Posición semisentada en cirugía del ángulo pontocerebeloso: análisis de sus complicaciones y cómo evitarlas / Semisitting position for cerebello-pontine angle surgery: Analysis of complications and how to avoid it

Objetivo: Analizar las complicaciones asociadas a la posición semisentada en pacientes intervenidos de patología del ángulo pontocerebeloso (APC).MétodosEstudio retrospectivo, se analizaron los pacientes operados de patología tumoral del APC por un abordaje retrosigmoideo en posición semisentada. Se analizó la incidencia, gravedad, momento de aparición, forma de resolución, duración y repercusiones del embolismo aéreo venoso (EAV), neumoencéfalo, hipotensión postural y otras complicaciones. Se analizó el tiempo de estancia en unidad de críticos (TUCRI), tiempo de estancia hospitalaria (TEH) y puntuación en escala de Rankin a los seis meses.ResultadosSe intervinieron 50 pacientes, once (22%) presentaron EAV (8 ± 4,5 minutos duración media): cinco (10%) durante la resección tumoral, cuatro (8%) durante la apertura dural. Diez (20%) se resolvieron tapando el lecho quirúrgico, aspirando burbujas y aplicando compresión de yugulares, uno (2%) requirió cambio de posición. Uno (2%) tuvo repercusión hemodinámica intraoperatoria. La única variable asociada con desarrollar EAV fue una anatomía patológica de meningioma OR = 4,58, p = 0,001. El TUCRI fue superior en pacientes con EAV (5,5 ± 1,06 vs. 1,9 ± 0,20 días, p = 0,01). No hubo diferencias en la escala Rankin. Todos presentaron neumoencéfalo posquirúrgico con buen nivel de consciencia, salvo uno (2%) que requirió de evacuación. Siete pacientes (14%) presentaron una hipotensión arterial, tres (6%) tras la colocación y uno (2%) tras un EAV, todos revertieron con vasoactivos. No se registraron otras complicaciones asociadas a la posición ni mortalidad en esta serie. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the primary complications related to semisitting position in patients undergoing cerebelo-pontine angle surgery.MethodsRetrospective data analysis from patients undergoing elective tumoral cerebelo-pontine angle surgery in a semisitting position. The incidence, severity, occurrence moment, treatment, duration, and outcomes of venous air embolism (VAE), pneumocephalus, postural hypotension, and other complications were recorded. Neurointensive care unit (NICU), length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and modified Rankin scale scores were calculated six months after surgery.ResultsFifty patients were operated on. Eleven (22%) presented VAE (mean duration 8 ± 4.5 min): five (10%) during tumor resection, and four (8%) during dural opening. Ten (20%) were resolved by covering the surgical bed, air bubbles aspiration, jugular compression, and one (2%) tilted to a steep Trendelenburg position. One (2%) had intraoperative hemodynamic instability. The only variable associated with VAE was meningioma at histopathology OR = 4.58, P = 0.001. NICU was higher in patients with VAE (5.5 ± 1.06 vs. 1.9 ± 0.20 days, P = 0.01). There were no differences in the Rankin scale. All patients presented postoperative pneumocephalus with a good level of consciousness, except one (2%) who required evacuation. Seven patients (14%) showed postural hypotension, three (6%) after positioning, and one (2%) after developing a VAE; all were reversed with usual vasoactive drugs. No other position-related complications or mortality were registered in this series. (AU)

