Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Treated with Vacuum Aspiration Thrombectomy without Thrombolysis: A Descriptive and Retrospective Study of 5 Years' Experience at a Single Center.

PURPOSE: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but life-threatening condition. Mechanical thrombectomy is a treatment option for patients who deteriorate or do not improve despite anticoagulation treatment or those who have a major contraindication to anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to describe the authors' 5 years of experience in treating CVST with vacuum aspiration thrombectomy without thrombolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective study, data were collected from consecutive patients with CVST who received anticoagulation as initial medical treatment and were treated with vacuum aspiration thrombectomy without thrombolysis. Patients were followed up at 3 months and after 1 year. RESULTS: The 9 patients included in the study had a median age of 37 years, and 5 were women. All 9 patients had headaches at presentation; 7 had focal neurologic deficits, and 7 had intracranial hypertension. Risk factors for CVST were identified in 8 patients, and poor prognostic factors were identified in 7 patients. In the 9 patients, 24 CVST locations were treated; complete (70.8%) or partial (29.2%) recanalization was achieved in all CVST locations. No procedure-related complications occurred. One patient died of parenchymal hemorrhagic transformation of CVST and vasogenic edema, 6 hours after the procedure. Two patients required neurosurgical intervention. After 1 year (range, 13-30 months), all 8 surviving patients had good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). CONCLUSIONS: For appropriately selected patients with CVST, vacuum aspiration thrombectomy without thrombolysis seemed to be an effective therapy.

Psychosis associated with suspected SARS-CoV-2 encephalitis with response to steroids: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-Cov-2 infection has multiple neurologic manifestations including encephalitis in multiple cases reported, however the psychosis as principal manifestation of this condition is infrequently. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 who developed paranoid and self-referential ideas with behavioural alteration and multiple findings on mental examination. Encephalitis associated with Covid-19 was suspected due to the neurological clinical presentation (persistent despite resolve hypoxaemia and systemic symptoms) and brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) that showed asymmetric hippocampal hyperintensities, although cerebrospinal fluid and electroencephalogram (EEG) were normal. The patient received medical treatment with methylprednisolone for 5 days with complete resolution of her symptoms. DISCUSSION: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has neurological complications either by direct involvement or by para-infectious or post-infectious phenomena. Encephalitis occurs in a small proportion of the cases, while psychiatric symptoms have been described in a variable percentage of the events. However, a psychotic picture such as the one reported in our case is unusual. MRI, cerebrospinal fluid and EEG are important for the diagnostic evaluation of these patients but not obligatory to the diagnosis. The treatment of this condition with corticosteroids has been successful even in cases associated with Anti-NMDA. Our case is the second reported in Colombia, the first to be associated with psychosis.

Leucoencefalopatía multifocal progresiva / Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

RESUMEN La leucoencefalopatía multifocal progresiva es una enfermedad desmielinizante secundaria a la infección por el virus de John Cunnigham, con baja incidencia a pesar de su alta seroprevalencia en la población general. Su principal factor de riesgo es la inmunosupresión, incluyendo la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), cánceres hematológicos, enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas y medicamentos inmunosupresores sistémicos. Después de la infección primaria, el virus queda latente y por mutaciones en su genoma adquiere la capacidad neuroinvasiva e infecta a los oligodendrocitos, a los que lleva a su destrucción, con el consecuente proceso desmielinizante, mientras se enfrenta a la inmunidad celular del huésped. El diagnóstico se basa en manifestaciones clínicas secundarias al compromiso encefálico, clásicamente supratentorial, así como la demostración de la presencia de genoma viral o anticuerpos en suero o líquido cefalorraquídeo y hallazgos imagenológicos e histopatológicos de lesiones en la sustancia blanca cerebral. El tratamiento, en general, consiste en la recuperación de la función inmune alterada, con reparos cuando esta se presenta en el contexto de un estado de reconstitución inmune. En este escrito se revisan los aspectos básico-clínicos más relevantes de esta enfermedad.

SUMMARY The progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating disease secondary to infection to John Cunningham Virus, it has a low incidence despite a high seroprevalence in the general population. The principal risk factor for its development is an immunosuppression, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection, hematologic neoplasms, chronic inflammatory diseases and systemic immunosuppressive drugs. After the primary infection, the virus stays in a latent state, acquiring a neuroinvasive capacity following a set of mutations in its genome. After infecting oligodendrocytes it takes them to destruction with the consequent demyelinating process whilst its fight to the host's cellular immune system. The diagnosis is based on a set of clinical findings secondary to encephalic compromise, classically supratentorial, in addition to a demonstration of viral genome or antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid and the presence of diagnostic images and histopathologic findings on the cerebral white matter. Its treatment is based on the enhancement of the disturbed immune function, with the exception of immune reconstitution state where other strategies are applied. In this paper we will review the more relevant basic and clinical aspects of this disease.

