Posterior Fossa Dimensions of Chiari Malformation Patients Compared with Normal Subjects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chiari malformation (CM) is defined as a herniation of cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum and is considered to be due to underdevelopment of posterior fossa (PF) bone components. There is overcrowding of neural structures, and normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation is frequently blocked. Although several publications exist of measurements of dimensions and volumes from bone components of PF in CM, there is no systematic review evaluating quantitatively these dimensions. The aim of this study was to evaluate PF dimensions and volumes in a meta-analysis. METHODS: An electronic search using PubMed and Google Scholar was done. Study eligibility criteria were defined by the PICO strategy, which selected patients and interventions. Studies comparing PF dimensions between patients with CM and normal subjects were selected. A meta-analysis of pooled data was done using statistical software. RESULTS: Data for pooled analysis were obtained from 12 studies. Data synthesis was based on small published sample sizes in the majority of studies. Key findings included smaller measurements of clivus, supraoccipital bone, and PF area dimensions in patients with CM compared with normal subjects. Brainstem and cerebellar length was not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides evidence of smaller measurements of clivus, supraoccipital bone, and PF area dimensions in patients with CM compared with normal subjects. An implication of the key findings is that surgical treatment of CMs should consider the smaller dimensions of PF in planning.

Effect of Stereotactic Radiosurgery on Residual or Relapsed Pituitary Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In pituitary tumors, the presence of residual tumor after transsphenoidal surgery and recurrence of the tumor after resection are frequent, and the best treatment is not well established. The effects and complications of stereotactic radiosurgery have not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to reveal the effect of stereotactic radiosurgery on residual and recurrent adenomas. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Database, and Google Scholar was conducted using the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The search was structured according to the PICOT (i.e., Participants, types of Interventions, Comparator between the treatments, types of Outcome measures, and Follow-up [Time of duration]) strategy. The methodologic quality assessment (risk of bias) was performed according to the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scale. The studies were grouped and analyzed after data extraction using the software "R". RESULTS: Twenty-six articles including 2315 patients were analyzed, with an average follow-up duration of 57.8 months and mean radiation marginal dose of 19.6 Gy. The overall tumor control rate was 95%, tumor reduction rate was 46%, and hormonal control rate was 67%. The side effects were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery was efficient in residual or recurrence tumor control, with few side effects, and is recommended for treating residual or recurrent tumors, both secreting and nonsecreting tumors. A limitation of this study is that there were no randomized trials included in the synthesis.

Survival Analysis in Elderly Patients with Glioblastomas: The Influence of Clinical Status, Tumor and Surgical Features

Introduction Glioblastomas are malignant neoplasms, notorious for their poor prognosis. We have conducted a survival analysis in a sample of elderly patients with glioblastomas. Methods The sample of the present study consisted of elderly patients consecutively admitted from January 2014 to January 2016 (24 months) at the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo. We have evaluated the impact of age, Karnofsky scale (KS) score, tumor location, and occurrence of perioperative complications. Results A total of 42 patients were analyzed. Of these, 23 (54.7%) were men, and 19 (45.3%) were women. Patients > 60 years old, with low KS score, deep-seated tumors, and those with perioperative complications had worst outcomes. Discussion and conclusion Surgery, perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy add survival time and quality of life to these patients. In patients with low KS score, isolated radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy might be adequate. Decreasing perioperative complications is essential to adequately deliver adjuvant therapy in elderly patients.

Sensitivity and specificity of "mini brain" image pattern to diagnose multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma / Sensibilidade e especificidade do achado de "mini-brain" para diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo e plasmocitoma / Sensibilidad y especificidad de "mini brain" para diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple y plasmocitoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: "Mini brain" image pattern has been identified as a radiological sign for diagnosing multiple myeloma (MM) and solitary plasmacytomas in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is still very little data on the frequency with which it can be observed, and its real diagnostic accuracy. Objetive: In this study, we present our case series, discuss sensitivity and specificity of "mini brain" in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM)/plasmacytoma, and conduct a literature review. Methods: The study sample consisted of asymptomatic and/or symptomatic patients consecutively diagnosed with expansive vertebral disease. Patients were evaluated with MRI. A literature review was conducted on the relationship of the radiological sign "mini brain" and the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) or plasmacytoma. Results: Forty-seven patients were evaluated consecutively. Among five patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, four had an MRI pattern of "mini brain". The sensitivity of "mini brain" was 80%. The specificity was 97.6%. The accuracy was 95.8%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% when we considered differential diagnoses only with neoplastic lesions involving the spine. Conclusions: "Mini brain" is a feasible and reliable sign for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma /plasmacytoma, guiding physicians for adequate screening and treatment. Nevertheless, it should not replace pathological investigation after vertebral biopsy. Level of Evidence III; Study of case: Case-control study.

