Minimally Invasive Removal of Extra- and Intradural Spinal Tumors Using Full Endoscopic Visualization.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in patients with spinal extradural and intradural-extramedullary tumors. METHODS: This was a study of 15 consecutive patients with spinal extradural or intradural-extramedullary tumors up to 2 levels treated by minimal invasive surgery using a full endoscopic visualization and Caspar's retraction system (for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar tumors) over a 4-year period between January 2015 to April 2019 at a tertiary center. RESULTS: A gross total remove was achieved in all patients (100%), determined by postoperative contrast computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging. There was no postoperative spinal instability. All patients had equal or better neurologic functions after surgery at follow-up. The average preoperative Nurick's grade mean was 1.9 and the postoperative was 1.1. The average preoperative McCormick's grade mean was 2.9 versus 1.3 in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Selective extradural or intradural-extramedullary tumors well localized and up to 2 levels can be safely and effectively treated by minimally invasive surgery using a full endoscopic visualization and the Caspar's retractor. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend this approach over the classical or other microsurgical approach described.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumours and brain invasion. A case series study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 h 20 min, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

Keyhole endoscópico retrosigmoideo en tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Resultados de una serie / Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in cerebellopontine angle tumors. A surgical cohort

Introducción y objetivos Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia del abordaje tipo keyhole endoscópico retrosigmoideo en pacientes con tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Material y método Se expone una serie clínica retrospectiva y unicéntrica de pacientes con tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso tratados en un periodo de cuatro años, empleando craneotomía retrosigmoidea tipo keyhole con visualización completamente endoscópica. Se analizaron variables preoperatorias, transoperatorias y postoperatorias.Resultados Se estudiaron 40 pacientes con edad promedio de 49,4 años y proporción masculino/femenino de 0,4:1. De ellos, 31 presentaron schwanomas vestibulares (77,5%), cinco meningiomas (12,5%), dos colesteatomas (5,0%) y dos metástasis (5,0%). Predominaron los schwanomas vestibulares tipo Hannover IIIb, IVa y IVb. La resección fue total o casi total en el 92,5% de los pacientes. Se conservó la audición en el 62,5% de los pacientes y el 80% presentó función aceptable del nervio facial a los seis meses. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue de 7,5 días. Se observó un elevado porcentaje de resección total o casi total y de recuperación funcional. La frecuencia de complicaciones fue baja. Conclusiones El abordaje tipo keyhole endoscópico retrosigmoideo constituyó un procedimiento seguro y eficaz en los pacientes con tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso seleccionados (AU)

Introduction and objectives To determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic keyhole surgery in patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study of patients with cerebellopontine angled tumors treated by fully endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in a tertiary center during a period of four years. Preoperative, transoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed. Results A number of 40 patients were included. The age average was 49.4 years and male/female proportion was 0.4-1. We found 31 vestibular schwannomas (77.5%), five meningiomas (12,5%), two cholesteatomas (5,0%) and two metastases (5.0%). Vestibular schwannomas Hannover type IIIb, IVa and IVb predominated. The surgical resection was total or near-total 92.5% of patients. Hearing preservation rate was 62.5% and acceptable facial function nerve function rate was 80% after six months. Hospital stay was 7.5 days. The total or near total resection and functionally preservation rate was high. Complications were unusual. Conclusions Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach represented a safe and efficient procedure in selected patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors (AU)

Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in cerebellopontine angle tumors. A surgical cohort.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic keyhole surgery in patients with cerebellopontine angle tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with cerebellopontine angled tumours treated by fully endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in a tertiary centre during a period of four years. Preoperative, transoperative and postoperative variables were analysed. RESULTS: A number of 40 patients were included. The age average was 49.4 years and male/female proportion was 0.4-1. We found 31 vestibular schwannomas (77.5%), five meningiomas (12.5%), two cholesteatomas (5.0%) and two metastases (5.0%). Vestibular schwannomas Hannover type IIIb, IVa and IVb predominated. The surgical resection was total or near-total 92.5% of patients. Hearing preservation rate was 62.5% and acceptable facial function nerve function rate was 80% after six months. Hospital stay was 7.5 days. The total or near total resection and functionally preservation rate was high. Complications were unusual. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach represented a safe and efficient procedure in selected patients with cerebellopontine angle tumours.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion. A case series study. / Cirugía endoscópica vs. cirugía abierta en pacientes con neoplasias nasosinusales malignas con invasión cerebral. Estudio de serie de casos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 hour 20 minutes, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