Semisitting position for cerebello-pontine angle surgery: Analysis of complications and how to avoid it.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the primary complications related to semisitting position in patients undergoing cerebelo-pontine angle surgery. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis from patients undergoing elective tumoral cerebelo-pontine angle surgery in a semisitting position. The incidence, severity, occurrence moment, treatment, duration, and outcomes of venous air embolism (VAE), pneumocephalus, postural hypotension, and other complications were recorded. Neurointensive care unit (NICU), length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and modified Rankin scale scores were calculated six months after surgery. RESULTS: Fifty patients were operated on. Eleven (22%) presented VAE (mean duration 8±4.5min): five (10%) during tumor resection, and four (8%) during dural opening. Ten (20%) were resolved by covering the surgical bed, air bubbles aspiration, jugular compression, and one (2%) tilted to a steep Trendelenburg position. One (2%) had intraoperative hemodynamic instability. The only variable associated with VAE was meningioma at histopathology OR=4.58, p=0.001. NICU was higher in patients with VAE (5.5±1.06 vs. 1.9±0.20 days, p=0.01). There were no differences in the Rankin scale. All patients presented postoperative pneumocephalus with a good level of consciousness, except one (2%) who required evacuation. Seven patients (14%) showed postural hypotension, three (6%) after positioning, and one (2%) after developing a VAE; all were reversed with usual vasoactive drugs. No other position-related complications or mortality were registered in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The semisitting position is a safe option with the knowledge, prevention, detection, and early solution of all the possible complications. The development of VAE rarely implies hemodynamic instability or greater disability after surgery. Postoperative pneumocephalus is very common and rarely requires evacuation. Excellent cooperation between anesthesia, nursing, neurophysiology, and neurosurgery teams is essential to manage complications.

Dolor facial atípico asociado a craneoplastia: ¿un encaje demasiado perfecto? / Atypical facial pain after cranioplasty: A too perfect design?

La craneoplastia es un procedimiento habitual en la práctica neuroquirúrgica. Está asociada a una considerable morbilidad y a varios tipos de complicaciones posquirúrgicas, especialmente infecciones, reabsorción ósea y hematomas. La aparición de dolor facial neuropático no ha sido descrita como complicación posquirúrgica. Presentamos un caso de una paciente que, en el postoperatorio inmediato de una craneoplastia, desarrolló un dolor facial atípico resistente a tratamiento médico y al bloqueo del ganglio esfenopalatino. Finalmente, desapareció tras una revisión quirúrgica de la plastia (AU)

Cranioplasty is a procedure routinely performed in neurosurgery. It is associated with significant morbidity and several types of postsurgical complications. The most common are infections, bone flap resorption and hematomas. Atypical facial pain has not been documented yet as a potential postoperative complication. We present a case of atypical facial pain reported at immediate postoperative period after cranioplasty. The pain was refractory to medical treatment and sphenopalatine ganglion block. Eventually, the pain totally disappeared after surgical revision of the cranial implant (AU)

Atypical facial pain after cranioplasty: A too perfect design?: Dolor facial atípico asociado a craneoplastia: ¿un encaje demasiado perfecto?

Cranioplasty is a procedure routinely performed in neurosurgery. It is associated with significant morbidity and several types of postsurgical complications. The most common are infections, bone flap resorption and hematomas. Atypical facial pain has not been documented yet as a potential postoperative complication. We present a case of atypical facial pain reported at inmediate postoperative period after cranioplasty. The pain was refractory to medical treatment and sphenopalatine ganglion block. Eventually, the pain totally disappeared after surgical revision of the cranial implant.

Tumor vertebral primario de axis: un desafío clínico y quirúrgico / Primary vertebral tumor of axis: A clinical and surgical challenge

Presentamos el caso de un varón de 17 años que acude a urgencias por cervicalgia de 6 semanas de evolución, sin déficit neurológico. La tomografía y resonancia magnética mostraban una masa dependiente de C2 con infiltración de partes blandas e invasión del canal medular, sin signos de mielopatía. Se realizó biopsia guiada con tomografía. Esperando al resultado, el paciente desarrolló una tetraparesia aguda con incompetencia de esfínteres. Una nueva resonancia magnética mostró un aumento de la masa ósea tumoral con extensión epidural, mielopatía y nuevas lesiones vertebrales. Se realizó una resección posterior y descompresión medular de urgencia, con fijación occipito-cervical. La recuperación postoperatoria fue completa. La inmunohistoquímica reveló un sarcoma de Ewing. Se inició quimioterapia con respuesta parcial. El sarcoma de Ewing primario atlantoaxial es una entidad excepcional con mal pronóstico. Su tratamiento es multidisciplinar, incluyendo una resección total si es posible, lo cual supone un reto para el cirujano (AU)

