Exploring clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic/inherited isolated generalized dystonia and stimulation of the subthalamic region.

BACKGROUND: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment option for refractory dystonia, but the improvement among the patients is variable. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of DBS of the subthalamic region (STN) in dystonic patients and to determine whether the volume of tissue activated (VTA) inside the STN or the structural connectivity between the area stimulated and different regions of the brain are associated with dystonia improvement. METHODS: The response to DBS was measured by the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) before and 7 months after surgery in patients with generalized isolated dystonia of inherited/idiopathic etiology. The sum of the two overlapping STN volumes from both hemispheres was correlated with the change in BFM scores to assess whether the area stimulated inside the STN affects the clinical outcome. Structural connectivity estimates between the VTA (of each patient) and different brain regions were computed using a normative connectome taken from healthy subjects. RESULTS: Five patients were included. The baseline BFM motor and disability subscores were 78.30 ± 13.55 (62.00-98.00) and 20.60 ± 7.80 (13.00-32.00), respectively. Patients improved dystonic symptoms, though differently. No relationships were found between the VTA inside the STN and the BFM improvement after surgery (p = 0.463). However, the connectivity between the VTA and the cerebellum structurally correlated with dystonia improvement (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the volume of the stimulated STN does not explain the variance in outcomes in dystonia. Still, the connectivity pattern between the region stimulated and the cerebellum is linked to outcomes of patients.

ANTECEDENTES: A estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) é um tratamento estabelecido para distonias refratárias. Porém, a melhora dos pacientes é variável. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi descrever os desfechos da ECP da região do núcleo subtalâmico (NST) e determinar se o volume de tecido ativado (VTA) dentro do NST ou se a conectividade estrutural entre a área estimulada e diferentes regiões cerebrais estão associadas a melhora da distonia. MéTODOS: A resposta da ECP em pacientes com distonia generalizada isolada de etiologia hereditária/idiopática foi mensurada pela escala de Burke-Fahr-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) antes e 7 meses após a cirurgia. A soma dos volumes do NST nos dois hemisférios foi correlacionada com a melhora nos escores do BFM para avaliar se a área estimulada dentro do NST afeta o desfecho clínico. A conectividade estrutural estimada entre o VTA de cada paciente e as diferentes regiões cerebrais foram computadas usando um conectoma normativo retirado de indivíduos saudáveis. RESULTADOS: Cinco pacientes com idade de 40,00 ± 7,30 anos foram incluídos. O BFM motor e de incapacidade basal eram de 78,30 ± 13,55 (62,00­98,00) e 20,60 ± 7,80 (13,00­32,00), respectivamente. Os pacientes melhoraram com a cirurgia, mas com variabilidade. Não houve relação entre o VTA dentro do NST e a melhora do BFM após a cirurgia (p = 0.463). Entretanto, a conectividade estrutural entre o VTA e o cerebelo correlacionaram com a melhora da distonia (p = 0.003). CONCLUSãO: Os dados sugerem que o VTA dentro do NST não explica a variabilidade do desfecho clínico na distonia. Porém, o padrão de conectividade entre a região estimulada e o cerebelo foi relacionada com o desfecho dos pacientes.

Exploring clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic/inherited isolated generalized dystonia and stimulation of the subthalamic region / Explorando os desfechos clínicos em pacientes com distonia idiopática/hereditária generalizada isolada submetidos a estimulação da região subtalâmica

