Adequate control of seizures in a case of lead migration and neuromodulation of the posterior Sylvian junction: A case report.

Background: This report aims to describe the neuromodulation effect on seizure control in a patient with a left hippocampal migrated electrode to the Posterior Sylvian Junction (PSJ) during a follow-up of 17 years. Case Description: We report a case of a female patient with drug-resistant epilepsy who initiated at seven years old and underwent a stereotactic frame-based insertion of a left hippocampal electrode for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Posterior migration of the electrode was identified at PSJ by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging one month after surgery. A consistent seizure reduction (Engel IC) was obtained with 2v-120 uS-145 Hz, contacts 0-3 negative, casing positive DBS parameters and maintained to this day. Patient data were collected from electronic medical records preceded by obtaining an informed consent for research and publication purposes. Stimulation parameter adjustments were confirmed with the digital records of the local device provider (Medtronic). Results: PSJ is a connectivity confluence point of white matter pathways in the posterior quadrant of the hemispheres. White mater DBS could be considered for research as a potential complementary target for neuromodulation of refractory epilepsy.

Innovative perspectives in limbic surgery using deep brain stimulation.

Limbic surgery is one of the most attractive and retaken fields of functional neurosurgery in the last two decades. Psychiatric surgery emerged from the incipient work of Moniz and Lima lesioning the prefrontal cortex in agitated patients. Since the onset of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery with Spiegel and Wycis, the treatment of mental diseases gave attention to refractory illnesses mainly with the use of thalamotomies. Neurosis and some psychotic symptoms were treated by them. Several indications when lesioning the brain were included: obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and aggressiveness among others with a diversity of targets. The indiscriminately use of anatomical sites without enough scientific evidence, and uncertainly defined criteria for selecting patients merged with a deficiency in ethical aspects, brought a lack of procedures for a long time: only select clinics allowed this surgery around the world from 1950 to the 1990s. In 1999, Nuttin et al. began a new chapter in limbic surgery with the use of Deep Brain Stimulation, based on the experience of pain, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. The efforts were focused on different targets to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Nevertheless, other diseases were added to use neuromodulation. The goal of this article is to show the new opportunities to treat neuropsychiatric diseases.

Neuropathic Pain and Positive Sensory Symptoms in Brachial Plexus Neuropathy: An Exploratory Study of Outcomes after Surgical Decompression and Proposal of a New Sensory Frequency of Symptoms Scale.

BACKGROUND: There are no articles that aim to evaluate the specific role of surgical decompression on the recovery of pain and positive sensory symptoms (PSS) in patients with brachial plexus neuropathy (BPN), as well as the relationship between pain and frequency of sensory manifestations. METHODS: A prospective before and after study was performed, considering the pain intensity through the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the frequency of PSS through a proposed new scale: Sensory Frequency of Symptoms Scale (SFSS). To compare the patients before and after the intervention, a paired T-test, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Cohen's D test were made, coupled with a Spearman analysis in order to establish the relationship between pain and PSS. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in the study, the clinical evaluation showed changes in pain according with VAS, going from a mean preoperative state of 8.19 to 1.31 after surgery, showing significant changes (84%, p < 0.00006, Δ = 2.776). Within the PSS, a significant decrease was observed in paresthesias (74%, p < 0.0001, Δ = 1.645), dysesthesias (80%, p < 0.002, Δ = 1.453), and allodynia (70%, p = 0.031, Δ = 0.635). Conversely, the preoperative correlation analysis between pain and dysesthesias/allodynia showed a low and non-significant relationship (R < 0.4, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical decompression is an effective technique for the relief of pain and sensory manifestations in adult patients with BPN of compressive origin. No relationship was observed between pain and dysesthesias/allodynia. Therefore, during clinical evaluation, they should be considered as independent manifestations, highlighting the need to validate new scales.

Standing-Wave Feeding for High-Gain Linear Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) Array.

