[Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with peri-medullary venous drainage: analysis of a series from a single centre and review of the literature]. / Les fistules artério-veineuses durales rachidiennes à drainage veineux péri-médullaire: analyse d'une série monocentrique et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal diagnosis and therapeutic managements of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae, a rare disease, is discussed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a series of 10 patients seen in a 7-year period, treated by embolization. RESULTS: There were 6 males and 4 females, with an average age of 58.4 years (range: 31 to 74 years). Diagnosis was made 2 days to 5 years (mean 15.3 months) after symptom onset with a high rate of incomplete or atypical clinical patterns (prolonged isolated sensory disorder, lumbo-sciatalgia, claudication, monoplegia), or sudden-onset deficit. In all cases, spinal MRI showed an intramedullary high-intensity signal on T2-weighted images but enlarged intradural vessels in only 70p.cent of cases. Angiography showed in all cases an arteriovenous fistula at the upper dorsal level (T1 to T7, 5 cases), lower dorsal (T8-T12, in 3 cases) and lumbar levels (2 cases). The fistula was successfully obliterated after initial embolization in 3 cases, but two (2 cases) or 3 procedures (2 cases) were sometimes required. The endovascular therapy failed in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: In this series, the fistula was successfully obliterated in 70p.cent of patients. In the literature, fistula of 96.8p.cent to 97.9p.cent of patients were obliterated by surgery, which is a more invasive treatment. Embolization could be used as the first-line therapy, but incomplete obliteration requires rapid surgery. While the success of embolization is demonstrated, MRI and angiography must still be performed 6 months later.

Regrowth of residual ruptured aneurysms treated by Guglielmi's Detachable Coils which demanded further treatment by surgical clipping: report of 7 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECT: The management of intracranial aneurysms has truly evolved after the introduction of endovascular treatment by Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). In our department, for every case (ruptured or unruptured aneurysm) we discuss in the first place endovascular treatment. When coiling is feasible, it is done as a first choice. If not (intracranial compressive haematoma, coiling unfeasible or dangerous), the patient is operated upon. Failure of the endovascular technique, like incomplete treatment and regrowth of the residual sac, becomes a subject of discussion. Some cases need complementary treatment for large or unstable residual aneurysm. METHODS: Thus, between 1997 and 2000, 59 ruptured aneurysms were treated using an endovascular method by means of GDC. In 15 of this cases complementary treatment was needed, due to the size or instability of the residual aneurysm. In 8 cases a new embolization was possible and in 7 cases a complementary surgical procedure was needed, due to the impossibility of further endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Out of these 7 cases who were operated upon after coiling, clipping of the residual neck was possible in 4 cases; in 3 cases clipping was impossible due to the partial filling of the aneurysm neck by the coils. In these 3 cases, a ligation of the residual neck, associated with coagulation of the sac was performed. DISCUSSION: The difficulty of the treatment of an residual aneurysm after coiling is discussed as well as those surgical techniques alternative to clipping (wrapping or coagulation of the residual sac).

Computer-assisted resection of supra-tentorial cavernous malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of cerebral tumors or vascular lesions requires a precise localization to minimize the skin, bone and cerebral approach. The image-guided surgery is currently considered to be of undisputed value in microneurosurgical technique. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2000, 13 patients were operated in our service for resection of a cavernous malformation deeply located using the MRI assisted image guidance (Sofamor-Danek Neuronavigation Cranial 3 System). RESULTS: The computer-calculated registration accuracy ranged between 0.8 and 2.0 mm (median 1.1 mm). The exact location of the cavernous malformation was possible in all the cases. Total resection of the lesion was always achieved. Operative mortality and transient morbidity were 0 % and 16 %, respectively. DISCUSSION: The image-guided technique offers a better help than the previously used methods (preoperative localization with CT scan or stereotactic implantation of guiding catheters) to resect intracranial lesions, especially if the lesion is deeply situated in the brain or in an eloquent area. Preoperative MRI-based 3D models, performed using special skin markers, and surgical computer-assisted neuronavigation allow us to find and to resect small and deep lesions with minimal mortality and low morbidity rate.

