Flipped classroom applied to Neurosurgery in undergraduate medical education.

PURPOSE: To compare the academic achievement obtained in Neurosurgery in a class of undergraduate students according to the pedagogical methodology employed: flipped classroom (FC) versus traditional lecture. Students' satisfaction with the FC model is also analyzed. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was designed. The traditional lecture was the pedagogical method employed in teaching units (TUs) 1, 2, and 3 (61, 60, and 66 enrolled students, respectively), whereas TU 4 (69 enrolled students) used the FC methodology. RESULTS: The dropout rate was lower, whereas the academic achievement and the rate of correct answers were higher in TU 4 compared to the rest of the TUs, but these results were not statistically significant. However, the mean score obtained in Neurosurgery was significantly higher in TU 4 compared to the rest of the TUs (p = 0.042). Active learning activities based on clinical cases were positively emphasized. The main weakness was with the time consumed for video-recorded lecture viewing. CONCLUSIONS: The FC approach showed better academic results than traditional lectures when comparing students in the same Medical School during the same academic year undergoing the same exam. The students rated the FC approach positively, considering it stimulating and useful for learning.

Análisis de supervivencia en gliomas de alto grado: papel de la cirugía de rescate / Survival analysis in high-grade glioma: the role of salvage surgery

Objetivos: Analizar la supervivencia en el grupo de pacientes con gliomas de alto grado tratados de forma consecutiva en un mismo centro a lo largo de 10 años. Establecer la relevancia de los factores asociados y el papel de la cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión.MétodosFueron analizados de forma retrospectiva los pacientes con gliomas grado III y IV de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) diagnosticados en el Hospital Gregorio Marañón desde el 1 de enero de 2008 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017. Se obtuvieron de la historia clínica los datos clínicos, radiológicos y anatomopatológicos.ResultadosSe completó el seguimiento en 233 pacientes con diagnóstico de glioma de alto grado (III o IV de la OMS). La edad media fue de 62,2 años. La mediana de supervivencia se situó en 15,4 meses. De los 133 pacientes (59,6%) que habían sido intervenidos mediante cirugía resectiva en el momento del diagnóstico, en 43 (32,3%) se efectuó cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión. La supervivencia global, así como la supervivencia tras la progresión, resultó mayor en este subgrupo de pacientes. Otras variables relacionadas con una mayor supervivencia fueron la puntuación en la escala de Karnofsky, el grado de resección quirúrgica y el diagnóstico inicial de grado III de la OMS.ConclusionesAlrededor de una tercera parte de los pacientes con gliomas de alto grado pueden ser candidatos a una cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión. Ello está asociado a una mayor supervivencia. (AU)

Objectives: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories.ResultsFollow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival.ConclusionsAbout one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival. (AU)

Survival analysis in high-grade glioma: The role of salvage surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival.

Non-communicating hydrocephalus from pork tapeworm obstructing the foramina of Monro and its endoscopic management; a case report from Europe.

Introduction: Taenia solium is the main causative agent of neurocysticercosis. The tapeworm can manifest inside the ventricles, usually in the form of intracranial hypertension. We present a case of hydrocephalus as a result of a neurocysticercosis lesion obstructing both foramina of Monro. Research question: A comprehensive review of the management is provided, as well as video footage (an invaluable resource to compare, critique and learn with other institutions). Material and methods: A 23-year-old female from Honduras presented with a 7-day complaint of headache. On exam, she was hyperreflexic, but otherwise normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a non-specific lesion at the level of the foramina of Monro, with associated hydrocephalus. Additional testing was normal. Results: The patient underwent an endoscopic ventriculoscopy with partial excision of the lesion and subsequent implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. On postoperative MRI, hydrocephalus resolved and pathological analysis identified the parasite as Taenia solium. Albendazole was administered for 14 days. Discussion and conclusion: Neurocysticercosis should be considered in patients presenting with hydrocephalus, especially those from endemic areas. The long-term prognosis of ventricular neurocysticercosis might be favourable, provided that adequate care is given timely. Endoscopic surgery seems to be effective for the removal of parasitic lesions. However, studies comparing open versus endoscopic surgery are lacking. The majority of cases in the literature correspond to America and Asia. This case shows that neurocysticercosis is also present in Europe, and that a high index of suspicion is necessary.

