Fiber-Optic Intracranial Pressure Monitoring System Using Wi-Fi-An In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) is essential in neurocritical care for surveillance and management of raised ICP. Fluid-based systems and strain gauge microsensors remain the current standard. In the past few decades, several studies with wireless monitoring were developed aiming to reduce invasiveness and complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel Wi-Fi fiber-optic device for continuous ICP monitoring using smartphone in a swine model. METHODS: Two ICP sensors (wireless prototype and wire-based reference) were implanted in the cerebral parenchyma of a swine model for a total of 120 minutes of continuous monitoring. Every 5 minutes, jugular veins compression was performed to evaluate ICP changes. The experimentation was divided in 3 phases for comparison and analysis. RESULTS: Phase 1 showed agreement in ICP changes for both sensors during jugular compression and releasing, with a positive and strong Spearman correlation (r = 0.829, P < .001). Phase 2 started after inversion of the sensors in the burr holes; there was a positive and moderately weak Spearman correlation (r = 0.262, P < .001). For phase 3, the sensors were returned to the first burr holes; the prototype behaved similarly to the reference sensor, presenting a positive and moderately strong Spearman correlation (r = 0.669, P < .001). CONCLUSION: A Wi-Fi ICP monitoring system was demonstrated in a comprehensive and feasible way. It was possible to observe, using smartphone, an adequate correlation regarding ICP variations. Further adaptations are already being developed.

Preoperative Endovascular Embolization of Glomus Jugulare Tumors: A Retrospective Case Series of 22 Embolizations in 20 Patients and Literature Review

Objective Glomus jugulare tumors, or tympanojugular paragangliomas, are rare, highly vascularized skull base tumors originated from paraganglion cells of the neural crest. With nonabsorbable embolic agents, embolization combined with surgery has become the norm. The authors assess the profile and outcomes of patients submitted to preoperative embolization in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital. Methods The present study is a single-center, retrospective analysis; between January 2008 and December 2019, 22 embolizations were performed in 20 patients in a preoperative character, and their medical records were analyzed for the present case series. Results Hearing loss was the most common symptom, present in 50% of the patients, while 40% had tinnitus, 30% had dysphagia, 25% had facial paralysis, 20% had hoarseness, and 10% had diplopia. In 7 out of 22 embolization procedures (31%) more than a single embolic agent was used; Gelfoam (Pfizer, New York, NY, USA) was used in 18 procedures (81%), in 12 of which as the single agent, followed by Embosphere (Merit Medical, South Jordan, UT, USA) (31%), Onyx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) (9%), and polyvynil alcohol (PVA) and Bead Block (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) in 4,5% each. The most common vessel involved was the ascending pharyngeal artery, involved in 90% of the patients, followed by the posterior auricular artery in 15%, the internal maxillary artery or the occipital artery in 10% each, and the superficial temporal or the lingual arteries, with 6% each. Only one patient had involvement of the internal carotid artery. No complications from embolization were recorded. Conclusions Preoperative embolization of glomus tumors is safe and reduces surgical time and complications, due to the decrease in size and bleeding.

