Recomendaciones clínicas para la solicitud de evaluación de neurocirugía en el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo / Clinical recommendations for requesting neurosurgical evaluation in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Estas recomendaciones clínicas delinean los criterios utilizados por el Equipo de Cirugía de los Trastornos Psiquiátricos del Hospital de Clínicas para la selección de candidatos a neurocirugía en pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo grave y refractario al tratamiento convencional. Los criterios de inclusión se enfocan en la cronicidad, la gravedad y la resistencia, considerando procedimientos ablativos o de neuromodulación. La gravedad se evalúa mediante la Escala Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive, junto con una evaluación integral del desempeño y la discapacidad. La refractariedad se define como la falta de respuesta, según criterios consensuados, a diversos tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos respaldados por evidencia científica significativa para el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo. Es esencial realizar una evaluación dimensional del desempeño global y estimar el pronóstico sin intervención quirúrgica. Los criterios de exclusión abarcan comorbilidades graves, trastornos de personalidad específicos y discapacidad intelectual. Además, se especifican pruebas paraclínicas necesarias, incluyendo evaluaciones sanguíneas, serológicas, cardíacas y neurológicas. Se detallan las tablas utilizadas para el registro de información necesaria para la evaluación. Todas las evaluaciones de neurocirugía culminan en un ateneo clínico conjunto entre el Equipo de Cirugía de los Trastornos Psiquiátricos del Hospital de Clínicas y la Unidad Académica de Psiquiatría de la Facultad de Medicina en donde se determinan las estrategias terapéuticas posibles.

These clinical recommendations outline the criteria used by the Psychiatric Disorders Surgery Team for selecting neurosurgery candidates among patients with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder refractory to conventional treatment. Inclusion criteria focus on chronicity, severity, and resistance. Ablative procedures or neuromodulation are taken into consideration. Severity is assessed by means of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and a comprehensive evaluation of performance and disability. Refractoriness is defined as lack of response, according to consensus criteria, to various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder supported by significant scientific evidence. It is essential to conduct a dimensional assessment of overall performance and estimate prognosis without surgical intervention. Exclusion criteria encompass serious comorbidities, specific personality disorders, and intellectual disability. Furthermore, necessary paraclinical tests are specified, including blood, serological, cardiac, and neurological evaluations. Tables used for recording essential information for assessment are detailed. All neurosurgical assessments culminate in a joint clinical discussion of possible therapeutic strategies between the Psychiatric Disorders Surgery Team and the Psychiatry Academic Department (Facultad de Medicina) at the Hospital de Clínicas.

Pediatric neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: update and recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a potentially severe respiratory illness that has threatened humanity globally. The pediatric neurosurgery practice differs from that of adults in that it treats children in various stages of physical and psychological development and contemplates diseases that do not exist in other areas. The aim of this study was to identify the level of knowledge and readiness of the healthcare providers, as well as to evaluate new preventive practices that have been introduced, psychological concerns, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric neurosurgical units in Brazil. METHODS: Pediatric neurosurgeons were given an online questionnaire developed by the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their clinical practice. RESULTS: Of a cohort of 110 active members of the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery, 76 completed the survey (69%). Ninety-six percent were aware of the correct use of and indication for the types of personal protective equipment in clinical and surgical practices, but only 73.7% of them had unrestricted access to this equipment. Ninety-eight percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the pandemic had affected their pediatric neurosurgical practice. The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with outpatient care in 88% of the centers, it affected neurosurgical activity in 90.7%, and it led to the cancellation of elective neurosurgical procedures in 57.3%. Concerning the impact of COVID-19 on surgical activity, 9.2% of the centers had less than 25% of the clinical practice affected, 46.1% had 26%-50% of their activity reduced, 35.5% had a 51%-75% reduction, and 9.2% had more than 75% of their surgical work cancelled or postponed. Sixty-three percent affirmed that patients had been tested for COVID-19 before surgery. Regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of those interviewed, 3.9% reported fear and anxiety with panic episodes, 7.9% had worsening of previous anxiety symptoms, 60.5% reported occasional fear, 10.5% had sadness and some depressive symptoms, and 2.6% reported depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare services worldwide, including neurosurgical units. Medical workers, pediatric neurosurgeons included, should be aware of safety measures and follow the recommendations of local healthcare organizations, preventing and controlling the disease. Attention should be given to the psychological burden of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers, which carries a high risk of anxiety and depression.

