Trigeminal root massage in microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia patients without arterial compression: When, how and why / Masaje de la raíz trigeminal en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la neuralgia de trigémino sin contacto neurovascular arterial: cuándo, cómo y porqué

BACKGROUND: During the microsurgical exploration of trigeminal root in the pontocerebellar angle in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without an evident arterial compression, the surgeon is in an engaged situation because there are not well-established surgical strategies. The aim of this study is to describe in these cases the surgical maneuver we call "trigeminal root massage" (TRM). METHODS: 52 consecutive patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia who had undergone a microsurgical suboccipital retrosigmoid exploration of trigeminal root were reviewed. Among them we found 10 patients without an evident arterial compression after a thorough microsurgical exploration. In the great majority of these 10 cases, we noticed a venous contact to the trigeminal root along this cisternal trajectory, in most cases we have had to coagulate the compressive vein/s and then cut. All underwent a simple trigeminal root massage, without interposition of any material implant. RESULTS: All 10 patients experienced immediate pain disappearance and the postoperative course was uneventful except one case with a severe complication: cerebellar swelling, meningitis and hydrocephaly. The recurrence rate was 40%. Six patients achieved pain relief without specific medication with an average follow-up period of 5 years. There have been no mortalities nor any postoperative anesthesia dolorosa. CONCLUSIONS: The described maneuver provides an easy and simple alternative way in cases where during a microsurgical exploration of trigeminal root, where we don't find a clear arterial compression, with similar results than other possibilities such as partial sensory rhizotomy or more complicated and time consuming surgery as "nerve combing". Nevertheless, a 40% of pain recurrence after an average follow-up of 5 years means that is a good alternative, but not a definitive technique at the moment for permanent cure of trigeminal neuralgia without arterial compression

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Durante la exploración microquirúrgica de la raíz trigeminal en el ángulo pontocerebeloso en pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino (NT) primaria sin una evidente compresión arterial, el cirujano se encuentra en una situación comprometida, ya que no existe una estrategia quirúrgica establecida. El objetivo de este estudio es la de describir en esos casos una maniobra quirúrgica que llamamos «masaje de la raíz trigeminal» (MRT). MÉTODOS: Se revisan un total de 52 pacientes consecutivos con NT primaria a quienes se ha realizado una exploración de la raíz trigeminal por vía suboccipital retrosigmoidea. Entre ellos hemos encontrado 10 pacientes sin una evidente compresión arterial durante la exploración microquirúrgica. En 8 de los 10 casos ha existido un contacto venoso de la raíz trigeminal a lo largo de su trayectoria cisternal, procediendo a la coagulación y sección de la/s vena/s. En los 10 casos se ha procedido, finalmente, a un suave masaje de la raíz trigeminal sin interposición de ningún material. RESULTADOS: Los 10 pacientes experimentaron una inmediata desaparición de la neuralgia y el curso postoperatorio fue favorable excepto por un caso de complicación severa con edema cerebeloso, meningitis e hidrocefalia. La recidiva fue del 40%. Seis pacientes obtuvieron una desaparición completa de la neuralgia, sin medicación específica, en un seguimiento medio de 5 años. No ha habido mortalidad ni anestesia dolorosa postoperatoria. CONCLUSIONES: La maniobra quirúrgica descrita es una alternativa útil y sencilla en casos donde, durante la exploración microquirúrgica de la raíz trigeminal, no encontramos una clara compresión arterial, con resultados similares a otras posibilidades como la rizotomía parcial o más laboriosas como la llamada nerve combing. En cualquier caso, un 40% de recidiva dolorosa a los 5 años significa que, aunque es una buena alternativa, no es una técnica definitiva en la curación de todos los enfermos con NT sin conflicto arterial

Trigeminal root massage in microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia patients without arterial compression: When, how and why.

