Foville syndrome: a neurological emergency of clinical relevance. case report

Introduction: Foville syndrome (inferior medial pontine syndrome) is a clinical entity that makes part of a subclassification of a broader category of posterior circulation stroke. It is characterized by a blockage of the basilar artery caused by lesions in the pontine tegmentum. This syndrome has a very low incidence worldwide, but its clinical relevance is considerable. Case report: A 41-year-old patient without any medical history was admitted to the emergency department due to signs of focal neurologic deficits. Imaging findings were compatible with an ischemic lesion in the brainstem, and cerebral angiography showed involvement of the basilar artery territory. The patient was diagnosed and followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) until his recovery. Conclusion: Foville syndrome is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach are decisive to improve the patient's prognosis.

Introducción. El síndrome de Foville (síndrome pontino medial inferior) es una entidad clínica que hace parte de una subclasificación de la categoría más amplia de eventos cerebrovasculares de la circulación posterior, se presenta como resultado de la oclusión de la arteria basilar debido a lesiones en el tegmento pontino. Este síndrome tiene una muy baja incidencia a nivel mundial, pero es de gran relevancia clínica. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 41 años sin antecedentes patológicos, que ingresó al servicio de urgencias por signos de focalización neurológica. Sus hallazgos imagenológicos fueron compatibles con una lesión isquémica en el tronco encefálico y la angiografía cerebral evidenció un compromiso en el territorio de la arteria basilar. El paciente fue diagnosticado y se le dio seguimiento en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) hasta su rehabilitación. Conclusión. El síndrome de Foville es una enfermedad infrecuente y de alta mortalidad. El reconocimiento temprano de esta afección y un abordaje multidisciplinario son determinantes para mejorar el pronóstico del paciente.

Basilar artery tortuosity as a predictive factor for the efficacy of heparin adjuvant therapy in unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss / Tortuosidade da artéria basilar como fator preditivo da eficácia da terapia adjuvante com heparina na perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática unilateral

Abstract Introduction Cochlear ischemia is hypothesized as one of the major etiologies of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, anticoagulant therapies are designed to be beneficial in certain patients with this condition. Objective This study aimed to determine which patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss would benefit from heparin treatment as adjuvant therapy. Methods In total, 134 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. All patients received Intratympanic steroid injections or heparin therapy plus oral corticosteroids. Radiological parameters of the vertebrobasilar system and clinical data from pre- and post-treatment assessments were analyzed. Results Most patients (71.6%) had a tortuous basilar artery The 65 patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss showed a significant relationship between idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality and basilar artery displacement to the opposite side (p= 0.036), while the 69 patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss did not (p= 0.950). Additionally, the degree of basilar artery tortuosity was significantly associated with the degree of hearing impairment in the severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group (p= 0.015). When idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurred on the opposite side to basilar artery displacement, the improvement of hearing was significantly greater in patients treated with heparin than in those treated with intratympanic steroids (p= 0.041). Conclusion In a subset of patients with severe-to-profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, basilar artery tortuosity had a significant directional relationship with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss laterality. In these selected patients, a significant effect of heparin therapy on improving hearing was observed.

Resumo Introdução A isquemia coclear é considerada uma das principais etiologias da perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática. Portanto, espera-se que as terapias anticoagulantes sejam benéficas em certos pacientes com esse diagnóstico. Objetivo Determinar quais pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática se beneficiariam do tratamento com heparina como terapia adjuvante. Método Foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo 134 pacientes submetidos à ressonância magnética por perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática unilateral em um hospital de referência terciário entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2018. Todos os pacientes receberam injeções intratimpânicas de corticosteroides ou terapia com heparina juntamente com corticosteroides orais. Os parâmetros radiológicos do sistema vertebro-basilar e os dados clínicos das avaliações pré e pós-tratamento foram analisados. Resultados A maioria dos pacientes (71,6%) apresentava uma artéria basilar tortuosa. Os 65 pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda mostraram uma relação significativa entre a lateralidade da perda auditiva e o deslocamento da artéria basilar para o lado oposto (p = 0,036), enquanto os 69 pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática leve a moderada não apresentaram esse deslocamento (p = 0,950). Além disso, o grau de tortuosidade da artéria basilar foi significativamente associado ao grau de deficiência auditiva no grupo com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda (p = 0,015). Quando a perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática ocorreu no lado oposto ao deslocamento da artéria basilar, a melhoria da audição foi significativamente maior nos pacientes tratados com heparina do que naqueles tratados com injeções intratimpânicas de corticosteroide (p = 0,041). Conclusão Em um subgrupo de pacientes com perda auditiva neurossensorial súbita idiopática grave a profunda, a tortuosidade da artéria basilar mostrou uma relação direcional significativa com a lateralidade da perda auditiva. Nesses pacientes selecionados, foi observado um efeito significante da terapia com heparina na melhoria da audição.

