[Surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: Management and long-term results in a series of patients operated in an Argentinian Center]. / Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas arteriovenosas durales espinales en un Centro argentino.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology, frequently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. METHODS: Retrospective and monocentric analysis of 12 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2021. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and Rankin scales. Diagnostic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. RESULTS: Twelve patients (10 men and 2 women), average age: 60 years, were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was < 12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 8 cases, between T6 and T12, 3 at lumbar spine (L1-L2) and at S1 in one case, with no difference regarding side. The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in 5 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 2 at D10, 2 at D9 and 1 at D7 (7 left-sided and 5 right-sided). Three of the 12 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neurological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 10 improved one or more points on the mRs; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at 6 months. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 6 to 122) and no patient presented recurrence. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

Introducción: La fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microquirúrgico o endovascular. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre los años 2010 y 2021. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada (mRs). Los estudios diagnósticos se utilizaron para determinar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron doce pacientes (10 hombres y 2 mujeres) con un promedio de edad de 60 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas, 8 a nivel dorsal, 3 a nivel lumbar y una a nivel sacro. La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en 5 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 2 en D10, 2 en D9 y un caso en D7. De los 12 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente; dos permanecieron estables en su evolución y 10 mejoraron uno o más puntos del mRs. No hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos mostraron mejoría del edema medular en resonancia magnética y la angiografía digital, luego de los 6 meses, fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 40 meses con un rango de 6 a 122 meses y ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento endovascular.

Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas arteriovenosas durales espinales en un centro Argentino / Surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: Management and long-term results in a series of patients operated in an Argentinian center

Resumen Introducción: La fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microqui rúrgico o endovascular. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de pa cientes con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre los años 2010 y 2021. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada (mRs). Los estudios diagnósticos se utilizaron para de terminar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron doce pacientes (10 hombres y 2 mujeres) con un promedio de edad de 60 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas, 8 a nivel dorsal, 3 a nivel lumbar y una a nivel sacro. La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en 5 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 2 en D10, 2 en D9 y un caso en D7. De los 12 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente; dos permanecieron estables en su evolución y 10 mejoraron uno o más puntos del mRs. No hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos mostraron mejoría del edema medular en reso nancia magnética y la angiografía digital, luego de los 6 meses, fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 40 meses con un rango de 6 a 122 meses y ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento en dovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDA VF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology, fre quently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. Methods: Retrospective and monocentric analysis of 12 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2021. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and Rankin scales. Diagnos tic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. Results: Twelve patients (10 men and 2 women), average age: 60 years, were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was <12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 8 cases, between T6 and T12, 3 at lumbar spine (L1- L2) and at S1 in one case, with no difference regarding side. The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in 5 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 2 at D10, 2 at D9 and 1 at D7 (7 left-sided and 5 right-sided). Three of the 12 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neu rological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 10 improved one or more points on the mRs; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at 6 months. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 6 to 122) and no patient presented recurrence. Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

[Cervical aspergillosis with dissemination to the central nervous system: Case reports and review of the literature]. / Aspergilosis cervical con diseminación al sistema nervioso central. Presentación de un caso y revisión de bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) of the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon condition that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. This illness can manifest as meningitis, or as a micotic aneurism, stroke or abscess. The infection affects the CNS either primarily or, more often, secondarily via blood dissemination from a distant focus, and has a poor prognosis. We present a patient with IA primarily affecting the cervical bones, with later spread into the brain. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 25-year old male was receiving chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia when he developed pneumonitis secondary to methotrexate and was started on corticosteroids. He subsequently developed cervicalgia, prompting a needle biopsy of the fourth vertebrae, after which a diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made. Even though the biopsy culture was negative, empirical antibiotics were initiated. A parietal lobe lesion was treated surgically months later after the patient presented with three episodes of transient aphasia. After A. fumigatus grew in culture, the patient's antibiotic regimen was changed to treat the specific agent with a good response. CONCLUSION: IA must be considered a possibility whenever an immunocompromised patient presents with a new brain lesion. These lesions require surgical evacuation, a procedure that allows for diagnostic confirmation and enhances prognosis. Appropriate anti-fungal therapy must be started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. In addition, the patient's neurological exam must be repeated and images obtained periodically to monitor treatment and detect possible recurrences.

