[Epidural intracranial hematomas: practical issues revealed by management of 100 recent cases]. / Hématomes intra-crâniens extra-duraux: à propos de 100 cas récents. Notre expérience et considérations pratiques.

We present a retrospective study on the management of 100 patients who presented epidural hematoma over a four-year period. Our goal was to provide an update on management of this injury. Computed tomography was performed because of the clinical presentation. Results provided information on the type of injury and appropriate treatment. A three-phase clinical progression was observed in only 6% of the patients. Despite state-of-the-art management, mortality remained high in these brain-injured patients (21%). No progress appears to have been achieved in the last ten years. This paradoxical fact probably results from the enhanced severity observed in our patients, who often suffered from associated intracranial injuries as well as multiple trauma (thoracic, abdominal trauma). Analysis study of the results confirms an improvement in mortality among patients with isolated epidural hematoma (6.6%), but great concern remains about the high mortality among patients with associated intracranial lesions (33.3%) or multiple trauma (32%).

[Subperiosteal hematoma of the orbit. Three cases]. / Hématome sub-périosté de l'orbite.

Orbital subdural hematoma should be considered in victims of head and face trauma with signs of exophthalmia. Early diagnosis and treatment, consisting of decompression, is mandatory to avoid long-term functional complications.

[Extradural hematoma of the posterior fossa]. / Hématome extradural de la fosse postérieure.

Extradural hematoma of the posterior fossa (EDHPF) is considered to be a rare complication of head injuries. In early reports, diagnosis was made only at the time of autopsy. Today, CT scanning prompts early diagnosis leading to better outcome. We report 20 consecutive patients observed over the last ten years who underwent surgery for EDHPF. This localization was found in 14,3% of all trauma patients operated for extradural hematoma. In our experience, EDHPF occurs in young adults with a clear male predominance. Vehicle accidents are the most frequent mechanism of injury. The main clinical presentation is subacute onset of signs (50% of our cases). Postoperative outcome was favorable in 19 of our patients (95%). We propose mandatory CT scanning that may have to be repeated as needed, to prevent delay in diagnosis and decision for surgery. Surgical removal of the EDHPF must be carried out as soon as possible as this is the only way to reduce morbidity and mortality.

[Tuberculous abscess of the cerebellum. Apropos of a case]. / Abcès tuberculeux du cervelet. A propos d'un cas.

A 22-year-old Asian man developed intracranial hypertension with a 38 degrees C fever. Two months earlier, he had undergone surgery and medical treatment for tuberculous otomastoiditis and pulmonary tuberculosis. The CT scan revealed multiple tuberculous abscesses of the cerebellum. Histological, microbiological and biological proof of diagnosis was obtained. We advocate surgical treatment of intracranial tuberculous abscesses associated with antituberculosis chemotherapy for 18 months. The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis. This pathology must be kept in mind when treating patients from countries with a high endemic rate of tuberculosis and suffering from immunodeficiency syndrome.

Central neurocytoma: 2 case reports and review of the literature.

Central neurocytoma is a rare benign tumor of the central nervous system occuring in young adults and typically located in the ventricles. The tumor is composed of small round cells with neuronal differentiation and has a favourable prognosis. We report two cases of giant central neurocytomas with a triventricular extension in two young women. The first case concerned a 26 years old righthanded woman in whom an intraventricular mass was discovered, after a car accident with head trauma. Skull radiography showed an enlargment of the sella turcica. A CT scan performed in order to examine the pituitary gland revealed a voluminous and heterogenous intraventricular tumor with calcification. The second case concerned a 26 years old righthanded woman, presenting with a 4 Glasgow Coma Scale Score preceded by an acute onset of headache with projectile vomiting. A CT scan performed in emergency revealed a voluminous intraventricular mass with significant hydrocephalus. We review the different pathological and topographical patterns of previously published neurocytomas and discuss surgical management, effectiveness of radiation therapy and biological behavior.

Sufentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil in head trauma patients: a study on cerebral hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of bolus injection and infusion of sufentanil, alfentanil, and fentanyl on cerebral hemodynamics and electroencephalogram activity in patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe head trauma. DESIGN: Randomized, unblended, crossover study. SETTING: Intensive care unit and trauma center in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Six patients with head trauma and ICP monitoring, sedated at the time of the study with propofol infusion and full neuromuscular blockade. INTERVENTIONS: Following a randomized order, in an unblended and crossover fashion, the level of sedation was deepened with a 6-min injection of either sufentanil (1 microg/kg), alfentanil (100 microg/kg), or fentanyl (10 microg/kg) followed by an infusion of 0.005, 0.7, and 0.075 microg/kg/min, respectively, for 1 hr. The three opioids were given to each patient at 24-hr intervals. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and jugular vein bulb oxygen saturation (Svjo2) were continuously measured and recorded at 1-min intervals throughout the 60-min study period. Sufentanil, fentanyl, and alfentanil infusions were associated with a significant but transient increase in ICP (9+/-2 mm Hg [SD], 8+/-2 mm Hg, and 5.5+/-1 mm Hg, respectively; p<.05). The increase in ICP peaked at 5, 6, and 3 mins, respectively, then gradually decreased and returned to baseline values after 15 mins. This result was accompanied by a significant decrease in MAP (21+/-2 mm Hg, 24+/-2 mm Hg, and 26+/-2 mm Hg, respectively; p<.05) and, thus, in CPP (30+/-3 mm Hg, 31+/-3 mm Hg, and 34+/-3 mm Hg, respectively; p<.05). After 5 mins, MAP and CPP gradually increased, although they remained significantly decreased throughout the study period. No changes in lactate-oxygen index, used as an ischemia index, were observed. Changes in electroencephalogram tracings were characterized by a switch from a fast to a decreased activity, together with an improvement in the background activity. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that alfentanil, sufentanil, and fentanyl produce similar transient increases in ICP when administered by bolus injection in patients with increased ICP. No evidence of cerebral ischemia was observed in the study patients.

Bilateral dissection of the internal carotid artery at the base of the skull due to blunt trauma: incidence and severity.

Between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1996, a total of 1095 head trauma vicims were admitted in our intensive care unit. If CT scans demonstrated ischemic brain lesions, arteriography to visualize supraaortic vessels was performed. Carotid artery dissection was observed in ten patients (0.91%) and was bilateral in eight patients (0.73%). In the bilateral carotid artery dissection (BCAD) group, there were five women and three men, with a mean age of 35.2 years (range: 17 to 54 years). Injuries resulted from traffic accidents in seven patients and a fall in one patient. Upon admission, six patients presented with alteration of consciousness and three with hemiplegia or hemiparesia, associated with aphasia in two cases. In two other cases, hemiplegia occurred 24 hr and 13 days after the accident. All patients had brain infarction, which was unilateral in five cases and bilateral in three cases. The severity of lesions was graded on the basis of arteriographic findings as follows: Type I, wall involvement without significant stenosis or dilation; Type II, arterial dissection with stenosis >70% (Type IIA) or dilatation >50% (Type IIB) and the normal diameter of the proximal or distal internal carotid artery; and Type III, thrombosis of the internal carotid artery. Lesions were asymmetrical in six patients, including two with Type II and III lesions and four with Type I and II lesions, and symmetrical in two patients, including one with bilateral Type III lesions and one with bilateral Type II lesions. Surgery was performed in two patients with Type II lesions, including one case associated with contralateral carotid thrombosis. The intrapetrous carotid artery was exposed by an ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon and repaired by interposition grafting. Follow-up in these two surgical cases was 28 and 31 months. In the remaining six cases, medical treatment was performed. Outcome in nonsurgical cases was variable: death in two cases at 31 and 43 days after the accident, severe permanent hemiplegia in two cases, and minimal or no sequels in two cases. Following blunt trauma, arteriography of supraaortic vessels should be performed to detect BCAD in any patient with immediate or delayed neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained by CT-scan findings. To better understand the natural course of these lesions and define the indications for surgery, we propose a three-grade classification according to arteriographic findings. If surgery is undertaken, vein grafting should be performed following resection of the carotid artery lesions.