Accidente cerebrovascular de la arteria basilar: cannabis como factor de riesgo en jóvenes / Cerebrovascular accident of basilar artery: Cannabis as a risk factor in young people / Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) da artéria basilar: cannabis como fator de risco em jovens

Introducción. La arteria basilar se forma de las arterias vertebrales, cursa sobre el puente y se bifurca originando las arterias cerebrales posteriores. Irriga parte del tronco encefálico, cerebelo, tálamo y los lóbulos occipitales y temporales cerebrales. Su obstrucción es rara (1% de los accidentes isquémicos), puede ocurrir en cualquier parte de su trayecto, con cuadro clínico diverso. En jóvenes se añaden otros factores de riesgo distintos a los cardiovasculares, se incluye el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el caso de un adulto joven, su evolución posterior a la intervención endovascular y la asociación, pasada por alto, al consumo de cannabinoides. Caso clínico. Individuo de 23 años con 14 horas de parálisis facial periférica derecha, diplopía, disartria, hemiparesia e hiperreflexia izquierda, disfagia, náuseas y emesis. Tomografía Axial Computarizada de cráneo simple sin alteraciones. Posteriormente, al realizarse resonancia magnética nuclear, se evidencia isquemia pontomesencefálica y focos isquémicos agudos lacunares en lóbulos cerebelosos. Se consideró comprometido el territorio de la arteria basilar, por lo que se realizó angiotomografía que evidenció una obstrucción crítica de dicho vaso a nivel del tercio distal. Se realizó trombectomía con stent-retriever con recanalización total de la arteria basilar con flujo en toda su extensión. Al egreso fue clasificado como TOAST idiopático. Conclusiones. Las escalas etiológicas para stroke creadas para adultos mayores sobreestiman la etiología idiopática en pacientes jóvenes, lo cual puede ocasionar que el consumo de cannabis sea pasado por alto como causante pese a la asociación reportada por la literatura.

Introduction. The basilar artery is formed from the vertebral arteries, runs over the pons and bifurcates, originating the posterior cerebral arteries. It irrigates part of the brainstem, cerebellum, thalamus, and the occipital and temporal lobes of the brain. Its obstruction is rare (1% of ischemic accidents), it can occur in any part of its path, with a diverse clinical condition. In young people, other risk factors other than cardiovascular ones are added; psychoactive substance use is included. The objective of this article is to present the case of a young adult, his evolution after endovascular intervention and the association, overlooked, to the consumption of cannabinoids. Clinical case. 23-year-old man with 14 hours of right peripheral facial paralysis, diplopia, dysarthria, left hyperreflexia and hemiparesis, dysphagia, nausea and emesis. Simple skull Computerized Axial Tomography without alterations. Subsequently, when a nuclear magnetic resonance was performed, pontomesencephalic ischemia and acute lacunar ischemic foci in the cerebellar lobes were evidenced. The basilar artery territory was considered compromised, so a CT angiography was performed, which revealed a critical obstruction of said artery at the level of the distal third. A stent-retriever thrombectomy was performed with total recanalization of the basilar artery with flow in its entirety. Upon discharge, he was classified as "idiopathic" according to the TOAST classification. Conclusions. The etiological scales for stroke created for older adults overestimate idiopathic etiology in young patients, which may cause cannabis use to be overlooked as a cause despite the association reported in the literature.

Introdução. A artéria basilar é formada pelas artérias vertebrais, passa pela ponte e se bifurca, originando as artérias cerebrais posteriores. Irriga parte do tronco cerebral, cerebelo, tálamo e os lobos occipital e temporal do cérebro. Sua obstrução é rara (1% dos acidentes isquêmicos), podendo ocorrer em qualquer parte de seu trajeto, com quadro clínico diverso. Nos jovens, são adicionados outros fatores de risco além dos cardiovasculares, incluindo o consumo de substâncias psicoativas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o caso de um adulto jovem, sua evolução após a intervenção endovascular e a associação, despercebida, ao consumo de canabinoides. Caso clínico. Indivíduo de 23 anos com 14 horas de paralisia facial periférica direita, diplopia, disartria, hemiparesia e hiperreflexia esquerda, disfagia, náuseas e vômitos. Tomografia axial computadorizada de crânio simples sem alterações. Posteriormente, quando foi realizada a ressonância magnética nuclear, foram evidenciados isquemia pontomesencefálica e focos agudos de isquemia lacunar nos lobos cerebelares. O território da artéria basilar foi considerado comprometido, por isso foi realizada uma angiotomografia, que revelou uma obstrução crítica do referido vaso no terço distal. Foi realizada trombectomia stent-retriever com recanalização total da artéria basilar com fluxo em sua totalidade. No momento da alta, foi classificado como TOAST idiopática. Conclusões.As escalas etiológicas para AVC criadas para idosos superestimam a etiologia idiopática em pacientes jovens, o que pode fazer com que o uso de cannabis seja negligenciado como causa, apesar da associação relatada na literatura.

Basilar artery dolichoectasia an unusual and rare cause of secondary trigeminal neuralgia: a clinical report / Dolicoectasia da artéria basilar uma causa incomum e rara de neuralgia do trigêmeo secundária: um relato clínico

Objective: Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia often consults a dentist for relief of their symptoms as the pain seems to be arising from teeth and allied oral structures. Basilar artery Dolichoectasia is an unusual and very rare cause of secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia as it compresses the Trigeminal nerve Root Entry Zone. Case reports: We report three cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia caused by Basilar artery Dolichoectasia compression. The corneal reflex was found absent in all three of the cases along with mild neurological deficits in one case. Multiplanar T1/T2W images through the brain disclosed an aberrant, cirsoid (S-shaped) and torturous Dolichoectasia of basilar artery offending the Trigeminal nerve Root Entry Zone. Discussion:Based on these findings we propose a protocol for general dentist for diagnosis of patients with trigeminal neuralgia and timely exclusion of secondary intracranial causes. Conclusion: General dentists and oral surgeons ought to consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with chronic facial pain especially pain mimicking neuralgia with loss of corneal reflex or other neurosensory deficit on the face along with nighttime pain episodes. Timely and accurate diagnosis and prompt referral to a concerned specialist can have an enormous impact on patient survival rate in such cases (AU)

