Retracción dural percutánea en cirugías mínimamente invasivas de columna vertebral / Percutaneuos Dural Retracion in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Introducción. El desarrollo de técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas se considera un pilar esencial de la medicina moderna. La técnica de retracción dural percutánea espinal se presenta como una estrategia novedosa con la intención de contribuir a su adopción en el tratamiento de patologías intradurales. Objetivos. Describir la técnica quirúrgica de apertura dural percutánea para patologías intradurales espinales. Descripción de la técnica. Se trata de una técnica para la apertura dural primaria en la técnica mínimamente invasiva, permitiendo objetivarse con mayor perspectiva visual la medula espinal y el objetivo diana. Se realiza una descripción con imágenes del paso a paso. Conclusión. La exéresis de tumores raquídeos intradurales mediante abordajes tubulares es un procedimiento complejo. La misma se ve incrementada si debe realizarse a través de un ojal dural o apertura dural insuficiente. La retracción dural ampliada beneficia la visión del cirujano al exponer en mayor medida los tejidos intradurales

Background. The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques is considered an essential pillar of modern medicine. The percutaneous spinal dural retraction technique is presented as a novel strategy with the intention of contributing to its adoption in the treatment of intradural pathologies. Objectives. To describe the surgical technique of percutaneous dural opening for intradural spinal pathologies.Technique Description. It is a technique for primary dural opening with the minimally invasive technique, allowing the spinal cord and the target objective to be observed with a greater visual perspective. A description is made with step-by-step images. Conclusions. The excision of intradural spinal tumors through minimally invasive tubular approaches is a complex procedure. It is increased if it must be performed through a dural eyelet or insufficient dural opening. Extended dural retraction benefits the surgeon's vision by further exposing intradural tissues

Case report: Surgical removal of an intradural and intramedullary brainstem foreign body in a young German Shepherd.

A young, female German Shepherd was presented for evaluation of a progressive, mildly ambulatory tetraparesis with severe neck pain. All segmental reflexes were intact, and the paresis was more severe on the right thoracic and pelvic limbs. Diagnostic imaging (radiographs and computed tomography) revealed 2 metallic linear foreign bodies lodged at the right side of the cervicomedullary junction. A modification of the previously described ventral craniectomy approach was performed and after removal of a portion of the basioccipital bone using a nitrogen powered drill, the foreign bodies were removed. Over a period of 3 months, the patient made a full recovery.

Cadaveric Sheep Head Model for Anterior Clinoidectomy in Neurosurgical Training.

BACKGROUND: Anterior clinoidectomy is an important procedure used in the treatment of a range of diseases of the frontotemporal region, both vascular and tumoral. Mastering this technique requires a high level of manual skills training. The objective of the study was to describe an easily accessible and economical alternative model of anterior clinoidectomy, with a principal focus on the significance of mastering technical skills and training tactile feedback. METHODS: Five cadaveric sheep heads (10 sides) fixed in formalin and alcohol were injected with silicone and used to simulate extradural (5 sides) and intradural (5 sides) routes and 1 head was used to prepare an anatomic specimen for better demonstration of the anatomy of the paraclinoid region. RESULTS: A comparative anatomic analysis between the ovine and human anterior clinoid process was performed. Using cadaveric sheep models, all principal steps of the procedure for both the extradural and the intradural routes were imitated. CONCLUSIONS: A cadaveric sheep head model serves as a good model of anterior clinoidectomy regarding manual skills training and can serve as a good alternative to human cadaveric training.