[Suppurative intracranial infections in Africa]. / Les suppurations collectées intra-crâniennes en milieu africain.

The purpose of this study was to review recent African literature on suppurative intracranial infection and its implications for neurosurgery. In order of decreasing frequency the main lesions are brain abscess, subdural empyema, and epidural abscess. Despite progress in diagnostic imaging and availability of antibiotic therapy, these lesions still cause disturbingly high morbidity and mortality especially in sub-Saharan Africa where diagnosis is often delayed. The male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1 and 70 to 80% of patients were under the age of 20 years. Spread from the paranasal sinus or ear was the most common mechanism of infection. Hematogenous processes accounted for 22% of cases and the origin was undetermined in 11% to 26% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus and enteric gram-negative bacilli were the most common bacteria identified but cultures were reported as sterile in 30% to 50% of cases. While ultrasonography can be useful in newborns with an open fontanelle, arteriography is often the only feasible procedure for diagnosis in Black Africa. The diagnostic modality of choice is computed tomography which allows precise mapping prior to neurosurgery. Introduction of computed tomography in some African cities has led to a decrease in mortality ranging from 4.7% to 43%. The most effective treatment is a combination of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical decompression of expanding lesions. The main procedures are aspiration through burr holes and craniotomy. Use of this combined strategy requires close cooperation between the neurosurgeon, infectious disease specialist, and microbiologist. Therapeutic indications are discussed within the context of Black Africa.

Ketamine decreases intracranial pressure and electroencephalographic activity in traumatic brain injury patients during propofol sedation.

BACKGROUND: The potential adverse effects of ketamine in neurosurgical anesthesia have been well established and involve increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral blood flow. However, reexamination of ketamine is warranted because data regarding the effects of ketamine on cerebral hemodynamics are conflicting. METHODS: Eight patients with traumatic brain injury were studied. In all patients, ICP monitoring was instituted before the study. Control of ICP (less than 25 mmHg), hemodynamic values, and blood gas tension (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood between 35-38 mmHg) was obtained with propofol infusion (3 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)) and mechanical ventilation. The effects of three doses of ketamine, 1.5, 3, and 5 mg/kg, respectively, on ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure, jugular vein bulb oxygen saturation, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity, and electric activity of the brain (EEG) were measured. The three doses were administered intravenously at 6-h intervals over 30 s through a central venous line. Systemic and cerebral hemodynamics and end-tidal carbon dioxide were continuously monitored and recorded at 1-min intervals throughout the 30-min study periods. RESULTS: Ketamine, in all three doses studied (1.5, 3, and 5 mg/kg) was associated with a significant decrease in ICP (mean +/- SD: 2 +/- 0.5 mmHg [P < 0.05], 4 +/- 1 mmHg [P < 0.05], and 5 +/- 2 mmHg [P < 0.05]) among the study patients regardless of the ketamine dose used. There were no significant differences in cerebral perfusion pressure, jugular vein bulb oxygen saturation, and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity. Ketamine induced a low-amplitude fast-activity electroencephalogram, with marked depression, such as burst suppression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ketamine may not adversely alter cerebral hemodynamics of mechanically ventilated head-trauma patients sedated with propofol. These encouraging results should be confirmed in larger groups of similar patients.

[Unusual extra-axial infra-tentorial localization of a cavernoma in the cisterna magna]. / Localisation infra-tentorielle inhabituelle extra-axiale d'un cavernome au niveau de la cisterna magna.