Minimally Invasive 360-Degree Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinically the efficacy of 360-degree minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in patients with orbital intraconal tumors. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: A series of consecutive patients with orbital intraconal tumors were treated with minimally invasive surgery using an endonasal endoscopic approach or an anterior endoscopic orbitotomy over a 5-year period between January 2015 and January 2020 at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba. RESULTS: In 22 patients, the mean age was 52.3 ± 11 years (range 18-71 years) with a female to male ratio of 1.8:1. Visual loss was present in 3 patients and proptosis was present in 19 patients. The most common diagnosis was cavernous hemangioma (72.7%) followed by orbital sheet meningioma (9.1%). The lower-inner (type II) location was the most usual, followed by the lower-outer (type IV). A gross total resection was achieved in 95.5% of patients. In only 1 case with an orbital pseudotumor was the resection subtotal because of the fibrous consistency, irregularity, and adherences to the medial rectus muscle. All patients with visual loss improved to normal visual function after surgery at follow-up and orbital proptosis recovered in all patients with these symptoms. Both immediate and long-term morphologic and aesthetic results were good in all patients. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive 360-degree surgical approach with a full endoscopic visualization can be safe and efficient in patients with select orbital intraconal tumors. Optic nerve location constitutes the main aspect in the surgical approach selection. A large case series is necessary to standardize this surgical philosophy.

Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in cerebellopontine angle tumors. A surgical cohort. / Keyhole endoscópico retrosigmoideo en tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Resultados de una serie.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic keyhole surgery in patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with cerebellopontine angled tumors treated by fully endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach in a tertiary center during a period of four years. Preoperative, transoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A number of 40 patients were included. The age average was 49.4 years and male/female proportion was 0.4-1. We found 31 vestibular schwannomas (77.5%), five meningiomas (12,5%), two cholesteatomas (5,0%) and two metastases (5.0%). Vestibular schwannomas Hannover type IIIb, IVa and IVb predominated. The surgical resection was total or near-total 92.5% of patients. Hearing preservation rate was 62.5% and acceptable facial function nerve function rate was 80% after six months. Hospital stay was 7.5 days. The total or near total resection and functionally preservation rate was high. Complications were unusual. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic retrosigmoid keyhole approach represented a safe and efficient procedure in selected patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors.

Características clínicas y patológicas de los tumores orbitarios / Clinical and pathological characteristics of orbital tumors

Objetivo: describir las características clínico-patológicas de los tumores orbitarios. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de serie de casos en el Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología desde enero del año 2011 a diciembre de 2017. La muestra se conformó con 241 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de la órbita y fue caracterizada según la edad, el sexo, el origen y la naturaleza de la lesión, el diagnóstico histopatológico y los abordajes quirúrgicos utilizados. Resultados: el 52,7 por ciento de la muestra estudiada fue del sexo masculino; el 36,5 por ciento se encontró en el grupo de 60 a 79 años. El 62,7 por ciento de los casos correspondió a tumores malignos, el 51,9 por ciento a lesiones primarias de la órbita y el 26,6 por ciento a linfoma No Hodgkin. Las lesiones secundarias originadas en los párpados representaron el 58,7 por ciento y el carcinoma epidermoide el 56,5 por ciento. Hubo 11 casos correspondientes a metástasis; las de mama representaron el 72,7 por ciento. El abordaje anterior transpalpebral fue utilizado en el 54,8 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: los tumores orbitarios se presentan con mayor frecuencia a partir de los 40 años de edad y con predominio del sexo masculino. Las lesiones malignas son más frecuentes, así como las primarias de la órbita, donde el linfoma No Hodgkin representa el mayor número de casos. Los párpados son la principal estructura de origen de las lesiones secundarias, y el carcinoma epidermoide es la variedad histopatológica predominante. Las metástasis de mama son las que más afectan el espacio orbitario. La vía de abordaje fundamental es la anterior transpalpebral (transeptal), seguido de la exenteración orbitaria(AU)