Objetivo: Pacientes com Neuralgia do Trigêmeo frequentemente consultam um dentista para alívio de seus sintomas visto que a dor parece surgir dos dentes e estruturas orais relacionadas. A Dolicoectasia da artéria basilar é uma causa incomum e muito rara de Neuralgia do Trigêmeo secundária, pois comprime a zona de entrada da raiz do nervo trigêmeo. Relatos de casos: Relatamos três casos de Neuralgia do Trigêmeo causada por compressão por Dolicoectasia da artéria basilar. O reflexo da córnea se encontrava ausente em todos os três casos, juntamente com leves déficits neurológicos em um caso. Imagens multiplanares T1/T2W através do cérebro revelaram uma Dolicoectasia cirsóide (em forma de S) anômala e tortuosa da artéria basilar que atingiu a zona de entrada da raiz do nervo trigêmeo. Discussão: Com base nesses achados, propomos para o dentista clínico-geral um protocolo para diagnóstico de pacientes com Neuralgia do Trigêmeo e exclusão oportuna de causas intracranianas secundárias. Conclusão: Os dentistas clínicos-gerais e cirurgiões orais devem considerar este diagnóstico em pacientes que apresentam dor facial crônica, especialmente dor que mimetiza neuralgia com perda do reflexo da córnea ou outro déficit neurossensorial na face junto com episódios de dor noturna. O diagnóstico oportuno e preciso e o encaminhamento imediato a um especialista em questão podem ter um enorme impacto na taxa de sobrevida do paciente em tais casos (AU)

Treatment of posterior circulation strokes by mechanical thrombectomy with a stent-retriever: a retrospective observational study at a single center. / Tratamiento del ictus de circulación posterior mediante trombectomía mecánica con stent-retriever: un estudio observacional, monocéntrico y retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recanalization, functional outcome at three months, and independent prognostic factors in patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers and to compare these results with those of patients in an earlier series treated with "classical methods". MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers at our center between December 1, 2011 and May 1, 2018. The main outcome variables were the rate of recanalization according to the Thrombosis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale and functional independence score 90 days after treatment according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We analyzed demographics, cerebrovascular risk factors, clinical findings, and probable origin. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We included 75 patients: 27 treated with "classical methods" and 48 treated with stent-retrievers (10 women; mean age, 63.9 years; median National Institute of Health Stroke Score, 15.8 (IQR 9-25); median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), 9.1 (IQR 6-14,5). TICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 46 (95.8%) patients treated with stent-retrievers and in 15 (55.6%) patients treated with "classical methods" (p<0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rate of patients achieving mRS 0-2 at 90 days (19 (39.6%) of those treated with stent-retrievers vs. 6 (22.2%) of those treated with "classical methods"). Mortality was lower among patients treated with stent-retrievers (14 (29.2% vs. 15 (55.6%) in those treated with "classical methods", p=0.024). GCS score was independently associated with mRS at 90 days (OR:0.67; 95%CI:0.5-0.91; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with posterior circulation infarcts, treatment with stent-retrievers achieved high rates of recanalization and functional independence at 90 days. The rate of complications was similar to those reported in other studies. GCS is an independent predictor of functional independence at 90 days.

Variaciones anatómicas del origen de la arteria laberíntica en una muestra de encéfalos en Colombia / Anatomical variations of the origin of the labyrinthine artery in a brains sample in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La arteria laberíntica transcurre a través del meato acústico interno hasta llegar al oído interno, aportando allí su irrigación. Se han descrito dos posibles variantes anatómicas de su origen: como rama directa de la arteria basilar o como rama de la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior. Objetivo. Identificar la prevalencia del origen de la arteria laberíntica. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio analítico descriptivo con métodos cuantitativos sobre el origen de la arteria laberíntica en una muestra de 29 encéfalos obtenidos por muestreo a conveniencia. Resultados. Se determinó que la arteria laberíntica se originó de la arteria basilar en 22 (75.9%) encéfalos; en los 7 (24.1%) restantes esta surgía como rama de la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior. Conclusión. El origen de la arteria laberíntica en la muestra seleccionada tiene una mayor prevalencia en la arteria basilar respecto a la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior, hallazgo que se asemeja a algunas investigaciones contrastadas con este estudio.

Abstract Introduction: The labyrinthine artery runs through the internal auditory meatus until the inner ear, providing irrigation. Two possible anatomical variants of its origin have been described: as a direct branch of the basilar artery or as a branch of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Objective: To identify the prevalence of labyrinthine artery origin. Materials and methods: A descriptive analytical study on the origin of the labyrinthine artery was carried out using quantitative methods in a sample of 29 brains obtained by convenience sampling. Results: It was established that the labyrinthine artery originated from the basilar artery in 22 (75.9%) brains; in the remaining 7 (24.1%), it emerged as a branch of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Conclusion: The origin of the labyrinthine artery in the selected sample has a higher prevalence in the basilar artery than in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, finding that resembles some investigations contrasted with this study.

Terapia endovascular de la trombosis de arteria basilar: reporte de 2 casos / Endovascular therapy of basilar artery thrombosis: 2 case report

Resumen Los eventos cerebrovasculares afectan el territorio de la circulación posterior pueden tener un comportamiento benigno,sin embargo, la oclusión de la arteria basilar suele tener consecuencias devastadoras. El uso de trombolísis sistémica ointra-arterial y la terapia endovascular son opciones terapéuticas con recuperación funcional apropiada. Se reportan doscasos de trombosis arterial basilar cuyo diagnóstico temprano permitió un manejo combinado entre embolectomía endovasculary trombólisis con resultados adecuados.