Reconversion of neurosurgical practice in times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a narrative review of the literature and guideline implementation in a Mexican neurosurgical referral center.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the modification of surgical practice worldwide. Medical centers have been adapted to provide an efficient arrangement of their economic and human resources. Although neurosurgeons are not in the first line of management and treatment of COVID-19 patients, they take care of patients with neurological pathology and potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Here, the authors describe their institutional actions against the pandemic and compare these actions with those in peer-reviewed publications. METHODS: The authors conducted a search using the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from the beginning of the pandemic until July 11, 2020, using the following terms: "Neurosurgery," "COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2," "reconversion/modification," "practice," "academy," and "teaching." Then, they created operational guidelines tailored for their institution to maximize resource efficiency and minimize risk for the healthcare personnel. RESULTS: According to the reviewed literature, the authors defined the following three changes that have had the greatest impact in neurosurgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) changes in clinical practices; 2) changes in the medical care setting, including modifications of perioperative care; and 3) changes in the academic teaching methodology. CONCLUSIONS: The Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez" is one of the major referral centers for treating highly complex neurosurgical pathologies in Mexico. Its clinical and neurosurgical practices have been modified with the implementation of specific interventions against the spread of COVID-19. These practical and simple actions are remarkably relevant in the context of the pandemic and can be adopted and suited by other healthcare centers according to their available resources to better prepare for the next event.

Status and nutritional therapy in elective and emergency neurosurgery patients.

OBJEVECT: To evaluate the Nutritional Status (NS) and follow the Enteral Nutritional Therapy (ENT) of patients in neurosurgical intervention. METHOD: Cohort study in emergency or elective surgery patients with exclusive ENT. Anthropometric measurements (Arm Circumference (AC and Triceps Skinfold (TSF)) were measured on the first, seventh and 14th day. For the ENT monitoring, caloric/protein adequacy, fasting, inadvertent output of the enteral probe and residual gastric volume were used. RESULTS: 80 patients, 78.7% in emergency surgery and 21.3% in elective surgery. There was a reduction in AC and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p>0.01), especially for the emergency group. The caloric/protein adequacy was higher in the emergency group (86.7% and 81.8%). CONCLUSION: The EN change was greater in the emergency group, even with better ENT adequacy. Changes in body composition are frequent in neurosurgical patients, regardless of the type of procedure.

Status and nutritional therapy in elective and emergency neurosurgery patients / Estado y terapia nutricional en pacientes de neurocirugía electiva y urgencia / Estado e terapia nutricional em pacientes de neurocirurgia eletiva e urgência