BACKGROUND: During the microsurgical exploration of trigeminal root in the pontocerebellar angle in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without an evident arterial compression, the surgeon is in an engaged situation because there are not well-established surgical strategies. The aim of this study is to describe in these cases the surgical maneuver we call "trigeminal root massage" (TRM). METHODS: 52 consecutive patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia who had undergone a microsurgical suboccipital retrosigmoid exploration of trigeminal root were reviewed. Among them we found 10 patients without an evident arterial compression after a thorough microsurgical exploration. In the great majority of these 10 cases, we noticed a venous contact to the trigeminal root along this cisternal trajectory, in most cases we have had to coagulate the compressive vein/s and then cut. All underwent a simple trigeminal root massage, without interposition of any material implant. RESULTS: All 10 patients experienced immediate pain disappearance and the postoperative course was uneventful except one case with a severe complication: cerebellar swelling, meningitis and hydrocephaly. The recurrence rate was 40%. Six patients achieved pain relief without specific medication with an average follow-up period of 5 years. There have been no mortalities nor any postoperative anesthesia dolorosa. CONCLUSIONS: The described maneuver provides an easy and simple alternative way in cases where during a microsurgical exploration of trigeminal root, where we don't find a clear arterial compression, with similar results than other possibilities such as partial sensory rhizotomy or more complicated and time consuming surgery as "nerve combing". Nevertheless, a 40% of pain recurrence after an average follow-up of 5 years means that is a good alternative, but not a definitive technique at the moment for permanent cure of trigeminal neuralgia without arterial compression.

PR-LncRNA signature regulates glioma cell activity through expression of SOX factors.

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as a relevant class of genome regulators involved in a broad range of biological processes and with important roles in tumor initiation and malignant progression. We have previously identified a p53-regulated tumor suppressor signature of LncRNAs (PR-LncRNAs) in colorectal cancer. Our aim was to identify the expression and function of this signature in gliomas. We found that the expression of the four PR-LncRNAs tested was high in human low-grade glioma samples and diminished with increasing grade of disease, being the lowest in glioblastoma samples. Functional assays demonstrated that PR-LncRNA silencing increased glioma cell proliferation and oncosphere formation. Mechanistically, we found an inverse correlation between PR-LncRNA expression and SOX1, SOX2 and SOX9 stem cell factors in human glioma biopsies and in glioma cells in vitro. Moreover, knock-down of SOX activity abolished the effect of PR-LncRNA silencing in glioma cell activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the expression and function of PR-LncRNAs are significantly altered in gliomagenesis and that their activity is mediated by SOX factors. These results may provide important insights into the mechanisms responsible for glioblastoma pathogenesis.

Arte y neurocirugía / Art and neurosurgery

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Síndrome de cola de caballo tras tratamiento quiropráctico / Cauda equina syndrome after chiropractic treatment

No disponible

Reagudización de asma tras tratamiento quirúrgico de síndrome de Cushing / Asthma relapse after surgical treatment of Cushing's syndrome

No disponible

Tratamiento del neurinoma acústico gigante / Treatment of giant acoustic neuromas

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Analizar la modalidad de tratamiento y resultados en una serie clínica de pacientes con neurinomas acústicos gigantes, caracterizados por superar los 4 cm de diámetro extrameatal y por alta morbimortalidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Serie clínica retrospectiva y unicéntrica de schwannomas vestibulares tratados en un periodo de 12 años. En nuestra serie institucional de 108 neurinomas acústicos operados en ese periodo, fueron identificados 13 (12%) pacientes con tumores superiores a los 4 cm en su diámetro mayor extrameatal. En estos se analizó la forma de presentación y diversos parámetros clínicos y anatomoquirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: Todos los pacientes fueron operados mediante un abordaje suboccipital retrosigmoideo por el mismo neurocirujano (EU) y en 10 casos se consiguió extirpación completa. En un caso se planificó y practicó una extirpación subtotal, un caso fue tratado con derivación ventriculoperitoneal y otro no recibió tratamiento específico alguno. Un paciente falleció durante el postoperatorio inmediato. Cuatro pacientes tenían una parálisis facial mayor de III en la escala House-Brackman al año de la cirugía. CONCLUSIONES: Las 4 características pronósticas más importantes en los neurinomas acústicos gigantes son: tamaño, consistencia, adhesión a estructuras neurovasculares y vascularización. Solo la primera de ellas resulta evidente en los estudios de neuroimagen. Los neurinomas acústicos gigantes se caracterizan por alta morbilidad tanto en el momento de presentación clínica como tras el tratamiento. Sin embargo, el objetivo de extirpación completa con preservación de la función de los nervios craneales es alcanzable en algunos casos a través del abordaje suboccipital retrosigmoideo

