[Formula: see text] Neuropsychological functioning and its relationship with brain anatomical measures of children and adolescents with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) show cognitive performance below expected. This difficulty can be associated with alterations in the cortical thickness and volume of brain regions. The aim of this study was to investigate anatomical brain characteristics and their relationship with the neuropsychological scores of children and adolescents with NSCLP. Methods: Twenty-four children and adolescents with ages from 10 to 16 years and 11 months (12 with a diagnosis of NSCLP; 12 with typical development) were enrolled. Neuropsychological tests were administered and high-resolution, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in a 1.5 T scanner. Results: Compared to the control group, NSCLP individuals showed intellectual (p = 0.006) and cognitive (p = 0.003) impairment, as well as deficits in subdomains of executive functions (sustained attention, working memory, and cognitive planning). The morphological analysis showed reduced volumes and cortical thickness in temporal, parietal, and frontal regions, in both hemispheres, of the NSCLP group. Significant, strong associations of structural alterations and cognitive performance were observed. Conclusions: Our study provided strong evidence of the relationship between brain development in children and adolescents with NSCLP, and their neuropsychological profile. This relationship is characterized by a malfunction of associative areas of the brain, such as parieto-temporo-occipital, frontoparietal, and prefrontal regions.

Radiografia do implante coclear: técnica adaptada para aparelho portátil / Cochlear implant radiography: technique adapted into a portable apparatus

Considerando a indisponibilidade de equipamentos avançados de aquisição de imagens nos centros cirúrgicos da maioria dos centros hospitalares e a importância fundamental que têm para o cirurgião uma visualização imediata do implante coclear logo após sua inserção, uma boa opção é a utilização da radiografia convencional. OBJETIVO: Descrever um método radiográfico rápido prático e de baixo custo, que permita avaliar não só a posição, mas também a integridade dos eletrodos, na instalação do implante coclear. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram analisadas radiografias de 262 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de implante coclear entre Março/2005 e Outubro/2008, com radiografia transoperatória, logo após a inserção dos eletrodos. As radiografias foram analisadas pelo cirurgião no transoperatório e, posteriormente, pelo médico radiologista. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 524 radiografias das quais, 95,61 por cento apresentavam técnica adequada, com posicionamento do paciente dentro da técnica descrita neste estudo e boa visualização dos eletrodos, sendo consideradas satisfatórias e 4,39 por cento apresentavam técnica inadequada e/ou visualização insatisfatória dos eletrodos, sendo consideradas insatisfatórias. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos aparelhos de Raios X portáteis possuírem limitações, utilizando técnicas e acessórios adequados, é possível conseguir radiografias com resultados satisfatórios para visualização dos implantes cocleares.

The unavailability of advanced imaging equipment in the operating rooms of most hospitals - as well as the fundamental importance for surgeons of immediate observation of the cochlear implants soon after their insertion - makes conventional radiography a good option. OBJECTIVE: To describe a practical, fast and low-cost radiographic method, allowing for evaluation of the electrodes regarding their position and integrity, during the insertion of cochlear implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographies from 262 cochlear implant patients were analyzed, from March 2005 to October 2008, by means of intraoperative radiography, soon after electrode insertion. All radiographies were analyzed by the surgeon in the intraoperative period and, afterwards, by the radiologist. RESULTS: A total of 524 radiographies were analyzed, and 95.61 percent presented adequate technique - with the patient being positioned into the technique proposed in this study - as well as a clear visualization of the electrodes, regarded as satisfactory. On the other hand, 4.39 percent presented inadequate technique and/or unsatisfactory visualization of the electrodes, regarded as unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: Although the portable X-ray apparatus presents limitations, the employment of proper techniques and accessories makes possible the obtainment of satisfactory radiographies to observe cochlear implants.