Atlas of Nervous System Vascular Malformations: A Systematic Review.

Vascular malformations are frequent in the head and neck region, affecting the nervous system. The wide range of therapeutic approaches demand the correct anatomical, morphological, and functional characterization of these lesions supported by imaging. Using a systematic search protocol in PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Redalyc, and SciELO, the authors extracted clinical studies, review articles, book chapters, and case reports that provided information about vascular cerebral malformations, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 385,614 articles were grouped; using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, three of the authors independently selected 51 articles about five vascular cerebral malformations: venous malformation, brain capillary telangiectasia, brain cavernous angiomas, arteriovenous malformation, and leptomeningeal angiomatosis as part of Sturge-Weber syndrome. We described the next topics-"definition", "etiology", "pathophysiology", and "treatment"-with a focus on the relationship with the imaging approach. We concluded that the correct anatomical, morphological, and functional characterization of cerebral vascular malformations by means of various imaging studies is highly relevant in determining the therapeutic approach, and that new lines of therapeutic approaches continue to depend on the imaging evaluation of these lesions.

Análisis comparativo de la necesidad de cuidados paliativos y la capacidad instalada para la atención en el Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), México, 2019 / Analysis of the need for palliative care and installed capacity for care in the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), Mexico, 2019

Antecedentes: Los cuidados paliativos (CP) alivian el sufrimiento severo relacionado con la enfermedad grave y mejoran la calidad de vida. Son un elemento esencial de la cobertura sanitaria universal y su provisión es obligatoria en México. Sin embargo, existen importante retraso para la atención paliativa (AP) en el sector sanitario mexicano del que forma parte el Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE). Objetivo: Caracterizar la capacidad instalada para brindar CP en el ISSSTE y comparar la atención brindada con la necesidad calculada para 2019. Material y método: Estudio observacional, transversal, comparativo de prevalencias y mortalidad anual (2015-2019) de población institucional susceptible de beneficiarse de CP de acuerdo con The Lancet Commission report y los resultados de la caracterización de la capacidad instalada para atención paliativa en el ISSSTE. Resultados: Para 2019, las personas pudieron beneficiarse de AP por mortalidad: 7483 (44,65 %); por prevalencia global de enfermedades asociadas a sufrimiento severo relacionado con la enfermedad: 63.095 (16,9 %). Se otorgó CP en 6848 personas (58 % oncológicos; 51 % > 60 años), el 10,8 % del total calculado por prevalencia. Existe AP en 24 unidades médicas (14/3.er nivel [n = 15; 93,3 %], 7/2º nivel [n = 127; 7,87 %]), inexistente en 1.er nivel de atención; 11 (42 %) equipo ampliados; no se cuenta con equipos especializados de CP pediátricos; ninguna otorga atención de tiempo completo. Disponibilidad de opioides: buprenorfina transdérmica (77 %), tramadol inyectable (73 %), buprenorfina sublingual (69 %); morfina, buprenorfina y fentanilo (31 %); 16 centros realizan actividades académicas, 5 investigación. (AU)

Background: Palliative care (PC) alleviates severe suffering related to serious illness and improves quality of life. It is an essential element of universal health coverage and its provision is mandatory in Mexico. However, there are huge gaps between need and provision in the Mexican health sector, of which the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE) is part. Objective: To characterize the installed capacity to provide PC in the ISSSTE, and to compare the care provided with the need as calculated for 2019. Material and method: An observational, cross-sectional, comparative study of prevalence and annual mortality (2015-2019) in the institutionalized population likely to benefit from PC according to The Lancet Commission report, and the results of the characterization of the installed capacity for PC in the ISSSTE. Results: In 2019 people can benefit from PC in the ISSSTE for mortality data was n = 7,483 (44.65 %); the global prevalence of diseases associated with serious health-related suffering was n = 63,095 (16.9 %); PC care was provided to 6,848 people (58 % oncological; 51 % > 60 years), 10.8 % of the total need calculated according to prevalence. There are PC services in 24 medical units (14/3rd level [n = 15; 93.3 %], 7/2nd level [n = 126; 3.06 %]), non-existent in 1st level of care; 11 (42 %) expanded teams; no pediatric PC teams. Full-time care was not offered; the reported opioid availability was TD/buprenorphine (77 %), tramadol injection (73 %), SL/ buprenorphine (69 %); morphine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, (31 %); 16 centers had academic activities regarding PC, and 5 had research. (AU)

Recommendations for the provision of palliative care to people with COVID-19.