Objective: describe the clinicopathological characteristics of orbital tumors. Methods: a retrospective descriptive case-series study was conducted at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology from January 2011 to December 2017. A sample of 241 patients undergoing orbital surgery was characterized according to age, sex, origin and type of lesion, histopathological diagnosis and surgical procedures used. Results: 52.7 percent of the study sample was male and 36.5 percent was in the 60-79 age group. 62.7 percent of the cases were malignant tumors, 51.9 percent were primary orbital lesions, and 26.6 percent were non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Secondary lesions originating in the eyelids represented 58.7 percent, and epidermoid carcinomas 56.5 percent. Eleven cases were metastases, 72.7 percent were of the breast type. The anterior transpalpebral approach was used in 54.8 percent of the cases. Conclusions: orbital tumors are more common as of age 40 with a predominance of the male sex. Malignant lesions are more frequent, as well as primary orbital lesions, of which the largest number of cases are non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The eyelids are the main structure of origin of secondary lesions, and epidermoid carcinoma is the prevailing histopathological variety. Breast metastases are the type most commonly affecting the orbital area. The main approach is anterior transpalpebral (transeptal), followed by orbital exenteration(AU)

Brain Metastases in Havana Cancer Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and in Cuba. Approximately one third of cancer patients develop a brain metastasis. Despite this, epidemiological studies are scarce, internationally and in Cuba; published research is mainly limited to autopsy studies and hospital case series. OBJECTIVE: Characterize patients with brain metastases residing in Habana del Este Municipality, Havana, Cuba, with respect to demographics, metastasis location and primary tumor site. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out with data for all patients with histologically confirmed cancer diagnosed in 2014 and registered in primary health care in Habana del Este Municipality. Diagnostic reports from computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were used to identify patients with brain metastases. Study variables were age, sex, skin color, number and location of brain metastases, control of primary tumor, and presence of extracranial metastases. Percentages were calculated and presented in tables. RESULTS: We identified 832 cancer patients in the Habana del Este population of 181,473 (prevalence 458.5 per 100,000 population). Among patients with cancer, 27.6% (230/832) had brain tumors, among which 83% (191/230) were brain metastases and 17% (39/230) primary tumors, a ratio of 4.9:1. Brain metastases appeared in 23% (191/832) of cancer patients (prevalence 105.2 per 100,000 population). Among patients with brain metastases, 48.2% (92/191) were aged 41-60 years and 61.3% (117/191) were female sex. The majority, 59.7% (114/191) had multiple metastases. The most frequent primary tumor location was the breast (40.8%, 78/191), followed by the lung (31.9%; 61/191); 46.8% (211/451) of brain metastases were in the parietal lobe. CONCLUSIONS: Brain metastases are more prevalent in this Cuban municipality than reported in other countries, but they constitute a higher proportion of cancer cases than seen in other population-based studies. The study's results underline the importance of detecting brain metastasis early, to permit timely interventions to improve quality of life and survival. CONTRIBUTION OF THIS RESEARCH: This is the first epidemiological study of brain metastases in Cuba and one of the few carried out internationally.

La endoscopía no es tan «bidimensional» ni la microcirugía tan «tridimensional» / Endoscopy is not so two-dimensional and microsurgery not so three-dimensional

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Endoscopic Treatment of Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele: Case Report and Surgical Considerations.

INTRODUCTION: The paranasal sinuses mucoceles are benign expansive cystic lesions that occur rarely in the sphenoid sinus and contain mucous material enclosed by cylindrical pseudostratified epithelium. OBJECTIVE: To report one case of sphenoid sinus mucocele that occurred with headache and was submitted to surgical treatment through endonasal endoscopy approach. CASE REPORT: 59-year-old male patient with history of increasing frontoorbital, bilateral, fluctuating headache and exophthalmos. There was no other associated clinical abnormality. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scans confirmed an expansive mass of sphenoid sinus, suggesting mucocele. The patient was submitted to endonasal endoscopic surgery with posterior ethmoidotomy, large sphenoidotomy, and marsupialization of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinus are a very rare condition with variable clinical and radiological presentation. Surgical treatment is absolutely indicated and early treatment avoids visual damage that can be permanent. Endonasal endoscopic approach with drainage and marsupialization of sphenoid sinus, using a transnasal corridor, is a safe and effective treatment modality.