Artéria circunflexa com origem anômala em seio de valsalva direito em paciente idoso: relato de caso / Circumflex artery with anomalous origin in the right sinus of valsalva in an elderly patient: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: As anomalias coronárias congênitas são raras na população geral, com uma prevalência de 0,2 a 2,3%. Nos pacientes adultos a variante anatômica mais frequente é a artéria circunflexa (CX) anômala, tendo como possíveis origens o óstio separado dentro do seio coronário direito ou ramo proximal da arteria coronária direita (CD), sendo este último bastante incomum. O diagnóstico na maioria dos casos é realizado como um achado incidental durante uma cinecoronariografia. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente masculino, 71 anos, portador de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, hipotireoidismo, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica e ex-tabagista, com história de Doença Arterial Coronária Crónica (DAC) com revascularização miocárdica cirúrgica há sete anos, encaminhado ao nosso serviço por queixa de dispneia classe funcional NYHA II. Negava angina. Eletrocardiograma apresentava alteração inespecífica da repolarização ventricular e o ecocardiograma transtorácico revelou função ventricular preservada. Realizou prova funcional com evidência de isquemia em parede inferior e inferolateral (carga isquêmica 10-14%). Desta forma, foi submetido a cateterismo cardíaco que evidenciou Artéria Coronária Direita ocluída em terço proximal, descendente anterior (DA) com lesão de 95% no terço proximal enchendo retrogradamente por ponte de artéria mamaria interna esquerda pérvia, ponte safena para primeiro ramo diagonal ocluída e pontes safena para descendente posterior e primeiro ramo marginal pérvios. Evidenciada CX originando-se do seio coronário direito, achado não relatado previamente a despeito dos antecedentes do paciente. O caso foi discutido em HEART TEAM e optado por manutenção de tratamento clínico otimizado. DISCUSSÃO: A investigaçãoda doença aterosclerótica coronaria leva, por vezes, à necessidade de cinecoronarografia, o que pode levar ao diagnóstico de anomalias congênitas, sendo a origem de CX a partir do seio de valsalva direito um achado raro. Nos pacientes adultos que apresentam essas variantes anatómicas, a isquemia miocárdica pode ocorrer devido à aterosclerose precoce e mais agressiva quando comparada a uma artéria coronária normal, sendo descrito na literatura uma maior incidencia de estenoses em artérias com origem anômala do seio coronario direito. CONCLUSÃO: Trata-se de caso pouco frequente de um paciente com DAC e origem anômalada CX. Na literatura varios autores já sugerem esta associação, porém o prognóstico desses pacientes ainda é incerto e tratamento permanece um Figura 1. A - ECG com critérios clássico para HVE e alterações da repolarização ventricular, RNM de coração desafio.

Jules Bernard Luys: from a description of the subthalamic nucleus to hypnotism.

The authors review the role of Jules Bernard Luys in the discovery of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) over 150 years ago. The relationships between the STN and movement disorders, particularly hemiballismus and Parkinson's disease, are well known. The academic life of Jules Bernard Luys can be divided into two periods: a brilliant start as a neuroanatomist, culminating in the discovery of the STN, followed by a second period marked by a shift in his academic activity and an increased interest in topics such as hysteria, hypnotism and, eventually, esotericism.

Jules Bernard Luys: from a description of the subthalamic nucleus to hypnotism / Jules Bernard Luys: da descrição do núcleo subtalâmico ao hipnotismo

ABSTRACT The authors review the role of Jules Bernard Luys in the discovery of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) over 150 years ago. The relationships between the STN and movement disorders, particularly hemiballismus and Parkinson's disease, are well known. The academic life of Jules Bernard Luys can be divided into two periods: a brilliant start as a neuroanatomist, culminating in the discovery of the STN, followed by a second period marked by a shift in his academic activity and an increased interest in topics such as hysteria, hypnotism and, eventually, esotericism.

RESUMO Os autores revisam o papel de Jules Bernard Luys na descoberta do núcleo subtalâmico (NST) há mais de 150 anos. As relações da NST com distúrbios do movimento, em particular o hemibalismo e a doença de Parkinson, são bem conhecidas. A vida acadêmica de Jules Bernard Luys pode ser dividida em duas fases: a primeira, um brilhante começo de sua carreira como neuroanatomista, culminando na descoberta do NST, seguido por um segundo período marcado por uma mudança em sua atividade acadêmica, e maior interesse em tópicos como histeria, hipnotismo e finalmente esoterismo.

Morphometric Study of the Internal Globus Pallidus Using the Robert, Barnard, and Brown Staining Method.