ABSTRACT Objevect: To evaluate the Nutritional Status (NS) and follow the Enteral Nutritional Therapy (ENT) of patients in neurosurgical intervention. Method: Cohort study in emergency or elective surgery patients with exclusive ENT. Anthropometric measurements (Arm Circumference (AC and Triceps Skinfold (TSF)) were measured on the first, seventh and 14th day. For the ENT monitoring, caloric/protein adequacy, fasting, inadvertent output of the enteral probe and residual gastric volume were used. Results: 80 patients, 78.7% in emergency surgery and 21.3% in elective surgery. There was a reduction in AC and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p>0.01), especially for the emergency group. The caloric/protein adequacy was higher in the emergency group (86.7% and 81.8%). Conclusion: The EN change was greater in the emergency group, even with better ENT adequacy. Changes in body composition are frequent in neurosurgical patients, regardless of the type of procedure.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el Estado Nutricional (EN) y acompañar la Terapia Nutricional Enteral (TNE) de pacientes en intervención neuroquirúrgica. Método: Estudio tipo cohorte en pacientes de cirugía de urgencia o electiva, con TNE exclusiva. Se midieron medidas antropométricas (Circunferencia del Brazo (CB) y Pliegue Cutáneo Tricipital (PCT)) en el primer, séptimo y decimocuarto días. Para el monitoreo de la TNE: adecuación calórica/proteica, desayuno, salida inadvertida de la sonda enteral y volumen residual gástrico. Resultados: 80 pacientes, 78,7% en cirugía de urgencia y 21,3% en electiva. Hubo reducción de la CB y del Índice Masa Corporal (IMC) (p> 0,01), en especial para el grupo de urgencia. La adecuación calórica/proteica fue superior en el grupo de urgencia (86,7% y 81,8%). Conclusión: La alteración del EN fue más alta en el grupo de urgencia mismo con mejor adecuación de la TNE. La alteración de la composición corporal es frecuente en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos independientemente del tipo de procedimiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o Estado Nutricional (EN) e acompanhar a Terapia Nutricional Enteral (TNE) de pacientes em intervenção neurocirúrgica. Método: Estudo tipo coorte em pacientes de cirurgia de urgência ou eletiva, com TNE exclusiva. Foram aferidas medidas antropométricas (Circunferência do Braço (CB) e Dobra Cutânea Tricipital (DCT)) no primeiro, sétimo e 14º dia. Para o monitoramento da TNE, utilizou-se: adequação calórico/proteica, jejum, saída inadvertida da sonda enteral e volume residual gástrico. Resultados: 80 pacientes, 78,7% em cirurgia de urgência e 21,3% em eletiva. Houve redução da CB e do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) (p>0,01), em especial para o grupo de urgência. A adequação calórica/proteica foi superior no grupo de urgência (86,7% e 81,8%). Conclusão: A alteração do EN foi maior no grupo de urgência mesmo com melhor adequação da TNE. A alteração da composição corporal é frequente em pacientes neurocirúrgicos, independentemente do tipo de procedimento.

The Role of Mixed Reality Simulation for Surgical Training in Spine: Phase 1 Validation.

STUDY DESIGN: This study shows the first phase of validation of a new model for realistic training on spine surgery, conducted from January 2014 to November 2015. OBJECTIVE: To propose and validate a new tool for neurosurgical education, associating virtual and realistic simulation (mixed reality), for spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical simulation is a relatively new filed that has a lot to offer to neurosurgical education. Training a new surgeon may take years of hands-on procedures, increasing the risk to patient's safety. The development of surgical simulation platforms is therefore essential to reducing the risk of potentially serious risks and improving outcome. METHODS: Sixteen experienced spinal surgeons evaluated these simulators and answered the questionnaire regarding the simulation as a beneficial education tool. They evaluated the simulators in regard to dissection by planes, identification of pathology (lumbar canal stenosis), instrumentation and simulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and the relevant aspects of the computerized tomography (CT) imaging. RESULTS: The virtual and physical simulators for spine surgery were approved by an expert surgery team, and considered adequate for educational purposes. The proportion of the answers was estimated by the confidence intervals. CONCLUSION: The surgery team considered that this virtual simulation provides a highly effective training environment, and it significantly enhances teaching of surgical anatomy and operative strategies in the neurosurgical field. A mixture of physical and virtual simulation provided the desired results of enhancing the requisite psychomotor and cognitive skills, previously acquired only during a surgical apprenticeship. The combination of these tools may potentially improve and abbreviate the learning curve for trainees, in a safe environment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Results of a multicenter survey showing interindividual variability among neurosurgeons when deciding on the radicality of surgical resection in glioblastoma highlight the need for more objective guidelines.

