Meningiomas de ángulo pontocerebeloso: tratamiento con radiocirugía mediante LINAC / Cerebellopontine angle meningiomas: LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery treatment

Objetivos Evaluar el resultado del tratamiento con radiocirugía estereotáctica (RC) mediante acelerador lineal (LINAC) en meningiomas de ángulo pontocerebeloso (APC). Métodos Analizamos 80 pacientes diagnosticados de meningiomas de APC entre los años 2001-2014, tratados mediante RC. El 81,9% (n=68) fueron mujeres, con una media de edad de 59,1años (32-79). La RC se aplicó como tratamiento primario en el 83,7% (n=67), y en el 16,3% (n=13) como adyuvante a la cirugía. El tratamiento con RC se lleva a cabo en un acelerador lineal (Varian600, 6MeV) con micromultiláminas M3 (BrainLab) y marco estereotáxico. El volumen tumoral medio fue de 3,14cm3 (0,34-10,36cm3) y la dosis de cobertura media fue de 14Gy (12-16Gy). Se realiza un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo, un análisis de supervivencia método Kaplan-Meier y se contrasta la relación entre las variables del estudio mediante análisis univariados. Resultados Tras un periodo de seguimiento medio de 86,9meses (12-184), la tasa de control tumoral fue del 92,8% (n=77). Se comprobó una reducción global del volumen tumoral al final del estudio del 32,8%, con un volumen medio final de 2,11cm3 (0-10,35cm3). La tasa de supervivencia libre de progresión fue del 98% al año, del 95% a los 5años y del 83,3% a los 10 y 12años. El mayor volumen tumoral previo al tratamiento (p=0,047) se relacionó con la progresión. Se produjo la mejoría clínica en el 26,5% (n=21) de los casos y el deterioro en el 16,2% (n=13); el empeoramiento se relaciona con la dosis de radiación que recibe el troncoencéfalo (p=0,02). Respecto a las complicaciones, el 8,7% (n=7) sufrieron deterioro de la audición, el 5% (n=4) radionecrosis y el 3,7% (n=3) neuropatía del Vpar craneal. La dosis máxima alcanzada (p=0,037) y el tamaño tumoral inicial (p=0,033) se relacionan con la progresión de la hipoacusia, y el desarrollo de radionecrosis, con la dosis máxima alcanzada (p=0,037) (AU)

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery (LINAC) in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. Methods We analyzed 80 patients diagnosed with cerebellopontine angle meningiomas between 2001 and 2014, treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), of whom 81.9% (n=68) were women, with an average age of 59.1years (32-79). SRS was applied as primary treatment in 83.7% (n=67) and in 16.3% (n=13) as an adjuvant treatment to surgery. SRS treatment was provided using LINAC (Varian600, 6MeV) with M3 micromultilamines (brainLab) and stereotactic frame. The average tumor volume was 3.12cm3 (0.34-10.36cm3) and the coverage dose was 14Gy (12-16Gy). We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis and survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis to determine those factors predictive of tumor progression or clinical improvement. Results After an average follow-up period of 86.9months (12-184), the tumor control rate was 92.8% (n=77). At the end of the study, there was an overall reduction in tumor volume of 32.8%, with an average final volume of 2.11cm3 (0-10.35cm3). The progression-free survival rate at 5, 10 and 12years was 98%, 95% and 83.3% respectively. The higher tumor volume (P=.047) was associated with progression. There was clinical improvement in 26.5% (n=21) of cases and clinical worsening in 16.2% (n=13). Worsening is related to the radiation dose received by the brainstem (P=.02). Complications were 8.7% (7 cases) of hearing loss, 5% (4 cases) of brain radionecrosis, and 3.7% (3 cases) of cranial nerveV neuropathy. Hearing loss was related to initial tumor size (P=.033) and maximum dose (P=.037). The occurrence of radionecrosis with the maximum dose (P=.037). Conclusions Treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas with single-dose SRS using LINAC is effective in the long term. Better tumor control rates were obtained in patients with small lesions (AU)