A novel feeding method for linear DRA arrays is presented, illuminating the use of the power divider, transitions, and launchers, and keeping uniform excitation to array elements. This results in a high-gain DRA array with low losses with a design that is simple, compact and inexpensive. The proposed feeding method is based on exciting standing waves using discrete metallic patches in a simple design procedure. Two arrays with two and four DRA elements are presented as a proof of concept, which provide high gains of 12 and 15dBi, respectively, which are close to the theoretical limit based on array theory. The radiation efficiency for both arrays is about 93%, which is equal to the array element efficiency, confirming that the feeding method does not add losses as in the case of standard methods. To facilitate the fabrication process, the entire array structure is 3D-printed, which significantly decreases the complexity of fabrication and alignment. Compared to state-of-the-art feeding techniques, the proposed method provides higher gain and higher efficiency with a smaller electrical size.

An Integrated Millimeter-Wave Satellite Radiometer Working at Room-Temperature with High Photon Conversion Efficiency.

In this work, the design of an integrated 183GHz radiometer frontend for earth observation applications on satellites is presented. By means of the efficient electro-optic modulation of a laser pump with the observed millimeter-wave signal followed by the detection of the generated optical sideband, a room-temperature low-noise receiver frontend alternative to conventional Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) or Schottky mixers is proposed. Efficient millimeter-wave to 1550 nm upconversion is realized via a nonlinear optical process in a triply resonant high-Q Lithium Niobate (LN) Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) resonator. By engineering a micromachined millimeter-wave cavity that maximizes the overlap with the optical modes while guaranteeing phase matching, the system has a predicted normalized photon-conversion efficiency ≈10-1 per mW pump power, surpassing the state-of-the-art by around three orders of magnitude at millimeter-wave frequencies. A piezo-driven millimeter-wave tuning mechanism is designed to compensate for the fabrication and assembly tolerances and reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Tendencias entre profesionales de salud sobre vacunación pediátrica. Impacto de su modificación. Bayamo. 2016-2019 / Trends among health professionals on pediatric vaccination. Impact of its modification. Bayamo. 2016-2019 / Tendências entre profissionais de saúde em vacinação pediátrica. Impacto de sua modificação. Bayamo. 2016-2019

RESUMEN En Cuba, vacunarse es un acto seguro. Garantizar que siga siendo así, lograr que cada vacuna sea realmente inmunizante, evitar brotes de enfermedades infectocontagiosas y brindar seguridad para vacunarse depende de los conocimientos del profesional de salud. Para evaluar la efectividad de una estrategia educativa sobre vacunación pediátrica, dirigida a profesionales de atención primaria de salud de Bayamo entre 2016 y 2019, se realizó esta investigación. El estudio cuasi experimental incluyó diseño, aplicación en 181 profesionales y evaluación de la estrategia. La variable dependiente fue nivel de conocimiento y la independiente: estrategia educativa, que trató contraindicaciones, falsas contraindicaciones (catarro, concomitancia con antibióticos) y factores que modifican la inmunogenicidad de la vacunación (esteroides, inmunomoduladores, sangre y derivados). Se evaluó nivel de conocimiento sobre los temas antes y después de la intervención, la recuperación de niños no vacunados y de vacunación no inmunizante. Se empleó la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon con índice de confianza del 95%. Inicialmente predominó el nivel inadecuado de conocimiento alrededor de 70 (%) que disminuyó significativamente. Se recuperaron 12 niños no vacunados y 60 vacunaciones no inmunizantes. Los problemas del conocimiento se detectaron en áreas que no implican peligro para la vida ni comprometen la seguridad o la cobertura vacunal numérica. La investigación tiene enfoque preventivo y aumenta la calidad y efectividad de la vacunación. Se modificó positivamente el nivel cognitivo de los profesionales y disminuyó el número de niños con atraso, contraindicación inadecuada o la vacunación no inmunizante. La estrategia educativa se consideró efectiva.