Recurrent lumbosacral metastases from intracranial meningioma. Report of a case and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 31 year-old woman who in 1991 presented a clinical history of headaches, nausea and vomiting. CT scan showed a right frontotemporal meningioma. The first operation achieved a macroscopically complete resection. The tumour was histologically classified as a transitional meningioma. There were recurrences of the intracranial meningioma in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998. These recurrences were accompanied by differentiation to atypical and anaplastic meningioma. In all of these operations, a macroscopically complete resection of the tumour was performed. In 1996 adjuvant radiation therapy was given. In 1998 therapy with bromocriptine was adopted. In April 1999, the patient presented with lumbosacral pain associated with L5 bilateral sciatica. MRI showed a gadolinium enhancing mass lesion at L5-S1 level. Complete tumour resection was performed. The histological findings were the same as in 1998. In December 1999 the patient presented with perineal pain and MRI showed a L4 and S3 recurrence and the tumour was resected. The histological findings were those of a malignant meningioma. In February 2000 an intracranial recurrence was detected and operated on. The histological diagnosis was malignant meningioma. A review of the literature was undertake and is discussed.

Lack of evidence of osteo-medullary metastases at diagnosis in patients with high grade gliomas.

High grade gliomas usually show a transient response to standard therapy by radiation. A local evolution leads to patient death in most of the cases. Necropsic series suggest that metastatic evolution is rather frequent in lungs, lymph nodes, bones or bone marrow. Are these metastatic deposits present initially? The authors retrospectively reviewed the bone marrow smears performed in 20 patients and the bone scans in 10 patients with high grade gliomas at time of diagnosis. None of these investigations showed metastatic deposits. It is thus suggested that metastatic deposits are probably a late event in the natural history of high grade gliomas. However, if local treatment could reach local control, metastases would probably become a major problem. Thus definitive cure of high grade glioma may require multidisciplinary approach.

[Multiple intracranial and intraspinal meningiomas successively discovered in the absence of neurofibromatosis: 2 cases]. / Méningiomes multiples intracrânien et intrarachidien de découverte successive en l'absence de neurofibromatose: deux observations.

Multiple meningiomas in different neuroaxial compartments are quite rare. We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who developed three intracranial meningiomas and 8 years later a T3 dorsal meningioma. Histologically, the frontal and dorsal tumors appeared as benign psammomatouss meningiomas. Both tumors were removed successfully. The second patient was a 31-year-old woman who developed right benign fronto-parietal transitional meningioma. She presented local and spheno-orbital recurrences, then a lombo-sacral lesion. The histological picture worsened from benign to malignant with multiple recurrences. Several mechanisms could account for multiple meningiomas. Such meningiomas could arise from a single primary tumor via subarachnoidal spread of a benign or malignant nature. Alternatively, they could be atypical forms of neurofibromatosis type 2 or tumors with a multifocal origin.

[Central nervous system neurocytomas: clinicopathological analysis of tree cases]. / Neurocitomas do sistema nervoso central: análise clínico-patológica de três casos.

Central nervous system neurocytoma is a rare benign tumor of neuronal origin. Because of some clinical and radiological findings CNS neurocytomas were confused with other intraventricular lesions (ependymomas, choroid plexus papilloma, oligodendrogliomas, subependymal astrocytomas). Pathological diagnosis improved with immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies. We present three cases of intraventricular neurocytomas confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. According to the literature clinical signs, radiological features, surgical and pathological findings are discussed.

[Moyamoya disease: advantage of early diagnosis and survival treatment. Review of three cases]. / Maladie de Moya-Moya: intérêt d'un diagnostic et d'un traitement chirurgical précoces. A propos de trois observations.

A diagnosis of moyamoya disease was made in three children aged five, eight and 13 years (including two Turkish sisters). Clinical presentation was recurrent episodes of cerebral ischemia and stroke. CT scans and MRI showed infarcts in various distributions. Angiography revealed anterior bilateral stenosis of the circle of Willis and development of Moyamoya collateral pathways. In one case there was coagulopathy with protein C deficiency. To increase transdural collateral flow, revascularisation with encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis was attempted in all three children. Outcome was clinically and angiographically satisfactory and none of the children developed further neurological complications. The current state of study on Moyamoya disease is also presented.