Abstract Stroke of the posterior cerebral circulation may have a benign course but basilar artery thrombosis usually have devastating consequences. Systemic thrombolysis and endovascular treatment are promising options with appropriate functional outcomes. We report two cases of basilar artery thrombosis in which early diagnosis and treatment with endovascular embolectomy and thrombolysis showed good results.

Value of Posterior circulation ASPECTS and Pons-Midbrain Index on non-contrast CT and CT Angiography Source Images in patients with basilar artery occlusion recanalized after mechanical thrombectomy. / Valor de la escala ASPECTS de circulación posterior y del índice puente-mesencéfalo en imágenes de TC sin contraste y angiografía por TC en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria basilar recanalizados tras trombectomía mecánica.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy devices demonstrated high recanalization rates but functional outcome did not correlate with high rates of recanalization obtained. Patient selection prior to the endovascular treatment is very important in the final outcome of the patient. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) and Pons-Midbrain Index (PMI) scores in patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) treated with successful angiographic recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Retrospective single-center study including 18 patients between 2008 and 2013 who had acute basilar artery occlusion managed with endovascular treatment within 24hours from symptoms onset and with successful angiographic recanalization. The patients were initially classified into two groups according to clinical outcome and mortality at 90 days. For analysis we also divided patients into groups based on pc-ASPECTS (≥8vs.<8) and PMI (≥3vs.<3) on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT Angiography Source Images (CTASI). Imaging data were correlated to clinical outcome and mortality rate. RESULTS: CTASI pc-ASPECTS, dichotomized at <8 versus≥8, was associated with a favorable outcome (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.2) and a reduced risk of death (RR: 6.5: 95% CI: 7.8-23.3). All patients that survived and were functionally independent had pc-ASPECTS score≥8. None of the 5 patients with CTASI pc-ASPECTS score less than 8 survived. CONCLUSION: PC-ASPECTS on CTASI is helpful for predicting functional outcome after BAO recanalization with endovascular treatment. These results should be validated in a randomized controlled trial in order to decide whether or not to treat a patient with BAO.

The history of basilar artery occlusion: when art aids science / História da oclusão da artéria basilar: quando a arte auxilia a ciência

ABSTRACT Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) ischemic stroke is a relatively rare condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. To date, the best acute reperfusion therapy for BAO has still not been established, mainly due to the lack of randomized controlled trials in this field. In this article, we review the history of BAO diagnosis and treatment, and the impact of modern technological resources on the clinical evolution and prognosis of BAO over time. Furthermore, we describe historical events and nonmedical literature descriptions related to BAO. We conclude that BAO is a singular example of how art may help medical sciences with accurate descriptions of medical conditions.

RESUMO O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico secundário à oclusão aguda da basilar (OAB) é uma condição relativamente rara, que cursa com elevada morbimortalidade. Até o momento atual, a melhor estratégia de recanalização arterial na fase aguda da OAB não está definida, principalmente pela carência de ensaios clínicos randomizados e controlados neste contexto. Neste artigo, revisamos aspectos históricos do diagnóstico e do tratamento desta condição, assim como o impacto do avanço tecnológico na evolução clínica e prognóstico desta condição. Ademais, descrevemos fatos históricos e a literatura fictícia relacionados à OAB. Concluímos que a OAB é um exemplo peculiar de como a arte pode auxiliar a medicina na descrição acurada de condições médicas.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma disecante de la arteria basilar con dispositivo redireccionador de flujo FRED: primer reporte de caso en Colombia / Basilar dissecting aneurysm successfully treated by FRED Flow-Diverter device: first case report in Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Los aneurismas disecantes de la arteria basilar tienen un curso clínico impredecible que, eventualmente, evoluciona a un accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico o isquémico grave. Por otro lado, su abordaje terapéutico es controvertido y no existen líneas claras de tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 28 años con un infarto del tallo cerebral secundario a aneurisma disecante de la arteria basilar, tratado exitosamente con dispositivo endoluminal redireccionador de flujo (FRED). CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento endovascular con FRED de los aneurismas disecantes parece ofrecer ventajas sobre las técnicas quirúrgicas abiertas y stents tradicionales, en casos seleccionados.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION. Dissecting basilar artery aneurysms have an unpredictable course, eventually evolving to serious hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke; on the other hand, its therapeutic approach in controversial and there are no clear lines of treatment. CASE REPORT. We report a case of a 28-year-old female with brain stem infarction secondary to basilar dissecting aneurysm successfully treated by Flow-Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED). CONCLUSION. Endovascular treatment of dissecting basilar artery aneurysms with FRED seems to offer advantages over traditional open surgical techniques and conventional stents in selected cases.

Trombectomía retrógrada en ictus isquémico basilar sin acceso vascular posterior / Retrograde thrombectomy in basilar ischemic ictus without posterior vascular access

