Ectopic recurrence of craniopharyngioma in the posterior fossa: Case report and review of the literature.

Craniopharyngiomas are benign epithelial tumors which may very occasionally recur in ectopic locations. We present two cases of ectopic recurrence, both in the posterior fossa, and provide a review of the literature with basic statistics. Two patients admitted to our institution with posterior fossa lesions underwent gross total resection. Pathological studies showed adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACP). Both patients had a prior history of suprasellar tumor surgery. We also reviewed the related data and undertook a basic statistical analysis. We found 67 cases of ectopic recurrent craniopharyngioma (including the present cases): 51 cases were adamantinomatous (76%), 6 papillary (9%) and 10 unknown (15%). 18 cases occurred in the posterior fossa, all of them diagnosed as the ACP subtype. The intervals until recurrence were 15.15 years for posterior fossa recurrences and 5.75 years for supratentorial cases. Student t test showed significant differences in time to recurrence (p 0.002). Gross total resection was performed in 53 cases (79%), subtotal resection+radiotherapy in 3 (5%) and 11 (16%) cases were treated with other options. Ectopic recurrence is a rare but possible event. Those in the posterior fossa may appear later than in the supratentorial space. ACP is likely to be the most common subtype in these cases, possibly due to its more aggressive behavior compared to the papillary subtype. Long term follow-up should be performed to detect ectopic recurrences. Ectopic recurrences are often surgically accessible and gross total resection should be achieved.

Neuroendoscopic septostomy in unilateral and bilateral ventricular hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: This study describes the results of septostomy (SPT) in terms of success and analysis of follow-up in a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with unilateral ventricular hydrocephalus (UHV) and biventricular hydrocephalus (BVH). METHODS: A total of 29 pediatric patients diagnosed with UVH or BVH were included in this study. In UVH, a neuroendoscopic SPT was performed (sometimes accompanied by NEFPFMO). In those diagnosed with BVH, an SPT combined with VPS was carried out. Demographic, etiological, clinical, and diagnostic variables and percentage of treatment success were collected. RESULTS: SPT was successful during follow-up when no VPS was required in UVH and only unilateral VPS was implanted in BVH. At the time of surgery, 16 patients needed a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The first SPT was successful in 22 patients, requiring a second surgery in 7 patients, from the oncology group diagnosed with BHV. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical management of UVH and BVH still has some disclosure points to be reviewed. However, SPT seems to be a secure, non-traumatic, and efficient procedure.

Conventional posterior cranial vault expansion: indications and results-review of the literature.

In the late 1980s, craniofacial surgery units reported suboptimal cosmetic results, cranial volume restriction, and intracranial hypertension after anterior cranial vault remodeling in bilateral coronal synostosis associated with severe brachyturricephaly. A possible explanation was a severe associated growth restriction of the posterior calvaria with radiological synostosis at the lambda sutures. "Conventional" or "fixed" posterior cranial vault expansion techniques were developed to address these limitations, sometimes as the first surgical step in a two-staged protocol of total calvarial reconstruction, combined with suboccipital decompression in cases of symptomatic cerebellar tonsillar herniation or, more easily, to resolve the characteristic occipital flattening of lambdoid synostosis. Various surgical approaches have been described; however, the indications for and timing of surgical treatment and postoperative evaluation of results still remain controversial. Although more invasive, conventional posterior cranial vault expansion has proven to be safe and offers a remodeled and protective bony vault immediately after surgery, but the underlying cranial base malformation remained untreated, with implications in the postoperative growth of the facial skeleton. Overcorrection, rigid stabilization, and grafting are also concerns to be addressed.

Shunt Overdrainage: Reappraisal of the Syndrome and Proposal for an Integrative Model.

Although shunt overdrainage is a well-known complication in hydrocephalus management, the problem has been underestimated. Current literature suggests that the topic requires more examination. An insight into this condition is limited by a lack of universally agreed-upon diagnostic criteria, heterogeneity of published series, the multitude of different management options and misunderstanding of relationships among pathophysiological mechanisms involved. We carried out a review of the literature on clinical, radiological, intracranial pressure (ICP), pathophysiological and treatment concepts to finally propose an integrative model. Active prophylaxis and management are proposed according to this model based on determination of pathophysiological mechanisms and predisposing factors behind each individual case. As pathophysiology is progressively multifactorial, prevention of siphoning with gravitational valves or antisiphon devices is mandatory to avoid or minimize further complications. Shunt optimization or transferal and neuroendoscopy may be recommended when ventricular collapse and cerebrospinal fluid isolation appear. Cranial expansion may be useful in congenital or acquired craniocerebral disproportion and shunting the subarachnoid space in communicating venous hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Quality of life in school-age children with shunt implantation due to neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