The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19, has deeply affected health systems and has had a significant impact on families, communities and nations. A comprehensive response strategy requires, in addition to epidemiological, scientific and technical considerations, for human suffering associated with disease, vulnerability and death not to be forgotten. Palliative care for people with suspicion or diagnosis of COVID-19 with serious evolution, and their families should also be a key part of organized actions that help alleviate suffering and improve quality of life by controlling symptoms, addressing psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs, support for advanced care planning and its goals, end-of-life care, as well as support in complex decision-making and ethical problems, among others. Recommendations are provided for offering palliative care in COVID-19 pandemic context.

La pandemia de infección por SARS-CoV-2, la cual es causada por COVID-19, ha afectado profundamente a los sistemas de salud y ha ocasionado un enorme impacto en las familias, las comunidades y las naciones. La estrategia de respuesta integral requiere que además de las consideraciones epidemiológicas, científicas y técnicas, no se olvide el sufrimiento humano asociado a la enfermedad, la vulnerabilidad y la muerte. La atención paliativa a personas con sospecha o diagnóstico de COVID-19 con evolución grave y sus familias debe ser también parte clave de la acción organizada que ayude al alivio del sufrimiento y mejore la calidad de vida mediante el control de los síntomas, el abordaje de las necesidades psicológicas, sociales y espirituales, el apoyo para la planificación de la atención avanzada y la articulación de los objetivos de la misma, el cuidado de la persona en la fase final de la vida, así como el soporte ante la toma de decisiones complejas y problemas éticos, entre otros. Se ofrecen recomendaciones para brindar los cuidados paliativos en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19.

Meningo-orbital band detachment: A key step for the extradural exposure of the cavernous sinus and anterior clinoid process.

The meningo-orbital band (MOB) is the most superficial dural band that tethers the fronto-temporal dura to the periorbita. It is usually encountered when performing a pterional or fronto-temporo-sphenoidal approach, and it disrupts surgical access to deeper regions. Our objective was to perform a detailed anatomy study and a stepwise method to successfully detach the MOB using cadaveric specimens. We used six formalin-fixed, silicone-injected cadaveric heads. On each side, we performed a pterional approach plus mini-peeling of the anterior third of the middle fossa and/or extradural anterior clinoidectomy. We also applied this technique in three clinical cases to prove its safety and efficacy. The detachment of the MOB consists in four steps, 1) detachment of the temporal and frontal dura, 2) cutting of the MOB, 3) exposure and drilling of the anterior clinoid process, and 4) pealing of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Using clinical cases, we explain how to adapt the technique depending on the localization of the lesion. The detachment of the MOB is the key to safely expose the cavernous sinus and the anterior clinoid process. The authors proposed a step-by-step method for the safe and effective detachment of the MOB. It is recommended, particularly to less experienced neurosurgeons that are starting with skull base surgery, and also to experts that want to expand their knowledge.

Conflicto neurovascular trigeminal: ¿Cuál es el factor predictor más confiable? / Trigeminal neurovascular conflict: What is the most reliable predictor?

Introducción: La Academia Americana de Neurología propone que, para que un paciente sea candidato a descompresiva neurovascular trigeminal (DNV), se debe demostrar la presencia de contacto neurovascular a través de la resonancia magnética (RM). Sin embargo, recientes estudios han demostrado que la sensibilidad de la RM para diagnosticar un conflicto neurovascular (CNV) es muy variable. Estos conceptos antagónicos ubican al neurocirujano ante un verdadero dilema a la hora de tomar decisiones. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la utilidad de la clínica y la RM como factor predictor de un verdadero CNV. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio analítico retrospectivo que incluye a 81 pacientes a los que se les realizó una DNV por neuralgia trigeminal (NT), desde enero de 2013 hasta abril de 2019, en la provincia de Tucumán. Resultados: Al considerar la serie completa: A) Un total de 65 pacientes cursaron con NT Típicas; de estos, 64 (98,5%) presentaron CNV durante la cirugía y B) De las 16 Atípicas, ninguna presentó CNV en el intraoperatorio. Al considerar los pacientes con NT primaria: A) un 98% de los pacientes con clínica de NT típica presentaran CNV en el intraoperatorio y B) hubo un grupo de pacientes donde se evidencio un CNV en el intraoperatorio pero en su RM preoperatoria no se objetivo el mismo (n=15), el valor predictivo negativo de la RM fue sólo un 6%. Conclusión: La clínica del paciente es más efectiva que la RM para decidir si realizar o no una cirugía de DNV.