Abstract Background Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment option for refractory dystonia, but the improvement among the patients is variable. Objective To describe the outcomes of DBS of the subthalamic region (STN) in dystonic patients and to determine whether the volume of tissue activated (VTA) inside the STN or the structural connectivity between the area stimulated and different regions of the brain are associated with dystonia improvement. Methods The response to DBS was measured by the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) before and 7 months after surgery in patients with generalized isolated dystonia of inherited/idiopathic etiology. The sum of the two overlapping STN volumes from both hemispheres was correlated with the change in BFM scores to assess whether the area stimulated inside the STN affects the clinical outcome. Structural connectivity estimates between the VTA (of each patient) and different brain regions were computed using a normative connectome taken from healthy subjects. Results Five patients were included. The baseline BFM motor and disability subscores were 78.30 ± 13.55 (62.00-98.00) and 20.60 ± 7.80 (13.00-32.00), respectively. Patients improved dystonic symptoms, though differently. No relationships were found between the VTA inside the STN and the BFM improvement after surgery (p = 0.463). However, the connectivity between the VTA and the cerebellum structurally correlated with dystonia improvement (p = 0.003). Conclusions These data suggest that the volume of the stimulated STN does not explain the variance in outcomes in dystonia. Still, the connectivity pattern between the region stimulated and the cerebellum is linked to outcomes of patients.

Resumo Antecedentes A estimulação cerebral profunda (ECP) é um tratamento estabelecido para distonias refratárias. Porém, a melhora dos pacientes é variável. Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi descrever os desfechos da ECP da região do núcleo subtalâmico (NST) e determinar se o volume de tecido ativado (VTA) dentro do NST ou se a conectividade estrutural entre a área estimulada e diferentes regiões cerebrais estão associadas a melhora da distonia. Métodos A resposta da ECP em pacientes com distonia generalizada isolada de etiologia hereditária/idiopática foi mensurada pela escala de Burke-Fahr-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) antes e 7 meses após a cirurgia. A soma dos volumes do NST nos dois hemisférios foi correlacionada com a melhora nos escores do BFM para avaliar se a área estimulada dentro do NST afeta o desfecho clínico. A conectividade estrutural estimada entre o VTA de cada paciente e as diferentes regiões cerebrais foram computadas usando um conectoma normativo retirado de indivíduos saudáveis. Resultados Cinco pacientes com idade de 40,00 ± 7,30 anos foram incluídos. O BFM motor e de incapacidade basal eram de 78,30 ± 13,55 (62,00-98,00) e 20,60 ± 7,80 (13,00-32,00), respectivamente. Os pacientes melhoraram com a cirurgia, mas com variabilidade. Não houve relação entre o VTA dentro do NST e a melhora do BFM após a cirurgia (p = 0.463). Entretanto, a conectividade estrutural entre o VTA e o cerebelo correlacionaram com a melhora da distonia (p = 0.003). Conclusão Os dados sugerem que o VTA dentro do NST não explica a variabilidade do desfecho clínico na distonia. Porém, o padrão de conectividade entre a região estimulada e o cerebelo foi relacionada com o desfecho dos pacientes.

Should the Globus Pallidus Targeting Be Refined in Dystonia?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is a highly effective therapy for primary generalized and focal dystonias, but therapeutic success is compromised by a nonresponder rate of up to 20%. Variability in electrode placement and in tissue stimulated inside the GPi may explain in part different outcomes among patients. Refinement of the target within the pallidal area could be helpful for surgery planning and clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to discuss current and potential methodological (somatotopy, neuroimaging, and neurophysiology) aspects that might assist neurosurgical targeting of the GPi, aiming to treat generalized or focal dystonia. METHODS: We selected published studies by searching electronic databases and scanning the reference lists for articles that examined the anatomical and electrophysiologic aspects of the GPi in patients with idiopathic/inherited dystonia who underwent functional neurosurgical procedures. RESULTS: The sensorimotor sector of the GPi was the best target to treat dystonic symptoms, and was localized at its lateral posteroventral portion. The effective volume of tissue activated (VTA) to treat dystonia had a mean volume of 153 mm3 in the posterior GPi area. Initial tractography studies evaluated the close relation between the electrode localization and pallidothalamic tract to control dystonic symptoms.Regarding the somatotopy, the more ventral, lateral, and posterior areas of the GPi are associated with orofacial and cervical representation. In contrast, the more dorsal, medial, and anterior areas are associated with the lower limbs; between those areas, there is the representation of the upper limb. Excessive pallidal synchronization has a peak at the theta band of 3 to 8 Hz, which might be responsible for generating dystonic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Somatotopy assessment of posteroventral GPi contributes to target-specific GPi sectors related to segmental body symptoms. Tractography delineates GPi output pathways that might guide electrode implants, and electrophysiology might assist in pointing out areas of excessive theta synchronization. Finally, the identification of oscillatory electrophysiologic features that correlate with symptoms might enable closed-loop approaches in the future.

