Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors / Descompresión microvascular en la neuralgia del trigémino: análisis retrospectivo de los resultados a largo plazo e identificación de factores pronósticos

Introduction: Microvascular decompression is considered to be the most effective and onlyetiological surgical treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia, relieving the neurovascularcompression found in up to 95% of cases. This study aims to report the long-term outcomesand to identify prognostic factors in a series of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated bymicrovascular decompression. Methods: A retrospective observational study of 152 consecutive patients operated bymicrovascular decompression with at least six months of follow-up. The surgical results, includ-ing pain relief according to the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, complications and themedical treatment during the follow-up period were reviewed. Binary regression analysis wasperformed to identify factors associated with a good long-term outcome. Results: A total of 152 patients with a mean age of 60 years and a mean follow-up of 43 monthswere included. At the final follow-up visit, 83% of the patients had achieved significant reliefof the pain and 63% could reduce the absolute drug doses by 50% or more. The most frequentcomplications were wound infection (4.5%) and CSF fistula (7%). Being over 70 years of age andhaving paroxysmal pain were associated with a long-term pain relief.(AU)

Introducción: La descompresión microvascular se considera el tratamiento quirúrgico etiológico más eficaz de la neuralgia clásica del trigémino, dirigido a aliviar la compresión neurovascular identificada hasta en un 95% de casos. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los resultados quirúrgicos y la evolución a largo plazo de una serie de pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino tratados mediante descompresión microvascular, así como identificar factores pronósticos. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 152 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a descompresión microvascular y con un seguimiento posquirúrgico mínimo de seis meses. Analizamos los resultados quirúrgicos, clasificando el grado de dolor según la escala del Instituto Neurológico de Barrow, las complicaciones y el tratamiento médico requerido durante el período de seguimiento. Realizamos un análisis de regresión binaria para identificar factores asociados con un buen resultado a largo plazo. Resultados: Incluimos 152 pacientes con una edad media de 60 años y un seguimiento medio de 43 meses. En la última visita de seguimiento, el 83% de los pacientes había logrado un alivio significativo del dolor y el 63% pudo reducir la dosis absoluta de fármacos para la neuralgia en un 50% o más. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron infección de la herida (4,5%) y fístula de LCR (7%). La edad superior a 70 años y el dolor de predominio paroxístico se asociaron con un mejor pronóstico. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados apoyan que la descompresión microvascular es una terapia efectiva y segura en pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino. La cirugía temprana puede ser beneficiosa en pacientes refractarios al tratamiento farmacológico.(AU)

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular decompression is considered to be the most effective and only etiological surgical treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia, relieving the neurovascular compression found in up to 95% of cases. This study aims to report the long-term outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in a series of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by microvascular decompression. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of 152 consecutive patients operated by microvascular decompression with at least six months of follow-up. The surgical results, including pain relief according to the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, complications and the medical treatment during the follow-up period were reviewed. Binary regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good long-term outcome. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients with a mean age of 60 years and a mean follow-up of 43 months were included. At the final follow-up visit, 83% of the patients had achieved significant relief of the pain and 63% could reduce the absolute drug doses by 50% or more. The most frequent complications were wound infection (4.5%) and CSF fistula (7%). Being over 70 years of age and having paroxysmal pain were associated with a long-term pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that microvascular decompression is an effective and safe therapy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. A multidisciplinary approach with an early referral to a neurosurgical unit many be beneficial in patients who are refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Primary central nervous system angiosarcoma with recurrent acute subdural hematoma / Angiosarcoma cerebral primario del sistema nervioso central con hematoma subdural agudo recurrente

Angiosarcoma is an infrequent tumor among sarcomas, especially presenting as a primary tumor within the central nervous system, which can lead to a rapid neurological deterioration and death in few months. We present a 41-year old man with a right frontal enhancing hemorrhagic lesion. Surgery was performed with histopathological findings suggesting a primary central nervous system angiosarcoma. He was discharged uneventfully and received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At 5 months, the follow-up MRI showed two lesions with an acute subdural hematoma, suggesting a relapse. Surgery was again conducted finding tumoral membranes attached to the internal layer of the duramater around the right hemisphere. The patient died a few days later due to the recurrence of the subdural hematoma.This case report illustrates a rare and lethal complication of an unusual tumor. The literature reviewed shows that gross-total resection with adjuvant radiotherapy seems to be the best treatment of choice (AU)