PURPOSE: We assessed agreement among neurosurgeons on surgical approaches to individual glioblastoma patients and between their approach and those recommended by the topographical staging system described by Shinoda. METHODS: Five neurosurgeons were provided with pre-surgical MRIs of 76 patients. They selected the surgical approach [biopsy, partial resection, or gross total resection (GTR)] that they would recommend for each patient. They were blinded to each other's response and they were told that patients were younger than 50 years old and without symptoms. Three neuroradiologists classified each case according to the Shinoda staging system. RESULTS: Biopsy was recommended in 35.5-82.9%, partial resection in 6.6-32.9%, and GTR in 3.9-31.6% of cases. Agreement among their responses was fair (global kappa = 0.28). Nineteen patients were classified as stage I, 14 as stage II, and 43 as stage III. Agreement between the neurosurgeons and the recommendations of the staging system was poor for stage I (kappa = 0.14) and stage II (kappa = 0.02) and fair for stage III patients (kappa = 0.29). An individual analysis revealed that in contrast to the Shinoda system, neurosurgeons took into account T2/FLAIR sequences and gave greater weight to the involvement of eloquent areas. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical approach to glioblastoma is highly variable. A staging system could be used to examine the impact of extent of resection, monitor post-operative complications, and stratify patients in clinical trials. Our findings suggest that the Shinoda staging system could be improved by including T2/FLAIR sequences and a more adequate weighting of eloquent areas.

Cirugía fetal del mielomeningocele / Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele

El Mielomeningocele (MMC) es una malformación congénita frecuente asociada a morbimortalidad importante. El manejo post natal estándar no ha ofrecido cambios significativos en sus resultados en los últimos años. La publicación del MOMS (Management of Myelomeningocele study) en 2011 demostró que la cirugía fetal del MMC disminuía la necesidad de derivativa de líquido cefalorraquídeo, revertía la herniación del tronco cerebral y mejoraba la calidad de la marcha a los 30 meses de vida, a pesar de un mayor número de parto prematuro y complicaciones maternas. Estos resultados motivaron a nuestro grupo a iniciar una experiencia en cirugía fetal del MMC. Este trabajo generó un protocolo de manejo en Clínica Las Condes contabilizando a la fecha 26 casos operados con resultados alentadores. Los avances en esta técnica siguen adelante en pos de disminuir la incidencia de parto prematuro, abriendo la posibilidad al tratamiento intrauterino de otras patologías.

Myelomeningocele (MMC), is a common congenital malformation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The standard postnatal management has offered no significant changes in its results in the last years. The publication of the MOMS (Management of Myelomeningocele study) in 2011 showed that fetal surgery for MMC decreased the need for shunt of cerebrospinal fluid, reversed brainstem herniation and improved ride quality at 30 months, despite a greater number of premature delivery and maternal complications. These results encourage our group to start an experience in fetal surgery for MMC. This work generated a management protocol at Clínica Las Condes accounting to date 26 cases operated with encouraging results. The advances in this technique are continuing towards reducing the incidence of premature delivery and opening the possibility of intrauterine treatment for other fetal pathologies.

A survey of routine treatment of patients with intracranial hypertension (ICH) in specialized trauma centers in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a 11 million metropole!

OBJECTIVE: A survey of intensive care units (ICU) in São Paulo that care for patients with TBI and ICH using the hyperventilation technique. METHODS: A questionnaire was given to the physiotherapist coordinator at 57 hospitals in São Paulo, where 24-h neurosurgery service is provided. RESULTS: Fifty-one (89.5%) hospitals replied. From this total, thirty-four (66.7% perform the hyperventilation technique, 30 (85%) had the objective to reach values below 35 mmHg, four (11%) levels between 35 mmHg and 40 mmHg and one (3%) values over 40 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that most hospitals in São Paulo perform hyperventilation in patients with severe brain trauma although there are not any specific Brazilian guidelines on this topic. Widespread controversy on the use of the hyperventilation technique in patients with severe brain trauma highlights the need for a specific Global policy on this topic.