Safety and Outcomes of Dentate Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Cerebellar Ataxia.

Cerebellar symptoms remain orphan of treatment options despite being prevalent and incapacitating. Investigate whether dentate nucleus deep brain stimulation (DN DBS) is safe and leads to improvements in cerebellar symptoms when compared to sham stimulation. This randomized double-blind crossover pilot trial enrolled five patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 or post-lesion ataxia. Active or sham phases were randomly performed three months apart. The primary outcome was ataxia improvement as measured by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) after the active compared to the sham period. Secondary outcome measures included safety and tolerability, the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMRS), quality of life measurements, and patients' global impression of change. The effects on ataxia were numerically better in four out of five patients after active versus sham stimulation. The composite SARA score did not change after comparing active to sham stimulation (8.6 ± 3.6 versus 10.1 ± 4.1; p = 0.223). The FTMRS showed significant improvement after active stimulation versus sham (18.0 ± 17.2 versus 22.2 ± 19.5; p = 0.039) as did patients' global impression of change (p = 0.038). The quality of life was not modified by stimulation (p = 0.337). DN DBS was well tolerated without serious adverse events. One patient had the electrode repositioned. DN DBS is a safe and well tolerated procedure that is effective in alleviating cerebellar tremor. In this small cohort of ataxic patients, DN DBS did not achieve statistical significance for ataxia improvement.

Dentate nucleus deep brain stimulation: Technical note of a novel methodology assisted by tractography.

BACKGROUND: The cerebellum has emerged as an attractive and promising target for neuromodulation in movement disorders due to its vast connection with important cortical and subcortical areas. Here, we describe a novel technique of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus (DN) aided by tractography. METHODS: Since 2015, patients with movement disorders including dystonia, ataxia, and tremor have been treated with DN DBS. The cerebellar target was initially localized using coordinates measured from the fastigial point. The target was adjusted with direct visualization of the DN in the susceptibility-weighted imaging and T2 sequences of the MRI and finally refined based on the reconstruction of the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT). RESULTS: Three patients were treated with this technique. The final target was located in the anterior portion of DN in close proximity to the DRTT, with the tip of the lead on the white matter and the remaining contacts on the DN. Clinical outcomes were variable and overall positive, with no major side effect. CONCLUSION: Targeting the DN based on tractography of the DRTT seems to be feasible and safe. Larger studies will be necessary to support our preliminary findings.