Introduction: The American Academy of Neurology proposes that, for a patient to be a candidate for trigeminal neurovascular decompression (NVD), the presence of neurovascular contact must be demonstrated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, recent studies have shown that the sensitivity of MRI to diagnose a neurovascular conflict (NVC) is highly variable. These antagonistic concepts put, the neurosurgeon, in a real dilemma when making decisions about this entity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of clinical and MRI as a predictor of a real NVC. Methods: This is a retrospective analytical study including 81 patients undergoing NVD to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN), from January 2013 to April 2019, in Tucumán. Results: When considering the complete series: A) Of the total of 65 patients who had typical TN, 64 (98.5%) presented NVC during surgery and B) Of the 16 atypical TN, none of then presented NVC during the surgery. When considering patients with primary TN: A) 98% of the patients with typical NT presented a NVC during surgery and B) there was a group of patients where NVC was evidenced during surgery but it wasn`t noticed during the preoperative MRI (n=15), the negative predictive value of the MRI was only 6%. Conclusion: The patient's clinic is more effective than the MRI deciging whether or not to perform NVD surgery.

Minimally invasive asterional approach for microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. METHODS: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. RESULTS: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. CONCLUSION: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

[Abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión microvascular en neuralgia del trigémino].

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. METHODS: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. RESULTS: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. CONCLUSION: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

OBJETIVO: La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es un trastorno neuropático susceptible de tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo es presentar los hallazgos quirúrgicos y resultados obtenidos en 26 pacientes con NT, tratados mediante un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión vascular trigeminal. MÉTODOS: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo. Se intervino mediante abordaje asterional a 26 pacientes. Se registró el historial médico, hallazgos quirúrgicos, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones. Se les dio seguimiento durante 36 meses. RESULTADOS: Diecinueve casos se asociaron a compresión vascular, cinco casos a aracnoiditis y los dos restantes se relacionaron con esclerosis múltiple y neuralgia postherpética. El dolor se controló significativamente en todos los pacientes durante el postoperatorio inmediato. A 36 meses de seguimiento, en 25 pacientes se alcanzó un control total o aceptable del dolor. A largo plazo 22 pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones permanentes. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía de descompresión microvascular a través de un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de la NT es una alternativa con resultados similares al abordaje retrosigmoideo clásico, pero que suma las bondades de una técnica quirúrgica que se rige con los principios de la mínima invasión. Se requieren esfuerzos constantes para optimizar las técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la NT.

Abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión microvascular en neuralgia del trigémino / Minimally invasive asterional approach for microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia

Resumen Objetivo: La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es un trastorno neuropático susceptible de tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo es presentar los hallazgos quirúrgicos y resultados obtenidos en 26 pacientes con NT, tratados mediante un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión vascular trigeminal. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo. Se intervino mediante abordaje asterional a 26 pacientes. Se registró el historial médico, hallazgos quirúrgicos, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones. Se les dio seguimiento durante 36 meses. Resultados: Diecinueve casos se asociaron a compresión vascular, cinco casos a aracnoiditis y los dos restantes se relacionaron con esclerosis múltiple y neuralgia postherpética. El dolor se controló significativamente en todos los pacientes durante el postoperatorio inmediato. A 36 meses de seguimiento, en 25 pacientes se alcanzó un control total o aceptable del dolor. A largo plazo 22 pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones permanentes. Conclusiones: La cirugía de descompresión microvascular a través de un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de la NT es una alternativa con resultados similares al abordaje retrosigmoideo clásico, pero que suma las bondades de una técnica quirúrgica que se rige con los principios de la mínima invasión. Se requieren esfuerzos constantes para optimizar las técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la NT.

Abstract Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. Methods: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. Results: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. Conclusion: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

Modified Orbitozygomatic Approach without Orbital Roof Removal for Middle Fossa Lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to describe an OrBitoZygomatic (OBZ) surgical variant that implies the drilling of the orbital roof and lateral wall of the orbit without orbitotomy. METHODS: Design : cross-sectional study. Between January 2010 and December 2014, 18 patients with middle fossa lesions underwent the previously mentioned OBZ surgical variant. Gender, age, histopathological diagnosis, complications, and percentage of resection were registered. The detailed surgical technique is described. RESULTS: Of the 18 cases listed in the study, nine were males and nine females. Seventeen cases (94.5%) were diagnosed as primary tumoral lesions, one case (5.5%) presented with metastasis of a carcinoma, and an additional one had a fibrous dysplasia. Age ranged between 27 and 73 years. Early complications were developed in four cases, but all of these were completely resolved. None developed enophthalmos. CONCLUSION: The present study illustrates a novel surgical OBZ approach that allows for the performance of a simpler and faster procedure with fewer complications, and without increasing surgical time or cerebral manipulation, for reaching lesions of the middle fossa. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy and surgical technique is essential for successful completion of the procedure.