El angiosarcoma es un tumor infrecuente entre los sarcomas, especialmente cuando se trata de una lesión primaria en el sistema nervioso central, que puede conducir a un rápido deterioro neurológico y a la muerte en pocos meses. Se presenta a un varón de 41 años con una lesión hemorrágica frontal derecha. Se realiza cirugía con resultados histopatológicos que sugieren un angiosarcoma cerebral primario. El paciente recibió tratamiento complementario con quimioterapia y radioterapia. A los cinco meses, el seguimiento con RM mostró dos lesiones y un hematoma subdural agudo, sugiriendo recaída. Se realizó una nueva cirugía hallando membranas tumorales unidas a la cara interna de la duramadre, alrededor del hemisferio derecho. El paciente acabó falleciendo debido a la recurrencia del hematoma subdural. Este caso ilustra una complicación rara y letal de un tumor infrecuente. La literatura revisada muestra que su tratamiento de elección es la resección completa y la radioterapia adyuvante (AU)

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular decompression is considered to be the most effective and only etiological surgical treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia, relieving the neurovascular compression found in up to 95% of cases. This study aims to report the long-term outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in a series of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by microvascular decompression. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of 152 consecutive patients operated by microvascular decompression with at least six months of follow-up. The surgical results, including pain relief according to the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, complications and the medical treatment during the follow-up period were reviewed. Binary regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good long-term outcome. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients with a mean age of 60 years and a mean follow-up of 43 months were included. At the final follow-up visit, 83% of the patients had achieved significant relief of the pain and 63% could reduce the absolute drug doses by 50% or more. The most frequent complications were wound infection (4.5%) and CSF fistula (7%). Being over 70 years of age and having paroxysmal pain were associated with a long-term pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the notion that microvascular decompression is an effective and safe therapy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. A multidisciplinary approach with an early referral to a neurosurgical unit many be beneficial in patients who are refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Acute stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ictus Madrid Program recommendations. / Atención al ictus agudo durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Recomendaciones Plan Ictus Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in complete saturation of healthcare capacities, making it necessary to reorganise healthcare systems. In this context, we must guarantee the provision of acute stroke care and optimise code stroke protocols to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and rationalise the use of hospital resources. The Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group presents a series of recommendations to achieve these goals. METHODS: We conducted a non-systematic literature search using the keywords "stroke" and "COVID-19" or "coronavirus" or "SARS-CoV-2." Our literature review also included other relevant studies known to the authors. Based on this literature review, a series of consensus recommendations were established by the Madrid Stroke multidisciplinary group and its neurology committee. RESULTS: These recommendations address 5 main objectives: 1) coordination of action protocols to ensure access to hospital care for stroke patients; 2) recognition of potentially COVID-19-positive stroke patients; 3) organisation of patient management to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals; 4) avoidance of unnecessary neuroimaging studies and other procedures that may increase the risk of infection; and 5) safe, early discharge and follow-up to ensure bed availability. This management protocol has been called CORONA (Coordinate, Recognise, Organise, Neuroimaging, At home). CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations presented here may assist in the organisation of acute stroke care and the optimisation of healthcare resources, while ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.

Valor predictivo de la resonancia magnética para la identificación de compresiones neurovasculares en la neuralgia del trigémino / Predictive value of magnetic resonance for identifying neurovascular compressions in trigeminal neuralgia