We report the case of a 17-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a six weeks history of neck pain and no neurogical deficit. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansile lesion in the axis, with soft tissue and spinal cavity invasion, without mielopathy signs. Tomography-guided mass biopsy was taken. Waiting for histopathologic results, the pacient developed acute tetraparesis and sphincter incompetence. Magnetic resonance revealed that the bone mass had grown with epidural compromise, mielopathy and new vertebral lesions. Medular decompression with laminectomy, excision of the posterior elements of axis with the involved soft tissue mass and occipito-cervical fixation was performed. Neurological recovery was complete. Inmunochemistry revealed an Ewing Sarcoma. Chemoteraphy treatment was given, with partial response. Primary Ewing sarcoma of atlas-axis is a rare entity with poor prognosis. Multidisciplinary approach treatment is needed, with a total surgical resection if it is possible, a real challenge for the surgeon (AU)

Primary vertebral tumor of axis: A clinical and surgical challenge. / Tumor vertebral primario de axis: un desafío clínico y quirúrgico.

We report the case of a 17-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a six weeks history of neck pain and no neurogical deficit. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansile lesion in the axis, with soft tissue and spinal cavity invasion, without mielopathy signs. Tomography-guided mass biopsy was taken. Waiting for histopathologic results, the pacient developed acute tetraparesis and sphincter incompetence. Magnetic resonance revealed that the bone mass had grown with epidural compromise, mielopathy and new vertebral lesions. Medular decompression with laminectomy, excision of the posterior elements of axis with the involved soft tissue mass and occipito-cervical fixation was performed. Neurological recovery was complete. Inmunochemistry revealed an Ewing Sarcoma. Chemoteraphy treatment was given, with partial response. Primary Ewing sarcoma of atlas-axis is a rare entity with poor prognosis. Multidisciplinary approach treatment is needed, with a total surgical resection if it is possible, a real challenge for the surgeon.

Subluxación atlanto-axoidea secundaria a absceso retrofaríngeo en el adulto (síndrome de Grisel). Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso clínico / Atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to retropharyngeal abcess in adults (Grisel's syndrome). Review of literature about a clinical case

El síndrome de Grisel (SG) se trata de una subluxación atlanto-axoidea no traumática producida luego de un proceso inflamatorio, infeccioso o posquirúrgico de la región superior de cuello. Es una complicación característica, aunque actualmente infrecuente, de la faringitis bacteriana aguda en la edad pediátrica. La presentación en adultos es aún más infrecuente y requiere un manejo específico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 68 años con antecedentes de leucemia mieloide crónica, que se presentó con poliartritis infecciosa, cervicalgia, tortícolis e impotencia cervical. La radiografía, la TC y la RM cervical demostraron una subluxación C1-C2 adyacente a un absceso faríngeo, diagnosticándose un SG. Al finalizar el tratamiento antibioticoterápico, la paciente debió ser intervenida quirúrgicamente debido al fracaso de la reducción cerrada. Debido a su incidencia tan baja, no existen guías clínicas para el manejo de estos pacientes; la colaboración interdisciplinaria es fundamental para establecer el diagnóstico oportuno que permita instaurar el tratamiento conservador y prevenir tanto la cirugía como las complicaciones y las secuelas de la fijación de la articulación atlanto-axoidea

Grisel syndrome (GS) is a non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation produced after an inflammatory, infectious or postsurgical process of the upper neck region. It is a characteristic, although currently uncommon complication of acute bacterial pharyngitis in the pediatric age. Presentation in adults is even more infrequent and requires specific management. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient with a history of chronic myeloid leukemia, who presented with infectious polyarthritis, cervicalgia, torticollis and cervical impotence. Cervical radiography, CT, and MRI showed a C1-C2 subluxation adjacent to a pharyngeal abscess, so GS was diagnosed. After antibiotic therapy, the patient had to undergo surgery due to the failure of the closed reduction. Due to its low incidence, there are no clinical guidelines for the management of these patients; The interdisciplinary collaboration is fundamental to establish the opportune diagnosis that allows to establish the conservative treatment and prevent the surgery, as well as the complications and sequelae of the fixation of the atlanto-axial joint