Decompressive hinge craniectomy with linear durotomies for ischemic stroke: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy may be a life-saving measure in ischemic stroke patients, who still have several associated complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate a novel decompressive surgery technique for severe hemispheric ischemic stroke. METHODS: For the hinge decompressive craniectomy (HDC), linear durotomies were performed. Vertical (one or two frontal and two parietal), and two horizontal (temporal), with approximately 5 cm long, linear durotomies were carried out. Duroplasty was performed using an autologous subgaleal tissue graft fixed with separate sutures to avoid CSF leak and direct contact of the cortex with the bone flap. The bone flap was fixed in three parietal locations. We compared 10 patients who underwent our modified HDC with 9 patients submitted to classical decompressive craniectomy (CDC). The primary outcome of this study was mortality. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included, with a mean age of 52.3 years (±8.2). Four (44%) patients from the HDC group had to be reoperated to remove the bone flap because of brain swelling worsening, but none of them died. The average time of HDC was 90 minutes. Overall 14-days mortality was 21.1% (n=4), and cumulative six-months mortality was 42.1% (n=8). Five (50%) patients submitted to CDC died, while 3 (33.3%) submitted to HDC died (χ2=0.07, p=0.79). The mean length of stay was 46.7 days (±32.1) for HDC and 38.7 (±27.1) for CDC (p=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: We present a modified technique of hinge craniectomy with linear vertical and horizontal durotomies, which seems to have reduced operative time and mortality compared to classical decompressive craniotomy, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Neurocircuitry of Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as Revealed by Tractography: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was proposed in 1999 to treat refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite the accumulated experience over more than two decades, 30-40% of patients fail to respond to this procedure. One potential reason to explain why some patients do not improve in the postoperative period is that DBS might not have engaged structural therapeutic networks that are crucial to a favorable outcome in non-responders. This article reviews magnetic resonance imaging diffusion studies (DTI-MRI), analyzing neural networks likely modulated by DBS in OCD patients and their corresponding clinical outcome. Methods: We used a systematic review process to search for studies published from 2005 to 2020 in six electronic databases. Search terms included obsessive-compulsive disorder, deep brain stimulation, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion tractography, tractography, connectome, diffusion analyses, and white matter. No restriction was made concerning the surgical target, DTI-MRI technique and the method of data processing. Results: Eight studies published in the last 15 years were fully assessed. Most of them used 3 Tesla DTI-MRI, and different methods of data acquisition and processing. There was no consensus on potential structures and networks underlying DBS effects. Most studies stimulated the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC)/nucleus accumbens. However, the contribution of different white matter pathways that run through the ALIC for the effects of DBS remains elusive. Moreover, the improvement of cognitive and affective symptoms in OCD patients probably relies on electric modulation of distinct networks. Conclusion: Though, tractography is a valuable tool to understand neural circuits, the effects of modulating different fiber tracts in OCD are still unclear. Future advances on image acquisition and data processing and a larger number of studies are still required for the understanding of the role of tractography-based targeting and to clarify the importance of different tracts for the mechanisms of DBS.

Routine postoperative computed tomography scan after craniotomy: systematic review and evidence-based recommendations.

Over the last few years, the role of early postoperative computed tomography (EPOCT) after cranial surgery has been repeatedly questioned, but there is yet no consensus on the practice. We conducted a systematic review to address the usefulness of EPOCT in association with neurological examination after elective craniotomies compared to the neurological examination alone. Studies were eligible if they provided information about the number of patients scanned, how many were asymptomatic or presented neurological deterioration before the scan and how many of each of those groups had their management changed due to imaging findings. CTs had to be performed in the first 48 h following surgery to be considered early. Eight studies were included. The retrospective studies enrolled a total of 3639 patients, with 3737 imaging examinations. Out of the 3696 CT scans performed in asymptomatic patients, less than 0.8% prompted an intervention, while 100% of patients with neurological deterioration were submitted to emergency surgery. Positive predictive values of altered scans were 0.584 for symptomatic patients and 0.125 for the asymptomatic. The number of altered scans necessary to predict (NNP) one change in management for the asymptomatic patients was 8, while for the clinically evident cases, it was 1.71. The number of scans needed to diagnose one clinically silent alteration is 134.75, and postoperative imaging of neurologically intact patients is 132 times less likely to issue an emergency intervention than an altered neurological examination alone. EPOCT following elective craniotomy in neurologically preserved patients is not supported by current evidence, and CT scanning should be performed only in particular conditions. The authors have developed an algorithm to help the judgment of each patient by the surgeon in a resource-limited context.

