos casos clínicos.

Tectal gliomas represent a subset of low-grade tumors that arise in the tectal region at the roof of the brainstem. Symptoms of tectal glioma include those caused by increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. Headache, blurred vision, double vision, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms. In the treatment, ETV (endoscopic third ventriculostomy) or VP-shunt (ventriculoperitoneal) can be applied to treat hydrocephalus. Tectal gliomas are usually diagnosed in childhood and often occur in adults. They are often benign, slowly progressing lesions; outpatient clinical and radiological follow- up is sufficient. We present two cases of pediatric patients with mesencephalic tectal plate tumors. An 11-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl applied to the Emergency Department with different complaints. The 11 year-old-boy was treated with VP-shunt due to acute hydrocephalus.

Los gliomas tectales representan un subtipo de tumores de bajo grado que se desarrollan en la región tectal, en la parte superior del tronco encefálico. Los síntomas incluyen los causados por el aumento de la presión intracraneal por hidrocefalia obstructiva. Son comunes la cefalea, la visión borrosa o doble, las náuseas y los vómitos. El tratamiento de la hidrocefalia es la ventriculostomía endoscópica del tercer ventrículo o la derivación ventrículo-peritoneal. Los gliomas tectales se diagnostican habitualmente en la infancia, pero son frecuentes también en adultos. En general son benignos y de progresión lenta; es suficiente el seguimiento ambulatorio clínico y radiológico. Se presentan dos pacientes pediátricos con tumores de la placa tectal mesencefálica. Un niño de 11 años y una niña de 15 años concurrieron al Departamento de Emergencias con diferentes síntomas. El niño fue tratado con derivación ventrículo-peritoneal por hidrocefalia aguda.

The "peel-away" technique for a ventriculoatrial shunt in a 6-month-old patient: A case report.

Background: A ventriculoatrial shunt (VAS) proves to be an excellent alternative in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Its usage is a viable option when ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is contraindicated in any age of patients. Case Description: This report highlights a successful case involving a 6-month-old patient who underwent VAS catheter positioning. The child presented with hydrocephalus and biliary atresia, making him a candidate for a liver transplant. Notably, a VPS was considered a relative contraindication in this scenario. Conclusion: The VAS emerges as a viable option for patients in whom a VPS might be contraindicated. This case demonstrates the successful application of a VAS in a pediatric patient.

Ventriculo-gallbladder shunt: case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the gold-standard surgical technique to treat hypertensive hydrocephalus; however, it may fail in 20 to 70% of cases. The present study shows an alternative for patients with contraindications to VPS. METHODS: A case series of nine patients. The medical records of all patients under 17 years of age who underwent ventriculo-gallbladder (VGB) shunt at a pediatric hospital from January 2014 to October 2022 were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 6 (66.7%) males and 3 (33.3%) females. The average age of 73.6 months or 6.1 years at the time of surgery. They had undergone, on average, 5.1 VPS reviews before the VGB shunt. Five (55.5%) had complications of VGB shunt: infection (11.1%), atony (11.1%), hypodrainage (11.1%), and ventriculoenteric fistula (22.2%); all these patients got better at surgical reapproach, and in two of them, the VGB shunt was re-implanted. CONCLUSION: This case series shows a lower risk of death and a similar risk of complications compared to other alternative shunts. This article spotlighted VGB as a viable alternative when VPS fails or has contraindications.

Evaluation of the behavioral, histopathological, and immunohistochemical effects resulting from ventriculosubcutaneous shunt obstruction in kaolin-induced hydrocephalus in rats.

PURPOSE: Hydrocephalus is a brain disease prevalent in the pediatric population that presents complex pathophysiology and multiple etiologies. The best treatment is still ventricular shunting. Mechanical obstruction is the most frequent complication, but the resulting pathological effects are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation and comparison of clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical aspects in the acute phase of experimental hydrocephalus induced by kaolin, after treatment with adapted shunt, and after shunt obstruction and posterior disobstruction. METHODS: Wistar rats aged 7 days were used and divided into 4 groups: control group without kaolin injection (n = 6), untreated hydrocephalic group (n = 5), hydrocephalic group treated with ventriculosubcutaneous shunt (DVSC) (n = 7), and hydrocephalic group treated with shunt, posteriorly obstructed and disobstructed (n = 5). The animals were submitted to memory and spatial learning evaluation through the Morris water maze test. The rats were sacrificed at 28 days of age and histological analysis of the brains was performed with luxol fast blue, in addition to immunohistochemical analysis in order to evaluate reactive astrocytosis, inflammation, neuronal labeling, and apoptotic activity. RESULTS: The group with shunt obstruction had worse performance in memory tests. Reactive astrocytosis was more evident in this group, as was the inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: Obstruction of the shunt results in impaired performance of behavioral tests and causes irreversible histopathological changes when compared to findings in the group with treated hydrocephalus, even after unblocking the system. The developed model is feasible and efficient in simulating the clinical context of shunt dysfunction.