ABSTRACT In Cuba, getting vaccinated is a safe act. Ensuring that this remains the case, making each vaccine truly immunizing, preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases, and providing safety for vaccination depends on the knowledge of the health professional. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational strategy on pediatric vaccination, aimed at primary health care professionals in Bayamo between 2016 and 2019, this research was carried out. The quasi-experimental study included design, application in 181 professionals and evaluation of the strategy. The dependent variable was level of knowledge and the independent variable was educational strategy, which dealt with contraindications, false contraindications (colds, concomitance with antibiotics) and factors that modify the immunogenicity of vaccination (steroids, immunomodulators, blood and derivatives). The level of knowledge about the topics before and after the intervention, the recovery of unvaccinated children and of non-immunizing vaccination was evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed rank test with a confidence index of 95% was used. Initially, the inadequate level of knowledge predominated around 70 (%), which decreased significantly. Twelve unvaccinated children and 60 non-immunizing vaccinations were recovered. The knowledge problems were detected in areas that do not imply danger to life or compromise safety or numerical vaccination coverage. Research has a preventive focus and increases the quality and effectiveness of vaccination. The cognitive level of the professionals was positively modified and the number of children with delay, inadequate contraindication or non-immunizing vaccination decreased. The educational strategy was considered effective.

RESUMO Em Cuba, ser vacinado é um ato seguro. Garantir que assim seja, tornar cada vacina verdadeiramente imunizante, prevenir surtos de doenças infecciosas e dar segurança à vacinação depende do conhecimento do profissional de saúde. Com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia de uma estratégia educativa sobre vacinação pediátrica, dirigida a profissionais da atenção básica em Bayamo entre 2016 e 2019, foi realizada esta pesquisa. O estudo quase experimental incluiu desenho, aplicação em 181 profissionais e avaliação da estratégia. A variável dependente foi o nível de conhecimento e a variável independente foi a estratégia educacional, que tratou das contra-indicações, falsas contra-indicações (resfriados, concomitância com antibióticos) e fatores que modificam a imunogenicidade da vacinação (esteróides, imunomoduladores, sangue e derivados). Foi avaliado o nível de conhecimento sobre os temas antes e depois da intervenção, recuperação de crianças não vacinadas e vacinação não imunizante. Foi utilizado o teste dos postos sinalizados de Wilcoxon com índice de confiança de 95%. Inicialmente, o nível de conhecimento inadequado predominava em torno de 70 (%), que diminuiu significativamente. Doze crianças não vacinadas e 60 vacinações não imunizantes foram recuperadas. Foram detectados problemas de conhecimento em áreas que não representam perigo à vida e nem comprometem a segurança ou a cobertura vacinal numérica. A pesquisa tem um enfoque preventivo e aumenta a qualidade e eficácia da vacinação. O nível cognitivo dos profissionais foi modificado positivamente e o número de crianças com atraso, contra-indicação inadequada ou vacinação não imunizante diminuiu. A estratégia educativa foi considerada eficaz.

Sensitivity and noise in THz electro-optic upconversion radiometers.

This paper presents a study of noise in room-temperature THz radiometers that use THz-to-optical upconversion followed by optical detection of thermal radiation. Despite some undesired upconverted thermal noise, no noise is intrinsically introduced by efficient electro-optic modulation via a sum-frequency-generation process in high quality factor (Q) whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonators. However, coherent and incoherent optical detection results in fundamentally different noise characteristics. The analysis shows that the upconversion receiver is quantum limited like conventional amplifiers and mixers, only when optical homodyne or heterodyne detection is performed. However, this type of receiver shows advantages as a THz photon counter, where counting is in the optical domain. Theoretical predictions show that upconversion-based room-temperature receivers can outperform state-of-the-art cooled and room-temperature THz receivers based on low-noise amplifiers and mixers, provided that a photon conversion efficiency greater than 1% is realized. Although the detection bandwidth is naturally narrow due to the highly resonant electro-optic modulator, it is not fundamentally limited and can be broadened by engineering selective optical coupling mechanisms to the resonator.