Síndrome de Brown-Séquard progresivo secundario a hernia medular idiopática: correlación clinicorradiológica y quirúrgica / Progressive Brown-Séquard syndrome secondary to idiopathic spinal cord herniation: clinico-radiological and surgical correlations

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hernia medular idiopática es una patología infrecuente que cursa clínicamente con una mielopatía progresiva, la mayoría de las ocasiones en forma de síndrome de Brown-Séquard. Su base anatómica es un defecto dural por el que se incarcera progresivamente una porción del cordón medular anterior. La resonancia magnética y la mielotomografía demuestran un acodamiento medular en «tienda de campaña» hacia la cara anterior del estuche dural, a nivel dorsal medio fundamentalmente. Caso clínico. Varón de 37 años, diagnosticado de hernia medular idiopática e intervenido quirúrgicamente mediante una técnica propia; se demuestra su correlación neurorradiológica, anatomoquirúrgica y evolutiva. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento debe ser individualizado, pues no existe una técnica quirúrgica universalmente establecida

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic medullary herniation is an infrequent disease, which shows up in clinical form as a progressive mielopathy, most commonly known as the Brown-Séquard syndrome. Its anatomical base is a dural defect where a portion of anterior spinal cord gets progressively incarcerated. The MRI and myelo-CT scan show a bending of the spinal cord in the form of a «bell tent» towards the anterior dural sheath at the mid-dorsal portion mainly. CASE REPORT: A 37 year old male, who was diagnosed of idiopathic medullary herniation and surgically treated by our own developed technique, reporting its neuroradiological, anatomo-surgical and clinical correlation. CONCLUSION. Treatment should be individualized, as no standard surgical technique has been established up to the present

Atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to retropharyngeal abcess in adults (Grisel's syndrome). Review of literature about a clinical case. / Subluxación atlanto-axoidea secundaria a absceso retrofaríngeo en el adulto (síndrome de Grisel). Revisión de la literatura a propósito de un caso clínico.

Grisel syndrome (GS) is a non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation produced after an inflammatory, infectious or postsurgical process of the upper neck region. It is a characteristic, although currently uncommon complication of acute bacterial pharyngitis in the pediatric age. Presentation in adults is even more infrequent and requires specific management. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient with a history of chronic myeloid leukemia, who presented with infectious polyarthritis, cervicalgia, torticollis and cervical impotence. Cervical radiography, CT, and MRI showed a C1-C2 subluxation adjacent to a pharyngeal abscess, so GS was diagnosed. After antibiotic therapy, the patient had to undergo surgery due to the failure of the closed reduction. Due to its low incidence, there are no clinical guidelines for the management of these patients; The interdisciplinary collaboration is fundamental to establish the opportune diagnosis that allows to establish the conservative treatment and prevent the surgery, as well as the complications and sequelae of the fixation of the atlanto-axial joint.

Síndrome de Cola de Caballo asociado a tratamiento quiropráctico: Reporte de 3 casos y revisión de la literatura / Horsetail syndrome associated with chiropractic treatment: Report of 3 cases and review of the literature