BACKGROUND: The globus pallidus internus (Gpi) is a major target in functional neurosurgery. Anatomical studies are crucial for correct planning and good surgical outcomes in this region. The present study described the anatomical coordinates of the Gpi and its relationship with other brain structures and compared the findings with those from previous anatomical studies. METHODS: We obtained 35 coronal and 5 horizontal brain specimens from the Department of Anatomy and stained them using the Robert, Barnard, and Brown technique. After excluding defective samples, 60 nuclei were analyzed by assessing their distances to the anatomical references and the trajectories to these nuclei. RESULTS: The barycenter of the Gpi was identified at the level of the mammillary bodies and 1 cm above the intercommissural plane. Thereafter, the distances to other structures were found. The mean ± standard deviation distance was 15.62 ± 2.66 mm to the wall of the third ventricle and 17.02 ± 2.69 mm to its midline, 4.74 ± 1.12 mm to the optic tract, 2.51 ± 0.8 mm and 13.56 ± 2 mm to the internal and external capsule, and 21.3 ± 2.44 mm to the insular cortex. The cortical point of entry should be located 22.03 ± 4.34 mm to 48.74 ± 4.44 mm from the midline. CONCLUSION: The Gpi has less variability in distance to closer anatomical references, such as the optic tract and internal capsule. Distant locations showed a more inhomogeneous pattern. Anatomical studies such as ours are important for the development of new therapeutic approaches and can be used as a basis for new research involving volumetric and specific group analyses.

Morphometric Analysis of the Nucleus Accumbens Using the Mulligan Staining Method.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to further anatomically describe the nucleus accumbens (NA), as there is a growing neurosurgical interest in this locus but a limited understanding of its structure. In this study, we evaluated quantitative NA parameters and spatial relationships with adjacent structures found in the telencephalon. METHODS: A total of 155 NA specimens from coronal sections and 3 NA specimens from transverse sections were stained using the Mulligan technique as modified by Barnard et al. The distance from the NA to other structures was then measured. RESULTS: The mean radius of the 155 NAs in the coronal sections was 6.23 ± 0.964 mm, averaging 8.99 ± 2.02 mm from midline (coordinate x), 27.09 ± 3.15 mm from the insula, 12.95 ± 3.21 mm from the outer border of the putamen, 10.52 ± 2.66 mm from the upper border of the caudate, and 8.84 ± 2.93 mm from the midline of the lateral ventricle. The mean distance from the NA center of gravity to the middle of the intercommissural line parallel to the midline (coordinate y) was 17.08 ±3.61 mm, and the mean vertical distance from the intercommissural line to the NA was 8.12 ± 1.265 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We obtained the stereotactic coordinates of (x, y, z) = (8, 17, -8) for the NA. From this and other delineations of the described position of the NA, it is possible to contribute to stereotactic surgical atlases, improving neurosurgical interventions in this structure.

Successful outcome after endovascular thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke with basis on perfusion-diffusion mismatch after 24 h of symptoms onset.

BACKGROUND: Although intravenous thrombolysis is the Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within 3 h, combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis with endovascular techniques may be able to extend this traditional time window. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the clinical evolution of a 45-year-old male presenting with acute left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small diffusion restriction at the right basal ganglia with perfusion compromise in the entire right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Angiography revealed a complete occlusion of MCA at its M1 segment. The patient underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy with additional intra-arterial thrombolysis more than 24 hours after the onset of the initial symptoms and experienced complete vessel recanalization. At 1 year, the patient had global independence with minor residual motor impairment in the left arm. CONCLUSIONS: We report the case of a successful thrombolytic therapy following AIS performed more than 24 h after the initial symptoms based on the presence of a perfusion-diffusion mismatch. This report is expected to stimulate the development of future prospective studies with special focus on the role of perfusion-diffusion mismatch in patient selection for treatment of AIS, especially in those presenting outside the traditional time window.