Effect of unilateral amygdalotomy and hypothalamotomy in patients with refractory aggressiveness.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical treatment, although controversial, is considered a useful resource in the treatment of chronic psychiatric diseases such as refractory aggressiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results and side effects of posteromedial hypothalamotomy associated with amygdalotomy in patients with refractory aggressiveness. METHOD: A clinical trial was conducted in patients with chronic aggressiveness and refractory to pharmacological treatment. A central amygdalotomy associated with posteromedial hypothalamotomy was performed using thermo-coagulation by radiofrequency. The degree of aggressiveness was quantified by the Yudofsky's global scale of aggression. Postoperative changes in aggressive behavior continued to be evaluated every 6 months for at least 36 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant change in aggressive behavior was observed during 36 months of follow-up. The collateral effects of the association of both procedures are described, the most frequent being drowsiness and some cases of reduction in sexual behavior. CONCLUSION: Symmetric and simultaneous unilateral lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala and the posteromedial hypothalamus contralateral to motor dominance give the same clinical effect in the reduction of the pathological aggression that the bilateral lesions.

[Efecto de la amigdalotomía e hipotalamotomía unilateral en pacientes con agresividad refractaria].

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical treatment, although controversial, is considered a useful resource in the treatment of chronic psychiatric diseases such as refractory aggressiveness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results and side effects of posteromedial hypothalamotomy associated with amygdalotomy in patients with refractory aggressiveness. METHOD: A clinical trial was conducted in patients with chronic aggressiveness and refractory to pharmacological treatment. A central amygdalotomy associated with posteromedial hypothalamotomy was performed using thermo-coagulation by radiofrequency. The degree of aggressiveness was quantified by the Yudofsky's global scale of aggression. Postoperative changes in aggressive behavior continued to be evaluated every 6 months for at least 36 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant change in aggressive behavior was observed during 36 months of follow-up. The collateral effects of the association of both procedures are described, the most frequent being drowsiness and some cases of reduction in sexual behavior. CONCLUSION: Symmetric and simultaneous unilateral lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala and the posteromedial hypothalamus contralateral to motor dominance give the same clinical effect in the reduction of the pathological aggression that the bilateral lesions.

ANTECEDENTES: El tratamiento neuroquirúrgico, aunque polémico, se considera un recurso útil en el tratamiento de enfermedades psiquiátricas crónicas como la agresividad refractaria. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y los efectos colaterales de la hipotalamotomía posteromedial (HPM) asociada a amigdalotomía en pacientes con agresividad refractaria. MÉTODO: Se realizó un ensayo clínico en pacientes con agresividad crónica y refractaria a tratamiento farmacológico. Se les realizó amigdalotomía central asociada a HPM mediante termocoagulación por radiofrecuencia. El grado de agresividad se cuantificó mediante la escala global de agresividad de Yudofsky. Los cambios postoperatorios en la conducta agresiva continuaron siendo evaluados cada 6 meses durante al menos 36 meses. RESULTADOS: Se observó un cambio estadísticamente significativo de la conducta agresiva, a lo largo de 36 meses de seguimiento. Se describen los efectos colaterales de la asociación de ambos procedimientos, siendo el de mayor frecuencia la somnolencia y algunos casos de reducción en la conducta sexual. CONCLUSIÓN: Las lesiones unilaterales simétricas y simultáneas del núcleo central de la amígdala y del hipotálamo posteromedial contralaterales a la dominancia motora dan el mismo efecto clínico en la reducción de la agresividad patológica que las lesiones bilaterales.