Evaluation of Surgically Treated Primary Spinal Cord Tumors in a Single Brazilian Institution: A Case Series Study of 104 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary spinal cord tumors are rare and heterogeneous, and their prevalence varies among the studies. Few articles have evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and histological types of spinal cord tumors in Latin American populations. This study aimed to analyze the histological types and clinical aspects of a series of consecutive patients diagnosed with primary spinal cord tumors who underwent surgical treatment in a single Brazilian institution and to compare them with the literature. METHODS:  This is a case series study, with retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary spinal cord tumors in a single center between January 1997 and April 2021. Data analyzed included age at surgery, sex, anatomical location, histopathological diagnosis, clinical presentation, and neurological status at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients (53 women [51.0%]; mean age, 49.0 ± 16.7 years [range, 19-87 years]) were included in the analysis. Among the tumors, 83.7% were benign, and 36.5% involved the thoracic spine; intradural extramedullary lesions comprised 52.9% of the tumors, and the most prevalent were schwannomas (26.9%) and meningiomas (18.3%). Among the patients, 55% and 50% presented with pain and motor deficit, respectively, and the deficit improvement rate was greater than the worsening rate at the immediate postoperative period and discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Our series highlights the heterogeneity of primary spinal cord tumors compared to other studies. Further large population studies are necessary to elucidate the epidemiology of this disease.

Malignant Ocular Melanoma with Intradural Cervical Metastasis: Case Report and Literature Review / Melanoma ocular maligno com metástase cervical intradural: Relato de caso e revisão de literatura

Introduction The occurrence of malignant ocular melanomas is uncommon, and the association of these tumors with intradural extramedullary metastases in the cervical spine is exceptionally rare. Case Report A 62-year-old woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical treatment for malignant ocular melanoma begins to experience vertigo and headache. The condition evolved with walking difficulty and neck pain that was exacerbated by swallowing and mobilizing the neck. During her ocular melanoma follow-up, lesions suggestive of metastasis in the central nervous system were not evidenced until this moment. The physical examination did not show significant findings, and a cranial computed tomography scan was performed. The image showed a hyperdense lesion with postcontrast enhancement inside the vertebral canal, at the level of C1-C2. Spinal decompression and subtotal resection were performed. The anatomopathological report revealed intradural metastasis of a malignant ocular melanoma. The postoperative period was uneventful, with significant pain improvement and no recurrences. Conclusion Intradural extramedullary metastases are rare presentations of malignant ocular melanoma. In addition, less than ten similar cases have been reported in the literature. When caring for a patient with melanoma and neurological deficits, always consider evaluating central nervous system metastases. To evaluate this patient, a sensible and detailed neurological exam is extremely important to recognize the location of the deficits and guide the best approach, such as an indication for surgery.

Introdução É infrequente a ocorrência dos melanomas oculares malignos, e menos frequente ainda é a sua associação às metástases intradurais extramedulares na região cervical. Relato de Caso Uma mulher de 62 anos, submetida a quimioterapia adjuvante após tratamento cirúrgico para melanoma ocular maligno, abre um quadro de vertigem e cefaleia. O quadro evoluiu com dificuldade para deambular e dor cervical que se exacerbava ao se alimentar e mobilizar o pescoço. Durante o seguimento do melanoma ocular, não foram evidenciadas lesões sugestivas de metástase no sistema nervoso central até este momento. O exame físico não denotou alterações significativas, sendo então realizada tomografia computadorizada de crânio, cuja imagem evidenciou lesão hiperdensa com realce após contraste no interior do canal vertebral, no nível de C1-C2. Foram realizadas descompressão medular e ressecção subtotal, cujo laudo anatomopatológico revelou metástase intradural do melanoma ocular maligno. O pós-operatório seguiu sem intercorrências, com melhora significativa da dor e ausência de recidivas. Conclusão As metástases intradurais extramedulares são apresentações raras de melanoma ocular maligno. Além disso, há menos de dez casos similares relatados na literatura mundial. Ao tratar de um paciente com melanoma e déficits neurológicos, sempre considere avaliar metástases no sistema nervoso central. Para avaliar este paciente, um exame neurológico criterioso e detalhado é essencial para reconhecer a localização dos déficits e guiar o manejo adequado, como a indicação cirúrgica.

Management of recurrent schwannoma of the cauda equina: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Schwannomas of the cauda equina are rare intradural primary spinal tumors. Many of these patients initially present with cauda equina syndromes, and only 2.2% demonstrate clinical recurrence. Gross total excision is the procedure of choice. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old female had undergone resection of a cauda equina schwannoma 5 years previously. She newly presented with cauda equina symptoms attributed to a recurrent schwannoma. Following gross total secondary tumor resection, the patient's preoperative deficits fully resolved, and the tumor never recurred. CONCLUSION: Secondary gross total excision of schwannomas of the cauda equina is critical to avoid further tumor recurrence.