Introducción: La descompresión microvascular (DMV) es aceptada como único tratamiento quirúrgico etiológico para la neuralgia del trigémino (NT) clásica refractaria al tratamiento médico. Por ello existe un creciente interés por establecer el valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de la identificación de compresiones neurovasculares (CNV) mediante resonancia magnética (RM) con secuencias tridimensionales de alta resolución en pacientes con NT clásica candidatos a cirugía. Métodos: Este estudio observacional incluye una serie consecutiva de 74 pacientes con NT clásica refractaria intervenidos mediante DMV. En todos los pacientes se realizó una RM tridimensional de alta resolución con secuencias DRIVE preoperatoria para diagnosticar la existencia de una CNV, así como su grado, origen y localización. Los resultados de la RM fueron analizados de forma «ciega» para los hallazgos de la exploración quirúrgica y posteriormente comparados con estos. Se realizó un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses para comprobar los resultados quirúrgicos, que se clasificaron según la escala de dolor facial del Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI score). El valor pronóstico de la RM preoperatoria se analizó mediante una regresión logística binaria. Resultados: La RM preoperatoria con secuencias DRIVE demostró una sensibilidad del 95% y una especificidad del 87%, con un valor predictivo positivo del 98% y un valor predictivo negativo del 70%. Además se evidenció un buen grado de concordancia mediante el coeficiente kappa (CK) entre los hallazgos radiológicos y quirúrgicos respecto a la existencia de CNV (CK 0,75), al tipo de compresión (CK 0,74) y a la localización (CK 0,72), siendo del grado de concordancia moderado para el grado de compresión (CK 0,48).Tras un seguimiento medio de 29 meses (rango 6-100 meses), el 81% de los pacientes presentaban un control del dolor sin o con medicación (BNI score I-III). Los pacientes con un resultado excelente del tratamiento, es decir aquellos sin dolor trigeminal y sin medicación (BNI score i) fueron el 66% al final del seguimiento. El análisis univariante mediante regresión logística binaria demostró que el diagnóstico de una CNV en la RM preoperatoria era un factor pronóstico favorable que incrementaba significativamente la probabilidad de obtener un resultado excelente (OR 0,17, IC del 95%, 0,04-0,72; p 0,02) o aceptable (OR 0,16, IC del 95%, 0,04-0,68; p 0,01) tras la DMV. Conclusiones: La RM DRIVE presenta una elevada sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico preoperatorio de CNV en pacientes con NT clásica refractaria candidatos a tratamiento mediante DMV. El hallazgo de una CNV en el estudio de RM preoperatorio es un factor de buen pronóstico para la obtención de alivio del dolor a largo plazo con la DMV

Introduction: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is accepted as the only aetiological surgical treatment for refractory classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There is therefore increasing interest in establishing the diagnostic and prognostic value of identifying neurovascular compressions (NVC) using preoperative high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MRI) in patients with classic TN who are candidates for surgery. Methods: This observational study includes a series of 74 consecutive patients with classic TN treated with MVD. All patients underwent a preoperative three-dimensional high-resolution MRI with DRIVE sequences to diagnose presence of NVC, as well as the degree, cause, and location of compressions. MRI results were analysed by doctors blinded to surgical findings and subsequently compared to those findings. After a minimum follow-up time of six months, we assessed the surgical outcome and graded it on the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score (BNI score). The prognostic value of the preoperative MRI was estimated using binary logistic regression. Results: Preoperative DRIVE MRI sequences showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 87%, with a 98% positive predictive value and a 70% negative predictive value. Moreover, Cohen's kappa (CK) indicated a good level of agreement between radiological and surgical findings regarding presence of NVC (CK 0.75), type of compression (CK 0.74) and the site of compression (CK 0.72), with only moderate agreement as to the degree of compression (CK 0.48).After a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 6-100 months), 81% of the patients reported pain control with or without medication (BNI score I-IIII). Patients with an excellent surgical outcome, i.e. without pain and off medication (BNI score i), made up 66% of the total at the end of follow-up. Univariate analysis using binary logistic regression showed that a diagnosis of NVC on the preoperative MRI was a favorable prognostic factor that significantly increased the odds of obtaining an excellent outcome (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.72; P=.02) or an acceptable outcome (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.68; P = .01) after MVD. Conclusions: DRIVE MRI shows high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing NVC in patients with refractory classic TN and who are candidates for MVD. The finding of NVC on preoperative MRI is a good prognostic factor for long-term pain relief with MVD

Central nervous system ependymoma: clinical implications of the new molecular classification, treatment guidelines and controversial issues.