PURPOSE: To assess the functional outcome in school-age children shunted in the neonatal period due to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), using the HOQ-Spanish version (HOQ-sv), and to analyze predictors of quality of life in this group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed between 2015 and 2018. Parents of pediatric patients with PHH attending our neurosurgery outpatient clinic were invited to complete the HOQ-sv and to enroll in the study. Clinical variables regarding the patients' neonatal course and surgical outcome were recorded. A descriptive analysis was done, and independent variables related to the HOQ scores were studied in univariate and multivariate analyses with regression trees. RESULTS: The study comprised a total of 52 patients. The mean overall HOQ score was 0.67 (on a scale from 0 [worse] to 1 [best]). The quality of life for the PHH children at school age was related to perinatal factors (gestational age at birth, time until shunt surgery, length of hospitalization at the time of shunt implantation, and comorbidity), shunt complications (symptomatic overdrainage, number of shunt revisions, and shunt revisions related to infection during the first year after treatment), and clinical background (seizures, spasticity, Gross Motor Function Classification System level or visual impairment). CONCLUSION: HOQ dimension scores in school-age children shunted due to PHH in our center were similar to those of referral centers for other etiologies of pediatric hydrocephalus. Future goals should be the prevention of complications related to worse outcomes at the time of diagnosis and to try to improve shunt performance later.

Cervical myelomeningocele with CSF leakage: a case-based review.

BACKGROUND: The cystic spinal dysraphism of the cervical and upper thoracic region (CDCT) accounts for only 3.9 to 8% of spina bifida cystica lesions. The presence of external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is infrequent and very few authors have reported about surgical complications. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a new born diagnosed of CDCT C1-C3 with a stalk of fibrovascular tissue, CSF leakage, hydrocephalus, and type Chiari II malformation, discuss about the chosen surgical technique and the associated complications, and make a review of the literature focusing on the main aspects of CDCT. CONCLUSIONS: The CDCT with a stalk of neuroglial and/or fibrovascular tissue originates from the dorsal surface of the spinal cord and penetrates into a cervical cystic sac. The presence of CSF leakage, hydrocephalus, and/or type Chiari II malformation can influence to decide the most appropriate surgical technique.

Emerging Trends in the Neurosurgical Workforce of Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Every year, there are an estimated 22.6 million new neurosurgical consultative cases worldwide, of which 13.8 million require surgery. In 2016, the global neurosurgical workforce was estimated and mapped as open-access information to guide neurosurgeons, affiliates, and policy makers. We present a subsequent investigation for mapping the global neurosurgical workforce for 2018 to show the replicability of previous data collection methods as well as to show any changes in workforce density. METHODS: We extracted data on the absolute number of neurosurgeons per low and middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2016 from the database of the global neurosurgical workforce mapping project. The estimated number of neurosurgeons in each LMIC during 2018 was obtained from collaborators. The median workforce densities were calculated for 2016 and 2018. Neurosurgical workforce density heat maps were generated. RESULTS: We received data from 119 countries (response rate 86.2%) and imputed data for 19 countries (13.8%). Seventy-eight (56.5%, N = 138) countries had an increase in their number of neurosurgeons, 9 (6.5%) showed a decrease, whereas 51 (37.0%) had the same number of neurosurgeons in both years. The pooled median increased from 0.17 (interquartile range, 0.54) in 2016 to 0.18 (interquartile range, 0.59) in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the density of the neurosurgical workforce has increased from 2016 to 2018. However, at the current rate, 80 LMICs (58.0%) will not meet the neurosurgical workforce density target by 2030.

Suprasellar ganglioglioma presenting as a middle cerebral artery infarction.

BACKGROUND: Gangliogliomas are a relatively rare neoplasm with a major incidence in the pediatric population. As the temporal lobes are the most common site, patients usually present with seizures. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 9-year-old child with an extensive suprasellar ganglioglioma presenting with a cerebral infarction due to direct compression of the medium cerebral artery. CONCLUSIONS: Suprasellar lesions can compress adjacent vascular structures, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary for an early treatment.