Survival analysis in high-grade glioma: the role of salvage surgery. / Análisis de supervivencia en gliomas de alto grado: papel de la cirugía de rescate.

OBJECTIVES: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival.

Réplica a la carta al editor «Fístulas arteriovenosas espinales durales: ¿tratamiento precoz endovascular o quirúrgico?» / Reply to the letter to the Editor «Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: Early endovascular treatment or surgery?»

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Fístulas arteriovenosas espinales del adulto. Manejo de una serie de casos desde una planta de Neurología / Spinal arteriovenous fistulas in adults: Management of a series of patients treated at a neurology department

OBJETIVO: Las fístulas arteriovenosas espinales (FAVE) son excepcionales y representan el 3% de las lesiones espinales. Asocian gran morbilidad sin tratamiento precoz, pero el diagnóstico constituye un reto. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar sus características clínicas y revisar la evolución tras el tratamiento. ¿Puede ser tarde para tratar?. MÉTODOS: Presentamos una serie retrospectiva de 10 casos diagnosticados y tratados en 3 años en un hospital terciario. RESULTADOS: Se observó un predominio masculino (80%). La edad media fue de 65,4 años. El síntoma inicial predominante fue la claudicación de la marcha/paraparesia (70%). En la mayoría de los pacientes la clínica fue lentamente progresiva. Al diagnóstico, lo habitual fue la combinación de síntomas motores, sensitivos y esfinterianos. El tiempo medio desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 24,3 meses. El 60% tenía un diagnóstico inicial erróneo. La RM espinal fue diagnóstica en el 90% de los casos; la arteriografía, en el 100%. La localización más frecuente fue dorsal baja y el tipo anatómico predominante fue FAVE dural (7 pacientes). Todas fueron tratadas con embolización, cirugía o con ambas y el 70% mejoró tras su cierre, independientemente del tiempo de evolución. CONCLUSIONES: El diagnóstico de las FAVE es difícil y generalmente tardío, lo que empeora el pronóstico de los pacientes. Se debe tener un alto nivel de sospecha ante síntomas de mielopatía o claudicación de la marcha exacerbadas con el ejercicio e intentar tratamiento precoz. Consideramos que el tratamiento siempre está indicado, independientemente del tiempo de evolución, al mejorar la calidad de vida o conseguir la estabilización

OBJECTIVE: Spinal arteriovenous fístulas (SAVF), a rare type of vascular malformation, account for 3% of all spinal cord lesions. Without early treatment, the associated morbidity is high; furthermore, SAVF pose a major diagnostic challenge. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of SAVF and review their progress after treatment to determine whether it may be too late for treatment in some cases. METHODS: We present a retrospective series of 10 patients diagnosed with SAVF and treated at a tertiary hospital during a 3-year period. RESULTS: In our sample, SAVF were found to be significantly more frequent in men (80%). Mean age in our sample was 65.4 years. The most common initial symptom was intermittent claudication/paraparesis (70%). In most patients, symptoms appeared slowly and progressively. At the time of diagnosis, the most common symptoms were motor, sensory, and sphincter disorders. Mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 24.3 months. Initial diagnosis was erroneous in 60% of the patients. Spinal MRI was diagnostic in 90% of these cases and arteriography in 100%. The most common location of the fistula was the lower thoracic region and the most frequent type was dural (7 cases). All patients were treated with embolisation, surgery, or both and 70% improved after fistula closure regardless of progression time. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of SAVF is difficult and often delayed, which leads to poorer patient prognosis. We should have a high level of suspicion for SAVF in patients with intermittent claudication or paraparesis exacerbated by exercise. Early treatment should be started in these patients. Treatment should always aim to improve quality of life or stabilise symptoms, regardless of progression time

Intrathecal administration of autologous bone marrow stromal cells improves neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is highly disabling, responds poorly to pharmacological treatment, and represents a significant cause of decreased quality of life in patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). In recent years, cell therapy with autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has been considered as a potential therapeutic weapon in this entity. Ten patients suffering chronic SCI received 100 million MSCs into subarachnoid space by lumbar puncture (month 1 of the study) and this procedure was repeated at months 4 and 7 until reaching a total doses of 300 million MSCs. Intensity of NP was measured by standard numerical rating scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, recording scores previous to the first MSCs administration and monthly, until month 10 of follow-up. Months 1, 4, 7 and 10 of the study were selected as time points in order to a statistical analysis by the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank test. Our results showed significant and progressive improvement in NP intensity after the first administration of MSCs (p: 0.003). This study supports the benefit of intrathecal administration of autologous MSCs for the treatment of NP in patients with SCI.