Ependymoma is an uncommon neuroepithelial tumor that may arise anywhere within the neuroaxis, both in children and in adults. It has been classically graded upon histopathological features, yet with limited clinical utility. Recently, DNA methylation profiling has provided a novel classification of ependymoma in nine molecular subgroups. This stratification method harbors prognostic value with supratentorial RELA-fusion and posterior fossa group A tumors showing a significantly shorter survival compared to the rest. Currently, the treatment of choice involves maximal safe resection and, in cases of residual disease, adjuvant conformal radiotherapy. Second-look surgery is also a feasible and recommended option for incompletely resected tumors. The role of chemotherapy is not yet established and can be considered in infants and children with relapsing disease or prior to re-intervention. Although targeted agents do not seem to play a role as adjuvant therapy, they are currently being tested for recurrent disease.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance for identifying neurovascular compressions in trigeminal neuralgia. / Valor predictivo de la resonancia magnética para la identificación de compresiones neurovasculares en la neuralgia del trigémino.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is accepted as the only aetiological surgical treatment for refractory classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There is therefore increasing interest in establishing the diagnostic and prognostic value of identifying neurovascular compressions (NVC) using preoperative high-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MRI) in patients with classic TN who are candidates for surgery. METHODS: This observational study includes a series of 74 consecutive patients with classic TN treated with MVD. All patients underwent a preoperative three-dimensional high-resolution MRI with DRIVE sequences to diagnose presence of NVC, as well as the degree, cause, and location of compressions. MRI results were analysed by doctors blinded to surgical findings and subsequently compared to those findings. After a minimum follow-up time of six months, we assessed the surgical outcome and graded it on the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score (BNI score). The prognostic value of the preoperative MRI was estimated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Preoperative DRIVE MRI sequences showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 87%, with a 98% positive predictive value and a 70% negative predictive value. Moreover, Cohen's kappa (CK) indicated a good level of agreement between radiological and surgical findings regarding presence of NVC (CK 0.75), type of compression (CK 0.74) and the site of compression (CK 0.72), with only moderate agreement as to the degree of compression (CK 0.48). After a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 6-100 months), 81% of the patients reported pain control with or without medication (BNI score i-iiiI). Patients with an excellent surgical outcome, i.e. without pain and off medication (BNI score i), made up 66% of the total at the end of follow-up. Univariate analysis using binary logistic regression showed that a diagnosis of NVC on the preoperative MRI was a favorable prognostic factor that significantly increased the odds of obtaining an excellent outcome (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.72; P=.02) or an acceptable outcome (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.68; P=.01) after MVD. CONCLUSIONS: DRIVE MRI shows high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing NVC in patients with refractory classic TN and who are candidates for MVD. The finding of NVC on preoperative MRI is a good prognostic factor for long-term pain relief with MVD.

Carcinoma tricofolicular con capacidad metastásica / Trichofollicular carcinoma with metastatic spread

El carcinoma folicular es un tumor maligno derivado del folículo piloso. La mayor parte de los tumores foliculares son benignos, pero en los últimos años se han publicado casos aislados de tumores anexiales con características de malignidad y con una gran agresividad local siendo en principio tumores que se consideraban benignos. Creemos que este tumor está siendo infradiagnosticado, y como consecuencia, infratratado al ser confundido con otros tumores malignos originados en la piel, como el carcinoma basocelular y sobre todo con el carcinoma epidermoide, en parte por poca documentación y por la dificultad para su diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Presentamos un caso de carcinoma tricofolicular en cuero cabelludo en una mujer de 51 años de edad que rápidamente invade sistema nervioso central y que en solo 3 meses metastatiza a pulmón (AU)

Trichofollicular carcinoma is a malignant tumour derived from the hair follicle. Most of follicular tumours are benign, but in the last years, single case reports with malignant neoplasms originated in hair and hair follicle have been published. This type of tumour is underdiagnosed because they are often confused with other skin tumours but its behaviour is much more aggressive, therefore, accurate diagnosis becomes especially important. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with trichofollicular carcinoma with invasion of skull and dura, and only 3 months later, metastatic spread to the lung (AU)

Tratamiento del dolor neuropático por desaferentización mediante lesión DREZ, resultados a largo plaz / Treatment of neuropathic deafferentation pain using DREZ lesions; long-term results

Introducción: El dolor por desaferentización secundario a lesiones medulares, avulsión del plexo braquial y otras lesiones de nervios periféricos, es a menudo refractario a tratamientos convencionales. Este trabajo evalúa la eficacia a largo plazo de la cirugía de lesión DREZ (Dorsal Root Entry Zone) en diversos síndromes de dolor neuropático por desaferentización. Pacientes y métodos: Se presenta una serie de 18 pacientes con dolor refractario por desaferentización tratados mediante lesión DREZ con radiofrecuencia. La eficacia inmediata y a largo plazo se valoró mediante la escala visual analógica (EVA) preoperatoria y postoperatoria, la valoración subjetiva del paciente, la reincorporación laboral y la reducción de la medicación analgésica. Resultados: El dolor en la EVA disminuyó significativamente de 8,6 antes de la cirugía a 2,9 de media al alta (p<0,001). A largo plazo, con un seguimiento medio de 28 meses (6-108), el dolor se mantuvo en 4,7 en la EVA (p<0,002). El porcentaje de pacientes con un alivio moderado a excelente del dolor fue de 77% al alta y 68% a largo plazo. El 67% de los pacientes redujo la medicación analgésica y el 28% se reincorporó al trabajo. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron en los pacientes con avulsión del plexo braquial con una mejoría significativa del dolor a largo plazo en todos los casos. Conclusiones: La lesión DREZ por radiofrecuencia es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro para el dolor neuropático refractario por desaferentización (AU)