Patient satisfaction with temporal lobectomy/selective amygdalohippocampectomy for temporal lobe epilepsy and its relationship with Engel classification and the side of lobectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate not only the effectiveness of epilepsy surgery in improving seizure control but also patient satisfaction with the result of the procedure in a sample of patients operated on at a specialized epilepsy unit. METHODS: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who had undergone epilepsy surgery (temporal lobectomy/amygdalohippocampectomy) were interviewed in a standardized telephone survey about their satisfaction with the results of the surgery. The morbidity of the surgery was also analyzed retrospectively. The initial study population consisted of 6 amygdalohippocampectomy and 102 temporal lobectomy patients and was reduced to a final sample consisting of 4 amygdalohippocampectomy and 67 lobectomy patients, as the other patients were not available for interview. Surgical results were based on the Engel classification, and satisfaction with the surgery was assessed by asking patients to rate their result and state whether they would make the same decision (to be operated on) again. RESULTS: A significant number of patients classified as Engel I or II, who considered the surgical outcome good or excellent, said they would have the surgery again (p<0.001). Left temporal lobectomy patients whose results fell in the Engel III/IV bracket were less satisfied (p=0.001) than right temporal lobectomy patients with the same Engel classifications (0.048). Left temporal lobectomy patients who were classified as Engel class III and IV were less likely to have the surgery again if they had the choice (p=0.016). DISCUSSION: Patient satisfaction with the results of epilepsy surgery may depend not only on achieving seizure control but also on the temporal lobe resected. Since worse results were associated with lower satisfaction rates only for left temporal resection patients, it is possible that the cognitive consequences of this procedure compound the worse surgical result, leading to decreased satisfaction.

Vagus nerve stimulation may be a sound therapeutic option in the treatment of refractory epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory epilepsy accounts for 20 to 30% of epilepsy cases and remains a challenge for neurologists. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an option for palliative treatment. OBJECTIVE: It was to study the efficacy and tolerability of VNS in patients implanted with a stimulator at the Curitiba Institute of Neurology (INC). METHODS: A case study of six patients with refractory epilepsy submitted to a VNS procedure at the INC in the last four years was described and discussed. RESULTS: Mean age at time of implantation was 29 years. Mean follow-up was 26.6 months. Seizure frequency decreased in all patients (40-50% (n=2) and ≥80% (n=4)). Three patients no longer required frequent hospitalizations. Two patients previously restricted to wheelchairs started to walk, probably because of improved mood. CONCLUSION: In this population, VNS proved to be a sound therapeutic option for treating refractory epilepsy.

Vagus nerve stimulation may be a sound therapeutic option in the treatment of refractory epilepsy / Estimulação no nervo vago pode ser uma excelente opção no tratamento de epilepsias refratárias

INTRODUCTION: Refractory epilepsy accounts for 20 to 30% of epilepsy cases and remains a challenge for neurologists. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an option for palliative treatment. OBJECTIVE: It was to study the efficacy and tolerability of VNS in patients implanted with a stimulator at the Curitiba Institute of Neurology (INC). METHODS: A case study of six patients with refractory epilepsy submitted to a VNS procedure at the INC in the last four years was described and discussed. RESULTS: Mean age at time of implantation was 29 years. Mean follow-up was 26.6 months. Seizure frequency decreased in all patients (40-50% (n=2) and >80% (n=4)). Three patients no longer required frequent hospitalizations. Two patients previously restricted to wheelchairs started to walk, probably because of improved mood. CONCLUSION: In this population, VNS proved to be a sound therapeutic option for treating refractory epilepsy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Epilepsias refratárias compreendem de 20 a 30% dos casos de epilepsia e constituem desafio clínico. A neuroestimulação do nervo vago (VNS) é uma opção de tratamento paliativo. OBJETIVOS: Foi estudar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade da VNS nos pacientes implantados no Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba (INC). MÉTODOS: Um estudo de casos de seis pacientes com epilepsia refratária, submetidos à VNS no INC em quatro anos, foi descrito e discutido. RESULTADOS: A média de idade na implantação foi 29 anos. O seguimento médio foi 26,6 meses. A frequência de crises diminuiu em todos os pacientes (40-50% em um paciente e >80% em quatro). Três pacientes deixaram de internar frequentemente. Dois pacientes restritos a cadeiras de rodas começaram a andar, provavelmente por melhora de seu humor. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta população, a VNS provou ser uma excelente opção no tratamento de epilepsia refratária.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurismas intracranianos não rotos em idosos / Endovascular treatment of elderly unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Introdução: A necessidade de tratamento de aneurismas intracranianos não rotos em idosos e a técnica a ser utilizada encontrasecontroverso na literatura. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a experiência e o seguimento do tratamento endovascular deaneurismas intracranianos não rotos em idosos em um centro especializado de Curitiba – PR. Método: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente pacientes com 60 anos ou mais com diagnóstico de aneurisma intracraniano não roto tratados pela técnica endovascular entre 2007 e 2012 no INC. Foram excluídos pacientes com aneurisma fusiforme, micótico ou traumático. Foramcoletados dados demográficos, características do aneurisma, técnica utilizada, resultados finais e complicações. Resultados:27 pacientes e 30 aneurismas. A média de idade foi de 71 anos, sendo 70% do sexo feminino. Metade dos aneurismas tinha entre 5 e 15mm e 50% tinha colo largo (>4mm), enquanto na outra metade o colo era estreito. A técnica mais utilizada foi a de Remodeling. Obteve-se 74% de oclusão completa, 13% oclusão parcial e o procedimento não foi concluído em 13%. Houve 6% de complicações com morbi/mortalidade. Conclusões: O tratamento endovascular de aneurismas intracranianos não rotos em idosos mostrou-se seguro para 87% dos casos com complicações aceitáveis e específicas à faixa etária e próximas à população geral.