Manejo quirúrgico de ependimomas en médula cervical: A propósito de un caso clínico / Surgical management of ependymomas in the cervical spine: Apropos of a clinical case

Introducción: los ependimomas son tumores cerebrales que surgen de células ependimarias, células de soporte en el cerebro y la médula espinal. Representan entre el 2 y el 3% de todos los tumores cerebrales primarios. Son el cuarto tumor cerebral más común en los niños, donde el 90% de los mismos se localizan en la fosa posterior. En adultos, el 60% de estos tumores se encuentran en la médula espinal pudiendo presentarse a cualquier nivel de ésta; el caso a continuación reporta un ependimoma cervical. Objetivo: reportar un caso de ependimoma medular de ubicación poco frecuente, con resección total, sin recidiva porterior a 2 años de seguimiento.Descripción del caso: se reporta el caso de un paciente adulto, 44 años, masculino, con un síndrome medular cervical completo, progresivo, provocado por un ependimoma cervical. Intervención: se realizó laminectomía de dos espacios [C7 a T1], apertura dural, mielotomía posterior logrando exéresis total de la lesión con durorrafia a sello de agua y posterior cierre por planos sin complicaciones, con seguimiento de 2 años de sobrevida. Conclusiones: la resección total macroscópica de este tipo de tumores es muy importante para poder evitar residiva. El ependimoma cervical puede recidivar, sobre todo cuando existen residuales de la lesión. El manejo oportuno depende de gran manera de que los pacientes acudan tempranamente a valoración especializada; la resección guiada con monitorización neurofisiológica transoperatoria provee mayor oportunidad a los pacientes a no presentar secuelas permanentes y permite asimismo, mejores resultados de la rehabilitación neurológica postoperatoria

Introduction: ependymomas are brain tumors that arise from ependymal cells, supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord. They represent between 2 and 3% of all primary brain tumors. They are the fourth most common brain tumor in children, where 90% of them are located in the posterior fossa. In adults, 60% of these tumors are found in the spinal cord and can occur at any level of the spinal cord; the case below reports a cervical ependymoma. Objective: to report a case of medullary ependymoma of rare location, with total resection, without recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Case description: a 44-year-old male adult patient with a progressive, complete cervical spinal cord syndrome, caused by a cervical ependymoma, is reported.Intervention: two-space laminectomy [C7 to T1], dural opening and posterior myelotomy were performed, achieving total excision of the lesion with water-seal durorrhaphy and subsequent closure by planes without complications, with a 2-year survival follow-up. Conclusions: macroscopic total resection of this type of tumor is very important to avoid residual. Cervical ependymoma can recur, especially when there is residual lesion. Timely management depends to a great extent on the patients attending early for a specialized evaluation; guided resection with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring provides a greater opportunity for patients to not present permanent sequelae and also allows better results of postoperative neurological rehabilitation.

Intra- and extradural anterior clinoidectomy: anatomy review and surgical technique step by step.

PURPOSE: The complex relations of the paraclinoid area make the surgical management of the pathology of this region a challenge. The anterior clinoid process (ACP) is an anatomical landmark that hinders the visualization and manipulation of the surrounding neurovascular structures, hence in certain surgical interventions might be necessary to remove it. We reviewed the anatomical relationships that involve the paraclinoid area and detailed the step-by-step techniques of intra and extradural clinoidectomy in cadaveric specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review was done describing the most relevant anatomic relationships regarding the anterior clinoid process. Extradural and intradural clinoidectomy techniques were performed in six dry bone heads and in ten previously injected cadaverous specimens with colored latex (Sanan et al. in Neurosurgery 45:1267-1274, 1999) and each step of the procedure was recorded using photographic material. Finally, an analysis of the anatomical exposure achieved in each of the techniques used was performed. RESULTS: The main advantage of the intradural clinoidectomy technique is the direct visualization of the neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP when drilling, at the same time, opening the Sylvian fissure will allow the direct visualization of the ACP variants. The main advantage offered by the extradural technique is that the dura protects adjacent eloquent structures while drilling. Among the disadvantages, it is noted that the same dura that would protect the underlying structures also prevents the direct visualization of these neurovascular structures adjacent to the ACP. CONCLUSION: We reviewed the anatomy of the paraclinoid area and made a step-by-step description of the technique of the anterior clinoidectomy in its intra- and extradural variants in cadaveric preparations for a better understanding.