Introduction: Deafferentation pain secondary to spinal cord injury, brachial plexus avulsion and other peripheral nerve injuries is often refractory to conventional treatments. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy of spinal DREZ (Dorsal Root Entry Zone) lesions for the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes caused by deafferentation.Patients and methodsA series of 18 patients with refractory deafferentation pain treated with radiofrequency DREZ lesions is presented. The immediate and long-term efficacy was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after treatment, the patient's subjective evaluation, the percentage of patients returning to work and the reduction in pain medication. Results: Pain on the VAS significantly decreased from 8.6 preoperatively to 2.9 (p<.001) at discharge. Over the long-term, with a mean follow-up of 28 months (6-108) pain remained at 4.7 on the VAS (p<0.002). The percentage of patients with moderate to excellent pain relief was 77% at discharge and 68% at the last follow-up. Pain medication was reduced in 67% of the patients and 28% returned to work. The best results were obtained in patients with brachial plexus avulsion, with a significant long-term pain relief in all cases. Conclusions:Radiofrequency DREZ lesion is an effective and safe treatment for refractory neuropathic pain caused by deafferentation (AU)

Treatment of neuropathic deafferentation pain using DREZ lesions; long-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Deafferentation pain secondary to spinal cord injury, brachial plexus avulsion and other peripheral nerve injuries is often refractory to conventional treatments. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy of spinal DREZ (Dorsal Root Entry Zone) lesions for the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes caused by deafferentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 18 patients with refractory deafferentation pain treated with radiofrequency DREZ lesions is presented. The immediate and long-term efficacy was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after treatment, the patient's subjective evaluation, the percentage of patients returning to work and the reduction in pain medication. RESULTS: Pain on the VAS significantly decreased from 8.6 preoperatively to 2.9 (p<.001) at discharge. Over the long-term, with a mean follow-up of 28 months (6-108) pain remained at 4.7 on the VAS (p<0.002). The percentage of patients with moderate to excellent pain relief was 77% at discharge and 68% at the last follow-up. Pain medication was reduced in 67% of the patients and 28% returned to work. The best results were obtained in patients with brachial plexus avulsion, with a significant long-term pain relief in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency DREZ lesion is an effective and safe treatment for refractory neuropathic pain caused by deafferentation.

Hematoma espinal masivo espontáneo / Massive spinal epidural hematoma

No disponible

[Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from cerebral glioblastoma: case report]. / Metástasis leptomeníngeas espinales y glioblastoma multiforme: caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Its tendency to infiltrate and recur locally is well known. Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis (SLM) due to a GBM are well documented at autopsy in patients previously diagnosed of GBM, however, systemic dissemination with symptomatic leptomeningeal metastasis is quite rare. Most of the time it is diagnosed late and misdiagnosis is a common problem. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 65-year-old man with a right temporal GBM treated by surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, who is readmitted 10 months later as he developed an ataxic gait. A new cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple cerebellar metastasis. He also reported intense lumbar pain on the new admission, increasing in intensity and that was followed by flaccid paraparesis two weeks later. Multiple spinal metastasis deposits were documented by a contrast enhanced spinal MRI. CONCLUSIONS: SLM need to be suspected in patients with a past history of intracranial GBM, who present with clinical features that can not been explained by the primary lesion. Awareness of this complication might facilitate more rapid diagnosis and treatment. A discussion is made regarding SLM in patients with GBM with reference to the medical literature.