Microcirugía de las fístulas durales arteriovenosas espinales, más un repaso de la anatomía vascular vertebromedular / Microsurgery of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas, plus a review of the vertebromedullary vascular anatomy

Introducción: la fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular rara, de etiología desconocida y frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microquirúrgico o endovascular. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 8 pacientes consecutivos con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre 2010 y 2020. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada. Los estudios diagnósticos con RMN (Resonancia Magnética Nuclear), ARM (Angio Resonancia Magnética) y ADM (Angiografía Digital Medular) se utilizaron para determinar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Fueron operados 8 pacientes (7 masculinos y 1 femenino) con un promedio de edad de 58 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas en: 6 a nivel dorsal entre D6 y D12, una en L2 y la última en S1 (5 derechas y 3 izquierdas). La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en: 4 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 1 en D10 y un caso en D7 (6 izquierdas y 2 derechas). De los 8 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente. La evolución postoperatoria del cuadro neurológico fue: 2 de 8 permanecieron estables y 6 de 8 mejoraron uno o más puntos en la escala de Rankin modificada; no hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos los pacientes mejoraron las imágenes en RMN diferida y la ADM luego de los 6 meses fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 48 meses con un rango de 11 a 116 meses, ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento endovascular.

Introduction: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology and frequently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of a series of 8 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2020. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and modified Rankin scales. Diagnostic studies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) and spinal DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. Results: Eight patients (7 male and 1 female), average age of 58 years were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was less than 12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 6 cases between T6 and T12, at L2 in one and at S1 in one case (5 on the right and 3 on the left). The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in: 4 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 1 at D10 and in one case at D7 (6 left-sided and 2 right-sided). Three of the 8 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neurological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 6 had improved one or more points on the modified Rankin scale; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at six months. Average follow-up was 48 months (range 11 to 116 months), no patient presented recurrence. Conclusions: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

Meningiomas intraventriculares: reporte de 7 casos y revisión bibliográfica / Intraventricular meningiomas: report of 7 cases and bibliographic review

Introducción: Los meningiomas intraventriculares tienen una baja prevalencia. Dado su origen en plexos coroideos o tela coroidea presentan predilección por los ventrículos laterales. Suelen ser de gran tamaño al momento diagnóstico y de histología preponderantemente benigna. Materiales y Métodos: Realizamos revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes operados de estos tumores durante el período 1999-2014, en nuestra institución junto a una revisión bibliográfica. Resultados: Se operaron siete pacientes con meningiomas intraventriculares de los cuales seis tuvieron localización atrial, cinco fueron derechos y uno izquierdo; el caso restante corresponde a una lesión del IV ventrículo. Todos fueron de sexo femenino con edad promedio de 49 años. La presentación clínica prevalente fue cefalea, trastorno cognitivo leve y hemianopsia homónima en los tumores supratentoriales. Disfunción trigeminal y facial periférica izquierda, disfagia y ataxia troncal se observaron en la lesión del IV ventrículo. Se realizaron dos abordajes parietales, uno precuneal, tres temporales y un abordaje telovelar. En el postoperatorio, 2 pacientes presentaron hemianopsia homónima secuelar. Dos pacientes presentaron signos de atipia por lo cual recibieron radioterapia postoperatoria. Conclusión: Dada su escasa prevalencia el objetivo quirúrgico en meningiomas intraventriculares es la remoción completa con la menor morbilidad postoperatoria posible. En los casos atípicos sugerimos realizar radioterapia postoperatoria para reducir el riesgo de recidivas.

Introduction: Intraventricular meningioma’s have a low prevalence. Given its origin in choroid plexus or tela choroidea presents predilection by the lateral ventricles. They tend to be large at the time of diagnosis and predominantly benign histology. Methods: We performed retrospective review records of patients operated of intraventricular meningioma’s during the period 1999-2014 in our institution with a review of the literature. Development: We operated seven patients with these tumors, six with atrial location, five were right and one left; the remaining case corresponds to a lesion in the fourth ventricle. All were female with an average age of 49 years. The prevalent clinical presentation was headache, mild cognitive disorder and homonymous hemianopsia in supratentorial tumors. Trigeminal and peripheral left facial dysfunction, dysphagia and central ataxia were observed in the lesion of the fourth ventricle. Parieto-occipital two approaches, one interhemispheric precuneal approach, three temporal and a telovelar approach were carried out. Postoperatively, two patients had homonymous hemianopsia. Two patients presented signs of atypia which received postoperative radiation therapy.Conclusion: Given its low prevalence the surgical goal in intraventricular meningiomas is complete removal with less possible postoperative morbidity. In atypical cases we suggest to perform postoperative radiotherapy to reduce risk of recurrence.