Extrusão de disco intervertebral intradural em um cão / Intradural disc extrusion in a dog

Background: Intervertebral disc extrusion is an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs. Intradural localizationof the extruded disc material is rare, and is generally associated with a traumatic event or with recurrence of disc extrusionat a previously affected site. We report the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of a dog with intraduralintervertebral disc extrusion not preceded by a traumatic event.Case: A 6-year-old male Dachshund was referred for neurological evaluation due to acute onset of hind-end paralysispreceded by claudication of the left hindlimb. The patient had been receiving conservative treatment to no effect. Neurological examination revealed asymmetric non-ambulatory paraparesis, absence of postural reactions and decreased muscletone in both hindlimbs, a bilaterally diminished patellar reflex, and a hindlimb withdrawal reflex which was normal onthe right and greatly diminished to absent on the left. The lower back was tender to epaxial palpation. Plain radiographsof the lumbar spine in the lateral projection showed calcified material within the spinal canal between the third and fourthlumbar vertebrae. Myelography was suggestively abnormal at the same level, with epidural leakage of contrast at L3-L4.Considering the clinical history, breed, age, neurological signs, and radiographic findings, intervertebral disc disease wassuspected despite the inconclusive myelography findings. A dorsolateral lumbar hemilaminectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the diagnosis was confirmed by visualization of a discolored spinal cord and absence of extradural material.The intradural space was accessed via durotomy. A firm, straw-yellow material was seen compressing the spinal cord andremoved. Subsequent histopathological...(AU)

Extrusão de disco intervertebral intradural em um cão / Intradural disc extrusion in a dog

Background: Intervertebral disc extrusion is an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs. Intradural localizationof the extruded disc material is rare, and is generally associated with a traumatic event or with recurrence of disc extrusionat a previously affected site. We report the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of a dog with intraduralintervertebral disc extrusion not preceded by a traumatic event.Case: A 6-year-old male Dachshund was referred for neurological evaluation due to acute onset of hind-end paralysispreceded by claudication of the left hindlimb. The patient had been receiving conservative treatment to no effect. Neurological examination revealed asymmetric non-ambulatory paraparesis, absence of postural reactions and decreased muscletone in both hindlimbs, a bilaterally diminished patellar reflex, and a hindlimb withdrawal reflex which was normal onthe right and greatly diminished to absent on the left. The lower back was tender to epaxial palpation. Plain radiographsof the lumbar spine in the lateral projection showed calcified material within the spinal canal between the third and fourthlumbar vertebrae. Myelography was suggestively abnormal at the same level, with epidural leakage of contrast at L3-L4.Considering the clinical history, breed, age, neurological signs, and radiographic findings, intervertebral disc disease wassuspected despite the inconclusive myelography findings. A dorsolateral lumbar hemilaminectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the diagnosis was confirmed by visualization of a discolored spinal cord and absence of extradural material.The intradural space was accessed via durotomy. A firm, straw-yellow material was seen compressing the spinal cord andremoved. Subsequent histopathological...

Microsurgical Resection of Intraspinal Benign Tumors Using Non-Expansile Tubular Access.