Colocación endoscópica por vía occipital de catéteres ventriculares permanentes: nota técnica / Endoscopic access to occipital lateral ventricle using permanent catheters: technical note

El siguiente trabajo constituye una nota técnica sobre un nuevo proceder endoscópico de colocación de catéteres ventriculares permanente a través del cuerno occipital. Se colocaron 20 catéteres permanentes utilizando el sistema DECK con un endoscopio Hopkins II de 30°, diámetro 2,7 mm y longitud 30 cm, con vainas y canales de trabajos. La posición del catéter fue evaluada por tomografía de cráneo realizada a las 24 horas de la cirugía, obteniéndose una posición a (óptima) en el 95 por ciento de los casos, con una distancia promedio de 10,5 cm desde la tabla externa del hueso occipital al cuerno frontal. En ninguno de los casos disfuncionó el sistema derivativo y un solo paciente presentó como complicación un hematoma del lecho quirúrgico.

The following papers is a technical note about a new endoscopic access to lateral ventricle through occipital horn to place ventricles catheters, 20 patient was operated using Deck System of endoscopy with lens of 30 grades, 2,7 mm of diameter and 30 cm of larger, sheets and working canals including. CT scan was performing 24 hours after surgery and optimal position was obtained in 95 percent. Median distance from occipital bon to frontal horn of the ventricles was 10,5 cm. Any patient present dysfunction of the system and only one patient had a hematoma of the surgical area.

Controversias en el tratamiento de la metastasis encefálica: encuesta multicéntrica

Objetivo: Explorar la opinión acerca del manejo de la metástasis encefálica, así como la toma de decisiones en casos puntuales en un grupo de neurocirujanos, neurólogos, radioterapeutas y oncólogos.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio exploratorio basado en la aplicación de una encuesta a un grupo de neurocirujanos, neurólogos,radioterapeutas y oncólogos. En cada caso se valoraron las percepciones sobre las modalidades de tratamiento del paciente con metástasis encefálica y la modalidad de tratamiento seleccionada ante los cuatro casos problema presentados con metástasis encefálica. Se tabularon el mayor número de metástasis encefálica considerado como razonable para tratar con radiocirugía y con radioterapia holocraneal. Asimismo, se determinó el porciento de los test utilizados para valorar el daño neurocognitivo.Resultados: Un total de 45 encuestados (62 por ciento) no enviarían al paciente al neurocirujano; 22 encuestados (30 por ciento) no enviarían al pacienteal oncólogo; 30 encuestados (41 por ciento) enviarían directamente al paciente al radioterapeuta y 19 encuestados (26 por ciento) no enviarían al paciente al neurooncólogo. Solo 7 encuestados (10 por ciento) enviaría al paciente a todas las especialidades. Las diferencias fueron significativas (p=0,001). Acerca del uso de la RTH como modalidad terapéutica, 52 encuestados (71 por ciento) consideraron que su uso debería realizarse en indicaciones precisas. En contraste, 12 especialistas (16 por ciento) declararon que debería utilizarse en todos los casos. En el presente studio se evidenció que los neurocirujanos son más propensos que los oncorradiólogos a indicar los tratamientos de radiocirugía. Afirmarondesconocer las pruebas utilizadas para valorar el daño neurocognitivo un total de 38 encuestados (52 por ciento). El 6 por ciento de los encuestados noindicaría ninguna.Conclusiones: Se mantuvieron las discrepancias entre las especialidades para seleccionar la mejor modalidad de tratamiento y ...(AU)