Multiple and mirror intracranial aneurysms: study of prevalence and associated risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIA) account for 30% of all intracranial aneurysms, while mirror aneurysms, a subgroup of MIA, are present in 5% of all patients with cerebral aneurysms. We investigated the risk factors associated with the presence of multiple and mirror intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: 1404 patients, 314 males (22.4%) and 1090 female (77.6%) were enrolled for this study. Diagnosis was performed with a digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Multiplicity was defined as the presence of two or more aneurysms and mirror aneurysms as one pair of aneurysms involving bilateral corresponding arteries. Patients were followed-up from September 2009 till August 2018. Individuals' characteristics such as sex, age, smoking, hypertension and use of contraceptives were evaluated. RESULTS: Five hundred and twelve patients (36.4%) were diagnosed with MIA, approximately 4%/year. We observed 203 pairs of mirror aneurysms, accounting for 406 aneurysms (13% of the population). There was an increased frequency of females with multiple (p < 0.001, OR = 1.883, 95% CI = 1.386-2.560) and mirror aneurysms (p < 0.001, OR = 2.828, 95% CI = 1.725-4.636). Smoking was associated with multiplicity (p< 0.001, OR = 1.458, 95% CI = 1.160-1.833), as well as advanced age (p < 0.001, OR = 1.938, 95% CI = 1.438-2.611), but there was no significant relation with presence of mirror aneurysms. We observed higher frequency of baby aneurysms (<3mm) in the group of patients with MIA, while giant aneurysms (>25 mm) were most found in patients with only one aneurysm (p < 0.001). No differences between patients who used contraceptives against patients who did not use were found (p = 0.600). CONCLUSIONS: Gender and smoking, known risk factors to the development of a single intracranial aneurysm, are proportionally increased in patients with MIA. Hypertension and oral contraceptives were not associated with multiplicity.

Cavernous carotid aneurysms do not influence the occurrence of upstream ipsilateral aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCA) comprehend around 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. The main risk factors for an intracranial aneurysm seem not to influence the incidence of CCAs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CCAs and the presence of upstream aneurysms. METHODS: 1403 patients, admitted in Hospital das Clinicas de São Paulo, Brazil, from September 2009 to August 2018, enrolled this study. Diagnosis was performed with Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Upstream aneurysm was defined as an intracranial aneurysm on anterior cerebral circulation, ipsilateral to the CCA (if present) or crossing the midline (e.g. anterior communicating artery). RESULTS: 177 individuals were diagnosed with CCA (12.6% of the population), totalizing 225 aneurysms (10% of the total number of aneurysms, 2253). No association was found between CCA and UA (p= .090, OR: 1.323, 95% CI: 0.957-1.828). Studying only patients with CCA, multivariable analysis showed smoking as the only factor associated with UA (p= .010, OR: 0.436, 95% CI: 0.232-0.821). CONCLUSIONS: Cavernous carotid aneurysms were present in 12% of our population, mostly in female. They seem to be independent of the modifiable risk factors already associated with intracranial aneurysms. A higher frequency of mirror aneurysms was seen in this location. CCA did not influence the presence of ipsilateral and anterior circulation aneurysms.

Connectivity Patterns of Subthalamic Stimulation Influence Pain Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Pain is highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease and is associated with significant reduction in health-related quality of life. Subthalamic deep brain stimulation can produce significant pain relief in a subset of patients after surgery. However, the mechanism by which deep brain stimulation modulates sensory function in Parkinson's disease remains uncertain. Objective: To describe the motor and pain outcomes of deep brain stimulation applied to a series of patients with Parkinson's disease and to determine whether the structural connectivity between the volume of tissue activated and different regions of the brain was associated with the changes of these outcomes after surgery. Methods: Data from a long-term prospective cohort of 32 Parkinson's disease patients with subthalamic stimulation were combined with available human connectome to identify connections consistently associated with clinical improvement (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale), pain intensity, and experimental cold pain threshold after surgery. Results: The connectivity between the volume of tissue activated and a distributed network of sensory brain regions (prefrontal, insular and cingulate cortex, and postcentral gyrus) was inversely correlated with pain intensity improvement and reduced sensitivity to cold pain after surgery (p < 0.01). The connectivity strength with the supplementary motor area positively correlated with motor and pain threshold improvement (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that the pattern of the connectivity between the region stimulated and specific brain cortical area might be responsible, in part, for the successful control of motor and pain symptoms by subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Interleaving Stimulation in Parkinson Disease: Interesting to Whom?