Type II focal cortical dysplasia: electroclinical study and surgical outcome in 31 pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the electroclinical features and surgical outcome of 31 pediatric patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of 31 patients with FCD type II followed between 1998 and 2011. We included patients with FCD type II confirmed by histopathological examination with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging and at least 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had severe focal epilepsy; in infancy, four of them had also had epileptic spasms, associated with hypsarrhythmia in three. Focal status epilepticus occurred in five patients (16 %) and epilepsia partialis continua in one (3.2 %). Seizures occurred during sleep in 20 (64.5 %) and in clusters in 19 (61.3 %) patients. Neurological examination showed a mild motor deficit in seven (22.8 %) patients. Interictal abnormalities were characterized by rhythmic spikes and polyspike discharges, increasing during sleep in 13 (41.9 %) patients. Average time of follow-up after surgery was 4.7 years with a median time of 4 years and a range from 1 to 9 years. Engel classification class I was found in 20 (67.7 %) and class II in 3 cases (9.6 %). There were no significant changes after an average time of follow-up of 4.7 years. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that surgery is the best treatment option for pediatric patients with refractory focal epilepsy due to type II FCD. A statistically significant correlation was found between a good prognosis and age at epilepsy onset older than 2 years.

Implicancia del tiempo de espera en la atención neuroquirúrgica de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico en la Emergencia del Hospital Daniel A. Carrión / Implication of the timeout in care neurosurgical of patients with craniocerebral trauma in the emergency at the Hospital Daniel A. Carrion

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la implicancia que tiene el tiempo de espera en la atención neuroquirúrgica de los pacientes con Trauma Craneoencefálico vistos en la Emergencia del Hospital Daniel A. Carrión para el pronóstico de los mismos durante el periodo del 1 de Enero del 2002 al 31 de Diciembre del 2006. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional de los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico, que requirieron atención neuroquirúrgica, admitidos en el Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Nacional Daniel A. Carrión, del 01 de Enero del 2002 al 31 de Diciembre del 2006. RESULTADOS: De los 534 pacientes que se operaron predominó el sexo masculino con una relación de 3 a 1 en los adultos y casi 2 a 1 en los niños, siendo el grupo etáreo más afectado el comprendido entre 15 a 44 años (76.1 por ciento). El mecanismo de lesión más frecuente fue accidentes de tránsito. El 73,42 por ciento de los pacientes espero por encima de 4 horas para ser intervenido quirúrgicamente, correspondiendo al 79 por ciento las operaciones para evacuar hematomas epidurales (190) y subdurales (188). Se evidencio en el Post operatorio una mejoría de la Escala de Coma de Glasgow en el 75 por ciento de los pacientes. La morbilidad fue 62 por ciento, predominando el déficit motor, los cambios conductuales y las convulsiones se encontró una mortalidad post operatoria del 6,4 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: La atención del paciente con trauma Craneoencefálico de resolución neuroquirúrgica, es una actividad preponderante en la Emergencia del Hospital Daniel A. Carrión. Los resultados encontrados en el periodo de estudio, indican una relación directa en la mejoría de la Escala de Coma del Glasgow para los pacientes que reciben atención neuroquirúrgica oportuna dentro de las primeras horas de llegados al establecimiento.

Fascicular topography of the suprascapular nerve in the C5 root and upper trunk of the brachial plexus: a microanatomic study from a nerve surgeon's perspective.

BACKGROUND: In patients with supraclavicular injuries of the brachial plexus, the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is frequently reconstructed with a sural nerve graft coapted to C5. As the C5 cross-sectional diameter exceeds the graft diameter, inadequate positioning of the graft is possible. OBJECTIVE: To identify a specific area within the C5 proximal stump that contains the SSN axons and to determine how this area could be localized by the nerve surgeon, we conducted a microanatomic study of the intraplexal topography of the SSN. METHODS: The right-sided C5 and C6 roots, the upper trunk with its divisions, and the SSN of 20 adult nonfixed cadavers were removed and fixed. The position and area occupied by the SSN fibers inside C5 were assessed and registered under magnification. RESULTS: The SSN was monofascicular in all specimens and derived its fibers mainly from C5. Small contributions from C6 were found in 12 specimens (60%). The mean transverse area of C5 occupied by SSN fibers was 28.23%. In 16 specimens (80%), the SSN fibers were localized in the ventral (mainly the rostroventral) quadrants of C5, a cross-sectional area between 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock from the surgeon's intraoperative perspective. CONCLUSION: In reconstruction of the SSN with a sural nerve graft, coaptation should be performed in the rostroventral quadrant of C5 cross-sectional area (between 9 and 12 o'clock from the nerve surgeon's point of view in a right-sided brachial plexus exploration). This will minimize axonal misrouting and may improve outcome.