Objective: To explore some opinions about handling of brain metastases as well as the decisions taking in punctual cases in a group of neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiotherapeutics and oncologists.Methods: It was carried out an exploratory study based in survey application to neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiotherapeutics andoncologists group. Opinions about treatment options in patients with brain metastases and treatment option selected in four problem caseswere evaluated. The biggest number of brain metastases considered as reasonable to treat with radiosurgery and whole brain radiation therapy were tabulated. Also, the percent of test used to assess neurocognitive damage was determined.Results: 45 interviewed (62 percent) would not send patient to neurosurgery; 22 interviewed (30 percent) would not send patient to oncologists; 30 interviewed (41 percent) would send the patient directly at the radiotherapeutics, and 19 interviewed (26 percent) would not send patient to neurooncologists. Only 7 interviewed (10 percent ) would send patients to all the specialties with statistical significance (p=0.001). About the use of whole brain radiation therapy like therapeutic modality, 52 interviewed (71 percent) considered that their use should be carried out in precise indications. In contrast, 12 specialists (16 percent) declared that it should be used in all cases. Current study showed preference ofneurosurgeons than oncologists and radiotherapeutics to indicate radiosurgery. 38 interviewed (52 percent) ignore some tests used to assess neurocognitive damage and 6 percent interviewed would indicate none.Conclusions: Discrepancies among specialties to select best treatment modality and some positions don't correspond to current scientificevidence regarding brain metastasis management. We also intend to design future studies that involve all regions of the country for to obtaining more precise scientific evidence(AU)

Factores pronósticos del paciente con metastasis encefálica: encuesta multicéntrica / Prognostic factors in a patient with encephalic metastasis: multicenter survey

Objetivo: Identificar los factores pronósticos relacionados con la selección de la modalidad de tratamiento del paciente con metástasisencefálica mediante los criterios brindados por un grupo de especialistas cubanos.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre los factores pronósticos relacionados con la selección de la modalidad de tratamiento del paciente con metástasis encefálica basado en la aplicación de una encuesta a un grupo de neurocirujanos, neurólogos, radioterapeutas y oncólogos. Se valoró el grado de importancia de los siguientes factores en la definición de la modalidad de tratamiento en un paciente con metástasis encefálica: edad, sexo, escala de capacidad de rendimiento de Karnofsky, escala de coma de Glasgow, déficit neurológicofocal, diagnóstico histológico, control de la enfermedad primaria, potencial proliferativo, número de metástasis cerebrales, momento de aparición de las metástasis, localización de la metástasis, presencia de efecto de masa, tamaño de la metástasis, solidez de la lesión, antecedentes de uso de esteroides, y análisis particional recursivo.Resultados: Fueron encuestados un total de 73 profesionales. De ellos 23 neurocirujanos, 26 oncólogos, 12 radioterapeutas y 12 neurólogos. El promedio de años de experiencia en la especialidad fue de 17,6. El promedio de años de experiencia en el manejo depacientes con metástasis encefálica fue de 14,8. El 79 por cientos afirmó poseer mucha, bastante o alguna experiencia en el manejo de estos pacientes. De manera general se señalaron los siguientes factores como influyentes en la definición de la modalidad de tratamiento en un paciente con metástasis encefálica: escala de capacidad de rendimiento de Karnofsky, escala de coma de Glasgow, diagnóstico histológico, número de metástasis cerebrales, localización de la metástasis, presencia de efecto de masa, y tamaño de la metástasis.Existieron grandes discrepancias con respecto a la influencia de la edad y la solidez de...(AU)

Objective: To identify prognostic factors in the selection of therapeutic modalities in patients with brain metastases according to the criteriaof a group of Cuban specialists.Methods: It was carried out a descriptive study about prognostics factors related with selection of therapeutic modality in patients withbrain metastases based in the application of a survey in a group of neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiotherapeutics and oncologists. It was estimate the graded of importance in the definition of therapeutic modality in a patient with brain metastases of the following factors: age,sex, Karnofsky scale punctuation, Glasgow scale punctuation, focal neurological deficit, histology, primary disease control, proliferativepotential, number of brain metastases, moment of apparition, localization, mass effect, size, solidity, antecedents of steroid use and recursive partitional analysis.Results: 73 professionals were interviewed (23 neurosurgeons, 26 oncologists, 12 radiotherapeutics, and 12 neurologists). The average ofyears of experience in the handling of patients with brain metastases was 14. 8. 79 percent affirmed to have much, middle or some experience in the handled of these patients. In general, it was signaled the following factors within influent factors in the selection of a therapeutics modalities: Karnofsky scale punctuation, Glasgow scale punctuation, histology, number of brain metastases, localization, mass effect and size. It was large discrepancies according to the age and solidity.Conclusions: The opinions about prognosis factors of patient with encephalic metastasis have differences between specialties, as well asamong the members of oneself specialty. In some punctual cases they are not in correspondence with the current scientific approaches.The prognostic index in patient with encephalic metastasis should not be interpreted in an isolated way. The heterogeneity of these patientsimposes the realization of individualized...(AU)