Ventriculo-atrial shunt with occlusion of the internal jugular vein: operative experience and surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular shunts are one of the most frequent techniques used for the management of hydrocephalus. The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the most commonly performed procedure, and the ventriculoatrial shunt (VAS) is the second option in most medical centers. The main objective of this study is to introduce and describe a surgical approach for VAS outlining our experience and comparing it with traditional shunting techniques. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort comparison study, we included patients with hydrocephalus treated with a surgical procedure between January 2010 and February 2021 at a single academic institution. We categorized the procedures into two groups: patients with VPS and conventional VAS grouped together into the conventional technique (CT) group, and the second group was patients with whom we performed VAS with complete internal jugular vein occlusion (IJVOT). We compared the surgical time, postoperative complications, and occurrence of shunt failure among the groups by performing univariate analysis using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Out of the 106 patients included in the analysis, IJVOT was performed in 66 patients, and CT in 40 patients. The median surgical time was 60 min (IQR 60-90) for IJVOT versus 100 min (IQR 60-120) for CT (p < 0.01). In the follow-up a month after the procedure, 83.3% of patients with IJVOT and 62.5% of patients with CT did not require shunt removal or shunt revision (p < 0.01). Shunt revision rates were 12.5% and 1.5% for CT while 1.5% and 2.5% for IJVOT at 1 and 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that VAS with IJVOT is a safe method that exhibited shorter surgical times and outcomes comparable to CT. However, since the present study represents the first cohort evaluating IJVOT, it is imperative to conduct larger prospective studies, along with clinical trials, to fully explore and establish efficacy, long-term outcomes, and an in-depth comparison among shunting techniques.

Toxoplasma gondii infections in pediatric neurosurgery.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is estimated to infect one-third of the world's population. It is acquired by ingesting contaminated water and food specially undercooked meat, contact with domestic or wild feline feces, and during pregnancy by transplacental transmission.Immunocompetent hosts are usually asymptomatic, and infection will be self-limited, while those patients whose immune system is debilitated by HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy, long-term steroid treatment, and fetuses infected during gestation will show evidence of systemic activity which is more severe in the central nervous system and eyes due to insufficient immune response caused by their respective blood barriers. Congenital toxoplasmosis has an estimated incidence of 8% in mothers who were seronegative at the beginning of their pregnancy. Infection in the first trimester may result in spontaneous abortion or stillbirth; however, it is estimated that the highest risk for vertical transmission is during the second and third trimesters when blood flow and placenta thickness favor parasitic transmission.Congenital toxoplasmosis can be detected with periodic surveillance in endemic areas, and with appropriate treatment, the risk of vertical transmission can be reduced, and the severity of the disease can be reversed in infected fetuses.While most infected newborns will show no evidence of the disease, those who suffer active intrauterine complications will present with cerebral calcifications in 8-12% of cases, hydrocephalus in 4-30%, and chorioretinitis in 12-15%. Also, seizure disorders, spasticity, and varying degrees of neurocognitive deficits can be found in 12%.Four distinct patterns of hydrocephalus have been described: aqueductal stenosis with lateral and third ventricle dilatation, periforaminal calcifications leading to foramen of Monro stenosis with associated asymmetrical ventricle dilatation, a mix of aqueductal and foramen of Monro stenosis, and overt hydrocephalus without clear evidence of obstruction with predominant dilatation of occipital horns (colpocephaly).While all patients diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis should undergo pharmacological treatment, those presenting with hydrocephalus have traditionally been managed with CSF shunting; however, there are reports of at least 50% success when selected cases are treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Successful hydrocephalus management with appropriate treatment leads to better intellectual outcomes.

Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of strabismus in children with neurological impairment / Toxına botulínica tipo A para o tratamento de estrabısmo em crianças neurologicamente comprometidas