Shunt independence in paediatric hydrocephalus: our 16-year experience and review.

PURPOSE: Shunt independence remains a matter of debate for neurosurgeons, and little information on this subject is available in the literature. The aims of the study were to analyse the incidence of shunt removal in a series of paediatric patients and to describe our experience with attempts at shunt removal. METHODS: Thirty of 212 paediatric patients shunted between 2000 and 2016 at our institution were studied for shunt independence. Variables related to hydrocephalus aetiology, shunt complications, independence trial peculiarities and follow-up were recorded and a descriptive analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: Two patients (0.94%) refused to be included in a shunt independence trial and were analysed separately. In the other 28 patients, 29 shunt independence trials were performed, of which 19 (65.52%) were successful, giving a global rate of shunt independence of 8.96% (19/212) in our population. Secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy was the most frequent type of independence trial and achieved the highest success rate (75%). Spontaneous independence was achieved in just 4/7 cases (57.14%). Planned removal of the shunt in overdrainage cases had a 50% success rate, with transient measures to control intracranial pressure frequently required. CONCLUSIONS: Shunt independence trials should be considered for selected patients in a closely monitored setting. Secondary endoscopic third ventriculostomy at the time of shunt malfunction has the highest success rate whereas planned removal of the shunt in overdrainage is an invasive procedure with more likelihood of failure. Shunt independence should not be presumed.

Purely neuroendoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator.

Surgery for intraventricular tumors remains a controversial and evolving field, with endoscopic resection becoming more popular. We present a series of nine consecutive cases of purely endoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with the aid of an ultrasonic aspirator specific for neuroendoscopy. Nine patients (five men, four women) aged 18-74 years (mean 43.7) underwent surgery. The most common symptom was headache. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging showed single supratentorial intraventricular lesions (five lateral ventricle, four third ventricle). The average maximum diameter was 20.5 mm (range 11-42). Associated hydrocephalus was found in eight cases at diagnosis. Five patients underwent complete macroscopic resection. Three underwent subtotal resection and one underwent partial resection (two thirds of the tumor). The mean endoscopic procedure time was 70 min (37-209). The eight patients with associated hydrocephalus also underwent endoscopic septostomy to improve cerebral spinal fluid circulation, with one patient additionally requiring endoscopic third ventriculostomy and another requiring Monro foraminoplasty. One patient required ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The mean post-operative follow-up was 15.1 months (range 2-33). At the time of analysis, no patient showed recurrence or regrowth of the operated lesion. The histological diagnoses and degree of resection were three subependymomas with complete resection, three colloid cysts with two complete and one subtotal resection, one pilocytic astrocytoma with partial resection (approximately two thirds of the lesion), one epidermoid tumor with subtotal resection, and one central neurocytoma with subtotal resection. The endoscopic ultrasonic surgical aspirator can be a safe and effective tool for the removal of intraventricular tumors, even in firmer solid lesions.

Functional outcome in pediatric hydrocephalus: results of applying the Spanish version of the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE The aims of the study were to assess whether the Spanish version of the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire (HOQ) could be useful for the evaluation and comparison of outcomes in the patients in the authors' region with those in patients in other institutions and to analyze predictors of functional outcome in patients with a shunt. METHODS The authors performed this cross-sectional study between March 2015 and April 2016. All the parents of a pediatric patient with hydrocephalus who attended the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga neurosurgery outpatient clinic were invited to enroll in the study and complete the HOQ-Spanish version. Age at diagnosis and at the time of the study, clinical data, shunt complications, and socioeconomic factors were also recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed, and independent variables related to the HOQ scores were studied. RESULTS A total of 132 patients participated in the study (100% participation rate). The mean ages were 16.74 months (range 0-142 months) at diagnosis and 10.45 years (range 5-16 years) at the time of the study. The mean overall HOQ score was 0.68 (on a scale from 0 [worse] to 1.0 [best]). Factors related to a worse quality of life were seizures, motor or visual impairment, shunt infection, need for shunt revision, need for more than 2 shunt revisions (range 0-8 revisions), symptomatic overdrainage, and older age at the time of the study. CONCLUSIONS The HOQ-Spanish version is useful in the authors' region; the dimension scores found in this study were comparable to those previously reported by referral centers. Future goals should be to prevent shunt complications, routinely get children to reach functional status, and refer patients for adjuvant therapy promptly.