Crossed-brain representation of verbal and nonverbal functions.

A 74-year-old, left-handed man presented with a rapidly evolving loss of strength in his right leg associated with difficulty in walking. MR images disclosed an extensive left hemisphere tumor. A neuropsychological examination revealed that language was broadly normal but that the patient presented with severe nonlinguistic abnormalities, including hemineglect (both somatic and spatial), constructional defects, and general spatial disturbances; symptoms were usually associated with right hemisphere pathologies. No ideomotor apraxia was found. The implications of crossed-brain representations of verbal and nonverbal functions are analyzed.

Ping pong fractures: treatment using a new medical device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the use of a new medical device to elevate depressed skull fractures (DSFs) in newborns and minor infants. METHODS: Nine patients (ranging from 1 day to 9 months of age) with simple DSF underwent skull elevation by a new elevator medical device. This medical device comprises two elements: a pediatric resuscitator (CPR mask) connected to a 50-ml syringe. Pediatric CPR face mask is placed on the depressed region and negative pressure is generated through syringe plunger elevation until fracture reduction is observed. RESULTS: Fracture reduction was confirmed in eight of nine patients by computed tomography scan without underlying brain damage and associated complications. Skull asymmetry was eliminated recovering normal shape. Up to now, there are no neurological concerns. Another treatment was chosen to be applied for one patient who did not respond to manipulation. CONCLUSION: The new device is a safe, affordable, and effective choice in the treatment of simple depressed skull fractures in newborns and minor infants.

[Intracranial tumor behavior of plasma cell neoplasms. Report of 2 cases and literature review]. / Comportamiento tumoral de neoplasias intracraneales de células plasmáticas. Reporte de 2 casos y revisión de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma is a plasmatic cell neoplasm that is characterized by skeletal destruction, renal failure, anemia and hypercalcemia. The skull plasmacytomas represent less than 1% of the head and neck tumors, they can be the primary lesion or occur as a secondary manifestation of multiple myeloma in 20-30% of the patients, or they can even manifest several years later after the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Although some of the lesions may be surgically accessible, the aggressive natural behavior will complicate the evolution of the patients. We present two cases of Mexican women with intracranial plasmacytomas, one of them associated with multiple myeloma. CLINICAL CASES: The first case was a 24 year-old woman diagnosed with a multiple myeloma with plasmacytic-plasmablastic bone infiltration that was removed in 90%. She presented a local recurrence that required a second intervention for removal. The second case was a 62 year-old female with a malignant intracranial tumor of plasma cells that was totally resected. Both patients received adjuvant treatment based on chemotherapy and radiation therapy with favorable results. The patients died at 5 and 1.5 years respectively due to renal failure secondary to systemic disease. CONCLUSIONS: We propose chemotherapy and radiation therapy as an essential part of treatment for this condition, as the aggressive behavior of the neoplasms can complicate the evolution, despite being surgically accessible.

Antecedentes: el mieloma múltiple es una neoplasia de células plasmáticas caracterizada por destrucción ósea, insuficiencia renal, anemia e hipercalcemia. Los plasmacitomas de los huesos del cráneo representan menos de 1% de los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Se manifiestan como lesión primaria o secundaria a mieloma múltiple en 20-30%, incluso pueden aparecer varios años después del diagnóstico. Los autores comunicamos dos casos de pacientes mexicanas con lesiones plasmocíticas intracraneales, asociadas con mieloma múltiple.Casos clínicos: el primer caso es el de una paciente de 24 años de edad, con diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple e infiltración ósea que fue extirpado en 90%. Experimentó una recidiva local que requirió otra intervención para su remoción. El segundo caso es el de una mujer de 62 años de edad con un tumor intracraneal de células plasmáticas que se resecó en su totalidad. Ambas recibieron terapia adyuvante con quimio y radioterapia con resultados favorables. Las pacientes fallecieron a los 5 y 1.5 años, respectivamente, por insuficiencia renal como consecuencia de la enfermedad sistémica. Conclusiones: se propone a la quimioterapia y radioterapia como parte esencial del tratamiento de este tumor porque su comportamiento natural agresivo puede complicar la evolución, a pesar de ser accesibles quirúrgicamente.