Facial-zygomatic triangle: a relationship between the extracranial portion of facial nerve and the zygomatic arch.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to clarify the relationships between the extracranial portion of the facial nerve (EFN) and the zygomatic arch (ZA). METHOD: Four cadaveric heads (8 parotid regions), examined under 3-40x magnification, were dissected from lateral to medial to expose the EFN. FINDINGS: In a vertical plane just anterior to the tragus, the distance from the superior edge of the ZA to the facial nerve (FN) is, on average, 26.88 mm. The FN then courses superiorly and anteriorly, crossing the ZA 18.65 mm anterior to the tragus on average. Thus, three points can be used to depict a triangle: A, at the level of the anterior border of the tragus, just above the superior edge of the ZA; B, 26 mm below A; and C, 18 mm anterior to A. This so called facial-zygomatic triangle represents the area where surgical dissection can be performed with no risk of damaging the FN. Thus, the closer one stays to the tragus, the lesser the risk of damaging the FN below the ZA. If the incision is carried out on a vertical plane closer to the tragus, the skin can be safely cut up to 2 cm below the ZA. CONCLUSION: The facial-zygomatic triangle is a very useful superficial landmark to avoid FN damage when working below the ZA.

Hyperbaric oxygenation in peripheral nerve repair and regeneration.

Peripheral nerves are essential connections between the central nervous system and muscles, autonomic structures and sensory organs. Their injury is one of the major causes for severe and longstanding impairment in limb function. Acute peripheral nerve lesion has an important inflammatory component and is considered as ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Surgical repair has been the standard of care in peripheral nerve lesion. It has reached optimal technical development but the end results still remain unpredictable and complete functional recovery is rare. Nevertheless, nerve repair is not primarily a mechanical problem and microsurgery is not the only key to success. Lately, there have been efforts to develop alternatives to nerve graft. Work has been carried out in basal lamina scaffolds, biologic and non-biologic structures in combination with neurotrophic factors and/or Schwann cells, tissues, immunosuppressive agents, growth factors, cell transplantation, principles of artificial sensory function, gene technology, gangliosides, implantation of microchips, hormones, electromagnetic fields and hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). HBO appears to be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for surgical repair in the acute peripheral nerve lesion, when used at lower pressures and in a timely fashion (<6 hours).