Factors related to shunt survival in paediatric hydrocephalus. Could failure be avoided? / Factores relacionados con la supervivencia del shunt en hidrocefalia pediátrica. ¿Es posible prevenir el fallo valvular?

Background: Improved shunt survival and a better understanding of factors related to failure in paediatric hydrocephalus still pose a challenge for neurosurgeons, in order to avoid morbidity and mortality, as well as the economic impact of repeated revision surgeries. For these reasons, an analysis is performed on the factors related to the first shunt failure in the long-term follow-up of a series in a single centre. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 166 hydrocephalic paediatric patients shunted for the first time between 2000 and 2014. An analysis was made of the statistical relationships between first shunt failure and the demographic, aetiological, surgical and clinical variables. Results: Of the 166 shunts implanted in our centre during the study period, 111 required revision over a mean follow-up period of 93 months. Factors significantly related to failure were post-haemorrhagic and post-infectious hydrocephalus, meningitis episode, posterior burr hole, differential pressure valve, standard catheter in first surgery, and symptomatic over-drainage. Multivariable analysis showed that previous meningitis and symptomatic over-drainage were risk factors for shunt failure, whereas frontal burr hole location and antibiotic-impregnated catheters were protective factors. Cox regression determined that independent factors significantly related to a worse shunt survival, were shunt infection and symptomatic over-drainage. Conclusions: Meningitis, symptomatic over-drainage, frontal burr hole, and antibiotic impregnated catheters are significant prognostic factors for shunt survival. Shunt infection and symptomatic over-drainage are independent factors significantly related to a shorter shunt survival. Prospective, randomised, controlled trials are required to validate these results

Antecedentes: Mejorar la supervivencia del shunt y conocer los factores relacionados con el fallo valvular continúa siendo un reto en neurocirugía pediátrica, con el propósito de evitar la morbimortalidad y el impacto económico de las revisiones valvulares repetidas. Por este motivo, se estudiaron los factores relacionados con el primer fallo valvular en una serie propia con un seguimiento prolongado. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 166 pacientes pediátricos con hidrocefalia derivada por primera vez entre los años 2000-2014. Se analizó la asociación estadística entre el primer fallo valvular y las variables demográficas, etiológicas, quirúrgicas y clínicas. Resultados: De 166 válvulas implantadas durante el periodo de estudio, 111 requirieron revisión en un seguimiento medio de 93 meses. Los factores relacionados de forma significativa con el fallo valvular fueron las etiologías posthemorrágica y postinfecciosa; una meningitis previa; trépano posterior, válvula de presión diferencial o catéter estándar en la primera intervención, y sobredrenaje sintomático. El análisis multivariante mostró que la meningitis previa y el sobredrenaje sintomático fueron factores de riesgo para la disfunción valvular, mientras que el trépano frontal y los catéteres con impregnación antibiótica fueron factores protectores. La regresión de Cox determinó que la infección del shunt y el sobredrenaje sintomático fueron los factores relacionados de forma independiente con una menor supervivencia valvular. Conclusiones: Meningitis, sobredrenaje sintomático, trépano frontal y catéteres de impregnación antibiótica son factores pronósticos significativos en la supervivencia valvular. La infección del shunt y el sobredrenaje sintomático son factores independientes relacionados de forma significativa con una menor supervivencia valvular. Estudios controlados, prospectivos y aleatorizados son necesarios para validar estos resultados

Factors related to shunt survival in paediatric hydrocephalus. Could failure be avoided?

BACKGROUND: Improved shunt survival and a better understanding of factors related to failure in paediatric hydrocephalus still pose a challenge for neurosurgeons, in order to avoid morbidity and mortality, as well as the economic impact of repeated revision surgeries. For these reasons, an analysis is performed on the factors related to the first shunt failure in the long-term follow-up of a series in a single centre. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 166 hydrocephalic paediatric patients shunted for the first time between 2000 and 2014. An analysis was made of the statistical relationships between first shunt failure and the demographic, aetiological, surgical and clinical variables. RESULTS: Of the 166 shunts implanted in our centre during the study period, 111 required revision over a mean follow-up period of 93 months. Factors significantly related to failure were post-haemorrhagic and post-infectious hydrocephalus, meningitis episode, posterior burr hole, differential pressure valve, standard catheter in first surgery, and symptomatic over-drainage. Multivariable analysis showed that previous meningitis and symptomatic over-drainage were risk factors for shunt failure, whereas frontal burr hole location and antibiotic-impregnated catheters were protective factors. Cox regression determined that independent factors significantly related to a worse shunt survival, were shunt infection and symptomatic over-drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Meningitis, symptomatic over-drainage, frontal burr hole, and antibiotic impregnated catheters are significant prognostic factors for shunt survival. Shunt infection and symptomatic over-drainage are independent factors significantly related to a shorter shunt survival. Prospective, randomised, controlled trials are required to validate these results.