BACKGROUND: Interleaving stimulation (ILS) is a stimulation strategy that can help the physician manage more challenging cases of patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD). It consists of altering 2 different programs on the electrode with the same frequency. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to overview our patients' experience with ILS and explore clinical scenarios in which ILS should be considered when programming DBS in patients with PD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical charts from 120 patients with PD treated with DBS between 2011 and 2018. RESULTS: Eighteen patients received ILS. One was excluded because of the medical chart was incomplete. The remaining 17 patients had subthalamic nucleus DBS (n = 14) and globus pallidus internus DBS (n = 3). Eight patients (47%) received ILS to improve rigidity and bradykinesia, 4 to improve dyskinesias, 4 because of refractory tremor, and 1 for gait management. Until the end of data collection, 13 of 17 patients (70%) were still on ILS, with a mean duration time of 28.8 months (range, 2-44 months). Four patients reported no benefit from ILS and had their program changed. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ILS is useful 1) to use 2 contacts that optimally improve 2 specific symptoms but have different therapeutic windows; 2) to avoid side effects related to current spreading to nearby areas; 3) to increase frequency in a small region; or 4) to stimulate a larger target area.

Exploring the clinical outcomes after deep brain stimulation in Tourette syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic centromedian-parafascicular (CM-Pf) region is the most common target to treat refractory Tourette syndrome (TS), but the improvement among the patients is quite variable. This study describes the outcomes of stimulation in TS patients and attempts to determine whether the volume of tissue activated (VTA) inside the thalamus or the structural connectivity between the area stimulated and different regions of the brain is associated with tic improvement. METHODS: The DBS patient response was measured as the percentage change in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) before and 12 months after surgery. The sum of the two overlapping VTA/CM-Pf volumes from both hemispheres was correlated with the percent change in YGTSS scores to assess whether the area stimulated inside the CM-Pf affects the clinical outcome. Structural connectivity estimates between the VTA (of each patient) and different regions of the brain were computed using a normative connectome that was taken from healthy subjects. RESULTS: Five male patients aged 26.8 ±â€¯9.3 years were included. No relationships were found between the areas stimulated and the changes in patient tics (p = .374). However, the right frontal middle gyrus (R = 0.564, p = .03), the left frontal superior sulci region (R = 0.900, p = .030) and the left cingulate sulci region (R = 0.821, p = .045) structurally correlated with tic improvement. CONCLUSION: These data suggests that the volume of thalamic area that is stimulated does not explain the variance in outcomes in TS, however, the pattern of connectivity between the region stimulated and specific brain cortical areas is linked to patient outcome.

Epidemiological analysis of 1404 patients with intracranial aneurysm followed in a single Brazilian institution.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the epidemiology of intracranial aneurysms in relation to location, gender, age, presence of multiple aneurysms, and comorbidities in the Brazilian population. METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of a cohort of 1404 patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysm admitted to the Hospital das Clinicas of the University of Sao Paulo, a referral hospital for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in Brazil. Patients admitted between September 2009 and September 2018 with radiological diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 2251 aneurysms were diagnosed. Females accounted for 1090 aneurysms (77.6%) and the mean age at diagnosis was 54.9 years (ranging 15-88). The most common location was middle cerebral artery (MCA) with 593 aneurysms (26.3%) followed by anterior cerebral artery (ACA) with 417 aneurysms (18.5%) and internal carotid artery in the posterior communicating segment with 405 aneurysms (18.0%). Males had higher rates of ACA aneurysms (29.7%) while females had higher rates of MCA aneurysms (26.1%). Sorting by size, 492 aneurysms were <5 mm (21.8%), 1524 measured 5-10 mm (67.7%), 119 size 11-24 mm (5.3%), and 116 were >24 mm (5.2%). The occurrence of multiple aneurysms was associated with female gender (P < 0.001) and smoking (P < 0.001), but not with hypertension (P = 0.121). CONCLUSION: In this population, the occurrence of intracranial aneurysm is related to several factors, including gender, age, smoking, and hypertension. Our study brought to light important characteristics of a large number of Brazilian patients regarding epidemiology, location, size, and multiplicity of intracranial aneurysms.