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El 10 % de los ictus afecta la circulación posterior, tiene una importante repercusión neurológica y llegan a comprometer la vida. El manejo inicial de estos pacientes incluye la trombolisis farmacológica y mecánica para reestablecer el flujo de la irrigación de estructuras vitales como el mesencéfalo y las estructuras del puente. METODOLOGÍA: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 81 años que presentó inestabilidad de la marcha con hemianopsia izquierda. Se documentó en angiotomografía la oclusión de la arterial basilar, arterial vertebral izquierda y la estenosis crítica de arteria vertebral derecha. Debido a que la cateterización de las arterias vertebrales no era posible, se decidió acceder a la arteria basilar a través de la arteria comunicante posterior. RESULTADOS: Se realizó una adecuada revascularización de la arteria basilar, comprobada por arteriografía. Sin embargo, 12 horas después, el paciente presentó reoclusión de territorio basilar que provocó muerte cerebral. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes con difícil cateterización de circulación posterior por oclusión o estenosis crítica proximal del territorio posterior, con patencia y permeabilidad del polígono de Willis, serían candidatos a este tipo de procedimiento, se deben realizar más estudios con pacientes que presenten condiciones similares para optimizar su desenlace neurológico posterior a ictus en territorio de estructuras vitales.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: 10% of the strokes affect the posterior circulation, with important neurological deficit and they may compromise the life. Initial management of these patients includes pharmacological thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy to re-establish the flow of irrigation from vital structures such as the midbrain and brainstem. METHOD: We present the case of an 81-year-old patient, with unsteady gait with left hemianopsia. Basilar and left vertebral artery occlusion were demonstrated by angiotomography, and critical right vertebral artery stenosis. Due a catheterization of the vertebral arteries was not possible, Basilar artery access through a posterior communicating artery was performed. RESULTS: Adequate revascularization of the basilar artery was performed, by angiography. However, 12 hours later, the patient presented the re-occlusion of the basilar artery that caused brain death. CONCLUSION: Patients with occlusion or severe stenosis in posterior circulation with patency and permeability of the Willis polygon would be candidates for this type of procedure. Further studies are needed to confirm the neurological outcome after stroke in the territory of vital structures with limited vascular access.

Aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar e hidrocefalia. Presentación de un caso / Atherosclerotic Aneurysm of the Basilar Artery and Hydrocephalus. A Case Report

Los aneurismas arteriales intracraneales son frecuentes. Muchos de ellos no producen manifestaciones clínicas, por lo que con frecuencia no se diagnostican en vida del paciente. En autopsias, los aneurismas desarrollados en la arteria basilar aparecen entre un 2 a un 5 % de los casos; entre ellos son más frecuentes los saculares y congénitos que los ateroscleróticos y fusiformes. Se presenta un caso de aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar, diagnosticado en la autopsia de un hombre de 88 años. Este paciente había sido internado con el diagnóstico de ictus isquémico, hipertensión endocraneana e hidrocefalia, lo que inclinó el pensar clínico hacia una neoplasia de fosa posterior. El objetivo de esta presentación es exponer los hallazgos resultantes de la autopsia que evidenciaron la presencia de aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar.

Intracranial aneurysms are fairly common. Many of them produce no symptoms, often remaining undiagnosed during life. At autopsy, aneurysms of the basilar artery appear in 2 to 5% of the cases; among them, saccular and congenital aneurysms are more common than atherosclerotic and fusiform aneurysms. A case of atherosclerotic aneurysm of the basilar artery diagnosed at autopsy in an 88-year-old man is presented. This patient had been admitted with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus, which led physicians to consider a posterior fossa tumor. This paper aims at presenting the autopsy findings that showed the presence of an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the basilar artery.

Aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar e hidrocefalia: presentación de un caso / Atherosclerotic aneurysm of the basilar artery and hydrocephalus: a case report

Los aneurismas arteriales intracraneales son frecuentes. Muchos de ellos no producen manifestaciones clínicas, por lo que con frecuencia no se diagnostican en vida del paciente. En autopsias, los aneurismas desarrollados en la arteria basilar aparecen entre un 2 a un 5 por ciento de los casos; entre ellos son más frecuentes los saculares y congénitos que los ateroscleróticos y fusiformes. Se presenta un caso de aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar, diagnosticado en la autopsia de un hombre de 88 años. Este paciente había sido internado con el diagnóstico de ictus isquémico, hipertensión endocraneana e hidrocefalia, lo que inclinó el pensar clínico hacia una neoplasia de fosa posterior. El objetivo de esta presentación es exponer los hallazgos resultantes de la autopsia que evidenciaron la presencia de aneurisma aterosclerótico de la arteria basilar(AU)

Intracranial aneurysms are fairly common. Many of them produce no symptoms, often remaining undiagnosed during life. At autopsy, aneurysms of the basilar artery appear in 2 to 5 percent of the cases; among them, saccular and congenital aneurysms are more common than atherosclerotic and fusiform aneurysms. A case of atherosclerotic aneurysm of the basilar artery diagnosed at autopsy in an 88-year-old man is presented. This patient had been admitted with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus, which led physicians to consider a posterior fossa tumor. This paper aims at presenting the autopsy findings that showed the presence of an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the basilar artery(AU)

Expresión morfológica de la arteria basilar: un estudio con material de autopsia de individuos colombianos / Morphological expression of the basilar artery: a study with colombian population's autopsy material

La arteria basilar (AB) presenta una expresión variable, la cual es determinante en la etiología de eventos clínicos que comprometen el tallo cerebral. El propósito de este trabajo fue determinar la expresión morfológica de la AB en una muestra de población colombiana. Fueron estudiados 100 tallos cerebrales de individuos a quienes se les practicó autopsia en el Institutode Medicina Legal de Bucaramanga. El sistema vertebro-basilar fue perfundido con resina sintética y evaluado los calibres, trayectorias, niveles de origen y finalización de la AB. La AB presentó trayectoria rectilínea en 68 por ciento, desviación a la derecha en 12 por ciento, sinuosa en 10 por ciento y desviación a la izquierda en 10 por ciento. La longitud total de la AB fue 30,2 mm DE 4,07 y la longitud con relación al origen de la arteria Cerebelar superior fue 28,1 mm DE 3,84. Los calibres proximal y distal de la AB fueron 3,96 mm DE 0,48 mm y 3,7 mm DE 0,58 respectivamente. Con relación a las arterias de origen de la AB, se observó hipoplasia ( 2 mm) de la arteria vertebral derecha en el 8 por ciento y de la arteria vertebral izquierda en el 11 por ciento (P = 0,30). Se observó el origen de la AB a tres niveles del surco pontomedular: a nivel en el 43 por ciento, por arriba de este en el 30 por ciento y por debajo de este surco en 27 por ciento de los casos. Las trayectorias sinuosas y desviadas de la AB observadas y la presencia de hipoplasias de la arteria vertebral son ligeramente superiores a los señalados en estudios previos, mientras que su longitud se ubica en un rango medio y su calibre es ligeramente inferior a lo señalado en la literatura.