RESUMO Introdução . O padrão de imagem ''Mini brain'' foi identificado como um sinal radiológico para diagnosticar mieloma múltiplo e plasmocitomas solitários em ressonância magnética (MR). No entanto, ainda existem dados escassos sobre a frequência na qual ele pode ser observado ea real precisão diagnóstica. Objetivo: No presente estudo, apresentamos nossa série, discutimos a sensibilidade ea especificidade de''mini-brain'' sobre o diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo (MM)/ plasmocitoma e revisão da literatura. Métodos. A amostra do estudo consistiu de pacientes assintomáticos e/ou sintomáticos consecutivamente diagnosticados com doença vertebral expansiva. Os pacientes foram avaliados com RM. Realizou-se revisão da literatura sobre a relação do sinal radiológico "mini-brain" e o diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo (MM) ou plamocitoma. Resultados. Quarenta e sete pacientes foram avaliados consecutivamente. Entre os cinco pacientes diagnosticados com mieloma múltiplo, quatro apresentavam padrão MR de "mini-brain". A sensibilidade do "mini-brain" foi de 80%. A especificidade foi de 97,6%. A acurácia foi de 95,8%. A sensibilidade ea especificidade foram de 100%, quando consideramos diagnósticos diferenciais somente com lesões neoplásicas. Conclusão. ''Mini brain'' é um sinal viável e confiável para diagnosticar mieloma múltiplo/plasmocitoma, orientando os médicos para triagem e tratamento adequados. No entanto, não deve substituir a investigação patológica após biópsia vertebral. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de caso: Estudo caso-controle.

RESUMEN Introducción: Se ha identificado un patrón de imagen ''mini brain'' como una señal radiológica para el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple (MM) y plasmocitomas solitarios en resonancia magnética (RM). Sin embargo, todavía los datos sobre la frecuencia con la que se puede observar y su exactitud diagnóstica real son escasos. Objetivo: En el presente estudio, presentamos nuestra serie de casos, discutimos la sensibilidad y la especificidad del "mini brain" en el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple/plasmocitoma y revisamos la literatura. Métodos: La muestra del estudio consistió en pacientes asintomáticos y/o sintomáticos consecutivamente diagnosticados con enfermedad vertebral expansiva. Los pacientes fueron evaluados con RM. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre la relación entre la señal radiológica "mini brain" y el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple o plasmocitoma. Resultados: Cuarenta y siete pacientes fueron evaluados consecutivamente. Entre los cinco pacientes diagnosticados con mieloma múltiple, cuatro tenían un patrón de resonancia magnética de "mini brain". La sensibilidad del "mini brain" fue del 80%. La especificidad fue 97,6%. La precisión fue 95,8%. La sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron del 100% cuando consideramos diagnósticos diferenciales únicamente con lesiones neoplásicas que afectan a la columna vertebral. Conclusiones: El ''mini brain '' es una señal factible y confiable para diagnosticar mieloma múltiple/plasmocitoma, que guía a los médicos para detección y tratamiento adecuados. Sin embargo, no debería reemplazar la investigación patológica después de la biopsia vertebral. Nivel de Evidencia III; Tipo de Estudio: Estudio de caso control.

The effect of posterior fossa decompression in adult Chiari malformation and basilar invagination: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chiari malformation (CM) and basilar invagination (BI) are mesodermal malformations with disproportion between the content and volume of posterior fossa capacity and overcrowding of neural structures at the level of foramen magnum. Several alternatives for posterior approaches are available, including extradural (ED), extra-arachnoidal, and intradural (ID) approaches. The objectives are to evaluate the effect of several surgical techniques for posterior fossa decompression (PFD) in the outcomes of patients with CCJM and to evaluate complications in the techniques reported. A systematic review of the literature on the effects of PFD surgery was performed using the MEDLINE (via PubMed) database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The PRISMA statement and MOOSE recommendations were followed. Five hundred and thirty-nine (539) articles were initially selected by publication title. After abstract analysis, 70 articles were selected for full-text analysis, and 43 were excluded. Ultimately, 27 studies were evaluated. The success rate (SR) with ED techniques was 0.76 versus 0.81 in EA technique and 0.83 in IA technique. All posterior fossa decompression techniques were very successful. Results from observational studies were similar to that of the randomized trial. The main complications were CSF fistulas, most common in patients with IA approach. The overall mortality rate was 1%.

The number of burr holes and use of a drain do not interfere with surgical results of chronic subdural hematomas.