Lipomatosis of the trigeminal nerve causing trigeminal neuralgia: case report and literature review.

UNLABELLED: Cerebellopontine angle lipomas are rare and attempts at surgical excision are associated with significant morbidity. Lipomatosis of nerve, the fatty infiltration of nerves, is a distinct entity. We present a case of intractible trigeminal neuralgia caused by lipomatosis of the trigeminal nerve. CLINICAL CASE: A 25-year-old male presented with severe right-sided trigeminal neuralgia. Imaging showed a lesion involving the trigeminal nerve with signal characteristics of fat. At surgery the lesion was found to be a fatty infiltration of the nerve itself. Surgery was therefore limited to arachnoid adhesiolysis. The patient remains symptom-free and neurologically intact to date. Correctly identifying these lesions as lipomatosis of nerve rather than lipoma of the cerebellopontine angle make it clear that even partial surgical excision will inevitably result in neurological deficit and should not be attempted. However, in the case of intractable trigeminal neuralgia we demonstrate that surgery can still play a role.

Executive function improvement in normal pressure hydrocephalus following shunt surgery.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate improvement of executive functions after shunt surgery in patients with early normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Patients with NPH were assessed before and after shunt surgery with tests shown to be sensitive to damage to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Significant differences were found between basal and follow-up performances on the Boston Naming Test, the backwards digits span, Part B of the Trail Making Test, and the number of words produced on the phonological fluency task. In conclusion, our study reveals that patients with NPH who respond positively to continuous slow lumbar cerebral spinal fluid drainage and receive a ventriculoperitoneal shunt implant, improve their performance on tasks of executive function. Due to the high demand for this form of mental processing in real-life complex scenarios, and based on the severe executive deficits present in both demented and non-demented NPH patients, we encourage the assessment of executive functions in this clinical group.

Malformaciones cavernosas supratentoriales en una institución argentina: experiencia del tratamiento quirúrgico / Supratentorial cavernous malformations in an Argentinian institution: experience with surgical treatment

Introducción. Las malformaciones cavernosas son lesiones vasculares del sistema nervioso central constituidas por endotelio sinusoidal que forma capilares agrupados o cavernas que carecen de los elementos típicos de una pared arterial madura y ausencia de tejido neural interpuesto. El endotelio está rodeado por una densa capa de fibras colágenas que dejan pequeñas hendiduras por las que se extravasa hemosiderina. Se comunican con el sistema vascular a muy baja presión y su tratamiento puede ser por microcirugía o radiocirugía. Objetivos. Analizar las malformaciones cavernosas supratentoriales tratadas quirúrgicamente en nuestra institución (FLENI), determinar la epidemiología y las características intrínsecas, estudiar la clínica de presentación, determinar las indicaciones quirúrgicas y complicaciones, y establecer el pronóstico. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo analítico de historias clínicas e imágenes de pacientes operados de malformaciones cavernosas supratentoriales en la FLENI desde enero de 1996 hasta diciembre de 2013. Resultados. Evaluamos a 51 pacientes, de 34 años de media, seguidos durante una media de 30 meses. El 1,96% de los pacientes presentó diagnóstico incidental y el resto mostró síntomas. El 23,52% presentó hemorragia en el momento del diagnóstico. En todas las cirugías se logró una exéresis total de las malformaciones cavernosas supratentoriales. Se observó un caso de meningitis postoperatoria. Conclusiones. La tasa de sangrado de las malformaciones cavernosas supratentoriales en nuestro medio es del 1,38% por paciente por año. El tratamiento quirúrgico es eficaz para erradicar o disminuir los síntomas y para evitar un posible resangrado. Presenta una tasa muy baja de complicaciones y un pronóstico neurológico favorable (AU)