BACKGROUND: Intraspinal tumors are 10 to 15 times less common than brain tumors. The midline approach with extensive laminectomies represents the current gold-standard for resection, causing instability, muscle damage, and kyphosis among other well-known complications. Minimally invasive series reported their results using retractor-based systems. We analyzed a patient series treated with a non-expansile tubular approach, describing the technique, grade of resection, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A series of consecutive cases operated between 2016 and October 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The database included age, sex, clinical presentation, intraspinal location (intra/extradural), number of laminotomies, grade of resection, surgical time, bleeding, and follow-up. The initial and follow-up clinical condition was analyzed using the Frankel scale. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients underwent surgery: 3 intraspinal/extradural (23%), 8 intradural/extramedullary (61.5%), and 2 intramedullary tumors (15.3%); these were classified as 5 meningiomas (38.4%), 4 neurofibromas (30.7%), 2 schwannomas (15.3%), 1 hemangioblastoma (7.6%), and 1 astrocytoma (7.6%). Eleven (84.61%) patients had complete motor improvement, 1 patient had partial improvement, and 1 patient had no improvement (7.6% each). An 18-mm working channel tube was used for extramedullary lesions and 20-mm tubes for intramedullary injuries. Total tumor resection was achieved in 11 patients (84.6%) and subtotal in 2 patients (15.38%) corresponding to intramedullary tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study consisted of a small series, we have shown the possibility of resecting intraspinal tumors (some intradural-intramedullary) with non-expansile tubes in a safe and effective way with no complications. Most of the patients had complete neurological improvement at the end of follow-up.

Intradural disc herniation at the L1-L2 level: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Why are intradural disc herniations (IDHs) (0.3% of all discs) so infrequent? One explanation has been the marked adherence of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) to the ventral wall of the dura. Variability in symptoms and difficulty in interpreting magnetic resonance (MR) images with/without contrast make the diagnosis of an IDH difficult. Here, we reported a patient with an L1-L2 IDH and appropriately reviewed the relevant literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old male presented with chronic low back and 1 month's duration of the left thigh pain. The lumbar MR with/without contrast demonstrated an IDH at the L1-L2 level, resulting in spinal cord compression. At surgery, the disc herniation was appropriately resected, the dura was closed, and an interbody fusion with pedicle screw fixation was performed. Postoperatively, the patient clinically improved. CONCLUSION: IDHs are rare, being seen in only 0.3% of all cases. MR findings, performed with/without contrast, may help signal the presence of an IDH. MR findings include a hypointense structure inside the dura; the "hawk beak" sign (e.g., beak-like mass with ring enhancement at the intervertebral disc space); the Y sign (e.g., ventral dura split into ventral dura and arachnoid by disc material); an abrupt loss of continuity of the PLL; a diffuse annular bulge with a large posterocentral extrusion; and an typical crumbled appearance of disc (e.g., "crumble disc sign"). At surgery, both the extradural and intradural components of the disc must be excised.

Cavernous Malformation of a Thoracic Spinal Nerve Root: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Intradural extramedullary spinal cavernous malformations (CMs) remain the least common variant of these lesions and can originate from the inner surface of the dura mater, the pial surface of the spinal cord, and the blood vessels in the spinal nerves. Root-based-only extramedullary CMs are very rare in the thoracic region with only four cases reported. We present a case of 56-year-old male with 1-year progression of lower extremities weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a hyperintense lesion in the upper thoracic region. Surgical exploration revealed a CM with origin in the second thoracic nerve root with gross total resection. Histopathological examination confirmed a CM. The patient had complete recovery of neurological function at 3 months interval. Intradural extramedullary CM is extremely rare entity that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural extramedullary lesions. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice to prevent further neurological damage.

Spinal cord compression by multiple cysticercosis.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infection involving the central nervous system in endemic areas. Notably, spinal involvement occurs in only 0.7%-3% of patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 58-year-old female presented with progressive spinal cord compression attributed to multiple cystic intradural extramedullary thoracic lesions. She underwent laminectomy at two separate thoracic levels; this involved excision of the upper T4-T6, and just exploration of the lower T9-T11 lesions. One year postoperatively, she exhibited a residual paraparesis. CONCLUSION: Spinal NCC must be considered among the differential diagnostic considerations for patients presenting with spinal intramedullary or subarachnoid/extramedullary cystic lesions. Although they are typically found in endemic regions, those who have traveled to these locations are also susceptible. Even though it is considered a benign condition, spinal NCC may cause permanent and irreversible neurological damage. Public health policies should, therefore, be developed to help control the spread and transmission of NCC.

Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Metastasis of a Kidney Cancer: Case Report

Objective To report a case of intradural extramedullary metastasis originated from a kidney neoplasm. Metastases in this topography occur in a low frequency, especially considering that the primary tumor was located along the urinary system. Case Report Amale adult begins to present with pain in the lower limbs and develops flaccid paraparesis of the pelvic limbs, also attacking the control of the sphincter. The patient had a previous history of right nephrectomy due to a kidney neoplasm. After investigation with imaging exams, ametastatic lesion was found to be the source of the symptoms. The patient was surgically treated by the neurosurgery team of the hospital. Conclusion Cases like this are not common, and considering the low incidence of these cases and the nonspecific symptoms, such as pain, we do not always come up with the hypothesis of a metastasis in this topography. The surgical treatment, although it is a palliative feature, has an important part inmaintaining the performance and the quality of life of the patient.

Clinoidectomía anterior intradural para clipado de aneurisma paraclinoideo izquierdo: video quirúrgico / Anterior intradural clinoidectomy for clipping left paraclinoid aneurysm: surgical video

Introducción: Los aneurismas paraclinoideos representan un verdadero desafío microquirúrgico para su resolución. Objetivo: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 43 años de edad con cefalea, detectando en angiografía aneurisma paraclinoideo izquierdo. Material y métodos: Se realizó abordaje pterional izquierdo y exposición de carótida interna a nivel cervical, durotomía arciforme con apertura de cisterna silviana hacia cisterna carotídea. Se expone la apófisis clinoides anterior, observándose en el video, el aneurisma naciendo del segmento clinoideo de la arteria carótida interna, siendo imposible el clipado de la misma sin clinoidectomía anterior. Se secciona la duramadre desde medial respecto al conducto óptico hasta la apófisis clinoides. Se realiza fresado en la base de la apófisis clinoides para exponer el anillo dural distal. Se libera la carótida en el segmento clinoideo a través de la sección del anillo dural distal para poder movilizarla. Identificado el cuello distal y proximal del aneurisma, se comienza la reconstrucción colocando un clip a 90° en dirección anteroposterior, un segundo clip en dirección posteroanterior y al punzar el aneurisma se constata flujo aneurismático presente. Se coloca un tercer y cuarto clip en tándem desde la proximidad a la carótida interna hacia el domo del aneurisma. Finalmente se posiciona un quinto clip curvo sobre los anteriores para darles mayor presión de cierre. Resultados: Se observa angiografía postoperatoria con exclusión completa el aneurisma con adecuada permeabilidad carotidea. El período postoperatorio fue excelente, sin déficit neurológico. La paciente brindo consentimiento para publicar sus imágenes y videos.

Introduction: Paraclinoid aneurysms represent a true microsurgical challenge. Objective: We present the case of a 43-year-old woman with headache, in whom a left paraclinoid aneurysm was detected by angiography. Methods and Materials: A left pterional approach was adopted, combined with exposing the internal carotid artery at the cervical level, and an arciform durotomy with the opening of the sylvian fissure to the carotid cistern. The anterior clinoid process was exposed, revealing the aneurysm originating from the clinoid segment of the carotid artery; consequently, clipping was impossible without an anterior clinoidectomy. The dura was cut medially from the optic canal to the clinoid process. Drilling was performed at the base of the clinoid process to expose the distal carotid dural ring. The carotid was released in the clinoid segment by sectioning the distal dural ring to mobilize it. After identifying the distal and proximal neck of the aneurysm, reconstruction was initiated by placing a 90-degree clip in the anteroposterior direction; then, a second clip in the posteroanterior direction and puncturing the aneurysm, demonstrating that aneurysmal flow was present. Third and fourth clips were placed in tandem, one proximal to the internal carotid and the other at the dome of the aneurysm. Finally, a fifth curved clip was placed over the previous clips to increase their closure pressure. Results: Postoperative angiography revealed complete exclusion of the aneurysm with adequate carotid permeability. The postoperative period lacked any complications or neurological deficits. The patient consented to have her images and videos published. Conclusions: Combining a left pterional approach with exposing the internal carotid artery at the cervical level and performing an arciform durotomy at the sylvian fissure's opening into the carotid cistern, an angiographically-detected left paraclinoid aneurysm was treated successfully with an excellent outcome.