Cholangiocarcinoma Seeding along a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter: A Rare Initial Manifestation

Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for less than 2% of all malignant neoplasms. Its cutaneous metastases are extremely rare, accounting for 0.0002% of all cases. The ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt has been considered a potential route for tumor dissemination. This type of tumor proliferation has been well documented in patients with intra-abdominal metastases secondary to brain tumors and, less frequently, brain metastases secondary to intra-abdominal tumors. In spite of that, there are few reports of cutaneous metastases along the VP shunt catheter trajectory. We present the case of a cholangiocarcinoma cutaneous metastasis at the VP shunt trajectory as the first clinical sign of this type of tumor. The patient had undergone the shunt insertion 4 years earlier due to a hydrocephaly secondary to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. After diagnosis, she was referred to chemotherapy and oncology follow-up. In the literature, 30 cases of cutaneous metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma were reported. Dissemination has been described involving percutaneous biliary drainage and distant sites. However, the case presented in this study alerts us about the possibility of cutaneous metastasis of intra-abdominal tumors in the trajectory of VP shunt catheters.

O colangiocarcinoma representa menos de 2% das neoplasias malignas. Sua metástase cutânea é extremamente rara, representando 0.0002% dos casos. A derivação ventrículo-peritoneal (DVP) tem sido considerada uma via potencial para a disseminação dos tumores. Essa propagação tumoral já foi bem descrita em pacientes com tumores do sistema nervoso central e metástases intra-abdominais e, menos frequentemente, em metástases cerebrais secundárias a tumores intra-abdominais. Apesar disso, a presença de metástases cutâneas ao longo da trajetória do cateter de DVP é pouco relatada. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente portadora de DVP há quatro anos devido a uma hidrocefalia secundária à hemorragia subaracnoide e que apresentou metástases cutâneas de colangiocarcinoma na trajetória do cateter de derivação como o primeiro sinal clínico do tumor. Após o diagnóstico, ela foi encaminhada para quimioterapia e acompanhamento com oncologia. Na literatura, foram relatados 30 casos de metástases cutâneas de colangiocarcinoma. Em geral, a disseminação pode envolver locais distantes ou cateteres de drenagem biliar percutânea. No entanto, o caso descrito neste estudo nos alerta sobre a possibilidade de metástases cutâneas de tumores intra-abdominais na trajetória de cateteres de DVP.

Surgical variation of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A technical note and anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: In this article, the authors described their experience in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS: The microvascular decompression technique used in the authors' institution is described in a step by step manner with some illustrative cases as well as a cadaver dissection to highlight the differences with other previously described techniques. RESULTS: Since 2013, 107 patients were operated in the Neurosurgery Division of the University of São Paulo using the described technique, with a shorter operative time and avoiding cerebellar retractor compared with classic techniques. CONCLUSION: Our modified microvascular decompression technique for trigeminal neuralgia can be used with safety and efficiency for treating trigeminal neuralgia.

[Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury]. / Profilaxia de Trombose Venosa Profunda em Doentes com Traumatismo Cranioencefálico.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of deep vein thrombosis is increased in patients with head trauma, but the prophylaxis against this event is confronted with the possible risk of worsening hemorrhagic injuries. In this article, we present an overview about deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in patients with head trauma and we propose a practical protocol for clinical management of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed relevant papers cited in the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, and Scielo databases from January 1998 to January 2014. Based on a search with the following search expression: "deep venous thrombosis and prophylaxis and traumatic brain injury", we found 44 eligible articles. Twenty-three papers were selected using criteria as published in English or Portuguese, patients in acute phase of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury and noninvasive mechanical prophylaxis or chemistry. RESULTS: Head trauma alone is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. The chance of deep vein thrombosis is 2.59 times higher in patients with head trauma. The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients who have suffered head trauma is 20% in the literature, reaching 30% in some studies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Head trauma alone is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism and the risks inherent in this disease requires methods of prevention for these complications. Clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of prophylaxis and the best time to start medication for deep vein thrombosis in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Introdução: O risco de trombose venosa profunda encontra-se aumentado em doentes vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico, mas a profilaxia da trombose venosa profunda se confronta com o possível risco de piora de lesões hemorrágicas relacionados ao traumatismo cranioencefálico. Neste artigo apresentamos uma revisão crítica do tema e propomos um protocolo de profilaxia para estes doentes.Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, e Scielo de janeiro de 1998 a janeiro de 2014 com a expressão de busca âÄúdeep venous thrombosis and prophylaxis and traumatic brain injuryâÄù. Foram encontrados 44 artigos usando os termos MeSH definidos. Destes foram selecionados 23 artigos, usando como critérios: publicação em inglês ou português, fase aguda do traumatismo cranioencefálico moderado e grave, profilaxia mecânica não invasiva ou química.Resultados: O traumatismo cranioencefálico é um fator de risco para trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar. A chance de trombose venosa profunda é 2,59 vezes maior em doentes com traumatismo cranioencefálico. A prevalência de trombose venosa profunda e embolia pulmonar em doentes que sofreram traumatismo cranioencefálico é de 20%, podendo atingir 30% dos doentes em alguns estudos.Discussão e Conclusão: As diversas formas de traumatismo de forma isolada constituem fator de risco para trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar. Ensaios clínicos são necessários para estabelecer a eficácia da profilaxia e o melhor momento de iniciar medicação para trombose venosa profunda em doentes com traumatismo craniencefálico.

Estimulação magnética transcraniana e aplicabilidade clínica: perspectivas na conduta terapêutica neuropsiquiátrica / Transcranial magnetic stimulation and clinical applicability: perspectives in neuropsychiatric therapeutics

Estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT) é uma técnica conhecida desde o começo dos anos 90 e que atualmentetem ganhado destaque devido a sua segurança e possível aplicabilidade para tratar diversas patologias neuropsiquiátricas refratárias. A fim de clarificar os possíveis usos da EMT e suas variações no campo da clínica como forma de tratamento, procedemos à revisão da literatura selecionando os artigos nas áreas em que a técnica de EMT já tem sido largamente utilizada,a saber: AVC, Dor, Doença de Parkinson e Depressão. Essas doenças possuem elevada morbidade, possuindo grandesimplicações na qualidade de vida devido ao elevado grau de incapacidade associado e ao fato de ainda carecerem de métodos terapêuticos totalmente eficientes. Nesse contexto, a EMT emerge como ferramenta promissora, apresentando bons resultados, os quais fornecem margem para aplicações diretas na prática clínica. É necessário, todavia, o desenvolvimento de mais estudos randomizados, para se padronizar e aperfeiçoar as abordagensdessa técnica no tratamento de tais patologias...

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique that emerged in the 90s and has currently become recognized for its safety and potential applicability in the treatment of neuropsychiatry diseases. To clarify the possible uses of TMS and its variations in the clinical scope as a treatment, weproceeded a literature review selecting articles in the areas where the technique of TMS has already been widely used: Stroke, Pain, Parkinson’s Disease and Depression. These diseases have high morbidity, with large implications for the quality of life due to the high degree of disability and the fact that we still lack of fully efficient therapeutic methods. In this context, EMT emerges as a promising tool with amazing results, which provide scope for direct applications in clinical practice. However, the developmentof more randomized studies is necessary, in order to standardizeand improve the approaches of this technique in the treatment of such pathologies...