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the treatment modality and outcome of a series of patients with giant acoustic neuromas, a particular type of tumour characterised by their size (extracanalicular diameter of 4 cm or more) and high morbidity and mortality Materials and methods: This was a retrospective unicentre study of patients with acousticneuromas treated in a period of 12 years. In our institutional series of 108 acoustic neuro mas operated on during that period, we found 13 (12%) cases of giant acoustic neuromas. We reviewed the available data of these cases, including presentation and several clinical, anatomical, and microsurgical aspects. RESULTS: All patients were operated on by the same neurosurgeon and senior author (EU)using the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and complete microsurgical removal was achieved in 10 cases. In one case, near total removal was deliberately performed, in another case a CSF shunt was placed as the sole treatment measure, and in the remaining case no direct treatment was given. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. One year after surgery, 4 patients showed facial nerve function of III or more in the House-Brackman scale. Conclusions: The 4 most important prognostic characteristics of giant acoustic neuromas are size, adhesion to surrounding structures, consistency and vascularity. Only the first of these is evident in neuroimaging. Giant acoustic neuromas are characterised by high morbidity at presentation as well as after treatment. Nevertheless, the objective of complete microsurgical removal with preservation of cranial nerve function is attainable in some cases through the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach

[Treatment of giant acoustic neuromas]. / Tratamiento del neurinoma acústico gigante.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the treatment modality and outcome of a series of patients with giant acoustic neuromas, a particular type of tumour characterised by their size (extracanalicular diameter of 4cm or more) and high morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective unicentre study of patients with acoustic neuromas treated in a period of 12 years. In our institutional series of 108 acoustic neuromas operated on during that period, we found 13 (12%) cases of giant acoustic neuromas. We reviewed the available data of these cases, including presentation and several clinical, anatomical, and microsurgical aspects. RESULTS: All patients were operated on by the same neurosurgeon and senior author (EU) using the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and complete microsurgical removal was achieved in 10 cases. In one case, near total removal was deliberately performed, in another case a CSF shunt was placed as the sole treatment measure, and in the remaining case no direct treatment was given. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. One year after surgery, 4 patients showed facial nerve function of iii or more in the House-Brackman scale. CONCLUSIONS: The 4 most important prognostic characteristics of giant acoustic neuromas are size, adhesion to surrounding structures, consistency and vascularity. Only the first of these is evident in neuroimaging. Giant acoustic neuromas are characterised by high morbidity at presentation as well as after treatment. Nevertheless, the objective of complete microsurgical removal with preservation of cranial nerve function is attainable in some cases through the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach.

Biopsia cerebral estereotáctica sin marco: capacidad diagnóstica y complicaciones / Frameless stereotactic biopsy: Diagnostic yield and complications

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las variables que condicionan el rendimiento diagnóstico de la BSTsm y las complicaciones de esta técnica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de las BSTsm realizadas entre julio del 2008 y diciembre de 2011 en el Hospital Universitario Donostia. En el que estudiamos las variables tamaño, distancia al córtex, captación de contraste y localización. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 70 pacientes (75 biopsias), 39 varones y 31 mujeres con un rango de edad entre 39 y 83 años. El rendimiento diagnóstico total de nuestra serie fue del 97,1%. El punto de corte de la variable tamaño, a partir del cual encontramos el rendimiento más alto fue de 19 mm; así para las lesiones > 19 mm se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 95,2% (IC 95%: 86,9-98,4) y una especificidad del 57,1% (IC 95%: 25,0-84,2). Las lesiones localizadas a menos de 17 mm del córtex mostraron un rendimiento menor, con una sensibilidad del 74,6% (IC 95%: 62,1-84,7) y una especificidad del 71,4% (IC 95%: 29,0-96,3). Siete (10%) pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones después de la primera biopsia y ninguno tras la segunda. CONCLUSIONES: El rendimiento diagnóstico fue menor en las lesiones menores de 2 cm de diámetro y superficiales (< 17 mm del córtex). En esta serie no observamos un aumento de las complicaciones después de realizar una segunda biopsia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables that could modify the diagnostic yield of frameless stereotactic biopsy, as well as its complications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study of frameless stereotactic biopsies carried out between July 2008 and December 2011 at Donostia University Hospital. The variables studied were size, distance to the cortex, contrast uptake and location. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included (75 biopsies); 39 males and 31 females with an age range between 39 and 83 years. The total diagnostic yield in our series was 97.1%. For lesions > 19 mm, the technique offered a sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 86.9-98.4) and specificity of 57.1% (95% CI: 25.0-84.2). The yield was lower for lesions within 17 mm of the cortex: sensitivity of 74.6% (95% CI: 62.1-84.7) and specificity of 71.4% (95% CI: 29.0-96.3). Seven (10%) patients developed complications after the first biopsy and none after the second. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield was lower for lesions less than 2 cm in size and located superficially. In this series we did not observe an increased rate of complications after a second biopsy