Características clínico–patológicas y de neuroimagen de las metástasis encefálicas

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínico–patológicas y de neuroimagen de los pacientes con metástasis encefálica.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional retrospectivo desde el 1.01.2012 al 1.01.2014 de las variables clínicas,anatomopatológicas y de neuroimagen. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos en consulta de neurocirugía del Hospital Dr. Luis Díaz Soto y del Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología. Se analizaron las distribuciones de frecuencias paradescribir las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas la mediana y el rango. Para correlacionar variables cualitativas se utilizó el testexacto de Fisher con un intervalo de confianza del 95 por ciento.Resultados: Se identificaron 32 pacientes con metástasis encefálica y 70 lesiones. El promedio de edad fue de 53,9 años. Las localizaciones más frecuentes de la neoplasia primaria fueron: pulmón (44 por ciento ), mama (22 por ciento), colorrectal (10 por ciento) y próstata (6 por ciento).Predominaron las lesiones únicas en un 60 por ciento de los casos. La presentación con una sola metástasis fue más frecuente en las localizaciones en mamas, colorrectal y próstata (p=0,007). El volumen promedio de las metástasis fue de 8 cm3 (0,1–46 cm3). El 88 por ciento fueron lesiones sólidas. El 76 por ciento presento escaso edema cerebral asociado. Predominaron las lesiones con menos de 5 cm 3 originadas en pulmón y mamas (p=0,004), y el edema local fue más frecuente en relación con estos sitios primarios (p=0,000).Conclusiones: Se encontró una fuerte asociación del sitio primario con: la forma de presentación, el sexo, el número de lesiones, el volumen y el edema asociado(AU)

Objective: To determine the clinical–pathologic and neuroimaging characteristics of brain metastases.Methods: It was done a retrospective longitudinal descriptive study from 1.01.2012 to 1.01.2014 according to clinical, anatomopathologic and neuroimaging variables from clinical histories of patients from Luis Diaz Soto Hospital and National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology. The distributions of frequencies were analyzed to describe the qualitative variables and for quantitative variables with medium and range. The Fisher exact test was utilized with a confidence interval of 95 per cent.Results: 32 patients and 70 lesions were identified. The age average was 53.9 years. The most frequent localizations were lung (44 per cent),breast (22 per cent), colorectal (10 per cent) and prostate (6 per cent). Single lesions were predominant in 60 per cent of cases. Oligo–metastasis was more frequent in breast, colorectal and prostate (p=0.007). Average volume of metastasis was 8 cm3 (0.1–46 cm3). 88 per cent were solid lesions and76 per cent were lesions with low surrounding edema. Mainly lesions were below de 5 cm3 originated in lung and breast (p=0.004), but localcerebral edema was more frequent in relation with this primary sites (p=0.000).Conclusions: It was found a strong association between the primary organ and these variables: form of presentation, sex, number of lesions, volume and surrounding edema(AU)

Cordoma sacrococcígeo: presentación de un caso / Sacrococcigeal cordoma: a case report