Resultados neurológicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de tumores raquídeos intradurales extramedulares / Neurological results in patients diagnosed with intradural spinal tumors

Se presentan a continuación los resultados neurológicos de 10 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor intramedular extradural que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo durante el periodo enero 2015 a junio 2017. Se encontraron ocho hombres (80 %) y dos mujeres (20 %) con un promedio de edad de 44,4 años. El periodo de seguimiento posoperatorio fue de seis meses. La clínica neurológica,localización axial y sagital de los tumores, resultados histopatológicos fueron analizados. Los resultados neurológicos encontrados en el preoperatorio y en el periodo posoperatorio a los seis meses de seguimiento fueron evaluados de acuerdo con la clasificación ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association); y, el Score de Rankin modificado. Los resultados histopatológicos fueron los siguientes: cuatro casos (40 %) de schwannoma, tres casos (30 %) de meningioma, un caso (10 %) de plasmocitoma, un caso (10 %) de ependimoma y un caso (10 %) de metástasis de otros tumores. Se presentaron complicaciones en el 20 % de casos: un caso (10 %) de infección de herida quirúrgica; y, otro caso (10 %) de fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo. En el 70 % de casos, al seguimiento seis meses luego de la cirugía se encontró mejoría en la clínica neurológica; y, en 30 % de los casos no hubo cambios neurológicos. Al valorar la Escala de Rankin modificada se encontró que tres pacientes (30 %) se recuperaron completamente, evolucionando desde un grado 2 (incapacidad leve) a un grado 1 (sin incapacidad); por otro lado, cuatro casos (40 %) mejoraron su grado de incapacidad funcional; y, tres casos (30 %) no mostraron cambios en cuanto a suincapacidad funcional, es decir, sin variaciones en su clínica neurológica. Podemos concluir que el diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento precoz mejoran la morbilidad y el grado de discapacidad, puesto que, ante un mayor déficit neurológico menor es el resultado pronóstico neurológico. Los resultados dependerán, por lo tanto, del momento oportuno de la intervención quirúrgica raquídea descompresiva.

We present the neurological results of 10 patients diagnosed with Extradural Intramedullary Tumor who underwent surgery at Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital during the period January 2015 to June 2017. Eight men (80 %) and two women (20 %) were found with an average age of 44,4 years. The postoperative follow-up period was six months. Neurological symptoms, axial and sagittal localization of the tumors, histopathological results were analyzed. The neurological results found in the preoperative period and in the postoperative period at six months of follow-up were evaluated according to the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) classification; and, the modified Rankin Score. The histopathological results were the following: four cases (40 %) of schwannoma, three cases (30 %) of meningioma, one case (10 %) of plasmacytoma, one case (10 %) of ependymoma and one case (10 %) of metastasis of other tumors. Complications occurred in 20 % of cases: one case (10 %) surgical wound infection, and in anothercase (10 %) cerebrospinal fluid fistula. In 70 % of cases, at follow-up six months after surgery, improvement was found in the neurological clinic; and, in 30 % of the cases there were not neurological changes. When assessing the modified Rankin scale, it was found that three patients (30 %) recovered completely, evolving from a grade 2 (mild disability) to a grade 1 (without disability); On the other hand, four cases (40 %) improved their degree of functional disability; and, three cases (30 %) did not show changes in their functional disability, that is, without variations in their neurological clinic. We can conclude that timely diagnosis and early treatment improves morbidity and the degree of disability, since, in the face of a greater neurological deficit, the neurological outcome is lower. The results will therefore depend on the opportune moment of the decompression spinal surgery.