Tratamiento de la agresividad refractaria mediante amigdalotomía e hipotalamotomía posteromedial por radiofrecuencia / Treatment of refractory aggressiveness by amygdalotomy and posteromedial hypothalamotomy by radiofrequency

Introducción. Dado que, en algunas circunstancias, las conductas defensivas o de ataque muestran un patrón de dominancia motora, tal como se observa en los sujetos dedicados a los deportes de contacto o de lucha, se consideró que la conducta agresiva tiene un patrón motor dominante. Con el fin de evitar los problemas funcionales descritos con los procedimientos de lesión bilateral tanto del núcleo central de la amígdala como del hipotálamo posteromedial, se decidió combinarlos; es decir, realizar amigdalotomía del núcleo central de la amígdala e hipotalamotomía posteromedial de manera unilateral y simultánea, basándose en la dominancia motora del paciente mediante la prueba de Edimburgo. Pacientes y métodos. Este estudio muestra la experiencia quirúrgica en una serie de nueve pacientes con el diagnóstico de síndrome neuroagresivo resistente al tratamiento farmacológico. Dentro del protocolo de estudio, se les realizó resonancia magnética cerebral para descartar la presencia de neoplasias, enfermedades vasculares, infecciones y trastornos degenerativos. El grado de agresividad se cuantificó mediante la escala global de agresividad de Yudofsky. Adicionalmente, se determinó la dominancia manual a través de la prueba de Edimburgo. Resultados y conclusiones. El buen control de la agresividad se observó de modo inmediato. En algunos casos fue necesario reducir la medicación de antipsicóticos o benzodiacepinas, ya que aumentaban la agresividad. Sólo un caso requirió una segunda cirugía. Se logró seguimiento del 100% de los casos en 24 meses y del 78% en 36 meses

Introduction. Since, under certain circumstances, defensive or attacking behaviours display a pattern of motor dominance, as observed in subjects who participate in contact or fighting sports, aggressive behaviour was considered to have a dominant motor pattern. With the aim of preventing the functional problems reported with bilateral lesion procedures involving both the central nucleus of the amygdala and the posteromedial hypothalamus, the decision was made to combine them; thus, an amygdalotomy of the central nucleus of the amygdala and a posteromedial hypothalamotomy were to be performed simultaneously and unilaterally, on the basis of the motor dominance of the patient determined by means of the Edinburgh test. Patients and methods. This study describes the surgical experience in a series of nine patients diagnosed with refractory neuroaggressive syndrome. As part of the study protocol, a magnetic resonance brain scan was performed to rule out the presence of neoplasms, vascular diseases, infections and degenerative disorders. The degree of aggressiveness was quantified using Yudofsky's Overt Aggression Scale. Additionally, manual dominance was determined by means of the Edinburgh test. Results and conclusions. Good control of aggressiveness was seen immediately. In some cases it was necessary to reduce the antipsychotic or benzodiazepine medication, as it was seen to increase aggressiveness. Only one case required a second surgical intervention. Follow-up was achieved in 100% of the cases at 24 months and 78% at 36 months

Efecto de la amigdalotomía e hipotalamotomía unilateral en pacientes con agresividad refractaria / Effect of tonsillotomy and unilateral hypothalamotomy in patients with refractory aggressiveness

Resumen Antecedentes: El tratamiento neuroquirúrgico, aunque polémico, se considera un recurso útil en el tratamiento de enfermedades psiquiátricas crónicas como la agresividad refractaria. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y los efectos colaterales de la hipotalamotomía posteromedial (HPM) asociada a amigdalotomía en pacientes con agresividad refractaria. Método: Se realizó un ensayo clínico en pacientes con agresividad crónica y refractaria a tratamiento farmacológico. Se les realizó amigdalotomía central asociada a HPM mediante termocoagulación por radiofrecuencia. El grado de agresividad se cuantificó mediante la escala global de agresividad de Yudofsky. Los cambios postoperatorios en la conducta agresiva continuaron siendo evaluados cada 6 meses durante al menos 36 meses. Resultados: Se observó un cambio estadísticamente significativo de la conducta agresiva, a lo largo de 36 meses de seguimiento. Se describen los efectos colaterales de la asociación de ambos procedimientos, siendo el de mayor frecuencia la somnolencia y algunos casos de reducción en la conducta sexual. Conclusión: Las lesiones unilaterales simétricas y simultáneas del núcleo central de la amígdala y del hipotálamo posteromedial contralaterales a la dominancia motora dan el mismo efecto clínico en la reducción de la agresividad patológica que las lesiones bilaterales.