Introducción: El cordoma sacrococcígeo representa más del 50 por ciento de los cordomas. La resección total en bloquecombinada con radioterapia en altas dosis ha mostrado prolongar la recurrencia.Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 58 años operado de cordoma sacrococcígeo mediante resección total en bloque por vía posterior. Los estudios de imagen postoperatorios confirmaron la remoción total. Como complicacionesposquirúrgicas mediatas el paciente presentó una fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo y una infección local que remitieron con drenaje espinal y antibioticoterapia. Además, presentó trastornos transitorios del control del esfínter vesical que desaparecieron a los 6 meses. Posteriormente recibió radioterapia con cobalto. Se ha mantenido asintomático y sin evidencia de recidiva en los estudios de imágenes por resonancia magnética.Conclusiones: Las mejores opciones de tratamiento se obtienen con un enfoque multidisciplinario, en centrosespecializados y con avanzadas técnicas neuroquirúrgicas asociada a la radioterapia(AU)

Introduction: Sacrococcigeal cordoma represents more than 50 percent of the cordomas. The total resection in blockcombined with radiotherapy in high dose has shown to prolong the recurrence.Clinical case: Male, 58 years old operated of sacrococcigeal cordoma is presented by means of total resection in block for posterior approach. The postoperative image studies confirmed the total removal. It presented cerebrospinal fistulae and local infection treated with spinal drainage and antibiotics. Also, transient urinary incontinence occurred for 6 months. After that he received cobalt radiotherapy. Until now he stayed asymptomatic and free of illness in resonance magnetic images.Conclusions: The best treatment options are obtained with a focus multidisciplinary, in specialized centers and with advanced neurosurgical and radiotherapy techniques(AU)

Mortalidad por metástasis encefálica (La Habana, 2006–2008) / Mortality by encephalic metastasis (La Habana, 2006–2008)

Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas de los pacientes fallecidos por metástasis encefálica en La Habana.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal y retrospectivo desde el primero de enero de 2006 al 31 de diciembre del 2008 según variables demográficas y otras relacionadas con la neoplasia primaria. Se revisaron los certificados de defunción en mayores de 18 años con metástasis encefálica en cualquiera de las causas de muerte. Esta información se pareó con las bases de datos del Registro Nacional de Cáncer (RNC) para buscar información del momento del diagnóstico. Se analizaron las distribuciones de frecuencias para describir las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas la mediana y el rango.Resultados: Se encontraron 359 casos reportados al RNC, de los cuales se obtuvo información en 245 historias clínicas.Se identificaron 945 fallecidos por metástasis encefálica. La mediana de edad fue 65 años. Las localizaciones másfrecuentes fueron: pulmón (41 por ciento), mama (12 por ciento) y próstata (11,3 por ciento). La metástasis encefálica única se presentó en el 50,6 por ciento de la muestra. Los tratamientos empleados fueron: radioterapia holocraneal (48,2 por ciento), solo esteroides (38,4 por ciento), cirugía (11 por ciento) y quimioterapia (2,4 por ciento). La supervivencia global fue de 5,6 meses. La confirmación de la causa de muerte por necropsia se realizó en un 29,4 por ciento de los casos.Conclusiones: Las metástasis encefálicas se presentaron de forma similar a lo reportado en otros estudios. Existió la particularidad de presentarse un mayor número de estas en los casos con diagnóstico de cáncer de cabeza y cuello(AU)

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristic of brain metastases.Methods: It was done a retrospective longitudinal descriptive study from January 1 of 2006 at December 31 the 2008 according to demographic variables and other related with the primary cancer. All the death certificates were revising in bigger than 18 years with brain metastases in anyone of the causes of death. This information was paired with the databases of the National Registration of Cancer to look for information of the moment of the diagnosis. They were 359 cases reported, of which information was obtained in 245 clinical histories. The distributions of frequencies were analyzed to describe the qualitative variables, and average with range for quantitative variables.Results: 945 died by brain metastases were identified. The medium age was 65 years. The most frequent localizations were lung (41 per cent), breast (12 per cent) and prostate (11.3 per cent). Single brain metastases occurred in 50.6 per cent of the sample. The appliedtreatments were whole brain radiotherapy (48.2 per cent), single steroids (38.4 per cent), surgery (11 per cent) and chemotherapy (2.4 per cent). The halftime among the diagnosis of them brain metastases and the death was of 5.6 months. Death cause confirmation by autopsy was done in 29.4 per cent of the cases.Conclusions: The brain metastases presented from a similar way to that reported in other studies with the particularity of being presented a bigger number of these in the cases with diagnosis of head cancer and neck(AU)