Spinal arteriovenous fistulas in adults: Management of a series of patients treated at a neurology department. / Fístulas arteriovenosas espinales del adulto. Manejo de una serie de casos desde una planta de Neurología.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal arteriovenous fístulas (SAVF), a rare type of vascular malformation, account for 3% of all spinal cord lesions. Without early treatment, the associated morbidity is high; furthermore, SAVF pose a major diagnostic challenge. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of SAVF and review their progress after treatment to determine whether it may be too late for treatment in some cases. METHODS: We present a retrospective series of 10 patients diagnosed with SAVF and treated at a tertiary hospital during a 3-year period. RESULTS: In our sample, SAVF were found to be significantly more frequent in men (80%). Mean age in our sample was 65.4 years. The most common initial symptom was intermittent claudication/paraparesis (70%). In most patients, symptoms appeared slowly and progressively. At the time of diagnosis, the most common symptoms were motor, sensory, and sphincter disorders. Mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 24.3 months. Initial diagnosis was erroneous in 60% of the patients. Spinal MRI was diagnostic in 90% of these cases and arteriography in 100%. The most common location of the fistula was the lower thoracic region and the most frequent type was dural (7 cases). All patients were treated with embolisation, surgery, or both and 70% improved after fistula closure regardless of progression time. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of SAVF is difficult and often delayed, which leads to poorer patient prognosis. We should have a high level of suspicion for SAVF in patients with intermittent claudication or paraparesis exacerbated by exercise. Early treatment should be started in these patients. Treatment should always aim to improve quality of life or stabilise symptoms, regardless of progression time.

Conceptos básicos sobre la fisiopatología cerebral y la monitorización de la presión intracraneal / Basic concepts about brain pathophysiology and intracranial pressure monitoring

Introducción: Muchos procesos encefálicos que causan la muerte de los pacientes que los presentan están mediados por hipertensión intracraneal (HIC). La historia natural de la misma conduce inexorablemente a esta muerte encefálica. El objetivo de este trabajo estriba en realizar una revisión de la fisiopatología cerebral y de la monitorización de la presión intracraneal (PIC). Desarrollo: El estudio de las ondas de PIC, su monitorización y el registro de las mismas nos informan sobre la existencia de procesos que tienen como común denominador la HIC. Conclusiones: El correcto registro de la PIC es fundamental para diagnosticar la HIC y, lo que resulta aún más importante, poder instaurar un tratamiento adecuado a tiempo (AU)

Introduction: Many brain processes that cause death are mediated by intracranial hypertension (ICH). The natural course of this condition inevitably leads to brain death. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review of cerebral pathophysiology and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Development: Studying, monitoring, and recording ICP waves provide data about the presence of different processes that develop with ICH. Conclusions: Correct monitoring of ICP is fundamental for diagnosing ICH, and even more importantly, providing appropriate treatment in a timely manner (AU)

Basic concepts about brain pathophysiology and intracranial pressure monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Many brain processes that cause death are mediated by intracranial hypertension (ICH). The natural course of this condition inevitably leads to brain death. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review of cerebral pathophysiology and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. DEVELOPMENT: Studying, monitoring, and recording ICP waves provide data about the presence of different processes that develop with ICH. CONCLUSIONS: Correct monitoring of ICP is fundamental for diagnosing ICH, and even more importantly, providing appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

Angiomas cavernosos epidurales espinales / Spinal epidural cavernous angiomas

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Combined staged therapy of complex arteriovenous malformations: initial experience.