Introduction. Cavernous malformations are vascular malformations of the central nervous system formed by a group of capillaries not covered by pia mater and communicated to the vascular system at very low pressure with very slow flow. Surgery or radiosurgery are the treatment modalities. Aims. To analyze our results after surgical treatment of supratentorial cavernous malformations, reviewing clinical presentation, surgical indications and postoperative complications. Patients and methods. Analytical retrospective study of medical records and images of patients who underwent resection of supratentorial cavernomas at FLENI from January 1996 until December 2013. Results. We evaluated 51 patients, mean age 34 years, followed for an average of 30 months. In 1.96% of patients diagnosis was incidental, the rest all presented symptoms. Bleeding at diagnosis was observed in 23.52%. Total excision of supratentorial cavernous malformations was possible in all cases. The only postoperative complication was one case of meningitis. Conclusions. The bleeding rate of supratentorial cavernous malformations in our series was 1.38% per patient per year. Surgical treatment effectively eliminated, or at least reduced symptoms, prevented rebleeding, and decreased need for antiepileptic drug therapy. Surgery have a low complication rate and good outcome (AU)

Hidrocefalia externa del adulto: manejo terapéutico y diagnóstico diferencial conhematoma subdural crónico e higroma subdural. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Adult external hydrocephalus- therapeutical measures & differential diagnosis with chronic subdural hematoma & subdural higroma: case report & literature review

Objetivo: presentar un caso de hidrocefalia externa en un adulto. Presentación: paciente de 73 años con trastornos en la marcha y paresia braquial derecha de tres semanas de evolución secundarios a hematoma subdural (HSD) frontotemporoparietal izquierdo. Intervención: tras doble evacuación y craniectomía descompresiva por resangrado en postoperatorio inmediato, evolucionó con sensorio fluctuante y confuso, evidenciando en tomografías computadas (TAC) controles colecciones líquidas bilaterales extraaxialescon ventrículos, surcos y cisternas conservados, “signo de venas corticales” a través de cada colección con herniación de ésta a través de la craniectomía. Por punción transcutánea a través de ella se mide la presión del espacio subdural de 26 cm de H2O apoyando el diagnóstico de HEA. Se coloca drenaje subduroperitoneal bilateral logrando una evolución favorable. Conclusión: el manejo terapéutico óptimo de las colecciones subdurales aún no ha sido establecido. La conducta conservadora resulta adecuada en casos asintomáticos y sin efecto de masa mientras que en efusiones subdurales bastaría irrigar la cavidad o una derivación subduroperitoneal. Las derivaciones de LCR resultan de impredecible eficacia en HEA y las colecciones asociadas persisten o recidivan tras su evacuación, por lo que una correcta selección de pacientes es clave antes de cualquier decisión terapéutica.

Schwannomas vestibulares quísticos / Cystic vetibular schwannomas

Objetivo. Presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de los Schwannomas vestibulares quísticos comparándolos con lesiones sólidas. Material y método. Se evaluaron en forma retrospectiva los síntomas de presentación clínica, tasas de preservación facial, grado de resección quirúrgica, complicaciones postoperatorias y hallazgos histológicos de los Schwannomas quísticos pareados en base al tamaño tumoral con un grupo de lesiones sólidas. Resultados. Durante el período junio 1995 julio 2010, 27 pacientes con Schwannomas quísticos se operaron en nuestro Departamento. El diámetro promedio fue de 29,6 mm. Los síntomas de presentación clínica más frecuentes fueron la hipoacusia, inestabilidad en la marcha y parestesias faciales. Al año de cirugía, el 74% de los pacientes tenían función facial HB I-III sin diferencias significativas con el grupo de lesiones sólidas. La remoción completa fue 55,5% y 85% de los pacientes en las lesiones quísticas ysólidas respectivamente. Conclusión. Los Schwannomas quísticos deben ser evaluados en forma separada de las lesiones sólidas debido a que pueden crecer rápidamente, presentar mayor complejidad quirúrgica y desarrollar complicaciones postoperatorias con mayor frecuencia.