[Outcome of surgical treatment for acromegaly performed by a single neurosurgeon and cumulative meta-analysis]. / Resultados do tratamento cirúrgico na acromegalia com um único neurocirurgião e meta-análise cumulativa.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of transsphenoidal surgery in a group of patients with acromegaly who were operated by the same neurosurgeon. Our results were compared to those from a cumulative meta-analysis of 10 series (1,632 patients) published between 1992 and 2005. We followed 28 patients (17M/11F; 44.1 +/- 12.7 yr; 27 with macroadenomas; 86% being invasive) during 21.4 +/- 17.6 months after treatment. Patients were classified according to disease activity as follows: 1) controlled (CD): basal or mean GH < 2.5 ng/ml or nadir GH (OGTT) < 1 ng/ml and normal IGF-1; 2) uncontrolled (UCD): basal or mean GH > 2.5 ng/ml or nadir GH > 1 ng/ml and elevated IGF-1; 3) inadequately controlled (ICD): normal GH and elevated IGF-1 or elevated GH and normal IGF-1. After surgery, GH levels decreased from 61.7 +/- 101.1 ng/ml to 7.2 +/- 13.7 ng/ml (p< 0.001) and mean IGF-1 from 673.1 +/- 257.7 ng/ml to 471.2 +/- 285 ng/ml (p= 0.01). Biochemical remission rate was 57% [10 (35.5%) patients with CD and 6 (21.5%) with ICD], similar to the mean remission rate observed in the meta-analysis of surgical outcome of macroadenomas. Seven of 28 patients were submitted to surgical re-intervention (4 had been previously operated elsewhere and 3 by our neurosurgeon), with CD observed in 5 (71.5%) on follow-up. Cavernous sinuses invasion was more prevalent in UCD and ICD, whereas infundibular stalk deviation occurred only in patients with UCD. Remission rate was significantly higher in series where all surgical procedures were performed by the same surgeon (66% vs. 49%; p< 0.05). Thus, the surgeon's experience significantly improves the surgical outcome in acromegaly, especially in patients harboring large and invasive tumors, and re-intervention performed by an experienced surgeon should be considered in the algorithms for clinical management of this disease.

Cortical seeding of a craniopharyngioma after craniotomy: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Cortical seeding of a craniopharyngioma has been rarely reported. We present a case that ectopically recurred along the tract of a previous surgical route. METHODS: A 27-year-old woman presented earlier with a suprasellar craniopharyngioma. A left frontotemporal craniotomy was done with subtotal resection of the tumor because it was strongly adhered to the optic chiasm. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. Six months after, the patient presented with decreased visual acuity and diplopia. She was reoperated through the previous craniotomy with a total resection. One year after the second surgery, the patient presented with seizures that were difficult to control. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a contrast-enhancing tumor with cystic and solid components on the left temporal lobe cortex. The primary tumor bed was intact. The patient was reoperated, and the temporal lobe tumor was totally removed. Histologic studies showed an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. The patient was free of neurologic abnormalities, and no new lesion was found in the magnetic resonance imaging performed 1 year after the last surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although craniopharyngiomas exhibit a benign histopathologic pattern, a total resection combined with careful inspection and irrigation of the surgical field is the optimal treatment for preventing local and ectopic recurrences. It is strongly recommended that the concerned patients have a long-term clinical and neuroimaging follow-up.

Resultados do tratamento cirúrgico na acromegalia com um único neurocirurgião e meta-análise cumulativa / Outcome of surgical treatment for acromegaly performed by a single neurosurgeon and cumulative meta-analysis / Outcome of surgical treatment for acromegaly performed by a single neurosurgeon and cumulative meta-analysis