Long-term Experience of LINAC Single-Dose Radiosurgery for Skull Base Meningiomas: A Retrospective Single-Center Study of 241 Cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly applied to treat meningiomas, attributable to their increased incidence in older individuals at greater surgical risk. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with linear accelerator (LINAC)-based stereotactic radiosurgery in skull base meningiomas as either primary treatment or postresection adjuvant therapy. METHODS: This study included 241 patients diagnosed with skull base meningiomas treated by single-dose SRS, with a median age of 59 years. SRS was primary treatment in 68.1% (n = 164) and adjuvant treatment in 31.9% (n = 77), using LINAC (Varian 600, 6 MeV). The median tumor volume was 3.2 cm 3 , and the median coverage dose was 14 Gy. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for tumor progression, clinical deterioration, and complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival analysis. RESULTS: After the median follow-up of 102 months, the tumor control rate was 91.2% (n = 220). Progression-free survival rates were 97.07%, 90.1%, and 85.7% at 5, 10, and 14 years, respectively. Clinical improvement was observed in 56 patients (23.2%). In multivariate analysis, previous surgery (hazard ratio 3.8 [95%CI 1.136-12.71], P = .030) and selectivity (hazard ratio .21 [95%CI 0.066-0.677], P = .009) were associated with tumor progression and increased maximum dose (odds ratio [OR] 4.19 [95% CI 1.287-13.653], P = .017) with clinical deterioration. The permanent adverse radiation effect rate was 6.2% (n = 15) and associated with maximum brainstem dose >12.5 Gy (OR 3.36 [95% CI .866-13.03], P = .08) and cerebellopontine angle localization (OR 3.93 [95% CI 1.29-11.98], P = .016). CONCLUSION: Treatment of skull base meningiomas with single-dose SRS using LINAC is effective over the long term. Superior tumor control is obtained in patients without previous surgery. Adverse effects are related to localization in the cerebellopontine angle, and maximum brainstem radiation dose was >12.5 Gy.

Cerebellopontine angle meningiomas: LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery (LINAC) in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. METHODS: We analyzed 80 patients diagnosed with cerebellopontine angle meningiomas between 2001 and 2014, treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), of whom 81.9% (n=68) were women, with an average age of 59.1 years (32-79). SRS was applied as primary treatment in 83.7% (n=67) and in 16.3% (n=13) as an adjuvant treatment to surgery. SRS treatment was provided using LINAC (Varian 600, 6MeV) with M3 micromultilamines (brainLab) and stereotactic frame. The average tumor volume was 3.12cm3 (0.34-10.36cm3) and the coverage dose was 14Gy (12-16Gy). We performed a retrospective descriptive analysis and survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis to determine those factors predictive of tumor progression or clinical improvement. RESULTS: After an average follow-up period of 86.9 months (12-184), the tumor control rate was 92.8% (n=77). At the end of the study, there was an overall reduction in tumor volume of 32.8%, with an average final volume of 2.11cm3 (0-10.35cm3). The progression-free survival rate at 5, 10 and 12 years was 98%, 95% and 83.3% respectively. The higher tumor volume (p=0.047) was associated with progression. There was clinical improvement in 26.5% (n=21) of cases and clinical worsening in 16.2% (n=13). Worsening is related to the radiation dose received by the brainstem (p=0.02). Complications were 8.7% (7 cases) of hearing loss, 5% (4 cases) of brain radionecrosis, and 3.7% (3 cases) of cranial nerve V neuropathy. Hearing loss was related to initial tumor size (p=0.033) and maximum dose (p=0.037). The occurrence of radionecrosis with the maximum dose (p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas with single-dose SRS using LINAC is effective in the long term. Better tumor control rates were obtained in patients with small lesions.

Desarrollo de una solución integrada para pacientes con dolor crónico portadores de neuroestimulador en tiempos del COVID-19: una aplicación para móvil con centro de soporte / Development of an integrated solution for patients with neurostimulator for chronic pain in times of COVID-19: A mobile application with a support center

Introducción El dolor crónico es una de las afecciones más prevalentes en el mundo. El tratamiento con neuroestimuladores se realiza en los casos más extremos tras una cuidadosa selección, y demanda una gran inversión de recursos en su seguimiento. En estos momentos de pandemia por la COVID-19, presentamos una solución integrada para el seguimiento de estos de pacientes, que incluye el desarrollo de una aplicación para dispositivos móviles y un centro de soporte para seguimiento remoto (CSSR). Material y metodología El proyecto se ha desarrollado basándose en evidencia científica en las siguientes fases: 1) Aprobación de la idea en sesión clínica multidisciplinar de implantes para dolor crónico, 2) Formación de un grupo de expertos, 3) Adaptación del protocolo para el seguimiento de los pacientes con dolor crónico a las características del entorno de un smartphone, 4) Adaptación de la plataforma tecnológica al protocolo clínico (entorno tecnológico y flujo de trabajo entre el hospital y el CSSR) y 5) Evaluación de la calidad mediante encuesta (cuantitativa y cualitativa) con una pequeña muestra de pacientes. Resultados La aplicación de paciente se evaluó solicitando opiniones de los usuarios sobre el diseño y la utilidad de la misma entre los primeros pacientes implantados que la usaron. Se realizaron algunos ajustes menores en relación con el material para descargar, y sobre el texto y el color de la pantalla. Conclusiones El proceso de creación de una solución integrada debe estar basado en principios científicos y acorde con los protocolos establecidos. Un centro de soporte permite asegurar una mayor adherencia al seguimiento y una mejor atención a los pacientes (AU)