Reflections on the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

BACKGROUND: The authors report their personal experience in the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), using the three techniques now available: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery. They review the recent literature on this topic and present their current management algorithm based on this experience. METHODS: A series of 90 patients treated for cerebral AVMs is reported (68% Grade I-III and 32% Grade IV-V, Spetzler scale). The three methods of treatment were used, either individually or in combination, based on the size and the location of the malformation. The first intervention was surgical resection in 26% of cases, endovascular embolization in 57%, and radiosurgery in 17%. Surgery and embolization were followed by another technique in some cases and eventually single modality treatment was used in 58% of cases (surgical resection 21%, endovascular embolization 20%, radiosurgery 17%) and multimodality treatment in 42% (embolization + resection, 21%; embolization + radiosurgery, 17%; resection + radiosurgery, 4%). Embolization was used as reductive therapy in 38% of the overall series (65% of all embolized patients), and was followed by surgery in 56% of cases or by radiosurgery in 44%. Angiography was used to assess the cure rates. RESULTS: The following cure rates were obtained, when each technique was used as a first treatment: surgical resection, 82%; embolization, 6%; and radiosurgery, 83% (2-year angiographic follow-up). After combined treatment, embolization and resection resulted in a 100% cure rate, embolization and radiosurgery produced a 90% cure rate. The clinical outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration attributable to treatment. Seventy-one percent of patients had no complication, minor complications were observed in 18%, and severe complications in 11%. Treatment mortality was 3%. All deaths were attributable to hemorrhage during the embolization procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In this management algorithm, AVMs submitted directly to surgery or to radiosurgery were considered "good risk" malformations, and the outcome for these cases was good in terms of clinical result and cure rate. AVMs submitted first to endovascular embolization were considered "poor risk" malformations, including a majority of Spetzler Grade IV-V lesions. Not surprisingly, the majority of severe complications occured in this group during embolization. Thus, the major risk of the treatment of AVMs has now shifted from surgery to endovascular techniques. Endovascular embolization as sole treatment gave a low rate of complete occlusion, but proved to be very useful as a reductive therapy, in preparation for further surgery or radiosurgery. Partial embolization permitted high rates of complete cure in difficult AVMs. Embolization should be used to the maximum extent possible as a reductive technique, despite the risks of the procedure. Because of its risks however, this technique of reductive embolization should be used only if absolutely necessary to allow the complete cure of the malformation. Thus, the use of embolization should be considered very cautiously in small malformations as well as in very large and complex AVMs in which partial embolization will not be sufficient to allow complete cure with either endovascular or surgical techniques.

The role of Linac radiosurgery in multidisciplinary management for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: personal experience.

The authors analyze their personal series of 90 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) concerning the place of radiosurgery (RS). Out of the 90 patients, 34 undervent Linac RS-RS was used as single treatment (17%) or in combination with embolization or surgery (21%.) Eradication rate assessed angiographically after 2 years was 89%. Regarding this personal series and the recent literature, several questions remain: should small superficial AVMs revealed by hemorrhage be irradiated or operated on and the role of embolization as a reductive method before RS in order to reduce the complications and improve the obliteration rates.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations of the brain using a standard linear accelerator: the Lyon experience.

Radiosurgery (RS) was initiated in Lyon in October 1989. The technique was adapted from that described by Lutz and Saunders in Boston (BRW stereotactic frame). Irradiation is delivered with 18-MV photons produced by a LINAC. From December 1989 to December 1992, 41 patients with arteriovenous malformations were treated by RS; the median age was 33 years. The largest lesion diameter was 11.2-38.5 mm. Fifteen to 20 Gy were delivered on the 70% isodose line. Angiography was performed at 2 years post-treatment in 32 patients demonstrating an overall complete thrombosis rate of 81.3%. This incidence was significantly correlated with the Spetzler and Martin grade before RS (P = 0.0055). Two patients (4.9%) experienced haemorrhage after radiosurgical treatment and one died from an intracerebral-intraventricular haemorrhage. Four patients (9.7%) experienced permanent radiation-induced neurological complications.