The basilar artery (BA) has a variable expression which is determinant in the etiology of clinical events that compromise the brain stem. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological expression of BA in a Colombian population sample. We studied 100 brainstems of individuals which underwent an autopsy at the Instituto de Medicina Legal of Bucaramanga. The vertebra basilar system was perfused with synthetic resin and its calibers, paths, levels of origin and end of the BA were evaluated. The BA presented a rectilinear trajectory in 68 percent, deviation to the right in 12 percent, sinuous in 10 percent and deviation to the left in 10 percent. The total length of the BA was 30.2 mm SD 4.07, its length in relation to the origin of the superior cerebellar artery was 28.1 mm SD 3.84. The proximal and distal caliber of the BA were 3.96 mm SD 0.48 mm and 3.7 mm SD 0.58 respectively. In relation to the origin arteries of the AB, hypoplasia was observed ( 2 mm) of the right vertebral artery in 8 percent and the left vertebral artery in 11 percent (P = 0.30). The origin of BA was observed at different spontomedullary groove levels: at level in 43 percent, above it in 30 percent and below it in 27 percent of the cases. The sinuous and diverted paths from the BA observed and the presence of vertebral artery hypoplasia are slightly higher than those reported in previous studies, while its length is at medium range and its caliber is slightly lower than reported in the literature.

Aneurismas associados à fenestração da artéria basilar: entidades raras submetidas a tratamento endovascular ? Relato de casos e revisão da literatura / Aneurysms at fenestration basilar artery: rare entities submitted to endovascular treatment ? Case report and literature review

Aneurismas da junção vertebrobasilar são raros e frequentemente associados com fenestração da artéria basilar. Estudos mostram que tal entidade representa entre 3% e 9% dos aneurismas infratentoriais e 7,4% dos aneurismas da circulação posterior, excluindo-se os aneurismas da bifurcação da basilar. A sua localização profunda, anterior ao tronco cerebral, e sua íntima relação com as artérias perfurantes tornam o tratamento cirúrgico um grande desafio. A fenestração foi mais comumente encontrada na metade inferior da basilar, situando-se na porção média quando as artérias vertebrais apresentam as mesmas dimensões ou encontradas do lado correspondente à artéria vertebral de maior calibre. Outras classificações para a fenestração da basilar foram propostas. De acordo com a mais utilizada, a fenestração pode ser considerada do tipo A quando apresentar dois pontos de bifurcação proximais, com uma artéria ponte associada e do tipo B quando apresentar bifurcação simples proximal ao sítio da fenestração. Tais aneurismas são de difícil caracterização pela angiografia digital convencional por apresentarem anatomia peculiar, sendo a angiografia em 3D o exame de escolha para a classificação da doença. As modernas técnicas endovasculares disponíveis na atualidade permitem o tratamento seguro mesmo de lesões altamente complexas.

Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction are rare and often associated with fenestration of the basilar artery. Studies show that such entity represents between 3% and 9% of infratentorial aneurysms and 7.4% of aneurysms of the posterior circulation excluding basilar bifurcation aneurysms. Its location deep, anterior to the brainstem and its intimate relationship with the perforating arteries, becomes surgical treatment a challenge. The fenestration was more commonly found in the lower half of the basilar, standing in the middle portion when the vertebral arteries have the same dimensions and found the corresponding side of the vertebral artery of larger caliber. Other ratings for fenestration of the basilar were proposed. According to these most used, the fenestration can be regarded as type A, when present two bifurcation points with a proximal artery associated bridge, and the type B when presenting simple bifurcation proximal to the site of fenestration. Such aneurysms are difficult to characterize by conventional digital angiography for presenting peculiar anatomy, 3D angiography is the exam of choice for disease classification. Modern endovascular techniques currently available allow for the safe treatment of even highly complex lesions.