Introduction Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world. Treatment with neurostimulators is carried out in the most extreme cases and requires a large investment of resources. In these times of COVID-19 pandemic, we present a comprehensive solution for monitoring this kind of patient, this solution includes the development of a mobile application and a support center for remote monitoring (SCRM). MMaterial and methodology The project was developed according to the scientific evidence in the following phases: (1) approval in a multidisciplinary clinical committee of implants for chronic pain, (2) setting up a group of experts, (3) protocol adaptation for the follow-up of patients with chronic pain to the Smartphone environment, (4) technology platform adaptation to the clinical protocol (technological environment and workflow between the hospital and the SCRM), and (5) quality evaluation by survey (quantitative and qualitative) of a small series of patients. Results The application was evaluated by asking for user opinions about design and usefulness with the first implanted patients. Some minor adjustments were made concerning downloadable material and screen color and text. Conclusions Developing a comprehensive solution should be based on scientific principles and in accordance with established protocols. A support center ensures greater adherence for follow-up and better patient care (AU)

[Development of an integrated solution for patients with neurostimulator for chronic pain in times of COVID-19: A mobile application with a support center]. / Desarrollo de una solución integrada para pacientes con dolor crónico portadores de neuroestimulador en tiempos del COVID-19: una aplicación para móvil con centro de soporte.

Introduction: Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world. Treatment with neurostimulators is carried out in the most extreme cases and requires a large investment of resources. In these times of COVID-19 pandemic, we present a comprehensive solution for monitoring this kind of patient, this solution includes the development of a mobile application and a support center for remote monitoring (SCRM). MMaterial and methodology: The project was developed according to the scientific evidence in the following phases: (1) approval in a multidisciplinary clinical committee of implants for chronic pain, (2) setting up a group of experts, (3) protocol adaptation for the follow-up of patients with chronic pain to the Smartphone environment, (4) technology platform adaptation to the clinical protocol (technological environment and workflow between the hospital and the SCRM), and (5) quality evaluation by survey (quantitative and qualitative) of a small series of patients. Results: The application was evaluated by asking for user opinions about design and usefulness with the first implanted patients. Some minor adjustments were made concerning downloadable material and screen color and text. Conclusions: Developing a comprehensive solution should be based on scientific principles and in accordance with established protocols. A support center ensures greater adherence for follow-up and better patient care.

Development of an integrated solution for patients with neurostimulator for chronic pain in times of COVID-19: A mobile application with a support center.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world. Treatment with neurostimulators is carried out in the most extreme cases and requires a large investment of resources. In these times of the COVID19 pandemic, we present a comprehensive solution for monitoring this kind of patient, this solution includes the development of a mobile application and a support center for remote monitoring (SCRM). MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: The project was developed according to the scientific evidence in the following phases: (1) Approval in a multidisciplinary clinical committee of implants for chronic pain, (2) Setting up a group of experts, (3) Protocol adaptation for the follow-up of patients with chronic pain to the Smartphone environment, (4) Technology platform adaptation to the clinical protocol (technological environment and workflow between the hospital and the SCRM), and (5) Quality evaluation by survey (quantitative and qualitative) of a small series of patients. RESULTS: The application was evaluated by asking for user opinions about design and usefulness with the first implanted patients. Some minor adjustments were made concerning downloadable material and screen color and text. CONCLUSIONS: Developing a comprehensive solution should be based on scientific principles and in accordance with established protocols. A support center ensures greater adherence for follow-up and better patient care.