Balloon remodeling technique in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms / Técnica de remodelagem com balão no tratamento endovascular de aneurismas intracranianos

Objetivos: O tratamento endovascular de aneurismas intracranianos demonstra baixas taxas morbidade e mortalidade, entretanto, aneurismas complexos e de colo largo permanecem um desafio terapêutico. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o manejo endovascular de uma série de aneurismas intracranianos utilizando-se a técnica de remodelagem com balão.Método: Realizou-se uma avaliação retrospectiva de pacientes com aneurismas intracranianos submetidos a tratamento endovascular com a técnica de remodelagem com balão no Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba (Outubro de 2006 a Junho de 2011).Resultados: Foram analisados 34 pacientes. A média de idade era de 55,12 anos e 78,79% eram do sexo feminino. Treze pacientes apresentavam aneurismas rotos (38,24%) e em 8 havia vasoespasmo (23,53%). A maioria dos aneurismas (61,76%) tinham entre 5-15 mm de tamanho e 41,18% apresentavam colo maior ou igual a 4 mm. Uma oclusão total foi obtida em 29 aneurismas (85,29%) e parcial em 2 neurismas (5,88%). Ocorreu óbito por hemorragia subaracnóidea relacionada ao procedimento em 1 caso.Conclusão: O tratamento endovascular com a técnica de remodelagem com balão mostra-se segura e eficaz para o tratamento de aneurismas intracranianos, especialmente naqueles complexos e com colo largo.

demonstrates low rates of morbidity and mortality. However,aneurysms with complex forms and wide neck remain atherapeutic challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluatethe endovascular management of a series of intracranialaneurysms using the balloon remodeling technique.Method: A retrospective evaluation was performed on patientswith intracranial aneurysms having undergone endovasculartreatment with balloon remodeling technique at the Institutode Neurologia de Curitiba (from October, 2006 to June, 2011).Results: Thirty-four patients were evaluated. The mean agewas 55.12 years and 78.79% were female. Thirteen patientshad ruptured aneurysms (38.24%) and 8 had vasospasm(23,53%). The majority of the aneurysms (61.76%) had domemeasurements between 5 to 15mm and 41.18% had a neck sizeof greater than or equal to 4mm. Total occlusion was obtainedin 29 aneurysms (85,29%) and partial occlusion in 2 (5.88%).One patient died from a procedure-related hemorrhage.Conclusion: Endovascular treatment with balloon remodelingtechniques seems to be a safe and effective treatment forintracranial aneurysms, especially those with complex formsand wide neck.