Burr hole evacuation has been the most frequently-used procedure for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the use of a drain and/or the number of burr holes for treatment of CSDH modifies the rates of recurrence and complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of 142 patients operated on because of CSDH, between 2006 and 2015, analyzing recurrence and complications of the use of one or two burr holes with or without the use of a drain. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients had bilateral CSDH (26%) and 105 (73.9%) patients had unilateral CSDH. Twenty-two (59.4%) patients were given a drain and 15 (40.6%) were not. A total number of recurrences occurred in 22 (15.5%) patients and the total number of complications was in six (4.2%) patients. Mean follow-up time was 7.67 months. CONCLUSIONS: The number of burr holes and the use of the drain did not alter the rates of recurrence and complications in the treatment of CSDH.

The number of burr holes and use of a drain do not interfere with surgical results of chronic subdural hematomas / Tratamento cirúrgico do hematoma subdural crônico: o número de trepanações e o uso de dreno subdural não interferem no resultado cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Burr hole evacuation has been the most frequently-used procedure for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). Objective: To evaluate whether the use of a drain and/or the number of burr holes for treatment of CSDH modifies the rates of recurrence and complications. Methods: A retrospective review of 142 patients operated on because of CSDH, between 2006 and 2015, analyzing recurrence and complications of the use of one or two burr holes with or without the use of a drain. Results: Thirty-seven patients had bilateral CSDH (26%) and 105 (73.9%) patients had unilateral CSDH. Twenty-two (59.4%) patients were given a drain and 15 (40.6%) were not. A total number of recurrences occurred in 22 (15.5%) patients and the total number of complications was in six (4.2%) patients. Mean follow-up time was 7.67 months. Conclusions: The number of burr holes and the use of the drain did not alter the rates of recurrence and complications in the treatment of CSDH.

RESUMO A trepanação é o procedimento mais utilizado para o tratamento de hematomas subdurais crônicos (HSDC). Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de dreno subdural e / ou o número de trepanações para tratamento de HSDC modifica as taxas de recidiva e complicações. Métodos: Uma revisão retrospectiva de 142 pacientes operados por HSDC entre 2006 e 2015 analisando recidiva e complicações usando um ou dois orifícios com ou sem uso de dreno. Resultados: Trinta e sete casos apresentaram HSDC bilaterais (26%) e 105 (73,9%) unilaterais. Em vinte e dois (59,4%) casos houve uso de dreno e em 15 (40,6%) não houve. O número total de recidivas foi de 22 casos (15,5%) e o número total de complicações foi de 6 casos (4,2%). O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 7,67 meses. Conclusões: O número de trepanações e o uso do dreno não alteraram as taxas de recidiva e complicações no tratamento de HSDC.

Analysis of the availability of the resources necessary for urgent and emergency healthcare in São Paulo between 2009-2013.

INTRODUCTION:: The Regulatory Complex is the structure that operationalizes actions for making resources available to meet the needs of urgent and emergency care in the municipality of São Paulo. In the case of urgent care, needs are immediate and associated with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE:: To identify the most frequently requested resources, the resolution capacity and the mortality rate associated with the unavailability of a certain resource. METHOD:: Our study was based on data from medical bulletins issued by the Urgent and Emergency Regulation Center (CRUE) in the city of São Paulo from 2009 to 2013. RESULTS:: 91,823 requests were made over the five years of the study (2009 to 2013). Neurosurgery requests were the most frequent in all years (4,828, 5,159, 4,251, 5,008 and 4,394, respectively), followed by computed tomography (CT) scans, adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds, cardiac catheterization, and pediatric ICU beds. On average, requests for neurosurgery, adult ICU, pediatric ICU, CT scans, catheterization and vascular surgery were answered in 70%, 27%, 39%, 97%, 87% and 77% of cases. The total number of deaths relating to requests for neurosurgery, CT scans, adult ICU, pediatric ICU, catheterization and vascular surgeon assessment were 182, 9, 1,536, 1,536, 135, 49 and 24 cases, respectively. CONCLUSION:: There is a lack of resources to meet urgent and emergency needs in the city of São Paulo.

Analysis of the availability of the resources necessary for urgent and emergency healthcare in São Paulo between 2009-2013 / Análise da disponibilidade de recursos necessários para o atendimento de urgência e emergência em saúde no município de São Paulo entre 2009-2013

Summary Introduction: The Regulatory Complex is the structure that operationalizes actions for making resources available to meet the needs of urgent and emergency care in the municipality of São Paulo. In the case of urgent care, needs are immediate and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To identify the most frequently requested resources, the resolution capacity and the mortality rate associated with the unavailability of a certain resource. Method: Our study was based on data from medical bulletins issued by the Urgent and Emergency Regulation Center (CRUE) in the city of São Paulo from 2009 to 2013. Results: 91,823 requests were made over the five years of the study (2009 to 2013). Neurosurgery requests were the most frequent in all years (4,828, 5,159, 4,251, 5,008 and 4,394, respectively), followed by computed tomography (CT) scans, adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds, cardiac catheterization, and pediatric ICU beds. On average, requests for neurosurgery, adult ICU, pediatric ICU, CT scans, catheterization and vascular surgery were answered in 70%, 27%, 39%, 97%, 87% and 77% of cases. The total number of deaths relating to requests for neurosurgery, CT scans, adult ICU, pediatric ICU, catheterization and vascular surgeon assessment were 182, 9, 1,536, 1,536, 135, 49 and 24 cases, respectively. Conclusion: There is a lack of resources to meet urgent and emergency needs in the city of São Paulo.