Management of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

A series of 62 patients treated surgically for one or several unruptured intracranial aneurysms is reported. 83 aneurysms were treated in 65 operations. The main locations of the aneurysms were: MCA 35%, ICA (posterior communicating) 22%, carotido-ophthalmic segment 12%, carotid bifurcation 11%, anterior communicating artery 11%, verterbro basilar artery 5%. The circumstances of discovery were: incidental 28%, multiple aneurysm 22%, headache 18%, ischemic episode 9%, mass effect 8%, seizures 6%. Overall, 8% of these unruptured aneurysms were certainly symptomatic, 58% were certainly asymptomatic, and for 34% the relationship with the mode of discovery was uncertain. The overall outcome of surgery was: good recovery 94%, moderately disabled 1.5%, severely disabled 1.5%, and death 3%. The post-operative complications were related to surgical technique in 2 cases, to a severe atherosclerotic state of the ICA in 1 case, and to the general arteriopathy of the patient in 1 case. The discussion reviews in the literature the various arguments developed in favor of an active treatment of the unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Three arguments are proposed. 1. The overall severity of the aneurysm rupture, with a mortality rate over 60%. 2. The cumulative risk of rupture of an unruptured aneurysm, which may be high in young patients (from 16 to 30% lifetime risk). 3. The good outcome of the surgical treatment of the unruptured aneurysm (mortality rate under 4%, morbidity rate approximately 6%). The operative risk is higher for large or giant aneurysms, for a patient with a history of ischemic cerebrovascular accident as mode of discovery, for elderly patients with arteriosclerotic thickening of ICA wall and aneurysm neck. The decision to treat or not to treat may be easier (mass-effect, multiple aneurysm, acute headache) or more difficult (chronic headache, hemorrhage of other origin, seizures, incidental discovery). The endovascular treatment with occlusion of the aneurysms sac by means of coils is more and more an alternative to surgical treatment, but requires a long follow-up to ensure the absence of reexpansion of the coil-embolized aneurysms. The screening for unruptured aneurysms, especially in cases with familial intracranial aneurysms is more and more often proposed. The authors' opinion now is surgical clipping of small and middle-sized aneurysms in young patients, without severe associated pathology, and clearly agreeing with surgery. The limit of age for surgery is usually 65 years except for those aneurysms discovered after a mass-effect. Elderly patients, giant aneurysms, patients with contra-indication for surgery, are proposed for endovascular treatment.

[Therapeutic risk in multidisciplinary approach of cerebral arteriovenous malformations]. / Le risque thérapeutique dans l'approche multidisciplinaire des malformations artério-veineuses cérébrales.

PATIENTS AND TECHNIQUES: A series of 67 patients treated for cerebral AVMs using a multidisciplinary approach is reported, paying special attention to the complications due to treatment. The malformations were classified according to the Spetzler Grading Scale, with 67% low-grade and 33% high-grade AVMs. Three modes of treatment were used: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery (linear accelerator technique). The actual treatment was: resection alone (25% of cases), embolization plus resection (24%), embolization alone (21%), and radiosurgery, (30%) either alone or after embolization or surgery. The following eradication rates were obtained: 80% overall, 91% after resection (with or without embolization), 13% after embolization alone, 87% after radiosurgery. CLINICAL OUTCOME: The outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration due to treatment. Treatment-related deterioration occurred in 28% of cases and consisted of a minor deterioration (19%), a neurological deficit (4%), or death (4%). As far as the mode of treatment is concerned, surgical resection was followed by deterioration in 20% of all operated cases (minor 17%, deficit 3%). Radiosurgery was followed by a minor deterioration in 10% of irradiated cases. Embolization resulted in complication in 25% of all embolized cases (minor 12.5%, neurological deficit 5%, or death 7.5%). The mechanism of the complication was: resection on manipulation of a functional area and the haemorrhage for cases treated by surgery, radionecrosis for radiosurgery, ischemia and haemorrhage (50% each) for embolization. In 4 out of the 5 cases of haemorrhage due to embolization, an occlusion of the main venous drainage could be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: The haemodynamic disturbances relating to AVMs and to their treatment are reviewed in the literature. The main haemodynamic mechanisms at the origin of a complication after treatment of cerebral AVMs are the normal perfusion pressure breakthrough syndrome, venous drainage defects (venous overload or occlusive hyperemia), and retrograde thrombosis of the feeding arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Improved treatment of cerebral AVMs has been achieved through the multidisciplinary approach, and especially through the endovascular embolization technique. Such an improvement is especially visible in the field of high-grade malformations, which are the most difficult and the most dangerous to treat. As a consequence, the risk of the treatment has naturally shifted from surgical resection towards endovascular embolization which is the first procedure to be performed in difficult cases. Careful consultation between the various specialists is necessary in this pathology, particularly as some of these AVMs are a good indication for each of the three available methods of treatment.