Trombose de artéria basilar: relato de caso / Basilar artery thrombosis: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O acidente vascular encefálico vértebro-basilar é uma entidade difícil de ser reconhecida através de dados semiológicos, pois pode se apresentar clinicamente semelhante a uma labirintopatia. O objetivo deste estudo foi alertar sobre os sintomas apresentados pelo paciente com vertigem central para se fazer um diagnóstico precoce. A justificativa baseia-se no quadro de um paciente com vertigem e vômitos, avaliado como uma labirintopatia, chamando atenção de dados semiológicos úteis na distinção entre a vertigem central e a periférica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 69 anos, hipertenso foi atendido em pronto-atendimento com vertigem, vômitos e mal estar. Medicado com metoclopramida, dimenidrinato, clonazepam. Alta com melhora parcial do quadro, suspeitando labirintite. Orientado consulta com otorrinolaringologia. No dia seguinte evoluiu com incapacidade de marcha, vertigem, vômitos, rebaixamento do nível de consciência e descerebração bilateral. Submetido à intubação orotraqueal. Tomografia computadorizada de crânio (TCC) revelou sinal de hiperdensidade da artéria basilar sugerindo trombose,confirmada pela angiografia. Tendo-se em vista quadro neurológico e tempo de evolução impreciso, optou-se por não utilizar trombolítico. No dia seguinte, o paciente apresentava-se em coma (Glasgow = 3),TCC revelando acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico (AVEI) agudo vértebro-basilar extenso evoluindo para óbito 72 horas após. CONCLUSÃO: A distinção entre vertigem central ou periférica é um desafio semiológico. O diagnóstico precoce do AVEI por TCC é limitado. O conhecimento de dados semiológicos é uma ferramenta indispensável para o reconhecimento do AVE vértebro-basilar em unidades de PA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vertebrobasilar strokeis a difficult entity to be recognized through semiological data, because it can be clinically similar to a labyrinthopathy. This study aims at alerting about the symptoms of patients with central vertigo to make an early diagnosis, as the clinical picture of vertigo and vomiting can be diagnosed as a labyrinthopathy; it also aims at drawing attention to semiological data useful for distinguishing between the peripheral and central vertigo. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 69 years, hypertensive, was seen in an emergency service with dizziness, vomiting, malaise. He was given metoclopramide, dimenhydrinate, and clonazepam. He was discharged with partial improvement of his condition and suspicion of labyrinthitis. He was referred to an otorhinolaryngologist. The next day he progressed with inability to walk, dizziness, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness and bilateral decerebration. He underwent orotracheal intubation. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hyperdensity sign of basilar artery suggestive of thrombosis, confirmed by angiography. Due to the neurological symptoms and inaccurate time course, we chose not to use thrombolytic therapy. The next day, the patient was in coma (Glasgow= 3), with CT revealing extensive acute vertebrobasilar ischemic stroke (AIS) that progressed to death in 72 hours. CONCLUSION: The distinction between central or peripheral vertigo is a semiological challenge. Early diagnosis of AIS by brain TC is limited. The knowledge of semiological data is an indispensable tool for the recognition of vertebrobasilar stroke in emergency care.

Neurosífilis meningovascular con trombosis de la arteria basilar / Meningovascular neurosyphilis with basilar artery thrombosis, a case report and literature review

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 54 años, negativo para VIH, con enfermedad cerebrovascular por trombosis de la arteria basilar, secundaria a neurosífilis meningovascular. La neurosífilis es el compromiso del sistema nervioso central por Treponema pallidum subespecie pallidum en cualquier estadio de la entidad e incluye las formas asintomáticas y sintomáticas de la infección; sus formas de presentación son diversas y dependen de la localización y la extensión de las lesiones. La recomendación actual es el tratamiento con 4 millones de unidades de penicilina cristalina cada 4 horas por 14 días.

Herein a case is described of a 54-years old patient, HIV negative, with cerebro-vascular disease by basilar artery thrombosis secondary to meningovascular neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis is the impairment at any stage of the central nervous system by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum and includes asymptomatic and symptomatic forms of infection. The presentation can take many forms, depending on the location and extent of tissue damage. The currently recommended treatment is crystalline penicillin, 4 million units every 4 hours for 14 days.

Dolicomega da artéria vértebro-basilar como causa de perda auditiva neurossensorial assimétrica: relato de caso / Megadolicho basilar artery as a cause of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: No diagnóstico diferencial das perdas sensorioneurais assimétricas fazem parte os distúrbios vasculares e dentre essas alterações encontra-se o dolicomega da artéria vértebro-basilar. Habitualmente essa doença é assintomática e quando há sintomas esses podem ser causados por compressão ou isquemia. Clinicamente podem ocorrer: perda neurossensorial, zumbido, cefaleia, hipoestesia facial, neuralgia trigeminal, vertigem, diplopia e paralisia facial entre outros. O exame de imagem de escolha para seu diagnóstico é a ressonância nuclear magnética. A terapia do dolicomega da artéria basilar pode ser intervencionista ou conservadora dependendo dos achados associados. A abordagem multidisciplinar incluindo neurologista, neurocirurgião e otorrinolaringologista para adequada condução do caso é recomendada. OBJETIVO: Relatar o caso de um paciente com perda auditiva neurossensorial assimétrica cujo diagnóstico foi de dolicomega da artéria basilar. RELATO DO CASO: JBS, 57 anos, sexo masculino, branco com história de hipoacusia neurossensorial assimétrica e zumbido tipo apito bilateral há vários anos. Exame otorrinolaringológico apresentando otoscopia, rinoscopia anterior e orofaringe normais. COMENTÁRIOS FINAIS: O tratamento consistiu de acompanhamento do paciente, controle do zumbido com medicação e uso de um aparelho de amplificação sonora individual na orelha esquerda.

INTRODUCTION: At the differentiated diagnosis of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing losses, vascular disorders are present, one of which is megadolicho basilar artery. This disease is generally asymptomatic, and when symptoms are found, they can be caused by a compression or ischemia. Clinically, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, headache, facial hypoesthesia, trigeminal neuralgia, vertigo, diplopia and facial palsy, among others, are likely to occur. The image examination of choice for its diagnosis is nuclear magnetic resonance. The megadolicho basilar artery therapy can be surgical or conservative, according to the associated findings. A multidisciplinary approach, including a neurologist, neurosurgeon and an otorhinolaryngologist is recommended for a proper administration of the case. OBJECTIVE: Report the case of a patient with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, diagnosed of megadolicho basilar artery. CASE REPORT: JBS, 57-year-old white male with a history of asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral whistle-like tinnitus for several years. The otorhinolaryngologic evaluation, including otoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy and oral pharynx, was normal. FINAL COMMENTS: The treatment consisted in following up with the patient, controlling the tinnitus by drugs and using an individual sound amplification apparatus on the left ear.