Resumo Introdução: O Complexo Regulador é a estrutura que operacionaliza as ações de acesso aos recursos para atendimento de urgência e emergência médicas no município de São Paulo. Nas urgências, as necessidades são imediatas e associadas a elevada morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo: Identificar os recursos mais frequentemente solicitados, a capacidade de resolução e o índice de mortalidade associado à falta do recurso. Método: Este trabalho foi baseado nos dados dos boletins médicos da Central de Regulação de Urgência e Emergência (CRUE) do Município de São Paulo, nos anos de 2009 a 2013. Resultados: Foram feitas 91.823 solicitações nos cinco anos do estudo (2009 a 2013). As solicitações de neurocirurgia foram as mais frequentes em todos os anos (4.828, 5.159, 4.251, 5.008 e 4.394, respectivamente), seguidas pela tomografia, vaga de UTI adulto, cateterismo cardíaco e UTI pediátrica. Em média, os pedidos de neurocirurgia, UTI adulto, UTI infantil, tomografia, cateterismo e cirurgia vascular foram atendidos em 70%, 27%, 39%, 97%, 87% e 77% dos casos. O número total de óbitos associados à falta de recurso para neurocirurgia, tomografia, UTI adulto, UTI infantil, cateterismo e avaliação de cirurgião vascular foram de 182, 9, 1.536, 135, 49 e 24 casos, respectivamente. Conclusão: Há elevada falta de recursos para suprimento das necessidades de urgência e emergência no município de São Paulo.

Effect of repeated transsphenoidal surgery in recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas previously treated by transsphenoidal surgery are not uncommon. There are no strongly established guidelines to perform treatment of such cases. The objective of this study is to elucidate the effect of transsphenoidal reoperation in residual or recurrent pituitary adenomas. METHODS: We made a systematic review of the literature to elucidate this effect through electronic search in MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Central database. PRISMA statement was used as a basis for this systematic review and analysis of the risk of bias was made according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation recommendations. RESULTS: In this review, fifteen studies were finally pooled analyzed. Although remission rates (RRs) and follow-up periods varied widely, from 149 patients with growth hormone-secreting tumors the mean RR was 44.5%, from 273 patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting tumors the mean RR was 55.5% and among 173 patients with nonsecreting tumors, RR was 76.1%. There was significant higher RR in nonsecreting tumors. Mean follow-up was 32.1 months. No difference was found between microscopic and endoscopic techniques. CONCLUSIONS: A second transsphenoidal surgery is accompanied by a chance of remission in approximately half of cases with secreting tumors. In nonsecreting ones, success is higher.

Bryan disc: nova opção para o tratamento da patologia cervical. Relato preliminar / Byan disc implantation following cervical discectomy. Preliminary results

Os autores apresentam considerações técnicas e resultados iniciais de pacientes submetidos a discectomia cervical por via anterior e colocação de substituto do disco intervertebral - Bryan disc - como alternativa à artrodese cervical, nos casos em que não existia instabilidade da coluna.

Angioma cavernoso na cisterna magna / Cavernous angioma in the cisterna magna

É relatado um caso de angioma cavernoso na cisterna magna, afecçäo rara cujo diagnóstico é difícil de ser estabelecido, seja pelos achados clínicos como pelos radiológicos. Apesar dos avanços da imagem, o diagnóstico dos angiomas cavernosos permanece ainda restrito ao exame anatomopatológico da lesäo. Neste caso, foi realizada craniectomia suboccipital em um paciente de 21 anos de idade e extirpado totalmente um tumor vascularizado.

Tumor metastático no glomus jugular / Metastatic tumors in glomus jugular

Os autores descrevem um caso incomum de metástase de adenocarcinoma renal, localizado na regiäo petrosa e occiptal da base do crânio, onde o diagnóstico diferencial com tumor do glomus da jugular só foi posível após estudo histológico. Tumores metastáticos chegam comumente ao osso temporal por via hematogênica. Salientam também a dificuldade do diagnóstico pré-operatório. Em geral, o diagnóstico da metástase do osso temporal é baseado na suspeita clínica, confirmada pelos exames por imagem.