Complications after multidisciplinary treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

PATIENTS AND TECHNIQUES: A series of 67 patients treated for cerebral AVMs with a multidisciplinary approach is reported, with special attention for the complications due to treatment. The malformations were classified after the Spetzler Grading Scale, with 67% low-grade and 33% high-grade AVMs. Three modes of treatment were used: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery (linear accelerator technique). The actual treatment was: resection alone (25% of cases), embolization plus resection (24%), embolization alone (21%), and radiosurgery (30%), either alone or after embolization or surgery. The following eradication rates were obtained: overall 80%, after resection (with or without embolization) 91%, after embolization alone 13%, after radiosurgery 87%. CLINICAL OUTCOME: The outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration due to treatment. A deterioration after treatment occurred in 19 patients (28%), and was a minor deterioration (19%), a neurological deficit (4%), or death (4%). As far as the mode of treatment is concerned, surgical resection was responsible for deterioration (minor) in 17% of all cases operated upon. Radiosurgery was followed by a minor deterioration in 10% of irradiated cases. Embolization gave a complication in 25% of all embolized cases (minor or neurological deficit, or death). The mechanism of the complications was: resection or manipulation of an eloquent area during surgery, radionecrosis after radiosurgery, ischaemia and haemorrhage (50% each) following embolization. In most cases of haemorrhage due to embolization, occlusion of the main venous drainage could be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: The haemodynamic disturbances to AVMs and to their treatment are reviewed in the literature. The main haemodynamic mechanisms admitted at the beginning of a complication after treatment of cerebral AVMs are the normal perfusion pressure breakthrough syndrome, the disturbances of the venous drainage (venous overload or occlusive hyperaemia), and the retrograde thrombosis of the feeding arteries. CONCLUSIONS: According the authors' experience, the emphasis of treatment for cerebral AVMs has now shifted from surgical resection to endovascular embolization. One of the explanations is that endovascular techniques are now employed in the most difficult cases (high grade AVMs). As severe complications of endovascular embolization may also occur for low-grade malformations, the question arises whether surgery or radiosurgery should not be used first for this low-grade group even if embolization is feasible.

Multidisciplinary treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

A series of 67 patients treated for cerebral AVM with a multidisciplinary approach is reported. The malformations were classified after the Spetzler Grading Scale, with 67% low-grade and 33% high-grade AVMs. Three modes of treatment were used: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery (linear accelerator technique). The actual treatment was: surgical resection alone (25% of cases), embolization plus resection (25% of cases), embolization alone (21%) and radiosurgery (30%) either alone (12%), or after incomplete embolization (15%) or after incomplete resection (3%). The clinical outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration due to treatment. The treatment was responsible for a deterioration in 28% of all patients, either minor deterioration (19%) neurological deficit (4%), or death (4%). All complications of surgical resection (17% of all operated cases) and of radiosurgery (10% of irradiated cases) remained minor. None was haemodynamic-related. After endovascular embolization, a deterioration occurred in 25% of all embolized cases (minor 13%, neurological deficit 5% and death 8%). These complications occurring after embolization were haemodynamic related: ischaemia and haemorrhage (50% for each mechanism). Haemorrhage occurred either during or some days after the embolization procedure. The angiographic eradication rate was: 80% overall, 91% after resection (with or without previous embolization), 87% after radiosurgery (alone or after other techniques), and 10% after embolization alone. The discussion reviews in the literature the general evolution of the management of cerebral AVMs, with successive application of first surgical resection, the embolization and lastly radiosurgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Level of consciousness and age as prognostic factors in aneurysmal SAH.

The prognostic value of the level of consciousness and the patient's age for the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is studied in 74 patients admitted on day (D) 0 to D3 after aneurysm rupture. For the level of consciousness three groups of patients are compared: grade I+II (alert patients), grade III+IV (drowsy patients), and grade V (comatose patients). For the age, two groups are compared: patients aged under 50, and patients aged 50 and over. The timing of surgery was: D0-D3 51%, D4-D6 20%, D7 and later 18%, and No surgery 11%. The overall management results were: Good (satisfactory result) 43%, Fair (moderately disabled) 18%, Poor (severely disabled+vegetative survival) 19%, and Death 20%. The outcome was strongly related to the level of consciousness, the rates of Good result decreasing from 71% (grades I-II) to 14% (grades III-IV) and to zero (grade V), and the mortality rates increasing respectively from 5% to 14% and 61%. The relationship between outcome and age was less marked: 54% Good result under 50 and 30% over 50. Out of the Grade V group, 56% could be operated upon and 44% died before surgery. No patient from the other two groups died before surgery. The literature concerning the Grading Systems published so far and the various prognostic factors are discussed.