El síndrome de cola de caballo (SCC) es una urgencia quirúrgica poco frecuente con una incidencia estimada de hasta 1,8 casos por millón de habitantes, producida por la compresión de las raíces nerviosas en el extremo inferior del canal espinal. La manipulación espinal puede desempeñar un papel etiogénico, provocando la movilización y extrusión del disco. El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento oportuno son cruciales, ya que el pronóstico suele ser desfavorable si el tratamiento quirúrgico se retrasa produciendo un daño neurológico permanente. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar los potenciales factores de riesgo para la manipulación espinal y optimizar esta práctica, evitando así posibles complicaciones derivadas del tratamiento quiropráctico. Presentamos 3 casos de SCC, observados y tratados en nuestro centro, en los que se sugiere una estrecha relación entre la manipulación espinal quiropráctica y la aparición de dicho síndrome. Tras realizarles una RM en la que se observó una hernia discal L5-S1 causante del SCC, los 3 pacientes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente de forma urgente. Los casos presentados demostraron la existencia de una asociación patogénica entre la manipulación espinal y el desarrollo del SCC, al producirse dicho síndrome en las horas siguientes a la manipulación debida a la protusión abrupta de un disco demostrado por RM.

Introduction: Cauda equine syndrome (CES) is a rare surgical emergency with an estimated incidence of up to 1.8 cases per million. It is caused by compression of the nerve roots at the lowest point of the spinal canal. Spinal manipulation can play a pathogenic role, resulting in mobilization and extrusion of the disc. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, since the prognosis is usually unfavorable and permanent neurological damage likely if surgical treatment is delayed. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with spinal manipulation and, thereby, optimize this practice to reduce the risk of complications from chiropractic treatment. Methods: We present three cases of CES, observed and treated at our center, in which a close relationship between chiropractic spinal manipulation and the appearance of CES was apparent. Results: After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an L5-S1 herniated disc causing the SCC, all three patients underwent urgent surgical treatment. Conclusion: The three presented cases demonstrate a strong pathogenic relationship between spinal manipulation and the development of CES, when this syndrome occurs within hours of spinal manipulation, secondary to MRI-documented acute disc protrusion.

[Actinomycotic brain abscess in immunocompetent patient]. / Absceso cerebral actinomicótico en paciente inmunocompetente.

BACKGROUND: The actinomyces is germ commonly found in the normal flora of the oral cavity and gastro-intestinal and uro-genital tracts. Involvement in other locations is a very uncommon event. OBJECTIVES: To describe a patient with an actinomicotyc brain abscess CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a patient who suffered a seizure and decreased level of consciousness. Imaging tests revealed the presence of lesions both in the lung and in the brain. An urgent craniotomy was performed and the diagnosis of actinomicotyc abscess was obtained. CONCLUSION: We describe the differential characteristics of this type of infection, discussing the diagnostic process and management in detail.

Cranial juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma: case report.

Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF) is a fibroosseous tumor that arises in the craniofacial bones in young people. This lesion usually originates in the jaw, orbit, and ethmoid complex but can also be associated with the skull base and calvaria. Diagnosis must be made based on observing typical radiological and histopathological features. Although JPOF is a rare pathological entity, neurosurgeons must consider this odontogenic lesion in the differential diagnosis of skull masses given the lesion's aggressive behavior and locally invasive growth. Treatment must be gross-total resection. In the following article, the authors present a case of cranial JPOF and discuss various aspects of this entity.

Delayed spontaneous pneumocephalus inventriculoperitoneal shunting: Two case reports andliterature review

El neumoencéfalo a tensión es una rara complicación después de la colocación de sistemas de derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo. En la mayoría de casos la etiopatogenia está relacionada con un defecto de la base del cráneo. Presentamos 2 casos de neumoencéfalo tardío a tensión después de la colocación de derivación ventriculoperitoneal y revisamos la literatura, analizando los mecanismos de etiopatogenia, así como las posibles formas de prevención y tratamiento

Spontaneous pneumocephalus following cerebrospinal fluid shunt is a rare complication. In most cases, the air enters in the intracranial cavity via a skull base defect. We report 2 cases of delayed tension pneumocephalus, secondary to ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and review the etiopathogenesis, prevention and treatment of this condition

Delayed spontaneous pneumocephalus in ventriculoperitoneal shunting: two case reports and literature review.