A case of an extra-axial cavernous angioma of the cisterna magna is described. The clinical presentation, radiographic features, treatment of that unusual location in the posterior fossa are discussed. The patient is a 31 years old man admitted for the sudden onset of occipital headache and instability. A CT scan demonstrated a slightly calcified lesion, minimally enhanced after intravenous injection of a contrast agent, located within the posterior fossa. A T2-weighted MR image showed a well circumscribed mass, located between medulla oblongata and left cerebellar tonsil, of mixed signal intensity surrounded by a rim of decreased signal intensity related to the presence of hemosiderin. Cerebral arteriography was normal. A medial suboccipital craniectomy was performed, with the patient in the ventral position, in which a 1.5 x 1 cm solid dark-red mass was encountered arising from the cisterna magna and was easily removed "en bloc". The operative extra-axial aspect of that lesion was evident excluding a medulla oblongata tumor protruding into the cisterna magna. Histologically, the lesion was a cavernous angioma consisting of numerous vascular channels with collagen fibrous walls filled with fibrin thrombi and hemosiderin. Few elastic fibers were found in vascular walls. The patient's post-operative course was unremarkable.

Malformations arterio-veineuses intra-craniennes en Afrique Noire (Dakar) : a propos d'une serie de 21 cas anatomo-cliniques

Les auteurs rapportent une serie homogene de 21 observations anatomo-cliniques de malformations arterio-veineuses intra-craniennes. Il s'agit de malades d'origine exclusivement africaine; operes a Dakar. La symptomatologie est dominee par les accidents hemorragiques dans pratiquement tous les cas. Ces accidents hemorragiques sont associes a l'epilepsie dans 1/3 des cas. Le diagnostic a ete realise par l'arteriographie; et le traitement est fonde essentiellement sur les methodes chirurgicales; exerese de la malformation. La mortalite est de 9 pour cent; mais elle varie avec l'etat clinique au moment de l'intervention; et avec le volume de la malformation. Il s'agit d'une des rares series specifiquement africaine qui attire l'attention sur l'existence de cette pathologie sur son possible traitement et sur ses manifestations cliniques

Paraplegie pottique : 6 observations : indications therapeutiques en milieu africain

"POTT en 1779 intitule son article ""Remarques sur une sorte de paralysie des membres inferieurs qui accompagne frequemment une deformation vertebrale"". Il ignore que cette affection est d'origine tuberculeuse. Le traitement de la paraplegie Pottique reste le probleme le moins maitrise de l'ensemble des manifestations de la pathologie osteo-articulaire tuberculeuse: jusqu'en 1945; il est fonde sur repos; soleil; nursing; depuis 1945; la chimiotherapie triomphe et la chirurgie apres une periode interventionniste; tend a limiter et a preciser les indications pour chaque cas particulier. En Afrique; le niveau socio-economique bas; la pauvrete des infrasctructures sanitaires; les difficultes de prevention et de depistage precoce lui gardent toute son actualite. Les auteurs rapportent 65 observations de spondyloscite tuberculeuse avec paraplegie traitees en 5 ans a Dakar (Senegal). 35 cas ont fait l'objet d'un traitement conservateur et 30 ont beneficie d'une association medico-chirugicale. Aucun malade n'avait consulte avant les troubles neurologiques et donc aucun n'avait recu d'antibiotique. L'objectif est de determiner si possible le meilleur traitement souhaitable medical ou medico-chirugical a la lumiere de l'experience des auteurs."

Sufentanil increases intracranial pressure in patients with head trauma.