Frequência da artéria caroticobasilar em equinos mestiços: estudo anatômico destinado a pesquisa experimental e ao diagnóstico por imagem / Frequency of the caroticobasilar artery in crossbred horses: anatomical study for experimental research and diagnostic imaging

A busca pela compreensão do funcionamento do sistema nervoso resultou em um aumento de estudos morfológicos sobre a vascularização encefálica em diferentes espécies animais. As artérias encefálicas são a principal rota para transporte de sangue para o cérebro e, portanto têm um papel essencial na manutenção de atividade normal do mesmo, o que desperta, devido sua importância funcional, o interesse pela realização de vários estudos. A artéria caroticobasilar foi investigada em animais da ordem Perissodactyla, de espécies da família dos eqüídeos. Pesquisou-se a frequência da artéria caroticobasilar em 30 encéfalos de equinos adultos e mestiços, do sexo masculino. As observações realizadas mostraram que este importante vaso apresentou as seguintes frequências absolutas e percentuais: presente em 15(50 por cento) dos encéfalos examinados sendo 4 (13,3 por cento) no antímero direito, 6 (20 por cento) no antímero esquerdo e 5 (16,7 por cento) em ambos os antímeros.

The search for the functional understanding of the nervous system has resulted in an increase of morphological studies about encephalic vascularization in different animal species. The encephalic arteries are the main rote for blood transport to the brain and therefore have an essential role in the maintenance of normal brain activity. The functional importance of these vessels has led to various studies. The caroticobasilar artery was investigated in animals of order Perissodactyla, in species of Equidae family. The frequency of caroticobasilar artery was studied in 30 adult male crossbreed brain horses. The observations showed that this important vessel presented the following absolute and percentual frequencies: present in 15 (50 percent) brains 4 (13.3 percent) in the right antimere, 6 (20 percent) in the left antimere and 5 (16.7 percent) on both antimeres.

Avoiding pitfalls in diagnosing basilar artery occlusive disease: clinical and imaging clues - case report / Evitando erros no diagnóstico de doença oclusiva da artéria basilar: pistas clínicas e radiológicas - relato de caso

CONTEXT: The aim of this paper was to report on the characteristics that aid in establishing the diagnosis of basilar artery occlusive disease (BAOD) among patients with hemiparesis and few or minor symptoms of vertebrobasilar disease. CASE REPORT: This report describes two cases in a public university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We present clinical and imaging findings from two patients with hemiparesis and severe BAOD, but without clinically relevant carotid artery disease (CAD). One patient presented transient ischemic attacks consisting of spells of right hemiparesis that became progressively more frequent, up to twice a week. The neurological examination revealed slight right hemiparesis and right homonymous hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine and occipital infarcts. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography revealed severe basilar artery stenosis. The other patient presented sudden left-side hemiparesis and hypoesthesia. One year earlier, she had reported sudden onset of vertigo that, at that time, was attributed to peripheral vestibulopathy and was not further investigated. MRI showed a right-side pontine infarct and an old infarct in the right cerebellar hemisphere. Basilar artery occlusion was diagnosed. Both patients presented their symptoms while receiving aspirin, and became asymptomatic after treatment with warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: Misdiagnosing asymptomatic CAD as the cause of symptoms in BAOD can have disastrous consequences, such as unnecessary carotid endarterectomy and exposure to this surgical risk while failing to offer the best available treatment for BAOD. Clinical and imaging features provided important clues for diagnosis in the cases presented.

CONTEXTO: O objetivo deste artigo foi de relatar as características que auxiliam no estabelecimento do diagnóstico da doença oclusiva da artéria basilar (DOAB) em pacientes com hemiparesia e poucos sintomas, ou sintomas leves de doença vertebrobasilar. RELATO DE CASO: Descrição de dois casos em um hospital público universitário em São Paulo, Brasil. Apresentamos características clínicas e radiológicas de dois pacientes com hemiparesia e DOAB grave, na ausência de doença carotídea (DCA) relevante. Um paciente apresentou ataques isquêmicos transitórios consistindo de hemiparesia direita transitória, que se tornaram progressivamente mais frequentes, até duas vezes por semana. O exame neurológico revelou hemiparesia direita e hemianopsia homônima direita. A ressonância magnética (RM) revelou infartos pontinos e occipitais. As angiografias por ressonância magnética e por subtração digital revelaram estenose grave da artéria basilar. Outra paciente apresentou hemiparesia e hipoestesia de instalação súbita, à esquerda. Um ano antes, ela havia apresentado vertigem súbita, na ocasião atribuída a vestibulopatia periférica, não investigada em maior profundidade. A RM mostrou infarto pontino à direita e infarto antigo no hemisfério cerebelar direito. Foi diagnosticada oclusão da artéria basilar. Ambos os pacientes apresentaram os sintomas enquanto faziam tratamento com aspirina, e se tornaram assintomáticos após tratamento com warfarina. CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico errôneo de DCA como causa de sintomas na DOAB pode ter conseqüências desastrosas, como a endarterectomia carotídea desnecessária e a exposição a tal risco cirúrgico, ao invés de oferecimento do melhor tratamento disponível para a DOAB. Características clínicas e radiológicas forneceram pistas importantes para o diagnóstico nos casos apresentados.