Complications of post-operative seizure prophylaxis in patients submitted to cranial irradiation

The clinical status of patients with malignant intracranial tumors, such as high-grade gliomas, is often aggravated by seizure activity. Phenytoin is typically employed as prophylactic anticonvulsant in this setting. In such patients, severe systemic drug reactions such as erythema multiforme (EM) may occur. However, in a subgroup of patients with brain radiation therapy, EM-like lesions appear to develop in an increased ratio. The acronym ‘EMPACT’ (E: erythema; M: multiform; associated with P: phenytoin; A: and; C: cranial, radiation; T: therapy) has been suggested to best describes this syndrome. In this article, the authors present a case report of a patient treated with phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis, during the post-operative period following resection of a malignant glioma, and who presented a severe cutaneous rash, evolving with serious consequences due to abrupt change of seizure medications. Because of these predictable complications we abandoned our routine institutional protocol which employed phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis for patients in the post-operative period following malignant tumor resection and which expect to be irradiated in the near future. Once both carbamazepine and barbiturates show cross-sensitivity with phenytoin and may interfere with serum levels of chemotherapy drugs, we now advocate, as other worldwide renown neuro-oncological centers, the use of valproate gabapentin, or alternatively, as recent literature guidelines suggests levetiracetam (keppra), for seizure prophylaxis in this select subset of patients.

El estado clínico de los pacientes con tumores malignos intracraneales, como los gliomas de alto grado, es a menudo agravado por la actividad convulsiva. La fenitoína es normalmente empleadaa como anticonvulsivante profiláctico en esto contexto. En estos pacientes, graves reacciones sistémicas, como eritema multiforme (EM) puedem ocurrir. Sin embargo, en un subgrupo de pacientes con terapia de radiación en el cerebro, lesiones de EM, parece que se desarrollan en una proporción mayor. ‘EMPACT’ La sigla (E: eritema, M: multiforme; asociados con P: fenitoína; A: y C: la radiación craneal, T: La terapia) Se ha sugerido que mejor describe este síndrome. En esto artículo, los autores presentan un caso clínico de un paciente tratado con fenitoína para la profilaxia de convulsiones, durante el período post-operatorio después de la resección de un glioma maligno, y que presenta una erupción cutánea grave, que evoluciona con consecuencias graves debido al cambio brusco de medicamentos anticonvulsivos. Debido a estas complicaciones predecibles, que abandonamos nuestro protocolo institucional de rutina que la fenitoína empleadas para la profilaxia de convulsiones en los pacientes en el período post-operatorio después de la resección del tumor maligno y que esperan ser irradiado en un futuro próximo. Una vez que ambos carbamazepina y los barbitúricos mostran sensibilidad cruzada con fenitoína y puede interferir con los niveles séricos de drogas de la quimioterapia, ahora defendemos, como otros centros de renombre mundial neuro-oncológico, el uso de gabapentina valproato, o bien, como orientación la literatura reciente sugiere levetiracetam (keppra), para la profilaxia de las convulsiones en este subgrupo seleccionado de pacientes.

Surgical management of brainstem cavernous malformations.

Bleeding from brainstem cavernomas may cause severe deficits due to the absence of non-eloquent nervous tissue and the presence of several ascending and descending white matter tracts and nerve nuclei. Surgical removal of these lesions presents a challenge to the most surgeons. The authors present their experience with the surgical treatment of 43 patients with brainstem cavernomas. Important aspects of microsurgical anatomy are reviewed. The surgical management, with special focus on new intraoperative technologies as well as controversies on indications and timing of surgery are presented. According to several published studies the outcome of brainstem cavernomas treated conservatively is poor. In our experience, surgical resection remains the treatment of choice if there was previous hemorrhage and the lesion reaches the surface of brainstem. These procedures should be performed by experienced neurosurgeons in referral centers employing all the currently available technology.