Abstract Background: Neurosurgical treatment, although controversial, is considered a useful resource in the treatment of chronic psychiatric diseases such as refractory aggressiveness. Objective: To evaluate the clinical results and side effects of posteromedial hypothalamotomy associated with amygdalotomy in patients with refractory aggressiveness. Method: A clinical trial was conducted in patients with chronic aggressiveness and refractory to pharmacological treatment. A central amygdalotomy associated with posteromedial hypothalamotomy was performed using thermo-coagulation by radiofrequency. The degree of aggressiveness was quantified by the Yudofsky's global scale of aggression. Postoperative changes in aggressive behavior continued to be evaluated every 6 months for at least 36 months. Results: A statistically significant change in aggressive behavior was observed during 36 months of follow-up. The collateral effects of the association of both procedures are described, the most frequent being drowsiness and some cases of reduction in sexual behavior. Conclusion: Symmetric and simultaneous unilateral lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala and the posteromedial hypothalamus contralateral to motor dominance give the same clinical effect in the reduction of the pathological aggression that the bilateral lesions.

[Stereotactic radiosurgery with linear accelerator (LINAC). Report of the technical experience in 100 cases treated at the Mexico General Hospital]. / Radiocirugía estereotáxica con acelerador lineal (LINAC). Informe de la experiencia técnica en el manejo de 100 casos en el Hospital General de México.

UNLABELLED: Stereotactic radiosurgery consists of the release and high dose radiation inside the intracraneal, small, well defined and stereotactic localized injury. OBJECTIVE: In this study we describe the technical aspects, clinical results and dose radiation levels used in 100 patients treated with LINAC. METHODS: One hundred patients received treatment with LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery, 34 AVM, 22 meningiomas, 18 astrocytomas, 11 pituitary adenomas, 5 cavernous malformations, 3 acoustic neuromas, 3 craniopharyngiomas, 2 cases of epilepsy, one brain metastasis and one ependymoma. The radiation dose changed in each case. Studied variables: response of the injury, toxicity, in target dose, number of isocenters, number of treatment arcs, number o fcollimators, dose of risk organ, homogeneity of target, margin of error, target, diameter of collimator and location of target. We applied the chi2 test with statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 17.7 months. We had 3 cases of minor toxicity. We confirmed that for a greater target volume, greater number of treatment arcs were necessary, with greater margins of errors and greater number of isocenters. CONCLUSIONS: Radiosurgery is a safe and reliable technique to treat benign and malignant intracraneal lesions.

Radiocirugía estereotáxica con acelerador lineal (LINAC): Informe de la experiencia técnica en el manejo de 100 casos en el Hospital General de México / Stereotactic radiosurgery with linear accelerator (LINAC): Report of the technical experience in 100 cases treated at the Mexico General Hospital