Spontaneous pneumocephalus following cerebrospinal fluid shunt is a rare complication. In most cases, the air enters in the intracranial cavity via a skull base defect. We report 2 cases of delayed tension pneumocephalus, secondary to ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and review the etiopathogenesis, prevention and treatment of this condition.

[Primary prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors: Group for the Study of Functional-Sterotactic Neurosurgery of The Spain Society of Neurosurgery recommendations]. / Control de las crisis epilépticas durante el postoperatorio inmediato de los tumores cerebrales supratentoriales: recomendaciones del Grupo de Neurocirugía Funcional y Estereotáctica de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía.

Our review of the literature is basically focused on the primary prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors, with the aim of suggesting several recommendations in medical antiepileptic treatment to avoid this kind of seizures which occur immediately after surgery. In conclusion, it is recommended to provide criteria for prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors. It́s recommended a one week treatment with antiepileptic drugs in patients who didnt have seizures jet, starting immediately after the surgical treatment. If seizures appear during progress of the disease, a large period treatment will be needed. Preferred antiepileptic treatment is intravenous and with a low interactions profile. Levetiracetam, followed by valproic acid seem to be most appropriated drugs due to their properties and protective effects, particularly for our patients requirements. These recommendations are considered a general proposal to effective clinical management of early seizures after surgery, not taking into account the single circumstances of our patients. Always, clinical features of the patients could modify even significantly these guides in the benefit of each patient.

Control de las crisis epilépticas durante el postoperatorio inmediato de los tumores cerebrales supratentoriales: recomendaciones del Grupo de Neurocirugía Funcional y Estereotáctica de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía / Primary prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors: Group for the Study of Functional-Sterotactic Neurosurgery of The Spain Society of Neurosurgery recommendations

Con la finalidad de proponer una serie de recomendaciones del tratamiento médico antiepiléptico, en el perioperatorio de los tumores cerebrales supratentoriales, se realiza una revisión de la literatura enfocada sobre todo a la profilaxis primaria de las crisis epilépticas precoces acaecidas en el postoperatorio inmediato. Se concluye que es recomendable pautar profilaxis primaria antiepiléptica poscirugía durante una semana en los pacientes con tumor cerebral supratentorial que no han presentado crisis epilépticas. Si las crisis aparecen durante la evolución de la enfermedad, es necesario pautar un tratamiento a largo plazo. Dadas las características de estos pacientes, se recomienda usar un fármaco antiepiléptico con presentación por vía intravenosa y un perfil bajo de interacciones. El levetiracetam, seguido del valproato, parecen ser los más adecuados. Dichas recomendaciones deben considerarse como una guía general de manejo, pudiendo ser modificadas, incluso de manera significativa, por las circunstancias propias de cada caso clínico (AU)

Our review of the literature is basically focused on the primary prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors, with the aim of suggesting several recommendations in medical antiepileptic treatment to avoid this kind of seizures which occur immediately after surgery. In conclusion, it is recommended to provide criteria for prophylaxis of early seizures after surgery of cerebral supratentorial tumors. It's recommended a one week treatment with antiepileptic drugs in patients who didn't have seizures jet, starting immediately after the surgical treatment. If seizures appear during progress of the disease, a large period treatment will be needed. Preferred antiepileptic treatment is intravenous and with a low interactions profile. Levetiracetam, followed by valproic acid seem to be most appropriated drugs due to their properties and protective effects, particularly for our patients requirements. These recommendations are considered a general proposal to effective clinical management of early seizures after surgery, not taking into account the single circumstances of our patients. Always, clinical features of the patients could modify even significantly these guides in the benefit of each patient (AU)

[History of neurosurgery at the provincial hospital of Guipuzcoa]. / Historia de la Neurocirugía en el Hospital Provincial de Guipúzcoa.

The purpose of this historical review is to make known the gradual development of neurosurgery at the Provincial Hospital of Guipuzcoa since its creation in 1960 until its disappearance in 2000, after the union of the Hospitals and Services in one single institution called firstly Donostia Hospital Complex, actually known by the name of Donostia Hospital.