High-frequency spinal cord stimulation as rescue therapy for chronic pain patients with failure of conventional spinal cord stimulation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 10-kHz high-frequency (HF10) devices as a rescue treatment in patients with failure of conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for chronic pain without the need to change the spinal hardware. METHODS: In this real-world prospective study, patients with neuropathic pain treated with conventional tonic SCS in whom the therapy had failed, either during the trial phase or after a period of optimal functioning, were recruited throughout 2 years for HF10-SCS therapy. Data on analgesia, functionality, analgesics use and treatment safety were collected 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Eleven of the 18 (61%) patients included in the study were successfully rescued with HF10-SCS. Of them, 5 out of 12 (45%) were in the trial phase and six out of six (100%) had previously functioning implants. A significant improvement in low-back and limb pain was obtained (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Treatment success was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.037), weight (p = 0.014), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007) and time of rescue (p = 0.015). A linear regression test confirmed a significant association between treatment failure and BMI and gender (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that analgesic rescue with HF10-SCS is an effective therapeutic option for non-responders to conventional SCS, although obesity might be a limiting factor for treatment success. Nevertheless, more comprehensive studies are needed to corroborate our findings. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that high-frequency stimulation may be useful in patients with failure of conventional tonic stimulation for chronic pain, both in the trial phase and in previously implanted subjects. The novelty of this study lies in the use of the implanted epidural electrodes, which avoids the need for further surgery. The results in terms of pain control and recovery of functionality are satisfactory. In addition, variables such as male gender and high body mass index could be predictors of therapy failure.

Utilidad de la monitorización de la presión intracraneal en pacientes con sospecha de hipertensión intracraneal benigna / Usefulness of intracranial pressure continuous monitoring in pseudotumor cerebri

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del análisis del registro de presión intracraneal (PIC) en el diagnóstico de la hipertensión intracraneal benigna (HIB). Material y métodos: Diez pacientes con sospecha clínica de HIB en los que no se cumplen por completo los criterios diagnósticos. Se recogen los datos demográficos, clínicos y radiológicos, así como los datos de monitorización de la PIC y las complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. Se evalúan resultados clínicos a los 6meses de la intervención. Resultados: Todos los pacientes fueron mujeres jóvenes. La PIC media no fue superior a los 250 mmH2O en 5 de los 8 pacientes con registros patológicos. El análisis morfológico del trazado evidencia ondas A en un porcentaje elevado de pacientes (62,5%), correlacionándose en general con PIC media más elevada, aunque esta situación no se correspondió de forma sistemática con presencia de papiledema. Las ondas B de alta amplitud estuvieron presentes en todos los registros. La amplitud del registro fue superior a 5mmHg en la mayoría de los casos considerados patológicos. Todos los pacientes tratados conforme a los criterios de monitorización de PIC experimentaron mejoría tras la intervención. No hubo complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento de monitorización. Conclusiones: Los datos clínicos y de exploración son en ocasiones insuficientes para establecer el diagnóstico de HIB, especialmente en los casos en que el paciente ha sido tratado médica o quirúrgicamente con anterioridad. La monitorización de la PIC es un método seguro y fiable, útil en el diagnóstico de esta entidad. Es imprescindible un análisis morfológico del trazado, ya que la PIC media es un dato de escasa utilidad, en tanto que la presencia de ondas A y B de alta amplitud se relaciona con una buena respuesta a la derivación. La amplitud del trazado expresa la complianza cerebral y es un dato relacionado también con respuesta a la derivación

Objectives. To analyse the usefulness of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). Material and methods: Ten patients with suspected PTC, but having incomplete criteria for the syndrome, on whom ICP monitoring was performed. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected, as well as ICP monitoring data and related complications. Results were evaluated 6months after surgery. Results: In relation to demographics, all patients were young females. Mean ICP was less than 250 mmH2O in 5 of 8 patients with pathological monitoring. Most patients (62.5%) showed A waves; these were related with higher mean ICP, but not always with papilloedema. All recordings showed high amplitude B waves. Most pathological recordings showed wave amplitudes superior to 5 mmHg. There were no complications related to the monitoring technique. Conclusions: Clinical and lumbar opening pressure data are not enough to establish PTC diagnosis correctly, especially if patient has been treated previously. Monitoring using ICP is a valuable, safe tool, and very useful in this syndrome. Mean ICP could be normal even with pathological recordings. Morphological analysis is necessary to establish diagnosis. A and B waves are highly related to shunt response. Wave amplitude is related to brain compliance and to shunt response as well

Utilidad de la monitorización de la presión intracraneal en pacientes con ventriculomegalia marcada de larga evolución / Usefulness of continuous intracranial pressure monitoring in long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults

Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del análisis del registro de la presión intracraneal (PIC) en el manejo de pacientes con marcada ventriculomegalia de larga evolución. Material y métodos: Veintidós pacientes con ventriculomegalia radiológica y clínica neurológica. Se recogen los datos demográficos, clínicos y radiológicos, así como los datos de monitorización de PIC y las complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. Se evalúan resultados clínicos a los 6 meses de la intervención. Resultados: Las edades oscilaron entre los 20 y los 70 años, con una media de 44 años. El síntoma de consulta más frecuente fue la cefalea. Los índices de Evans oscilaron entre 0,35 y 0,66, con una media de 0,47. El 55% asociaban estenosis de acueducto de Silvio. La PIC media fue superior a 12 mmHg en solo el 9% de los pacientes, en tanto que el análisis morfológico de los trazados catalogó al 64% de los mismos como patológicos. El análisis morfológico del trazado evidencia ondas A premeseta en 7 pacientes y ondas B en 20 pacientes (14 de ellos con ondas B de alta amplitud). Se consideraron patológicos y por tanto candidatos a cirugía a 14 pacientes, de los que 12 aceptaron la intervención (derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo o ventriculostomía). El 70% de ellos habían experimentado mejoría a los 6 meses. No hubo complicaciones relacionadas con la monitorización. Conclusiones: La monitorización de la PIC es un método seguro y fiable, útil en el manejo de esta entidad, que permite seleccionar los pacientes candidatos a cirugía. Es imprescindible un análisis morfológico del trazado, ya que la PIC media es un dato de escasa utilidad, en tanto que la presencia de ondas A y B de alta amplitud se relaciona con una buena respuesta al shunt

Objectives: To analyze the usefulness of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in overt long-standing ventriculomegaly patients. Material and methods: There were 22 patients with ventriculomegaly and neurological symptoms. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected, as well as ICP monitoring data and complications related to the procedure. Results were evaluated 6 months after surgery. Results: Mean age was 44 years (22-70). Mean Evans index was 0.47 (0.35-0.66). Aqueductal stenosis was present in more than half of the patients (55%). Mean ICP was higher than 12 mmHg in only 9% of patients. Morphological analysis of ICP recordings was abnormal in 64% of patients. 'Pre-plateau' A waves were seen in 7 patients, with B waves seen in 20 patients (high amplitude B waves in 14). Twelve patients were operated on the basis of ICP recordings (CSF shunt or ventriculostomy). Seventy per cent of treated patients had improved at 6 months. There were no complications related to the monitoring technique. Conclusions: ICP monitoring is a valuable, safe tool, very useful in these cases. Selection of surgical candidates on the basis of ICP monitoring seems to be advisable. Mean ICP may be normal even with pathological recordings. Morphological analysis is essential to establish a correct diagnosis. The presence of A and B waves in the recording is highly related to good shunt response

Costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática / Endovascular versus surgical treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: Cost analysis

Objetivo: Evaluar los costes derivados del tratamiento quirúrgico y endovascular de una serie consecutiva de 80 pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSAa). Material y métodos: Se revisan 80 pacientes ingresados en nuestro centro con HSA aneurismática que recibieron tratamiento endovascular (EV) (n = 57) o quirúrgico (Q) (n = 23) entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2011. Se analizan datos demográficos (edad y sexo), clínicos (Fischer y Hunt-Hess al ingreso) y los resultados (GOS a los 6 meses) de ambas series. Se registra estancia hospitalaria (UCI y planta), coste del tratamiento (número de coils, catéteres, craneotomía…), del seguimiento (arteriografías de control, angio-RMN) y de los retratamientos de cada una de las técnicas. Se calculan los costes según los precios medios estimados de hospitalización, material fungible y procedimientos. Resultados: No hay grandes diferencias entre ambas series en cuanto a características clínicas (edad, Hunt-Hess y Fischer) ni a los resultados a los 6 meses medidos en la escala GOS. Existen diferencias en cuanto al tiempo de hospitalización tanto en UCI (superior en algo más de 1,4 días en el grupo Q) como en planta (1,7 días más). La hospitalización también se relaciona con la edad, la puntuación de Hunt-Hess y la de Fischer. Los gastos derivados de los materiales de embolización, del seguimiento y de los retratamientos (un 12% de la serie EV) hace que el coste global tratamiento endovascular sea un 4,1% más caro que el quirúrgico (35.835 Euros versus 34.404 Euros). El procedimiento endovascular en sí, incluyendo los retratamientos resulta un 110% más caro que el quirúrgico (8.015 Euros versus 3.817 Euros). Conclusiones: Los resultados en cuanto a morbimortalidad obtenidos mediante tratamiento quirúrgico o embolizador no son diferentes. La estabilidad del tratamiento quirúrgico es superior al del endovascular, con mayores tasas de oclusión y menor necesidad de retratamiento. El tratamiento endovascular resulta más caro que el quirúrgico en aneurismas rotos, fundamentalmente debido al precio de los materiales de embolización, a la tasa de retratamientos y al seguimiento que precisan. Estas diferencias podrían ser aún más significativas en el caso de aneurismas no rotos, en los que se presupone un ingreso hospitalario menor, fuente principal del gasto en el tratamiento quirúrgico de esta patología