La radiocirugía estereotáxica consiste en la liberación de una dosis única y grande de radiación a una lesión intracraneal, pequeña, bien definida y localizada estereotáxicamente. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es detallar las consideraciones técnicas y correlacionarlas con los resultados clínicos, así como reportar los márgenes de dosis utilizados. Métodos: Fueron tratados 100 pacientes mediante radiocirugía estereotáxica con LINAC. Treinta y cuatro casos de malformaciones arteriovenosas, 22 meningiomas, 18 astrocitomas, 11 adenomas hipofisiarios, 5 angiomas cavernosos, 3 neurinomas del acústico, 3 craneofaringiomas, 2 casos de epilepsia, una metástasis cerebral y un ependimoma. Las dosis de radiación utilizadas variaron en cada caso. Variables estudiadas: respuesta de la lesión, toxicidad, dosis al volumen blanco, número de isocentros, número de arcos de tratamiento, número de colimadores, dosis a órganos riesgo, homogeneidad volumen blanco, margen de error, volumen blanco, diámetro de colimadores y localización del volumen blanco. Se realizó la prueba x² con significancia estadística p <0.05. La media seguimiento fue de 17.7 meses. Resultados: Se presentaron tres casos de toxicidad menor. Se confirmó que a mayor volumen blanco tratado será necesario mayor número de arcos de tratamiento, con amplio margen de error y mayor número de isocentros. Conclusión: La radiocirugía es un método seguro y confiable para el manejo de entidades patológicas benignas y malignas intracraneales.

Stereotactic radiosurgery consists of the release and high dose radiation inside the intracraneal, small, well defined and stereotactic localized injury. Objective: In this study we describe the technical aspects, clinical results and dose radiation levels used in 100 patients treated with LINAC. Methods: One hundred patients received treatment withe LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery, 34 AVM, 22 meningiomas, 18 astrocytomas, 11 pituitary adenomas, 5 cavernous malformations, 3 acoustic neuromas, 3 craniopharyngiomas, 2 cases of epilepsy, one brain metastases and one ependymoma. The radiation dose changed in each case. Studied variables: response of the injury, toxicity, in target dose, number of isocenters, number of treatment arcs, number of collimators, dose of risk organ, homogeneity of target, margin of error, target, diameter of collimator and location of target. We applied the %2 test with statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: The median follow up was 17.7 months. We had 3 cases of minor toxicity. We confirmed that for a greater target volume, greater number oftreatment arcs were necessary, with greater margins of errors and greater number of isocenters. Conclusions: Radiosurgery is a safe and reliable technique to treat benign and malignant intracranial lesions.

Toxina botulínica como tratamiento de la espasticidad y distonía en la parálisis cerebal infantil / Botulinum toxin as a treatment for spasticity and Ddystonia in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

Manejo de la espasticidad y diston'a en la PCI con toxina botul'nica tipo A.Introducción.- La toxina botulínica tipo A (NxTx Bo A) se ha usado en la terapia del estrabismo, distonías y espasticidad. Objetivo.- Evaluar la efectividad de la NxTx Bo A en pacientes con parálisis cerebral infantil (PCI) espástica y/o distónica. Material y Métodos.- Se trataron prospectivamente 12 pacientes con al menos 2 dosis de NxTxBoA en los músculos afectados durante 12 meses. Ocho espásticos y cuatro espásticos-distónicos. Las indicaciones fueron: mejorar funcionalidad de las extremidades espásticas o distónicas, evitar cirugía correctora y mejorar la higiene y/o el vestido. La respuesta se evaluó con Escalas de Ashworth (EEA), Sindou-Millet (ESM) y OïBrien (EOB). Análisis estadístico.-Pruebas de rango de Wilcoxon y de signos, con p<0.05. Resultados.- La dosis por sesión fue de 3 a 10 U/kg, con mejoría de 2 grados en 8 pacientes según la EEA y un grado o más en el resto (p=0,004). En la ESM mejor- 60 por ciento en 2 pacientes , y 50 por ciento en los otros (p=0.006). La EOB mostró una buena correlación. La mejoría promedio fue 4.8 meses (4 a 10 m), facilitando la terapia física y ortesis. El efecto se relacionó con la dosis. Los efectos secundarios fueron: debilidad general, desequilibrio y hematoma focal. Conclusiones.- La NoTxBoA demostró efectividad y mínimos efectos colaterales en el tratamiento de espasticidad y distonía en la PCI como un manejo aditivo a las medidas de rehabilitación.