OBJECTIVES: Definitive treatment of complex supratentorial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has been classically assigned to ruptured or progressively symptomatic cases. The aim of this study is to report our initial experience in the treatment of complex AVMs by means of staged embolization with Onyx followed by microsurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients with supratentorial Spetzler-Martin grades III, IV and V AVMs were treated between January 2009 and June 2010. Mean age at the beginning of the therapy was 34. All patients were symptomatic. Mean AVM size was 48 mm, and mean volume prior to embolization was 47 ml. RESULTS: Mean number of endovascular procedures was 3, and mean volumetric obliteration prior to surgery was 79.2%. Mean time between two embolizations was 24 days. One patient showed a non-disabling complication after endovascular procedures. Mean time between the last embolization and surgery was 42 days. Two patients showed disabling complications after surgery, and one patient showed a non-disabling complication. Follow-up angiography showed the complete removal of permeable AVM in all patients. According to the modified Rankin Scale, all patients were non-dependent concerning daily life activity at 6-month follow-up. One-year follow-up angiography has been performed in 11 patients so far showing an absence of permeable AVM in spite of the remainder intravascular Onyx. CONCLUSIONS: Staged preoperative embolization with Onyx followed by microsurgery has made possible 100% cure of complex AVMs with 0% mortality, 15.4% disabling complications and 15.4% non-disabling complications. Complete Onyx resection is not essential to achieve the cure of the patient.

Prevalence of fenestrated basilar artery with magnetic resonance angiography: a transversal study.

Fenestration of the basilar artery (BA) is a rare anatomical variation in comparison to those of the other intracranial arteries constituting the cerebral arterial circle. The incidence is difficult to ascertain and data vary according to type of series and modalities of detection. Basilar artery fenestration (BAF) has been reported in association with arteriovenous malformations, vascular variants, other developmental anomalies and neurovascular conflicts as a consequence of relations between the arterial branches of the BA and the nerves and other structures in the posterior cranial fossa. However, the real clinical interest of BAF is due to the possible formation of an aneurysm at the junction of the fenestrated segment and less frequently to the thrombosis of the vessels. With the aim to establish the prevalence of BAF in our population, we made a transversal pilot study of the first 200 MR angiographies performed on patients attending for the first time to control their base pathology (vascular or not). We have described three patients with this condition (representing a prevalence of 1.5 % on MR angiography) to shed additional light on this anomaly, two cases located at 1/3 proximal end (type 1-BAF) and one case located at joint 1/3 medium-1/3 distal end, locating distal to the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (type 4-BAF). In neither case was any other lesion found (i.e. aneurysm, infarctions, ischemia or thromboembolism). The pertinent clinical anatomy and embryological basis for this variation are reviewed, and the possible clinical implications and associated findings are discussed.

[Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: group of study of cerebrovascular pathology of the Spanish society of neurosurgery management guideline]. / Hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática: guía de tratamiento del grupo de patología vascular de la sociedad Española de neurocirugía.

An actualized revision of the most important aspects of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage is presented from the guidelines previously published by the group of study of cerebrovascular pathology of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery. The proposed recommendations should be considered as a general guide for the management of this pathological condition. However, they can be modified, even in a significant manner according to the circumstances relating each clinical case and the variations in the therapeutic and diagnostic procedures available in the center attending each patient.

Hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática: guía de tratamiento del Grupo de Patología Vascularde la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía / Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: group of study of Cerebrovascular Pathology of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery management guideline

Se realiza una actualización sobre los aspectos másimportantes de la hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismáticarespecto a las guías previamente publicadaspor el grupo de trabajo de la SENEC. Las recomendacionespropuestas deben considerarse como una guíageneral de manejo de esta patología. Sin embargo,pueden ser modificadas, incluso de manera significativapor las circunstancias propias de cada casoclínico, o las variaciones en los recursos diagnósticosy terapéuticos del centro hospitalario que reciba alpaciente (AU)

An actualized revision of the most important aspectsof aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage is presentedfrom the guidelines previously published by the groupof study of cerebrovascular pathology of the SpanishSociety of Neurosurgery. The proposed recommendationsshould be considered as a general guide for themanagement of this pathological condition. However,they can be modified, even in a significant manneraccording to the circumstances relating each clinicalcase and the variations in the therapeutic and diagnosticprocedures available in the center attending eachpatient (AU)