Neurosífilis / Neurosyphilis

RESUMEN La neurosífilis, causada por la espiroqueta Treponema pallidum, con una incidencia de 0,47-2,1 casos por 100 000 habitantes, puede generar neuroinvasión desde etapas tempranas de la infección. Se conoce como "la gran simuladora", con manifestaciones que incluyen casos asintomáticos, compromisos parenquimatosos (encefálicos o medulares) o afectación meníngea con daño vascular asociado. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas, tanto séricas como en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Aquí Un VDRL positivo es la prueba más específica para el diagnóstico, sin embargo, debido a su limitada sensibilidad, ciertos cambios citoquímicos en un contexto clínico adecuado permiten sospechar la enfermedad. Los pacientes con VIH suponen un reto especial. El tratamiento con penicilina cristalina sigue siendo la primera opción terapéutica a dosis de 3-4 millones de unidades IV cada 4 horas o 24 millones de unidades en infusión continua por 10-14 días. En algunos casos se requiere desensibilización o esquemas alternativos. La reacción de Jarisch-Herxheimer secundaria al tratamiento antibiótico es imprevisible y puede generar graves complicaciones, por lo que se recomienda prednisolona 40-60 mg al día por 3 días, iniciando 24 horas antes de la primera dosis de antibioticoterapia. El seguimiento del LCR suele ser útil y necesario.

SUMMARY Neurosyphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, with an incidence of 0.47-2.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, can generate neuroinvasion from early stages of the infection. It is known as "the great simulator", with manifestations that include cases asymptomatic, parenchymal compromises (encephalic and / or spinal cord) or meningeal involvement with associated vascular damage. Diagnosis is based primarily on treponemal tests and not treponemal, both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here a positive VDRL is the most specific test for diagnosis, however, having limited sensitivity, certain cytochemical changes in an appropriate clinical context allow suspicion of the disease. HIV patients pose a special challenge. Treatment with Crystalline Penicillin continues being the first therapeutic option at doses of 3-4 million units IV every 4 hours or 24 million units in continuous infusion for 10 to 14 days. In some cases it is required desensitization or alternative regimens. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction secondary to Antibiotic treatment is unpredictable and can lead to serious complications. recommends Prednisolone 40-60 mg a day for 3 days, starting 24 hours before the first dose of antibiotic therapy. CSF monitoring is often useful and necessary.

Neurosífilis / Neurosyphilis

La neurosífilis, causada por la espiroqueta Treponema pallidum, con una incidencia de 0,47-2,1 casos por 100 000 habitantes, puede generar neuroinvasión desde etapas tempranas de la infección. Se conoce como "la gran simuladora", con manifestaciones que incluyen casos asintomáticos, compromisos parenquimatosos (encefálicos o medulares) o afectación meníngea con daño vascular asociado. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas, tanto séricas como en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Aquí Un VDRL positivo es la prueba más específica para el diagnóstico, sin embargo, debido a su limitada sensibilidad, ciertos cambios citoquímicos en un contexto clínico adecuado permiten sospechar la enfermedad. Los pacientes con VIH suponen un reto especial. El tratamiento con penicilina cristalina sigue siendo la primera opción terapéutica a dosis de 3-4 millones de unidades IV cada 4 horas o 24 millones de unidades en infusión continua por 10-14 días. En algunos casos se requiere desensibilización o esquemas alternativos. La reacción de Jarisch-Herxheimer secundaria al tratamiento antibiótico es imprevisible y puede generar graves complicaciones, por lo que se recomienda prednisolona 40-60 mg al día por 3 días, iniciando 24 horas antes de la primera dosis de antibioticoterapia. El seguimiento del LCR suele ser útil y necesario.

SUMMARY Neurosyphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, with an incidence of 0.47-2.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, can generate neuroinvasion from early stages of the infection. It is known as "the great simulator", with manifestations that include cases asymptomatic, parenchymal compromises (encephalic and / or spinal cord) or meningeal involvement with associated vascular damage. Diagnosis is based primarily on treponemal tests and not treponemal, both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here a positive VDRL is the most specific test for diagnosis, however, having limited sensitivity, certain cytochemical changes in an appropriate clinical context allow suspicion of the disease. HIV patients pose a special challenge. Treatment with Crystalline Penicillin continues being the first therapeutic option at doses of 3-4 million units IV every 4 hours or 24 million units in continuous infusion for 10 to 14 days. In some cases it is required desensitization or alternative regimens. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction secondary to Antibiotic treatment is unpredictable and can lead to serious complications. recommends Prednisolone 40-60 mg a day for 3 days, starting 24 hours before the first dose of antibiotic therapy. CSF monitoring is often useful and necessary.

Síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible inducido por maniobra de Valsalva: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Valsalva maneuver induced-reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible es una entidad clínico-radiológica caracterizada por la presentación de cefalea severa de inicio hiperagudo tipo "trueno", con o sin signos y síntomas neurológicos adicionales en relación a una vasoconstricción arterial cerebral segmentaria que resuelve espontáneamente a los 3 meses. Por la superposición de las manifestaciones clínicas con otras entidades nosológicas, y por los múltiples factores etiológicos asociados, el diagnóstico se convierte en un reto; es imperativo realizarlo de forma temprana para la instauración de un tratamiento adecuado y la prevención de complicaciones. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente en quien se documentó como etiología la realización repetitiva de la maniobra de Valsalva sin otro factor concomitante, se exponen las intervenciones realizadas y se hace una revisión narrativa del tema con énfasis en el diagnóstico diferencial.

SUMMARY Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a clinical-radiological entity characterized by severe and hyperacute onset-thunderclap headache, with or without additional neurological signs and symptoms in relation to a segmental cerebral arterial vasoconstriction that resolves spontaneously at around 3 months. Its clinical manifestations are similar to other diseases, and additionally there are multiple associated etiological factors; early diagnosis becomes a challenge, but is essential to establish proper treatment and prevent complications. We present the case of a female patient in whom the repetitive performance of the Valsalva maneuver without another concomitant factor was documented as etiology, the interventions performed are presented and a narrative review of the topic is made with emphasis on differential diagnosis.

Myelopathy secondary to human T-lymphotropic virus and Treponema pallidum infection: case report.

Introduction: The human T-lymphotropic virus has been associated with human disease, affecting CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B lymphocytes. It can cause T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-associated myelopathy. Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman was admitted after 2 months of cramps, paraparesis, and fecal/urinary incontinence. She was diagnosed with neurosyphilis according to the cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Despite treatment with crystalline penicillin there was no recovery, and anti-HTLV-1/2 tests were positive; therefore, the diagnosis of HTLV-associated myelopathy was made. The patient rejected glucocorticoid treatment; baclofen and carbamazepine were used to treat spasticity and cramps, respectively. The patient has not had progression. Discussion: HTLV-associated myelopathy is generated by an exaggerated inflammatory response in the central nervous system with clonal expansion of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes. There is not a specific and useful treatment; glucocorticoids can reduce inflammation, but do not improve clinical functional outcomes. There is a high prevalence of syphilis and human T-lymphotropic virus co-infection in tropical countries; however, myelopathy as the first clinical manifestation is unusual. The treatment of neurosyphilis could reduce the inflammation into the central nervous system and could decrease the progression of sequelae. This is the first case of myelopathy secondary to viral and treponemal co-infection confirmed in Colombia.

Tumores germinales gonadales en niños: experiencia de 20 años en un centro de referencia pediátrico / Gonadal germ cell tumors in children: experience of 20 years in a pediatric referral center

Antecedentes. Los tumores de células germinales son un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias que corresponden al 1-3% de los tumores en pediatría. Por lo general, se manifiestan clínicamente con masa testicular o dolor abdominal. Objetivo. Describir las características de los pacientes con tumores germinales gonadales en un centro de referencia de cáncer pediátrico en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Este artículo hace una revisión retrospectiva recopilando 20 años de experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de estos tumores en la Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia. Resultados. Se encontraron 79 pacientes, 35 hombres y 44 mujeres, con un promedio de edad, al diagnóstico, de 6 años. El teratoma fue la neoplasia más frecuente en el sexo femenino y el tumor del seno endodérmico en el masculino. El 70,9% de los pacientes se diagnosticaron en estadio I; se tienen datos de marcadores tumorales en 84,8%. El 98,7% se manejaron con cirugía y 58,2% recibieron además quimioterapia, especialmente protocolo BEP. 96% alcanzaron remisión de la enfermedad, 3 pacientes fallecieron. Conclusiones. El estudio demuestra buenos resultados en el manejo de los tumores germinales gonadales con el protocolo establecido de manejo quirúrgico y quimioterapia, se encontró una baja tasa de recurrencia en el periodo evaluado y alto porcentaje de niños libres de enfermedad.

Background. Germ cell tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms corresponding to 1-3% of pediatric tumors. They usually manifest clinically as testicular mass or abdominal pain. Objective. To make a description of gonadal germ cell tumor types in pediatric referral center in Colombia. Materials and methods. This article takes a retrospective review compiling 20 years of experience in diagnosis and management of these tumors in the Fundación Hospital de La Misericordia. Results. We found 79 patients, 35 men and 44 women, with an average age at diagnosis of 6 years. The teratoma was the most common neoplasia in females and endodermal sinus tumor in men. 70.9% of patients were diagnosed with stage I. In 84,8% measuring tumor markers were obtained. 98.7% were managed with surgery and 58.2% also received chemotherapy, especially BEP protocol. 96% achieved disease remission, 3 patients died. Conclusions. The study shows good results in the management of gonadal germ cell tumors with the established protocol and low recurrence rate in the evaluated period and high rates of children free of disease, were found a low rate of recurrence in the assessment period and high percentage of free of disease.