BACKGROUND: Sufentanil is an intravenous opioid often used as a component of anesthesia during neurosurgical procedures. However, the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure in patients with diminished intracranial compliance are not well established, and remain controversial. METHODS: Ten patients with head trauma, in each of whom the trachea was intubated, were studied for the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) and on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). In all patients, ICP monitoring was instituted before the study. Sedation was obtained using a propofol infusion, and paralysis was achieved with vecuronium. After obtaining control of ICP (between 15 and 25 mmHg) hemodynamic values and blood gas tensions (PaCO2 between 30 and 35 mmHg), the level of sedation was deepened with an intravenous injection of sufentanil (1 microgram/kg over 6 min), followed by an infusion of 0.005 microgram.kg-1min-1. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP (fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitor), and end-tidal CO2 were continuously measured and recorded at 1-min intervals throughout the 30-min study period. RESULTS: Sufentanil injection was associated with a statistically significant increase in ICP of 9 +/- 7 mmHg (+ 53%), which peaked at 5 min. Then ICP gradually decreased and returned to baseline after 15 min. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in MAP (24% decrease) and, thus, CPP (38% decrease). After 5 min, MAP and CPP gradually increased, but remained significantly decreased throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that caution should be exercised in the administration of sufentanil bolus to patients with abnormal intracranial elastance, particularly if ICP is significantly increased.

[Distal aneurysm of the postero-inferior cerebellar artery. Anatomical and surgical considerations]. / Anévrysme distal de l'artère cérébelleuse postéro-inférieure. Considérations anatomiques et chirurgicales.

A patient with a rare peripheral aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (P.I.C.A.) was treated by microsurgery. Anatomical features and surgical procedures are discussed. The aneurysm was located in the retromedullary, tonsillomedullary segment of the right P.I.C.A. and formed a caudal or infratonsillar loop in the cisterna magna close to the inferior part of the tonsil. The operation was performed with the patient in the sitting position using a median suboccipital approach through a cervical 1 (C1) laminectomy. The widened neck of the aneurysm was clipped successfully and the post-operative course was completely asymptomatic. A vertebral angiogram control showed the P.I.C.A. to be patent. The surgical approach should be related to the site of the aneurysm. Those affecting the telovelotonsillar segment of a P.I.C.A., forming cranial or supratonsillar loops, and those involving its cortical segment can be effectively operated using the same median suboccipital approach. Aneurysms arising from the anterior or lateral medullary segment of a P.I.C.A. should be approached through a unilateral suboccipital craniectomy extending down to the foramen magnum. Although clipping the neck of the aneurysm is preferable, trapping is possible for lesions arising from or distal to the telovelotonsillar segment, this preserving the small arteries arising from the lateral and posterior medullary segments.

[Extracranial aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. A case report]. / Anévrysme extra-crânien de l'artère cérébelleuse postéro-inférieure. Une observation.

A case is presented of an aneurysm arising in an extracranial loop of the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (P.I.C.A.). Two similar cases can be found in a review of the literature. It is essential to obtain clear visualization of both P.I.C.A.s. in the evaluation of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surgical treatment of this aneurysm, located distal to the lateral medullary segment, involves a midline approach with retraction or subpial resection of the tonsillar tip.

[Triple tumor association: breast cancer, meningioma and glioblastoma]. / Triple association tumorale: cancer du sein, méningiome, glioblastome.

A 38 year-old woman treated for breast cancer had 10 months later a cerebral tumor diagnosed as a frontal metastasis. Neurosurgical operation showed a meningioma and a malignant glioma. Although exceptional, such an association, is probably not due to chance.

Primary lymphoma of the brain associated with AIDS. A study of one case.

A typical case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been clinically and morphologically studied. This homosexual man whose past history was significant for i.v. drug abuse and sexually transmitted infection presented several opportunistic infections with a profound impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Autopsy showed an intense lymphoid depletion, CMV-generalized infection, and a primary large cell immunoblastic lymphoma of the brain. The present case is discussed in the light of recent literature.

[Cranio-encephalic traumatisms in Senegal. A review from 1,039 cases (author's transl)]. / Les traumatismes crânio-encéphaliques au sénégal. A propos de 1,039 observations.

Frequency of cranio-encephalic traumatisms in Senegal raises rapidly, mostly as a consequence of the development of motor circulation (54 p. 100 of the cases). Main features observed in other countries are recalled as well as the relation between high mortality and polytraumatisms. Original aspects are related to the conditions prevailing in developing countries, poor public health facilities, delays for transportation and emergency cares. Consequently many fatal cases are not recorded.