Objective. To present our experience treating this rare tumor variant.Material and Method. Retrospective evaluation of an institutional cystic vestibular schwannoma series, based on initial symptoms, rate of facial preservation, extent of surgical resection, postoperative complication rate and cystic lesion quantificationon histology in comparison to solid tumor type. Results. During the period June 1995-July 2010, 27 cysticschwannomas were operated on at the FLENI neurological Institute. Mean tumor diameter was 29,6mm. The most frequent presenting symptoms included hypoacusia, unsteadiness and facial paresthesias. One year after surgery, 74% of patients presented facial function HB I-III, showing no statistical difference in comparison to solid lesions. Complete surgical resectionwas possible in 55, 5% of the cystic and 85% of the solid tumor groups, respectively. Conclusion. Cystic vestibular schwannomas should be identified separately from vestibular schwannomas in general, particularlybecause they often undergo more rapid expansion, and may present greater surgical risk as well as higher rates ofpostoperative complications.

Schwannomas vestibulares quísticos / Cystic vetibular schwannomas

Objetivo. Presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de los Schwannomas vestibulares quísticos comparándolos con lesiones sólidas. Material y método. Se evaluaron en forma retrospectiva los síntomas de presentación clínica, tasas de preservación facial, grado de resección quirúrgica, complicaciones postoperatorias y hallazgos histológicos de los Schwannomas quísticos pareados en base al tamaño tumoral con un grupo de lesiones sólidas. Resultados. Durante el período junio 1995 julio 2010, 27 pacientes con Schwannomas quísticos se operaron en nuestro Departamento. El diámetro promedio fue de 29,6 mm. Los síntomas de presentación clínica más frecuentes fueron la hipoacusia, inestabilidad en la marcha y parestesias faciales. Al año de cirugía, el 74% de los pacientes tenían función facial HB I-III sin diferencias significativas con el grupo de lesiones sólidas. La remoción completa fue 55,5% y 85% de los pacientes en las lesiones quísticas ysólidas respectivamente. Conclusión. Los Schwannomas quísticos deben ser evaluados en forma separada de las lesiones sólidas debido a que pueden crecer rápidamente, presentar mayor complejidad quirúrgica y desarrollar complicaciones postoperatorias con mayor frecuencia.(AU)

Objective. To present our experience treating this rare tumor variant.Material and Method. Retrospective evaluation of an institutional cystic vestibular schwannoma series, based on initial symptoms, rate of facial preservation, extent of surgical resection, postoperative complication rate and cystic lesion quantificationon histology in comparison to solid tumor type. Results. During the period June 1995-July 2010, 27 cysticschwannomas were operated on at the FLENI neurological Institute. Mean tumor diameter was 29,6mm. The most frequent presenting symptoms included hypoacusia, unsteadiness and facial paresthesias. One year after surgery, 74% of patients presented facial function HB I-III, showing no statistical difference in comparison to solid lesions. Complete surgical resectionwas possible in 55, 5% of the cystic and 85% of the solid tumor groups, respectively. Conclusion. Cystic vestibular schwannomas should be identified separately from vestibular schwannomas in general, particularlybecause they often undergo more rapid expansion, and may present greater surgical risk as well as higher rates ofpostoperative complications.(AU)

Síndrome de área motora suplementaria postoperatoria: Reporte de un caso / Postoperative supplementary motor area syndrome: Report of one case

Objective: To analyze the anatomical and semiological features of the syndrome of the SMA through the presentation of a patient. Description: 55 female. Two yrs history of generalized convultions. Left frontomedial lesion biopsied outwards. PA: low grade astrocytoma. Medically trated until feb 2007. Sudden headache and right sided hemiparesis with crural predominance. Hoffmann and slight right hyper reflexia. MRI: expansion of primary lesion with intra lesional hemorrhage. Surgical resection. PA: mixed anaplastic glioma. The inmediate postoperative status was of a right CB plejia with severe apathy and abulia with right spatial hemineglect and hypofluent and anomic language, with preserved repetition and comprehension. Total recovery of paresis and language except when stressed. Discussion: The SMA is limited by cingulated cortex inferiorly, PMC posteriorly, and vertex surperiorly. The anterior border is not well defined. SMA activates before the PMC, during planification and iniciation of movement. Is connected with the PMC, spinal cord neurons, basal ganglia and contralateral SMA. By intraoperative stimulation it could be established the somatotopic organization of SMA, with the hindlimb posterior the forelimb intermediate and face anterior. Before the facial representation is the language area in the dominant hemisphere. Epileptogenic crisis originated in this area produce abduction and supination of the contralateral forelimb with deviation of the head to the same side. The syndrome of lesion of SMA includes: global akinesis, proximal predominance of motor deficit, with secuelar difficulty for the fine movements of hands an a quick recuperation (days to weeks). Conclusion: The syndrome of the supplementary motor area is well recognized after medial frontal lobe surgery. Its features include reduction of spontaneous movements in the contralateral limbs and speech deficit. The impairment of volitional movements is the main finding...