Objectives: To analyse costs of endovascular versus surgical treatment in 80 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Material and methods: We analysed data on 80 consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2010 and June 2011. Endovascular treatment was used in 57 patients and surgical in 23 patients. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales), length of stay (ICU and ward) and results at 6 months (Glasgow outcome scale, [GOS]) were collected. Costs including stay, follow-up, complications and retreatments were calculated. Results: Age was higher in the endovascular group (statistically significant). There were no differences between the 2 groups in Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Results at 6 months were also similar, although slightly better in the surgical group. Length of stay was longer in surgical patients, both in ICU (mean 1.4 days) and ward (1.7 days). Hospitalisation length was also related to age and Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Costs from embolisation devices, follow-up and retreatment (12% in this series) made final endovascular treatment 4.1% more expensive than surgical treatment (Euros 35,835 versus Euros 34,404). Endovascular procedure (including retreatments) was 110% more expensive than surgical treatment (Euros 8,015 versus Euros 3,817). Conclusions: There are no differences between the 2 treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. Stability of surgical treatment was higher than that of endovascular, with better occlusion and lower retreatment rates. Endovascular treatment is more expensive in ruptured aneurysms, principally due to embolisation device costs, long-term follow-up and retreatments, in retreatments, in spite of shorter hospital stay. In incidental aneurysms, which usually need shorter hospitalisation, differences between the 2 treatments could be even larger

[Usefulness of intracranial pressure continuous monitoring in pseudotumor cerebri]. / Utilidad de la monitorización de la presión intracraneal en pacientes con sospecha de hipertensión intracraneal benigna.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the usefulness of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with suspected PTC, but having incomplete criteria for the syndrome, on whom ICP monitoring was performed. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected, as well as ICP monitoring data and related complications. Results were evaluated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In relation to demographics, all patients were young females. Mean ICP was less than 250 mmH2O in 5 of 8 patients with pathological monitoring. Most patients (62.5%) showed A waves; these were related with higher mean ICP, but not always with papilloedema. All recordings showed high amplitude B waves. Most pathological recordings showed wave amplitudes superior to 5 mmHg. There were no complications related to the monitoring technique. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and lumbar opening pressure data are not enough to establish PTC diagnosis correctly, especially if patient has been treated previously. Monitoring using ICP is a valuable, safe tool, and very useful in this syndrome. Mean ICP could be normal even with pathological recordings. Morphological analysis is necessary to establish diagnosis. A and B waves are highly related to shunt response. Wave amplitude is related to brain compliance and to shunt response as well.

[Endovascular versus surgical treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: Cost analysis]. / Costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse costs of endovascular versus surgical treatment in 80 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed data on 80 consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2010 and June 2011. Endovascular treatment was used in 57 patients and surgical in 23 patients. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales), length of stay (ICU and ward) and results at 6 months (Glasgow outcome scale,[GOS]) were collected. Costs including stay, follow-up, complications and retreatments were calculated. RESULTS: Age was higher in the endovascular group (statistically significant). There were no differences between the 2 groups in Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Results at 6 months were also similar, although slightly better in the surgical group. Length of stay was longer in surgical patients, both in ICU (mean 1.4 days) and ward (1.7 days). Hospitalisation length was also related to age and Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Costs from embolisation devices, follow-up and retreatment (12% in this series) made final endovascular treatment 4.1% more expensive than surgical treatment (€35,835 versus €34,404). Endovascular procedure (including retreatments) was 110% more expensive than surgical treatment (€8,015 versus €3,817). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between the 2 treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. Stability of surgical treatment was higher than that of endovascular, with better occlusion and lower retreatment rates. Endovascular treatment is more expensive in ruptured aneurysms, principally due to embolisation device costs, long-term follow-up and retreatments, in retreatments, in spite of shorter hospital stay. In incidental aneurysms, which usually need shorter hospitalisation, differences between the 2 treatments could be even larger.

[Usefulness of continuous intracranial pressure monitoring in long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults]. / Utilidad de la monitorización de la presión intracraneal en pacientes con ventriculomegalia marcada de larga evolución.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the usefulness of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in overt long-standing ventriculomegaly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 22 patients with ventriculomegaly and neurological symptoms. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected, as well as ICP monitoring data and complications related to the procedure. Results were evaluated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was 44 years (22-70). Mean Evans index was 0.47 (0.35-0.66). Aqueductal stenosis was present in more than half of the patients (55%). Mean ICP was higher than 12 mmHg in only 9% of patients. Morphological analysis of ICP recordings was abnormal in 64% of patients. "Pre-plateau" A waves were seen in 7 patients, with B waves seen in 20 patients (high amplitude B waves in 14). Twelve patients were operated on the basis of ICP recordings (CSF shunt or ventriculostomy). Seventy per cent of treated patients had improved at 6 months. There were no complications related to the monitoring technique. CONCLUSIONS: ICP monitoring is a valuable, safe tool, very useful in these cases. Selection of surgical candidates on the basis of ICP monitoring seems to be advisable. Mean ICP may be normal even with pathological recordings. Morphological analysis is essential to establish a correct diagnosis. The presence of A and B waves in the recording is highly related to good shunt response.

Angiographic characteristics of epileptogenic arteriovenous malformations and effectiveness in the seizure control after treatment with radiosurgery.

OBJETIVE: Define the angiographic characteristics of epileptogenic arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and assess symptom control of the seizure after treatment with radiosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, a total of 237 adults patients were diagnosed with AVM and were treated in our center by radiosurgery with linear accelerator. We analyzed demographics, clinicals, angiographics and radiosurgicals characteristics and the complications of the procedure in each of them. The first symptom was a seizure in 68 of them and the subsequent analysis of the treatment effectiveness for the seizure control was done, and the possible predictive factors of AVM nidus evolution were assessed. RESULT: The average volume of the epileptogenic AVMs was 7.17 cc, compared ot the non-epileptogenic AVM 5.06 cc (p<0.03). Other differentiating factors were surface blood supply (p<0.003), venous ectasia (p<0.064), angiogenesis (p<0.078), and the presence of unrelated aneurysms (p<0.08). For 68 patients (28.7%) with seizures a clinical control (Seizure Frequency Scoring System SFSS ≤2) was obtained in 70% of patients and there was an excellent control (SFSS ≤1) in 25% of them. The percent occlusion of their AVMs was 50%. There was statistical significance with SFSS ≤1 (p<0.01), but was not any significance with SFSS ≤2. Age (p<0.003) and diffuse nidus morphology (p<0.05) were predictors of good AVM nidus evolution. CONCLUSIONS: The stereotactic radiosurgery seems to be an effective method for control of symptomatic seizures for intracranial AVMs. Certain angiographic characteristics, such as the volume, surface blood supply, angiogenesis, venous ectasia, and unrelated aneurysms to the AVMs, seem to influence the appearance of epileptic seizures.

Hidrocefalia crónica del adulto: diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución. Estudio prospectivo / Adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus-diagnosis, treatment and evolution. Prospective study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Actualmente la hidrocefalia crónica del adulto (HCA) se presenta como una patología de diagnóstico controvertido en la que se han usado múltiples técnicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas con diferentes grados de éxito postoperatorio. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar una serie de pacientes diagnosticados de HCA idiopática y tratados con derivación de LCR en nuestro centro entre los años 2006 y 2009 mediante escalas clínicas y controles radiológicos pre y postoperatoriamente. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizan prospectivamente 40 pacientes. El diagnóstico de HCA idiopática se hizo cuando el paciente cumplía 3 tipos de criterios: a) clínicos, b) radiológicos (Evans > 0,3) y c) hidrodinámicos (test de infusión de Katzman con Rout [mmHg/ml/min] > 12) o monitorización de la PIC patológica (ondas B en más del 20% del registro nocturno). Se colocó una DVP de baja presión GAV 5/35 en todos los casos. Se realizaron revisiones clínicas a los 3, 6 y 12 meses y radiológicas a los 6 meses de la intervención, así como encuesta de satisfacción a los 12 meses. Se valoró la mejoría clínica del paciente mediante las escalas de puntuación NPH, RANKIN modificado y PFEIFFER modificado. RESULTADOS: El estudio de los factores de riesgo (edad, sexo, fumador, bebedor, HTA, DM, dislipidemia) no estableció relaciones estadísticamente significativas. Se evidenció mejoría global estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,01) en los test de Rankin y NPH a los 3, 6 y 12 meses, siendo las cifras: NPH 73, 74 y 64%, y RANKIN 54, 72 y 56% de mejoría, respectivamente. En el PFEIFFER solo se evidenció mejoría significativa a los 12 meses. Dichas mejorías se clasificaron en niveles (elevada, moderada, leve y no mejoría). El índice de Evans inicial medio fue 0,385, postoperatorio 0,3675. Solo ocurrió una infección del sistema valvular (2%), sin secuelas. La mortalidad y la morbilidad relacionadas con el procedimiento fueron del 0%. CONCLUSIÓN: Una adecuada selección de los pacientes con criterios clínicos, radiológicos, hidrodinámicos y de monitorización de la PIC permite la obtención de buenos resultados con bajo índice de complicaciones