Octreotide and pasireotide (dis)similarly inhibit pituitary tumor cells in vitro.

Somatostatin analogs (SSA) are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for pituitary adenomas. However, some patients escape from therapy with octreotide, a somatostatin receptor 2 (sst2)-preferring SSA, and pasireotide, a novel multi-sst-preferring SSA, may help to overcome this problem. It has been proposed that correspondence between sst1-sst5 expression pattern and SSA-binding profile could predict patient's response. To explore the cellular/molecular features associated with octreotide/pasireotide response, we performed a parallel comparison of their in vitro effects, evaluating sst1-sst5 expression, intracellular Ca2+ signaling ([Ca2+]i), hormone secretion and cell viability, in a series of 85 pituitary samples. Somatotropinomas expressed sst5>sst2, yet octreotide reduced [Ca2+]i more efficiently than pasireotide, while both SSA similarly decreased growth hormone release/expression and viability. Corticotropinomas predominantly expressed sst5, but displayed limited response to pasireotide, while octreotide reduced functional endpoints. Non-functioning adenomas preferentially expressed sst3 but, surprisingly, both SSA increased cell viability. Prolactinomas mainly expressed sst1 but were virtually unresponsive to SSA. Finally, both SSA decreased [Ca2+]i in normal pituitaries. In conclusion, both SSA act in vitro on pituitary adenomas exerting both similar and distinct effects; however, no evident correspondence was found with the sst1-sst5 profile. Thus, it seems plausible that additional factors, besides the simple abundance of a given sst, critically influence the SSA response.

Surgical outcome of the shunt: 15-year experience in a single institution.

PURPOSE: Surgical outcome after shunt insertion in pediatric hydrocephalus can vary greatly. Although first shunt survival rates and complications have been studied by several teams, much less is known about survival and complications of subsequent systems. The goals of this study were to evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of pediatric patients followed for a long time and establish the differences between first and subsequent extracranial shunt survival and complications. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective study in pediatric patients treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts between 2000 and 2015 at our institution. Surgical outcome was assessed, and different shunt survival curves were studied with Kaplan-Meier. Complications related to each shunt failure were examined and compared. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients underwent 425 procedures, with a mean follow-up period of 93 months. The median number of shunt revision surgeries was 2. Shunt survival rates were better with the first shunt compared to those with the subsequent shunts. The main complication necessitating system revision surgery was overdrainage, the frequency of proximal and distal dysfunctions was similar in all the shunt failures, and isolated ventricle and infection were more frequent in younger patients. Shunt-related infections accounted for 7 % of the procedures, and the shunt independence rate was 10 %. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of complications related to shunt failure in pediatric patients changes during follow-up. A strict protocol of overdrainage detection and active treatment could explain the need for repeat surgeries and the progressively shorter shunt survival time in our series.

Safety and Efficacy of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for High Grade Glioma in Usual Clinical Practice: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: During the last decade, the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been steadily increasing in neurosurgery. The study's main objectives were to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 5-ALA when used in clinical practice setting on high-grade gliomas' patients. METHODS: National, multicenter and prospective observational study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: authorized conditions of use of 5-ALA. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: contraindication to 5-ALA, inoperable or partial resected tumors, pregnancy and children. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and safety data were collected. Effectiveness was assessed using complete resection of the tumor, and progression-free and overall survival probabilities. RESULTS: Between May 2010 and September 2014, 85 patients treated with 5-ALA were included, and 77 were suitable for the effectiveness analysis. Complete resection was achieved in 41 patients (54%). Surgeons considered suboptimal the fluorescence of 5-ALA in 40% of the patients assessed. The median duration of follow-up was 12.3 months. The progression-free survival probability at 6 months was 58%. The median duration overall survival was 14.2 months. Progression tumor risk factors were grade of glioma, age and resection degree; and death risk factors were grade of glioma and gender. No severe adverse effects were reported. At one month after surgery, new or increased neurological morbidity was 6.5%. Hepatic enzymes were frequently increased within the first month after surgery; however, they subsequently normalized, and this was found to have no clinical significance. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, the 5-ALA showed a good safety profile, but the benefits related to 5-ALA have not been yet clearly shown. The improved differentiation expected by fluorescence between normal and tumor cerebral tissue was suboptimal in a relevant number of patients; in addition, the expected higher degree of resection was lower than in clinical trials as well as incomplete resection was not identified as a prognostic factor risk for death. Because optimal fluorescence was correlated to higher complete resection rate, further research is needed to identify patients (or tumors) with more surgery benefits when using the 5-ALA.