ABSTRACT Purposes: To assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of strabismus in patients with neurological impairment and evaluate the factors associated with treatment success. Methods: The study included 50 patients with strabismus and neurological impairment. In all children, botulinum toxin injection was performed into the appropriate extraocular muscle. The relationship between demographic features, clinical characteristics, and treatment success were analyzed. Results: In the study group, 34 patients had esotropia, and 16 patients had exotropia. As neurological problems, 36 patients had cerebral palsy, and 14 had hydrocephalus. The average follow-up period was 15.3 ± 7.3 months. The mean number of injections was 1.4 ± 0.6. The mean angle of deviation was 42.5 ± 13.2 PD before the treatment, which decreased to 12.8 ± 11.9 PD after the treatment. Successful motor alignment (orthotropia within 10 PD) was achieved in 60% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that esotropic misalignment and shorter duration of strabismus was significantly associated with treatment success in the study group. Patients with esotropia and lower angles of misalignment were more likely to be treated with a single injection. Conclusion: The use of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of strabismus in children with neurological impairment is a good alternative to conventional surgical therapy with a lower risk of overcorrection. The treatment outcome is better in esodeviations and shorter duration of strabismus, implying an advantage of early treatment.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia do uso de toxina bo-tulínica tipo A no tratamento do estrabismo em pacientes com comprometimento neurológico e avaliar os fatores associados ao sucesso do tratamento. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes com estrabismo e comprometimento neurológico foram incluídos no estudo. Em todas as crianças, a toxina botulínica tipo A foi injetada no músculo extraocular apropriado. A relação entre características demográficas, características clínicas e o sucesso do tratamento foram analisadas. Resultados: No grupo de estudo, 34 pacientes tiveram esotropia e 16 pacientes tiveram exotropia, sendo trinta e seis pacientes com paralisia cerebral e 14 pacientes com hidrocefalia. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 15,3 ± 7,3 meses. O número médio de aplicações foi de 1,4 ± 0,6. O ângulo de desvio médio foi de 42,5 ± 13,2 DP antes do tratamento e diminuiu para 12,8 ± 11,9 DP após o tratamento. Alinhamento motor bem sucedido (ortotropia dentro de 10 DP) foi alcançado em 60% dos pacientes. A análise de regressão logística binária revelou que o desalinhamento esotrópico e uma menor duração do estrabismo foram significativamente associados ao sucesso do tratamento no grupo de estudo. Pacientes esotrópicos com ângulos de desalinhamento menores são mais propensos a serem tratados com uma única aplicação. Conclusão: O uso da toxina botulínica tipo A para o tratamento de estrabismo em crianças com comprometimento neurológico é uma boa alternativa para a terapia cirúrgica convencional com menor risco de hipercorreção. O resultado do tratamento é melhor em exodesvios e em pacientes com estrabismo de menor duração, implicando em vantagem para o tratamento precoce.

Micro-Surgical Treatment of Fetal Myelomeningocele / Tratamento microcirúrgico da mielomeningocele fetal

Introduction Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common malformation of the central nervous system compatible with life. We will report the results obtained with the prenatal closure of MMC at the Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN). Objectives Clinical outcome of fetuses undergoing intrauterine MMC repair by the Peralta mini-hysterotomy. Monitor the reduction of Arnold-Chiari II secondary to MMC, reduction of hydrocephalus and also motor development in these children. Methods Descriptive study of 26 cases with intrauterine MMC repair by mini-hysterotomy, or Peralta technique, performed at the IECPN from December 2017 to February 2020. Results Between December 2017 and February 2020, 26 pregnant women with children with MMC were operated on using Peralta technique. Fetuses were born at an average gestational age of 34.2 weeks and 8% were born before 30 weeks of gestation. The average birth weight was 2096g. It was possible to observe a significant reduction in the occurrence of Arnold-Chiari II in these patients, as well as an evident improvement in motor function in the neurological examination of these babies at the end of the first month of life, where 20 of 23 babies had active movement in the lower limbs. Discussion This study demonstrates the correction of fetal MMC through a mini-hysterotomy of 2.5 to 3.5 cm, developed in order to reduce maternal and fetal mortality. This mini-hysterotomy technique is not a minimally invasive procedure, as it is based on open surgery for the treatment of fetal MMC, as recommended by the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS).

Introdução Mielomeningocele (MMC) é a malformação mais comum do sistema nervoso central compatível com a vida. Nós relataremos os resultados obtidos com o fechamento pré-natal da MMC no Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN). Objetivos Desfecho clínico dos fetos submetidos a correção intrauterina de MMC por mini-histerotomia de Peralta. Monitorar a redução de Arnold-Chiari II secundária à MMC, redução da hidrocefalia e também o desenvolvimento motor nessas crianças. Métodos Estudo descritivo de 26 casos com correção intrauterina de MMC por mini-histerotomia ou técnica de Peralta realizadas no IECPN no período entre dezembro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2020. Resultados Entre dezembro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2020, 26 gestantes com filhos portadores de MMC, foram operadas utilizando-se a técnica de Peralta. Os fetos nasceram com uma idade gestacional média de 34,2 semanas e 8% nasceram antes das 30 semanas de gestação. O peso médio ao nascer foi de 2096 gramas. Foi possível observarmos uma significativa redução na ocorrência de Arnold-Chiari II nestes pacientes, bem como uma evidente melhora da função motora no exame neurológico destes bebês ao final do primeiro mês de vida, aonde 20 de 23 bebês apresentavam movimentação ativa nos membros inferiores. Discussão Este estudo demonstra a correção da MMC fetal através de uma mini-histerotomia de 2,5 à 3,5cm, desenvolvida com o intuito de reduzir a mortalidade materna e fetal. Esta técnica de mini-histerotomia não é um procedimento minimamente invasivo, pois é baseada na cirurgia aberta para o tratamento da MMC fetal, como preconiza o estudo Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS).