Tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical mediante abordaje posterior: laminoplastia vs. laminectomía con fijación posterior. ¿Existen diferencias desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico? / Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

Introducción La mielopatía cervical degenerativa representa una entidad patológica producida por la estenosis del canal medular cervical, resultando en una compresión crónica de la médula espinal, variable y progresiva. El abordaje quirúrgico de la columna cervical puede realizarse por vía anterior y/o vía posterior. Respecto al abordaje posterior, existen 2 técnicas fundamentales: laminoplastia y laminectomía con fijación posterior (LFP). En la literatura actual existe controversia acerca de cuál de las 2 técnicas permite obtener mejores resultados postoperatorios. El objetivo es el estudio de las diferencias entre laminoplastia y LFP desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico. Materiales y métodosSe realiza un estudio de una cohorte histórica de 39 pacientes (12 LFP y 27 laminoplastia) intervenidos en un período de 10 años en el Hospital Universitario La Paz con un seguimiento de 12 meses tras la cirugía. Se analizan y comparan los resultados clínicos mediante la escala de Nurick y la Escala Japanese Orthopaedic Association modificada (mJOA) y los resultados radiológicos mediante el ángulo de Cobb, eje sagital vertical, T1 Slope y el alineamiento (medido mediante Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Resultados Se observan diferencias significativas en la mejoría postoperatoria de la escala Nurick (p=0,008) y mJOA (p=0,018) en el grupo de laminoplastia. En LFP se objetiva una tendencia a una mejoría mayor, pero no se alcanza la significación estadística debido al bajo tamaño muestral de este grupo. No se objetivan diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la variables radiológicas. Respecto al total de complicaciones, se observó un número mayor en el grupo de laminoplastia (7 casos) frente a LFP (un caso), pero no se vieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas... (AU)

Introduction Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. Materials and methods A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Results Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (P=.008) and mJOA (P=.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. (AU)

Beyond Classic Anastomoses Training Models: Overview of Aneurysm Creation in Rodent Vessel Model.

Nowadays, due to the decline in the number of microsurgical clippings for cerebral aneurysms and revascularization procedures, young neurosurgeons have fewer opportunities to participate and train on this type of surgery. Vascular neurosurgery is a demanding subspecialty that requires skills that can only be acquired with technical experience. This background pushes the new generations to be ready for such challenging cases by training hard on different available models, such as synthetic tubes, chicken wings, or placenta vessels. Although many training models for vascular neurosurgery have been described worldwide, one of the best is the rodent vessels model. It offers pulsation, coagulation, and real blood flow conditions in a physiologic atmosphere that mimics perfectly the intracranial human vessels environment, especially in terms of size. However, the current differences in governmental different regulations about the use of living animals in medical experimentation and the social awareness, as well as the lack of financial support, cause more difficulties for neurosurgeons to start with that kind of training. In this review, we describe the tools and techniques as basic steps for vascular microsurgery training by using rodent models, that provide an accurate copy of brain vessels environment under stable conditions. The initial three classical known microanastomoses for neurosurgeons are end-to-end, end-to-side, and side-to-side, but in literature, there have been described other more complex exercises for training and investigation, such as aneurysm models. Although there is still little data available, we aim to summarize and discuss aneurysm's training models and reviewed the current literature on the subject and its applications, including a detailed description of the techniques.

Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

INTRODUCTION: Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (p = 0.008) and mJOA (p = 0.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laminoplasty and LFP are both safe and effective procedures in the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy. The findings of our study demonstrate statistically significant clinical improvement based on the Nurick and mJOA scales with laminoplasty. No significant differences in terms of complications or radiological variables were observed between the 2 techniques.

Case Report: Decompressive Craniectomy for COVID-19 Malignant Cerebral Artery Infarction. Is Surgery a Good Option?

SARS-CoV2 infection can lead to a prothrombotic state. Large vessel occlusion, as well as malignant cerebral stroke have been described in COVID-19 patients. In the following months, given the increase in COVID-19 cases, an increase in malignant cerebral SARS-CoV2 associated strokes are expected. The baseline situation of the patients as well as the risk of evolution to a serious disease due to the virus, depict a unique scenario. Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving procedure indicated in patients who suffer a malignant cerebral stroke; however, it is unclear whether the same eligibility criteria should be used for patients with COVID-19. To our knowledge seven cases of decompressive craniectomy and malignant cerebral stroke have been described to date. We report on a 39-year-old female with no major risk factors for cerebrovascular disease, apart from oral contraception, and mild COVID-19 symptoms who suffered from left hemispheric syndrome. The patient underwent endovascular treatment with stenting and afterward decompressive craniectomy due to a worsening neurological status with unilateral unreactive mydriasis. We present the case and provide a comprehensive review of the available literature related to the surgical treatment for COVID-19 associated malignant strokes, to establish whether the same eligibility criteria for non-COVID-19 associated strokes should be used. Eight patients, including our case, were surgically managed due to malignant cerebral stroke. Seven of these patients received decompressive craniectomy, and six of them met the eligibility criteria of the current stroke guidelines. The mortality rate was 33%, similar to that described in non-COVID-19 cases. Two patients had a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and both survived after decompressive craniectomy. Our results support that decompressive craniectomy, using the current stroke guidelines, should be considered an effective life-saving treatment for COVID-19-related malignant cerebral strokes.

Enfoque terapéutico de los adenomas hipofisarios no funcionantes / Therapeutic approach to non-functioning pituitary adenomas

El tratamiento de los adenomas hipofisarios no funcionantes establece dos interrogantes: cuándo se deben tratar y qué papel desempeña cada tratamiento disponible. Revisamos la utilidad de los diferentes tratamientos y proponemos un esquema terapéutico basado en la literatura existente.Se debe realizar tratamiento activo de los adenomas hipofisarios que producen síntomas, contactan con la vía óptica o muestran crecimiento en pruebas de imagen. El tratamiento será quirúrgico, reservándose la radioterapia fundamentalmente para casos de resto tumoral postquirúrgico significativo no extirpable y para casos de anatomías patológicas agresivas. El tratamiento médico se reserva para situaciones en que se ha agotado el tratamiento quirúrgico y radioterápico.El tratamiento quirúrgico más aconsejable es el endoscópico, aunque en manos expertas la microcirugía obtiene resultados sólo ligeramente inferiores. (AU)

The treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas raises two questions: when should they be treated and what role does each available treatment play. We review the usefulness of the different treatments and propose a therapeutic scheme based on the existing literature.Active treatment of pituitary adenomas should be performed when they produce symptoms, have contact with the optic tract, or have grown on imaging tests. The treatment is surgical, using radiotherapy for cases with significant non-removable postsurgical tumour remnants and for those in which histopathology studies show aggressive features. Medical treatment is reserved for situations in which surgical and radiotherapy treatments have been exhausted.The most advisable surgical treatment is endoscopic, although experienced neurosurgeons achieve results with microsurgery that are only slightly inferior. (AU)

Therapeutic approach to non-functioning pituitary adenomas. / Enfoque terapéutico de los adenomas hipofisarios no funcionantes.

The treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas raises two questions: when should they be treated and what role does each available treatment play. We review the usefulness of the different treatments and propose a therapeutic scheme based on the existing literature. Active treatment of pituitary adenomas should be performed when they produce symptoms, have contact with the optic tract, or have grown on imaging tests. The treatment is surgical, using radiotherapy for cases with significant non-removable postsurgical tumour remnants and for those in which histopathology studies show aggressive features. Medical treatment is reserved for situations in which surgical and radiotherapy treatments have been exhausted. The most advisable surgical treatment is endoscopic, although experienced neurosurgeons achieve results with microsurgery that are only slightly inferior.

Real-world evidence on spinal cord neuromodulation and pain: Long-term effectiveness analysis in a single-center cohort.

Introduction: Chronic pain inflicts damage in multiple spheres of patient's life and remains a challenge for health care providers. Real-world evidence derived from outcome registries represents a key aspect of the ongoing systematic assessment and future development of neurostimulation devices. Research question: The objective of the present study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of neurostimulation as a treatment for spinal chronic pain. Material and methods: The patients analyzed in the present study represent a singlecenter cohort of 52 individuals. Primary outcome measures included numeric pain rating scale, Beck depression index II and Oswestry disability index variation from baseline to 36-month visits. Secondary outcomes included its evaluation at 6-month, 12-month and 24-month visits. Results: A significant improvement in targeted pain, depression and disability values were observed at 36-month follow-up (P â€‹< â€‹0.001, P â€‹= â€‹0.009 and P â€‹< â€‹0.001 respectively). Those results were consistent in the leg and back pain subgroup but not in the neck, chest and arm pain subgroup. The decrease in pain, depression and disability values happened progressively through time, with the exception of the 12-month visit, where a mild stagnation was observed. Discussion and conclusion: Our results suggest that spinal cord stimulation is an effective long-term treatment for spinal chronic pain in real-world conditions when applied to a variety of patients and conditions usually seen in routine practice. Nevertheless, some fluctuations may occur during treatment so prolonged follow-up periods should be considered before rendering an unsuccessful therapy diagnosis.

Epidural Lipomatosis and Syringomyelia in Adulthood: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: We review 2 previously published cases of epidural lipomatosis associated with syringomyelia. We also present the case of a 42-year-old woman with a medullary syrinx from C1 to T3, initially only with upper limb paresthesias that presented after 10 years of follow-up for left hemiparesis and paresthesias in the tongue. Chiari malformation and cerebral or spinal space-occupying lesions were ruled out, as were other causes of syrinx except the presence of epidural lipomatosis extending from T1 to T12. CASE DESCRIPTION: Right laminotomies were performed from T1 to T12, removing excessive epidural fat tissue. After surgery the symptoms remained stable. At discharge the patient progressively recovered from the hemiparesis, and in follow-up magnetic resonance imaging the resolution of the syrinx was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the third case of a patient with a spinal syrinx and no other related causes except from spinal lipomatosis, although with only 3 cases it is not possible to completely state that lipomatosis caused the syrinx. Our case supports the trend established by the 2 previous cases. For treatment, initially patients should be managed conservatively, trying to correct the underlying etiologies of spinal lipomatosis. In case of failed conservative treatment, removal of adipose epidural excess in the most appropriate way is preferred.

Atrofia de la musculatura paraespinal después de cirugía lumbar posterior con y sin fijación transpedicular por la técnica clásica / Paraspinal muscle atrophy after posterior lumbar surgery with and without pedicle screw fixation with the classic technique

Objetivos: La cirugía de columna lumbar produce una lesión muscular durante su abordaje que podría empeorar los resultados funcionales postoperatorios a largo plazo. Este estudio pretende analizar la atrofia paraespinal postoperatoria asociada a dos tipos de intervenciones. Material y métodos: Se recogieron historias clínicas y resonancias magnéticas lumbares pre- y postoperatorias de un grupo de 41 pacientes, 20 se sometieron a laminectomía con fijación lumbar por estenosis de canal (Grupo fijación) y otro grupo de 21 se sometieron a una hemilaminectomía sin fijación por enfermedad discal (Grupo no fijación). En los que se analizó la atrofia muscular de manera cuantitativa. Resultados: Se halló una correlación negativa entre la edad y la musculatura preoperatoria, siendo mayor en el grupo laminectomía con fijación (rho = −0,64 p = 0,002). Observamos también una correlación positiva entre la musculatura preoperatoria y la atrofia postoperatoria (rho = 0,32 p = 0,041). En el modelo de regresión lineal multivariado ajustado por la edad, sexo y tipo de intervención, observamos que la predicción de la atrofia postoperatoria fue del 31% (R2 = 0,31); a la laminectomía con fijación se le atribuye una atrofia del 5,3% (IC95 1,4-9,5%, p = 0,017); a la musculatura preoperatoria > 70% se le atribuye una atrofia del 13,8% (IC95 5,5-22%, p = 0,002). La edad no se correlacionó con la atrofia postoperatoria. Conclusiones: La atrofia muscular paraespinal que se produce después de la cirugía lumbar es mayor si se realiza un abordaje más amplio como la laminectomía completa con facetectomía bilateral y fijación transpedicular. Una mayor musculatura previa independientemente de la edad, el sexo y el tipo de cirugía también predice una mayor atrofia postoperatoria

Objectives: Lumbar spine surgery causes a muscular injury during its approach that could worsen long-term postoperative functional results. This study aims to analyze the postoperative paraspinal atrophy associated with two types of intervention. Material and methods: Clinical records and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging were collected from a group of 41 patients, 20 underwent laminectomy with lumbar fixation due to lumbar spinal stenosis (fixation group) and another group of 21 underwent hemilaminectomy without fixation due to lumbar disc disease (non-fixation group). In which muscle atrophy was analyzed quantitatively. Results: We found a negative correlation between age and preoperative muscle, which was higher in those who underwent lumbar fixation (rho = −0.64 p = .002). We also found a positive correlation between preoperative muscle and postoperative atrophy (rho = 0.32 p = .041). In the age, sex and fixation adjusted multivariate linear regression model (R2 = 0.31), laminectomy with fixation is attributed to 5.3% atrophy (IC95 1.4-9.5%, p = .017); preoperative musculature > 70% is attributed to atrophy of 13.8% (95% CI 5.5%-22%, p = .002). Age did not correlate with postoperative atrophy. Conclusions: Paraspinal muscle atrophy after lumbar spinal surgery is greater if an extensive approach is performed such as complete laminectomy with bilateral facetectomy and transpedicular fixation. A greater previous musculature regardless of age, sex and type of surgery also predicts greater postoperative atrophy

Paraspinal muscle atrophy after posterior lumbar surgery with and without pedicle screw fixation with the classic technique. / Atrofia de la musculatura paraespinal después de cirugía lumbar posterior con y sin fijación transpedicular por la técnica clásica.

OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spine surgery causes a muscular injury during its approach that could worsen long-term postoperative functional results. This study aims to analyze the postoperative paraspinal atrophy associated with two types of intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging were collected from a group of 41 patients, 20 underwent laminectomy with lumbar fixation due to lumbar spinal stenosis (fixation group) and another group of 21 underwent hemilaminectomy without fixation due to lumbar disc disease (non-fixation group). In which muscle atrophy was analyzed quantitatively. RESULTS: We found a negative correlation between age and preoperative muscle, which was higher in those who underwent lumbar fixation (rho = -0.64 p = .002). We also found a positive correlation between preoperative muscle and postoperative atrophy (rho = 0.32 p = .041). In the age, sex and fixation adjusted multivariate linear regression model (R2 = 0.31), laminectomy with fixation is attributed to 5.3% atrophy (IC95 1.4-9.5%, p = .017); preoperative musculature > 70% is attributed to atrophy of 13.8% (95% CI 5.5%-22%, p = .002). Age did not correlate with postoperative atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Paraspinal muscle atrophy after lumbar spinal surgery is greater if an extensive approach is performed such as complete laminectomy with bilateral facetectomy and transpedicular fixation. A greater previous musculature regardless of age, sex and type of surgery also predicts greater postoperative atrophy.

Resultados quirúrgicos de fracturas cervicales traumáticas en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante / Surgical outcomes of traumatic cervical fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objetivo: La espondilitis anquilosante es una enfermedad reumática inflamatoria que afecta principalmente al esqueleto axial. La columna vertebral rígida puede secundariamente desarrollar osteoporosis, lo que aumenta aún más el riesgo de fractura vertebral. En este estudio, hemos revisado las fracturas en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante que habían sido diagnosticados clínicamente para definir mejor el mecanismo de la lesión, déficit neurológico asociado y las estrategias de tratamiento. Métodos: Entre enero del 2004 y diciembre del 2014, 6 pacientes fueron revisados con espondilitis anquilosante y con complicaciones neurológicas después de caídas. El estudio de neuroimagen se obtuvo en todos los pacientes mediante el uso de la radiografía simple, TC y RM. La discapacidad se valoró según la escala de ASIA, se utilizó con el fin de evaluar el estado neurológico de los pacientes. La decisión quirúrgica se basó en relación con la afectación neurológica y la inestabilidad espinal. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 6 lesiones cervicales en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante: 2 presentaron fracturas por mecanismos de extensión y 4 por mecanismos de flexión. Todos los casos fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Los 6 pacientes presentaron déficit neurológico postraumático y en 4 de ellos se observó mejoría neurológica tras la cirugía. Dos casos no mejoraron tras la cirugía. Uno de ellos presentó un grado de ASIA A y el otro paciente, que mejoró inicialmente con la cirugía, falleció por neumonía en el postoperatorio dos meses después. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante son altamente susceptibles a la fractura vertebral y lesiones de la médula espinal, incluso después de traumatismos leves. Se recomienda la TC inicial o la RM de toda la columna vertebral, incluso si los síntomas del paciente son leves. El paciente también debe tener la estabilización quirúrgica temprana para corregir la deformidad espinal y evitar el empeoramiento del estado neurológico del paciente

Objective: Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory rheumatic disease mainly affecting the axial skeleton. The rigid spine may secondarily develop osteoporosis, further increasing the risk of spinal fracture. In this study, we reviewed fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis that had been clinically diagnosed to better define the mechanism of injury, associated neurological deficit, predisposing factors, and management strategies. Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2014, 6 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and neurological complications after injuries were treated. Neuroimaging evaluation was obtained in all patients by using plain radiography, CT scan, and MR imaging. The ASIA Impairment Scale was used in order to evaluate the neurologic status of the patients. Surgical decision was based on relationship of neurological involvement and spinal instability. Results: A total of 6 cervical injuries were identified in a review of patients in whom ankylosing spondylitis had been diagnosed. Of these, 2 patients were associated with a hyperextension mechanism and 4 cases by flexion mechanism. Posttraumatic neurological deficits were demonstrated in all 6 cases and neurological improvement after surgery was observed in 4 of these cases. The two cases were not improved by the surgery was on a case by presenting a degree of Asia A and another patient who initially improved with surgery but died of pneumonia in the postoperative. Conclusions: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are highly susceptible to spinal fracture and spinal cord injury even after only mild trauma. Initial CT or MR imaging of the whole spine is recommended even if the patient's symptoms are mild. The patient should also have early surgical stabilization to correct spinal deformity and avoid worsening of the patient's neurological status

Surgical outcomes of traumatic cervical fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. / Resultados quirúrgicos de fracturas cervicales traumáticas en pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory rheumatic disease mainly affecting the axial skeleton. The rigid spine may secondarily develop osteoporosis, further increasing the risk of spinal fracture. In this study, we reviewed fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis that had been clinically diagnosed to better define the mechanism of injury, associated neurological deficit, predisposing factors, and management strategies. METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2014, 6 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and neurological complications after injuries were treated. Neuroimaging evaluation was obtained in all patients by using plain radiography, CT scan, and MR imaging. The ASIA Impairment Scale was used in order to evaluate the neurologic status of the patients. Surgical decision was based on relationship of neurological involvement and spinal instability. RESULTS: A total of 6 cervical injuries were identified in a review of patients in whom ankylosing spondylitis had been diagnosed. Of these, 2 patients were associated with a hyperextension mechanism and 4 cases by flexion mechanism. Posttraumatic neurological deficits were demonstrated in all 6 cases and neurological improvement after surgery was observed in 4 of these cases. The two cases were not improved by the surgery was on a case by presenting a degree of Asia A and another patient who initially improved with surgery but died of pneumonia in the postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are highly susceptible to spinal fracture and spinal cord injury even after only mild trauma. Initial CT or MR imaging of the whole spine is recommended even if the patient's symptoms are mild. The patient should also have early surgical stabilization to correct spinal deformity and avoid worsening of the patient's neurological status.

Tractografía en fenómeno de Kernohan: presentación de un caso de hematoma subdural agudo / Tractography in Kernohan’s phenomenon: report of a case of acute subdural haematoma

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La eritropoyetina como factor de protección de la radioterapia sobre células del sistema nervioso central. Estudio in vitro / Erythropoietin as a protective factor in rat CNS cells receiving radiotherapy -an in vitro study

Objetivo. Investigar el efecto de la eritropoyetina en cultivos celulares de corteza cerebral de ratas cuando se administra radioterapia. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se desarrolla con la obtención de corteza cerebral de embriones de 17 días de preñez de ratas Wistar. Las células cultivadas después de 72 horas de la extracción de la corteza se dividieron en dos grupos, a uno de ellos se le administró eritropoyetina alfa a una concentración de 30 pM y el otro era el grupo control. A los dos grupos de células se les radió con 6 Gy mediante un aparato Phoenix. Tras la radioterapia permanecieron 24 horas en la incubadora antes de fijarlas. Las células fueron fijadas con formaldehído al 4%. A continuación, con la técnica de TUNEL, se valoró el número de células apoptóticas en los cultivos radiados. Resultados. Se observó un porcentaje de apoptosis del 25,22% del grupo de cultivo sin eritropoyetina, mientras que en el grupo de células radiadas con eritropoyetina fue del 15,5%. Las variables cuantitativas se analizaron mediante el test t de Student y el resultado de la comparación entre los dos grupos fue estadísticamente significativo (p < 0,0001). Conclusión. En nuestro modelo experimental in vitro se comprobó que la eritropoyetina es eficaz en la prevención de la apoptosis en células del sistema nervioso central de ratas por radiación. Esto abre nuevos campos para la investigación del efecto protector del sistema nervioso (AU)

Aim. To investigate the effect of erythropoietin in cultured rat cerebral cortex cells receiving radiotherapy. Materials and methods. Cerebral cortex was taken from 17-day-old Wistar rat embryos and placed in culture. At 72 hours, the cultures were divided into two groups, one receiving 30 pM erythropoietin alpha and the other was the control group. Both groups received 6 Gy from a Phoenix apparatus and were incubated for another 24 hours before fixation in 4% formaldehyde. TUNEL technique was employed to calculate the number of apoptotic cells in the irradiated cultures. Results. Apoptosis affected 25.22% of the cells cultured without erythropoietin and 15.5% in the group receiving erithropoyetin. Student’s t-test was used to analyse quantitative variables and showed a significant difference in apoptosis between the two groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Our in vitro experimental model demonstrated that erythropoietin effectively prevents apoptosis in irradiated rat SNC cells, opening new fields for investiga ion into protective agents for the nervous system (AU)

[Erythropoietin as a protective factor in rat CNS cells receiving radiotherapy -an in vitro study]. / La eritropoyetina como factor de proteccion de la radioterapia sobre celulas del sistema nervioso central. Estudio in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the effect of erythropoietin in cultured rat cerebral cortex cells receiving radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cerebral cortex was taken from 17-day-old Wistar rat embryos and placed in culture. At 72 hours, the cultures were divided into two groups, one receiving 30 pM erythropoietin alpha and the other was the control group. Both groups received 6 Gy from a Phoenix apparatus and were incubated for another 24 hours before fixation in 4% formaldehyde. TUNEL technique was employed to calculate the number of apoptotic cells in the irradiated cultures. RESULTS: Apoptosis affected 25.22% of the cells cultured without erythropoietin and 15.5% in the group receiving erithropoyetin. Student's t-test was used to analyse quantitative variables and showed a significant difference in apoptosis between the two groups (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our in vitro experimental model demonstrated that erythropoietin effectively prevents apoptosis in irradiated rat SNC cells, opening new fields for investigation into protective agents for the nervous system.

TITLE: La eritropoyetina como factor de proteccion de la radioterapia sobre celulas del sistema nervioso central. Estudio in vitro.Objetivo. Investigar el efecto de la eritropoyetina en cultivos celulares de corteza cerebral de ratas cuando se administra radioterapia. Materiales y metodos. El estudio se desarrolla con la obtencion de corteza cerebral de embriones de 17 dias de preñez de ratas Wistar. Las celulas cultivadas despues de 72 horas de la extraccion de la corteza se dividieron en dos grupos, a uno de ellos se le administro eritropoyetina alfa a una concentracion de 30 pM y el otro era el grupo control. A los dos grupos de celulas se les radio con 6 Gy mediante un aparato Phoenix. Tras la radioterapia permanecieron 24 horas en la incubadora antes de fijarlas. Las celulas fueron fijadas con formaldehido al 4%. A continuacion, con la tecnica de TUNEL, se valoro el numero de celulas apoptoticas en los cultivos radiados. Resultados. Se observo un porcentaje de apoptosis del 25,22% del grupo de cultivo sin eritropoyetina, mientras que en el grupo de celulas radiadas con eritropoyetina fue del 15,5%. Las variables cuantitativas se analizaron mediante el test t de Student y el resultado de la comparacion entre los dos grupos fue estadisticamente significativo (p < 0,0001). Conclusion. En nuestro modelo experimental in vitro se comprobo que la eritropoyetina es eficaz en la prevencion de la apoptosis en celulas del sistema nervioso central de ratas por radiacion. Esto abre nuevos campos para la investigacion del efecto protector del sistema nervioso.

Comentario al trabajo «Transferencia ipsilateral de la raíz C7 del plexo braquial. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura», de Vergara-Amador y Ramírez / Comment on the study "Ipsilateral brachial plexus C7 root transfer. Presentation of a case and a literature review", by Vergara-Amador and Ramírez

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Tumores vertebrales de la región cervical alta / Tumours of the upper cervical spine

Los tumores vertebrales originados en los primeros segmentos cervicales son poco frecuentes. Exponemos nuestra experiencia en el manejo de estas lesiones. Material y métodos Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro entre enero de 2000 y junio de 2011.Resultados Presentamos una serie de 9 pacientes con tumores en C1-C2-C3. De ellos 2 fueron metastáticos. Seis de los restantes 7 casos correspondían a tumores malignos primarios: 3 cordomas, 2 plasmocitomas y un condrosarcoma. El paciente restante fue diagnosticado de osteocondroma. El síntoma con el que comenzaron fue cervicalgia en todos los casos. Se practicó un doble abordaje anterior y posterior en 3 pacientes, abordaje posterior en 3 y abordaje exclusivamente anterior en otros 3. En 7 casos se realizó una escisión intralesional. A los tumores malignos se les administró tratamiento adyuvante en forma de radioterapia y/o quimioterapia. Conclusiones Los tumores cervicales altos suelen ser en general malignos y precisan un tratamiento encaminado a la resección en bloque, la estabilización y la administración de tratamientos adyuvantes. Sin embargo, esta resección no es técnicamente posible en múltiples ocasiones. Este hecho empeora el pronóstico y concede gran importancia a la administración de tratamientos adyuvantes(AU)

Objective: Vertebral tumours arising in the upper cervical spine are rare. We present our experience in managing these neoplasms. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the case histories of patients treated a tour institution between January 2000 and June 2011.Results: There were 9 patients with tumours in C1-C2-C3: 2metastases, 3 chordomas,2 plasmocytomas, 1 chondrosarcoma and 1 osteochondroma. All patients complained of neck pain at the time of diagnosis. Three patients underwent an anterior and posterior approach, 3 an exclusively posterior approach and 3 an exclusively anterior surgical approach. Tumour resection was intralesional in 7 cases. Chemo-radiotherapy was used as adjuvant therapy in patients with malignant tumours. Conclusions: Vertebral tumours in the upper cervical spine are usually malignant. Achievingen bloc resection is particularly challenging and is technically unfeasible in many cases. This worsens the prognosis and makes adjuvant treatment very important (AU)

[Tumours of the upper cervical spine]. / Tumores vertebrales de la región cervical alta.

OBJECTIVE: Vertebral tumours arising in the upper cervical spine are rare. We present our experience in managing these neoplasms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case histories of patients treated at our institution between January 2000 and June 2011. RESULTS: There were 9 patients with tumours in C1-C2-C3: 2metastases, 3chordomas, 2plasmocytomas, 1chondrosarcoma and 1osteochondroma. All patients complained of neck pain at the time of diagnosis. Three patients underwent an anterior and posterior approach, 3 an exclusively posterior approach and 3 an exclusively anterior surgical approach. Tumour resection was intralesional in 7 cases. Chemo-radiotherapy was used as adjuvant therapy in patients with malignant tumours. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral tumours in the upper cervical spine are usually malignant. Achieving en bloc resection is particularly challenging and is technically unfeasible in many cases. This worsens the prognosis and makes adjuvant treatment very important.