Diseminación meníngea atípica en meningiomas anaplásicos / Atypical meningeal dissemination in anaplastic meningioma

Objective. To present two cases of aplastic meningiomas refractory to surgical and radiotherapeutic tretement, with torpide evolution and clinical deterioration. Descpription. Case 1. 61, female. Left extraaxial temporo-occipital formation enhancing with gadolinium, tentorial implantation. Simpson II resection. PA: atypical metaplasic meningioma, EMA, VIM and PGR positive, Ki-67; 13%. Without parenchimal infiltration. Local 3D radiotherapy. Visual deterioration, walk disturbance. Relapse with compromise of rectus and transverse sinuses. Simpson II resection. In 12 months, progression of the disease along the convexity. Paliative treatement with hidroxiurea. Case 2: 69, female. Rt. Occipito-parietal meningioma 1995 subtotal resection in other center. Radiotherapy of remnant tumor. 2001 reoperated. Simpson II resection. PA: meningtheliomatous meningioma Ki-67: 5%. Dec. 2006 total resection of relapsing anaplastic meningioma. June 2007, extensive FPT dural dissemination. Medical treatement. Discussion. Anaplasic meningiomas present an exponential growing pattern that differenciates them from better grade lesions, possibly mediated by genetic factors (10q, 14q, 9p deletions). However, the only independent predictor seems to be the cellular kinetic index Ki-67. 5yr. 95% and 10yr. 79% survival rates are reported for anaplastic meningiomas with shorter relapse delays. Conclusion. High aggressive recurrent dissemination of anaplastic meningiomas is uncommon. Simpson´s I or II total resection is the initial tratement complemented as second line treatement by radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is of scant utility.

Quistes dermoides y epidermoides intracraneales / Dermoid and epidermoid itracranial cysts

Objective. To present the clinical and radiologic features and surgical results in the management of dermal and epidermal cysts treated in our institution between 1997 and 2006. Material a method. Age, sex, way of presentation, location, radiologic features, surgical technique and compications of 15 epidermal and 1 dermal tumors diagnosed between may 1997 and October 2006, were retrospectively assessed. Results. Mean age: 43 yrs. Most frequent clinical manifestation: headache. Most tumors were at CPA. All resections were done with microsurgical technique. There were 3 cases of chemical meningitis that resolve without sequel. Discussion. Dermal and epidermal cysts are originated by inclusion of ectodermic material at the moment of occlusion of the neural tube. They represent the 0.3-1.5 of intracranial tumors beeng dermal 5-9 times less frequent. The most frequent location of epidermal cysts is at the CPA while dermal are more frequent in the midline. Clinical fatures depend on location. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis, epecially the DWI sequence. CT is important for the detection of bone invasion. Treatement is so extensive as possible surgical resection, difficult, sometimes because of strong adhesions to eloquent structures. Conclusion. Dermal and epidermal cysts are high fat content lesions, that produce edherence to neural structures. Surgical excision is the election tratement.

Condrosarcoma de base de cráneo y enfermedad de Ollier / Chondrosacoma of skull basis and Ollier´s disease

Los condrosarcomas intracraneales son lesiones infrecuentes que pueden presentarse en forma aislada o el contexto de las condromatosis múltiples, como la enfermedad de Ollier y el sindrome de Maffucci. Reportamos el caso clínico de una paciente joven con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Ollier y condrosarcoma de base de cráneo analizando los diagnósticos diferenciales y su tratamiento quirúrgico. (AU)

Condrosarcoma de base de cráneo y enfermedad de Ollier / Chondrosacoma of skull basis and Ollierïs disease

Los condrosarcomas intracraneales son lesiones infrecuentes que pueden presentarse en forma aislada o el contexto de las condromatosis múltiples, como la enfermedad de Ollier y el sindrome de Maffucci. Reportamos el caso clínico de una paciente joven con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Ollier y condrosarcoma de base de cráneo analizando los diagnósticos diferenciales y su tratamiento quirúrgico.