The use of Teflon as wrapping material in aneurysm surgery.

Even if clipping is the ideal and only complete treatment of the intracranial aneurysm, wrapping is a well-known alternative technique when aneurysm clipping is not feasible, or is not completely satisfactory. We present a technique of wrapping using fibres of Teflon material shaped in strings or in pledgets, arranged on or around the area to be treated and fixed by fibrin glue. This Teflon technique was used during the years 1990 to 1992, in 44 treated aneurysms (33% or all aneurysms treated during the same period), and in 3 situations: 1) to reinforce a residual or additional ectasia next to the clipped aneurysm, usually proximal to the clip (25 cases, i.e., 57%), 2) to treat an arterial ectasia, so called preaneurysmal ectasia, which proved not clippable at surgery (10 cases, 23%) and 3) to protect a nervous or vascular neighbouring structure which was compressed by the clip grip (9 cases, 20%). No complication was noted in relation to this technique. Up to now, no other know wrapping material has received worldwide approval for being completely innocuous and effective. The Teflon material has been widely used in neurosurgical microvascular decompression and in cardiovascular surgery. In these fields, its reliability, safety, and lack of harmful effects have been widely recognized and should also apply in aneurysm surgery. A very long follow-up will be necessary to assess the outcome for this new wrapping technique.

Long term outcome after treatment of the ruptured intracranial aneurysm: 73 cases admitted from day 0 to day 3 after subarachnoid haemorrhage.

73 patients admitted from day 0 to day 3 (D0 to D3) after a subarachnoid haemorrhage and being in Hunt and Hess grades I to IV after aneurysm rupture, were studied. All admitted patients were operated upon. The timing of surgery was neither systematic early nor systematic late surgery, but modulated surgery. Patients in good grades (I and II) and under 50 years of age were operated on early. Patients in poor grade and over 50 years of age were operated late. Other patients were operated on preferably early if they were young, even in poor grade, or late if they were old even in good grade. The overall immediate outcome was: good and fair--85%, poor--4%, and death--11%. For those patients operated on early after SAH (D0-3) the good and fair outcome rate went up to 90%. The long term outcome was evaluated after 1 year (from 1 to 6 years, average 1 year 8 months). 97% of patients were available for follow-up. The long-term neurological outcome was identical to the immediate outcome. The resumption of activity was the criteria chosen to evaluate the long term outcome. The long term ability to work in 63 followed-up surviving patients was: normal activity--57%, reduced level of activity--16%, no resumption of activity--27%. This rate of activity resumption was not improved in patients operated on early. Among patients with a good long term neurological outcome, only 67% resumed their previous activity at the same level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prognostic value of the Spetzler's grading system in a series of cerebral AVMs treated by a combined management.

The prognostic value of the Spetzler's grading system is studied in a series of 52 AVMs treated by a combined management, using one or several of the 3 available techniques: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, radiosurgery. The symptoms at the time of treatment were haemorrhage 50%, seizures 31%, headache and deficit 19%. Three grade groups were considered: I and II (31%), III (33%), IV and V (36%). Overall, AVMs were managed as follows: resection alone 25%, embolization plus resection 23%, embolization alone 23%, radiosurgery with various combinations 29%. According to the grade groups, the most frequently used technique was resection alone for grade I-II AVMs (44%), radiosurgery for grade III AVMs (41%) and embolization alone for grade IV-V AVMs (42%). The clinical outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration due to treatment. The best results were obtained in grade I-II AVMs (81% with no deterioration) then in grade III AVMs (65%) and in grade IV-V (58%). However, when we consider the outcome in terms of favourable results (no or only minor deterioration) we obtained a similar outcome for grade I-II and grade III AVMs (94% each), and only 79% for grade IV-V malformations. The angiographic outcome showed a better eradication rate in grade III AVMs (88% complete eradication), than in grade I-II AVMs (75%) and in grade IV-V (47%). Our conclusion is that the Spetzler's grading system in this series was well correlated with both the clinical and the angiographic outcome. However, we found no real difference between grade I-II and grade III AVMs. So, in terms of prognostic value, the grade I, II, and III AVMs could be considered together as low-grade malformations, with a better prognosis than the high-grade malformations (grade IV and V).