Metástasis leptomeníngeas espinales y glioblastoma multiforme: caso clínico / Spinal leptomeningeal metástasis fromcerebral glioblastoma: case report

Introducción. El glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) es el tumor cerebral primario más frecuente en adultos. Presenta una gran capacidad de invasión y recidiva local. Se han documentado metástasis leptomeníngeas espinales (MLE) en las autopsias de pacientes con GBM; no obstante, la diseminación sistémica con afectación leptomeníngea espinal sintomática es rara, diagnosticándose en muchas ocasiones de forma errónea o tardíamente. Caso clínico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 65 años diagnosticado de un GBM temporal derecho, que es tratado quirúrgicamente con radioterapia y quimioterapia adyuvante y que 10 meses después vuelve a ingresar tras desarrollar una alteración de la marcha. Se realizó una nueva resonancia magnética cerebral, objetivándose múltiples metástasis en el cerebelo. Posteriormente el paciente presentó dolor lumbar intenso y 2 semanas después una paraparesia flácida. Se realizó una resonancia magnética espinal en la que aparecieron múltiples depósitos metastásicos. Conclusiones. Las MLE se deben sospechar en todos los pacientes con antecedentes de GBM cerebral que presentan clínica no justificable por la lesión primaria. El conocimiento de esta complicación puede facilitar un diagnóstico y tratamiento más precoz. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica en relación con las MLE en los pacientes con GBM (AU)

Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Its tendency to infiltrate and recur locally is well known. Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis (SLM) due to a GBM are well documented at autopsy in patients previously diagnosed of GBM, however, systemic dissemination with symptomatic leptomeningeal metastasis is quite rare. Most of the time it is diagnosed late and misdiagnosis is a common problem. Case report: We present a case of a 65-year-old man with a right temporal GBM treated by surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, who is readmitted 10 months later as he developed an ataxic gait. A new cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple cerebellar metastasis. He also reported intense lumbar pain on the new admission, increasing in intensity and that was followed by flaccid paraparesis two weeks later. Multiple spinal metastasis deposits were documented by a contrast enhanced spinal MRI. Conclusions: SLM need to be suspected in patients with a past history of intracranial GBM, who present with clinical features that can not been explained by the primary lesion. Awareness of this complication might facilitate more rapid diagnosis and treatment. A discussion is made regarding SLM in patients with GBM with reference to the medical literatura (AU)

[Management of recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after failed microvascular decompression]. / Manejo de la recidiva de la neuralgia del trigémino tras descompresión microvascular.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical management of patients with trigeminal neuralgia after failed microvascular decompression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 2002, exploration of the posterior fossa was performed in 60 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Records were analyzed retrospectively for those patients who needed another surgical procedure due to recurrence of pain, describing which procedure was performed, postoperative results and complications, and also the intraoperative findings when posterior fossa reexploration was realized. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had trigeminal neuralgia recurrence requiring a new surgical intervention, that consisted in a fossa posterior reexploration in nine patients and percutaneous radiofrequency termal rhizotomy in the other nine patients. Among the repeat operations, there was negative exploration in 7 patients (77%), and a partial sensory rhizotomy was performed. Most of thermocoagulations (5/9) were performed in old patients or patients with anestesic contraindication for the fossa posterior reexploration. CONCLUSION: Fossa posterior reexploration is an effective and safe surgical attitude in the treatment of recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after failed microvascular decompression. Partial sensory rhizotomy is recommended when the reexploration is negative.

[Decompressive craniectomy in malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery]. / Craniectomía descomprensiva en ictus isquémico maligno de arteria cerebral media.

INTRODUCTION: Medically managed malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is associated with an 80% mortality rate. However, several studies report a 40-50% increase in survival rates when decompressive craniectomy is performed. We present our experience with such surgical treatment and a literature review. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven decompressive craniectomies were performed on five patients for spaceoccupying MCA infarctions. Age ranged from 33 to 57 years-old (three males and two females). Preoperative GCS score was 9-13. Cranial CT was performed within the first 12 hours. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was continuously measured in four patients. Two infarcts occurred in the dominant hemisphere and three in the non-dominant side. Wide fronto-parieto-temporal craniectomies were performed. The duramater was opened and a large heterologous dura graft was placed. RESULTS: Surgery was performed on the second day after the onset of symptoms (median: 47 hours). Preoperative ICP ranged from 27 to 50 mmHg (median: 30.5 mmHg), with immediate postoperative ICP under 15 mmHg in all patients. Two patients (both non-dominant side) survived with good (after reoperation) and excellent functional outcome. They remain stable after ten and five months of follow-up. Three patients died five, five and thirteen days after admission due to uncontrollable high ICP. In our experience, bone removal itself was more relevant than dural opening for ICP control. Initial wide craniectomies may spare reoperations. CONCLUSION: The significant mortality rate reduction, a wide therapeutic window (2-3 days) and a low incidence of intraoperative complications make decompressive craniectomy a relevant treatment in malignant cerebral MCA infarction.