INTRODUCTION: At present, chronic hydrocephalus or normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has a controversial diagnosis in which multiple diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have been used with variable degrees of postoperative success. The aim of our study is to evaluate a number of patients diagnosed with adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus who were treated with a CSF shunt at our centre between 2006 and 2009 through clinical scales and radiological controls pre- and postoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed 40 patients. The diagnosis of idiopathic NPH was established when patients met 3 criteria: (I) clinical; (II) radiological (Evans >0.3), and (III) hydrodynamic (Katzman infusion test with Rout > 12) or pathological ICP monitoring (B waves in over 20% of a nocturnal registration). We used a low-pressure DVP 5/35 GAV in all cases. Clinical assessments were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months and radiological assessments at 6 months postoperatively. The clinical improvement of patients was assessed with the NPH, modified RANKIN and modified PFEIFFER rating scales. RESULTS: The study of risk factors (age, gender, smoking, drinking, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia) did not establish statistically significant relationships. A statistically significant improvement was observed (P<.01) in the NPH and RANKIN tests at 3, 6 and 12 months. Clinical improvement values obtained were: NPH 73%, 74% and 64%, and RANKIN 54%, 72% and 56%, respectively. The PFEIFFER scale only showed a significant improvement at 12 months. These improvements were classified into various levels (high, moderate, mild and no improvement). The initial mean Evans index was 0.385, and 0.3675 postoperatively. There was only one infection of the valvular system (2%) without further complications. Morbidity and mortality related to the procedure were 0%. CONCLUSION: An appropriate selection of patients through clinical, radiological, hydrodynamic and ICP monitoring criteria enables us to obtain good results and a low complication rate

[Adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus-diagnosis, treatment and evolution. Prospective study]. / Hidrocefalia crónica del adulto: diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución. Estudio prospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: At present, chronic hydrocephalus or normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has a controversial diagnosis in which multiple diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have been used with variable degrees of postoperative success. The aim of our study is to evaluate a number of patients diagnosed with adult chronic idiopathic hydrocephalus who were treated with a CSF shunt at our centre between 2006 and 2009 through clinical scales and radiological controls pre- and postoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed 40 patients. The diagnosis of idiopathic NPH was established when patients met 3 criteria: (i)clinical; (ii)radiological (Evans >0.3), and (iii)hydrodynamic (Katzman infusion test with Rout >12) or pathological ICP monitoring (B waves in over 20% of a nocturnal registration). We used a low-pressure DVP 5/35 GAV in all cases. Clinical assessments were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months and radiological assessments at 6 months postoperatively. The clinical improvement of patients was assessed with the NPH, modified RANKIN and modified PFEIFFER rating scales. RESULTS: The study of risk factors (age, gender, smoking, drinking, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia) did not establish statistically significant relationships. A statistically significant improvement was observed (P<.01) in the NPH and RANKIN tests at 3, 6 and 12 months. Clinical improvement values obtained were: NPH 73%, 74% and 64%, and RANKIN 54%, 72% and 56%, respectively. The PFEIFFER scale only showed a significant improvement at 12 months. These improvements were classified into various levels (high, moderate, mild and no improvement). The initial mean Evans index was 0.385, and 0.3675 postoperatively. There was only one infection of the valvular system (2%) without further complications. Morbidity and mortality related to the procedure were 0%. CONCLUSION: An appropriate selection of patients through clinical, radiological, hydrodynamic and ICP monitoring criteria enables us to obtain good results and a low complication rate.