Avaliamos retrospectivamente os resultados da cirurgia transesfenoidal num grupo de acromegálicos operados por um único neurocirurgião, comparando-os com uma meta-análise cumulativa de 10 séries (1.632 pacientes) publicadas entre 1992-2005. Estudamos 28 pacientes (17M/11F; 44,1 ± 12,7 anos; 27 com macroadenomas, sendo 86 por cento invasivos), acompanhados por 21,4 ± 17,6 meses após a cirurgia; eles foram classificados de acordo com a atividade da acromegalia em: 1) doença controlada (DC): GH basal ou médio < 2,5 ng/ml ou GH nadir no TTOG < 1ng/ml e IGF-1 normal; 2) não controlada (DNC): GH basal ou médio > 2,5 ng/ml ou nadir no TTOG > 1 ng/ml e IGF-1 elevado; 3) inadequadamente controlada (DIC): GH normal e IGF-1 elevado ou GH elevado e IGF-1 normal. Após a cirurgia, os níveis de GH reduziram de 61,7 ± 101,1 ng/ml para 7,2 ± 13,7 ng/ml (p< 0,001), e os de IGF-1 de 673,1 ± 257,7 ng/ml para 471,2 ± 285 ng/ml (p= 0,01). A taxa de remissão bioquímica foi de 57 por cento [10 pacientes (35,5 por cento) com DC e 6 (21,5 por cento) com DIC], similar àquela obtida na meta-análise de cirurgias de macroadenomas. Sete dos 28 pacientes foram submetidos à re-intervenção (4 operados em outro hospital e 3 pelo nosso neurocirurgião), sendo 5 (71,5 por cento) classificados como DC no pós-operatório. Invasão de seio cavernoso foi mais prevalente nos DNC e DIC, e desvio de haste hipofisária no grupo DNC. A taxa de remissão foi maior nas séries em que apenas um único cirurgião realizou os procedimentos (66 por cento vs. 49 por cento; p< 0,05). Em conclusão, esses dados comprovam que a experiência do neurocirurgião pode aumentar significativamente as taxas de remissão do tratamento cirúrgico da acromegalia, especialmente em tumores maiores e mais invasivos, e que a re-intervenção realizada por cirurgião experiente deve ser considerada nos algoritmos de abordagem terapêutica desta doença.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of transsphenoidal surgery in a group of patients with acromegaly who were operated by the same neurosurgeon. Our results were compared to those from a cumulative meta-analysis of 10 series (1,632 patients) published between 1992­2005. We followed 28 patients (17M/11F; 44.1 ± 12.7 yr; 27 with macroadenomas; 86 percent being invasive) during 21.4 ± 17.6 months after treatment. Patients were classified according to disease activity as follows: 1) controlled (CD): basal or mean GH < 2.5 ng/ml or nadir GH (OGTT) < 1 ng/ml and normal IGF-1; 2) uncontrolled (UCD): basal or mean GH > 2.5 ng/ml or nadir GH > 1 ng/ml and elevated IGF-1; 3) inadequately controlled (ICD): normal GH and elevated IGF-1 or elevated GH and normal IGF-1. After surgery, GH levels decreased from 61.7 ± 101.1 ng/ml to 7.2 ± 13.7 ng/ml (p< 0.001) and mean IGF-1 from 673.1 ± 257.7 ng/ml to 471.2 ± 285 ng/ml (p= 0.01). Biochemical remission rate was 57 percent [10 (35.5 percent) patients with CD and 6 (21.5 percent) with ICD], similar to the mean remission rate observed in the meta-analysis of surgical outcome of macroadenomas. Seven of 28 patients were submitted to surgical re-intervention (4 had been previously operated elsewhere and 3 by our neurosurgeon), with CD observed in 5 (71.5 percent) on follow-up. Cavernous sinuses invasion was more prevalent in UCD and ICD, whereas infundibular stalk deviation occurred only in patients with UCD. Remission rate was significantly higher in series where all surgical procedures were performed by the same surgeon (66 percent vs. 49 percent; p< 0.05). Thus, the surgeon's experience significantly improves the surgical outcome in acromegaly, especially in patients harboring large and invasive tumors, and re-intervention performed by an experienced surgeon should be considered in the algorithms for clinical management of this disease.

Neurosurgical management of cerebellar cavernous malformations.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to analyze cerebellar cavernous malformations (CMs) with respect to epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapeutic aspects. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2004, 100 patients were surgically treated for intracranial CMs at the Division of Neurosurgery of Federal University of Sao Paulo. The authors reviewed the records of 10 patients whose lesions were located in the cerebellum. There were four male and six female patients (ratio 1:1.5) whose ages ranged from 14 to 45 years (mean age 33 years). Clinical presentation was sudden or acute in all cases, and neuroimaging examinations performed in all patients demonstrated signs of bleeding. The mean size of the malformations was 4.6 cm, and in all but one patient the lesions were totally removed without complications. After a mean follow-up period of 70 months, all patients were considered to be in good or excellent clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebellar CMs should be analyzed separately from other posterior fossa CMs. These lesions can reach large sizes and cause massive hemorrhages, resulting in acute or sudden presentation. Surgery is a safe and effective option that provides a curative treatment when a complete removal is achieved.