[Frameless stereotactic biopsy: diagnostic yield and complications]. / Biopsia cerebral estereotáctica sin marco: capacidad diagnóstica y complicaciones.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables that could modify the diagnostic yield of frameless stereotactic biopsy, as well as its complications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study of frameless stereotactic biopsies carried out between July 2008 and December 2011 at Donostia University Hospital. The variables studied were size, distance to the cortex, contrast uptake and location. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included (75 biopsies); 39 males and 31 females with an age range between 39 and 83 years. The total diagnostic yield in our series was 97.1%. For lesions >19mm, the technique offered a sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 86.9-98.4) and specificity of 57.1% (95% CI: 25.0-84.2). The yield was lower for lesions within 17mm of the cortex: sensitivity of 74.6% (95% CI: 62.1-84.7) and specificity of 71.4% (95% CI: 29.0-96.3). Seven (10%) patients developed complications after the first biopsy and none after the second. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield was lower for lesions less than 2cm in size and located superficially. In this series we did not observe an increased rate of complications after a second biopsy.

Funciones y organización de un comité de neurooncología en un hospital con servicio de neurocirugía / Functions and organisation of a neuro-oncology committee in hospitals with a neurosurgery service

El Grupo de Trabajo de Neurooncología (GTNO) de la SENEC ha encargado a los miembros del comité de neurooncología del Hospital Universitario Donostia de San Sebastián (España) la elaboración del presente documento, para que sirva como Guía del consenso establecido en el seno del GTNO y recomendación propuesta en todos los hospitales, públicos o privados, que manejan esta patología. Es obligado la constitución y funcionamiento normalizado de comités de neurooncología en todos los centros con servicio de neurocirugía, y lo expuesto a continuación debe contemplarse a la luz de las condiciones particulares de los mismos, con las variaciones pertinentes según los recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Nos presentan a continuación el ejemplo de la constitución, funcionamiento y experiencia que han contraído en más de 8 años de trabajo multidisciplinar en pacientes con tumores cerebrales (AU)

The Neuro-Oncology Study Group (NOSG) at SENEC has commissioned the elaboration of the present document to the Neuro-Oncology Committee at Donostia University Hospital. It is intended to serve as a NOSG Consensus Guide and a proposed recommendation for the management of his pathological conditionatallSpanishHospitals,bothpublicandprivate.Neuro-Oncology Committees must be established and active at all centres with a Neurosurgery Service, taking into account the specific diagnostic and therapeutic capacity available. The work presents an example of the constitution, functioning and experience of such a Committee, drawing on 8 years of multidisciplinary work with brain tumour patients (AU)

[Functions and organisation of a neuro-oncology committee in hospitals with a neurosurgery service]. / Funciones y organización de un comité de neurooncología en un hospital con servicio de neurocirugía.

The Neuro-Oncology Study Group (NOSG) at SENEC has commissioned the elaboration of the present document to the Neuro-Oncology Committee at Donostia University Hospital. It is intended to serve as a NOSG Consensus Guide and a proposed recommendation for the management of this pathological condition at all Spanish Hospitals, both public and private. Neuro-Oncology Committees must be established and active at all centres with a Neurosurgery Service, taking into account the specific diagnostic and therapeutic capacity available. The work presents an example of the constitution, functioning and experience of such a Committee, drawing on 8 years of multidisciplinary work with brain tumour patients.

Trochlear nerve palsy after repeated percutaneous balloon compression for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia: case report and pathogenic considerations.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Repeated percutaneous balloon compression for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is infrequent. When a second procedure is performed, the outcome is unknown. A patient developed an isolated trochlear nerve palsy after undergoing percutaneous trigeminal ganglion balloon compression for a second time. The mechanism of diplopia and the complications associated with this technique were studied. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient was a 67-year-old woman with a history of medically refractory idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia involving all three divisions of the right trigeminal nerve. INTERVENTION: Percutaneous balloon compression was performed. Despite initial total relief from pain without complications, the patient again displayed manifestations of trigeminal neuralgia 3 months after the procedure. The pain disappeared after she underwent a second balloon compression procedure, but she developed an isolated trochlear nerve palsy, which spontaneously resolved in 2 months. CONCLUSION: Isolated trochlear nerve palsy is a rare and reversible complication after percutaneous balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia. This case illustrates that the mechanism of injury to the fourth nerve is the result of an erroneous technique: excessive penetration of the Fogarty catheter in Meckel's cave beyond the porus trigemini and compression of the cisternal segment of the trochlear nerve when the inflated balloon is pushed against the tentorium.