Intradural spinal tumors: 10 - years surgical experience in a single institution.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to present the therapeutic results of intradural tumor management over a 10 years period in a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consists in a prospective case series of patients treated at the neurosurgery service of the Social Security Institute of Mexico State and Provinces (ISSSEMYM), between January 2006 and December 2016. All patients were provided with information about the procedure and signed informed consent and institutional board approved files review for this study. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with intradural tumor were treated between 2006-2016. Most frequent lesions were extramedullary (30 patients, 85.7%). Most frequent tumor was Schwannoma, with thoracic/thoraco-lumbar location, being the most frequent location. All patients underwent surgical treatment, with total gross resection accomplished in 19 patients (54.3%). Surgical complication rate was 11.4%. Spine instrumentation was necessary in 26 patients (74.3%) because of bone destruction by the tumor, or bone removal for approach. All patients with intramedullary lesions and 5 patients (16.7%) with extramedullary lesions received post-operative radiotherapy. During the follow-up, 8.5% of patients had recurrence/progression of residual disease. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for intradural spinal tumors, and gross total resection with low morbidity must be the surgical goal. When this is not possible, partial resection and adjuvant therapy with radiosurgery are a valid option. Patients most be long followed-up because of recurrence risk or disease progression.

Treatment of Intradural Spinal Arteriovenous Fistula: Technical Case Report

Introduction Although rare, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most common vascular malformation of the spine, and it is mainly located in the thoracic region. The fistula is identified by arteriography, which enables the treatment by embolization or guides the microsurgical therapy. Clinical Presentation We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with neurogenic claudication evolving to paraparesis. A dorsal intradural AVF was identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arteriography, and it was submitted to an embolization, but the procedure was unsuccessful. The patient was then referred for neurosurgery, and the AVF was obliterated using a microsurgical technique guided by multimodal intraoperative monitoring. We identified the AVF in the intraoperative moment and we then cut and coagulated the extradural portion of the nerve root. Discussion Arteriovenous fistulas occur in the dura mater of the nerve roots with the arterialization of the venous plexus. The treatment prevents the progression of the deficits. While performing diagnostic arteriography, attempts of embolization are possible. Conclusion Although the initial attempt of embolization at the moment of the diagnostic arteriography is achievable, it has failure rates of 50%, unlike the surgical treatment, which is definitive in all cases, as reported in this article.

Introdução Apesar de raras, as fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) são as malformações vasculares mais comuns na coluna, localizadas essencialmente na região torácica. A fístula é identificada por arteriografia, a qual permite o tratamento da embolização ou guia a terapia microcirúrgica. Apresentação Clínica Descrevemos o caso de uma mulher de 61 anos com claudicação neurogênica evoluindo para paraparesia. Uma FAV intradural dorsal foi identificada por meio de ressonância magnética (RM) e arteriografia, e foi submetida a uma embolização, mas o procedimento não obteve sucesso. A paciente foi então encaminhada para tratamento neurocirúrgico, e a FAV foi eliminada por técnica microcirúrgica guiada por monitoração multimodal intraoperatória. Identificamos a FAV durante o período intraoperatório, e em seguida cortamos e coagulamos a porção extradural da raiz do nervo. Discussão As AVFs ocorrem na dura-máter das raízes neurais com a arterialização do plexo venoso. O tratamento evita o progresso de déficits. Durante a arteriografia diagnóstica, tentativas de embolização são possíveis. Conclusão Apesar de a tentativa inicial de embolização durante a arteriografia ser possível, ela tem probabilidades de 50% de sucesso, enquanto o tratamento cirúrgico é definitivo em todos os casos, como relatado neste artigo.

Inyección subdural: complicación en la técnica peridural lumbar: revisión bibliográfica / Subdural injection: complication in lumbar epidural block: review of the literature

Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre inyección subdural en la técnica peridural lumbar. se analizan los aspectos anatómicos, se describen las diferentes formas de presentación y su imagen radiológica, se discuten los criterios diagnósticos, los posibles efectos de la inyección en dicho espacio y la conducta a tomar, una vez detectada la complicación.

A bibliographic review about lumbar epidural subdural injection is done. the anatomic aspects, the different forms of presentation, and the radiological image are described. the diagnostic criteria, the effects of injection in this space and the management of the complication are discussed.