Increased levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) but not transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFß1) are associated with the severity of congenital hydrocephalus in the hyh mouse.

AIMS: Here, we tested the hypothesis that glial responses via the production of cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFß1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases, are correlated with the severity of congenital hydrocephalus in the hyh mouse model. We also searched for evidence of this association in human cases of primary hydrocephalus. METHODS: Hyh mice, which exhibit either severe or compensated long-lasting forms of hydrocephalus, were examined and compared with wild-type mice. TGFß1, TNFα and TNFαR1 mRNA levels were quantified using real-time PCR. TNFα and TNFαR1 were immunolocalized in the brain tissues of hyh mice and four hydrocephalic human foetuses relative to astroglial and microglial reactions. RESULTS: The TGFß1 mRNA levels were not significantly different between hyh mice exhibiting severe or compensated hydrocephalus and normal mice. In contrast, severely hydrocephalic mice exhibited four- and two-fold increases in the mean levels of TNFα and TNFαR1, respectively, compared with normal mice. In the hyh mouse, TNFα and TNFαR1 immunoreactivity was preferentially detected in astrocytes that form a particular periventricular reaction characteristic of hydrocephalus. However, these proteins were rarely detected in microglia, which did not appear to be activated. TNFα immunoreactivity was also detected in the glial reaction in the small group of human foetuses exhibiting hydrocephalus that were examined. CONCLUSIONS: In the hyh mouse model of congenital hydrocephalus, TNFα and TNFαR1 appear to be associated with the severity of the disease, probably mediating the astrocyte reaction, neurodegenerative processes and ischaemia.

Recomendaciones sobre el uso de ácido 5-aminolevulínico en la cirugía de los gliomas malignos. Documento de consenso / Recommendations on the use of 5-amino-levulinic acid in surgery of malignant gliomas. Consensus document. The Neuro-oncology Working Group of the Spanish Neurosurgical Society (SENEC)

Cuando hablamos de pacientes con gliomas de alto grado se encuentra, entre otros factores con interés pronóstico, la radicalidad de la cirugía efectuada. Las limitaciones para su ejecución se deben bien a la extensión del tumor o bien a su localización, en un área elocuente. En un intento de conseguir este objetivo hemos desarrollado en los últimos tiempos diversos métodos que nos permiten maximizar la resección del tumor, intentando siempre causar la menor morbilidad posible. Uno de estos es el empleo del ácido 5-aminolevulínico (5-ALA) y el desarrollo de la cirugía guiada con fluorescencia a partir de su uso. No obstante, para su correcta utilización requiere conocer ante qué producto estamos, la forma de administración, las precauciones a que estamos obligados y cómo poder sacarle el máximo rendimiento. Miembros del Grupo de Trabajo de Neurooncología (GTNO) de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía (SENEC) han elaborado esta guía o documento de consenso con el objetivo de homogeneizar y facilitar la toma de decisiones en la utilización del 5-ALA para la cirugía tumoral encefálica guiada con fluorescencia, y en particular en la resección de los gliomas de alto grado (AU)

Among the prognostic factors when it comes to patients with high-grade gliomas, we find the radicality of the surgery performed. The limitations of this factor are caused by either the extension of the tumour or its location in an eloquent area. To achieve this goal, in the last few years we have developed several methods that allow us to maximise tumour resection, while always trying to cause the least possible co-morbidity. One of these methods includes the use of 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA) and the development of fluorescence guided surgery. However, optimal performance requires knowledge of the product employed, the mode of administration and precautions to consider. Members of the neuro-oncology work group of the Spanish Neurosurgical Society (SENEC) have prepared this guideline or consensus document for anyone who wishes to become familiar with the use of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery in the management of high-grade gliomas. For those who already utilise this technique, this document can be useful for consultation purposes (AU)