A rare cause of postpartum seizure: Cerebral tuberculoma.

Tuberculomas are rare and a life-threatening condition. Diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment can lead to complete resolution of the disease. A suggestive imaging study in an appropriate clinical setting can lead to the diagnosis. We describe a case of a postpartum woman with a headache and seizure in which eclampsia was the initial suspicion. Imaging exams demonstrated a solitary expansile lesion in the left parietal lobe suspicious of neoplasia. A biopsy, instead, confirmed a tuberculoma. In addition to eclampsia, many other differential diagnoses are possible in the context of seizures in pregnant and peripartum patients, including central nervous system tuberculosis. Brain imaging studies can be crucial in the diagnostic process.

The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor and histological grade in intracranial meningioma.

BACKGROUND: Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial neoplasm, accounting for 30% of all primary brain tumors. In 90% of cases, meningiomas are benign. Several aspects of molecular biology, including potential biomarkers, have been studied in attempts to better understand the natural history of meningiomas. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a biomarker responsible for inducing physiological and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF expression has been investigated as a potential predictor of several tumor aspects, including growth rate, recurrence rate, brain tissue invasion, peritumoral edema and surgical prognosis, and also as a marker of histological grade. However, there is no consensus in the literature with respect to the association between this biological factor and meningioma. We digitally analyzed immunohistochemical images using ImageJ software with the aim of correlating VEGF expression with tumor histology. METHODS: Tissue samples from patients presenting with meningioma who had undergone surgical removal between 2007 and 2016 at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), in Southern Brazil, were analyzed to identify possible immunohistochemical associations between VEGF and histological grade and subtype. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were included; 82% were female, mean age was 59.9 years (range: 18-91). No statistically significant associations were found between VEGF expression and histological grade or subtype (P = 0.310). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that VEGF is frequently present in meningiomas regardless of histological grade and should not be used as a marker of severity or histological grade.

Clinical and morphological profile of aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery treated at a neurosurgical service in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to characterize the clinical profile of patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms and examine potential correlations between clinical findings, aneurysm morphology, and outcome. METHODS: A review of medical records and diagnostic neuroimaging reports of patients treated at a neurosurgical service in Porto Alegre, Brazil, between August 2008 and January 2015 was performed. RESULTS: During the period, 100 patients underwent surgery for ACoA aneurysms. Fifteen had unruptured aneurysms and 85 had ruptured aneurysms. Ruptured aneurysms had a higher aspect ratio than unruptured ones (2.37 ± 0.71 vs. 1.93 ± 0.51, P = 0.02). Intraoperative rupture occurred in 3%, and temporary clipping was performed in 15%. Clinical vasospasm occurred in 43 patients with ruptured aneurysms (50.6%). Overall, mortality was 26%; 25 patients in the ruptured group (29.4%) and one in the unruptured group (6%). The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was favorable (GOS 4 or 5) in 54% of patients, significantly more so in those with unruptured aneurysms (P = 0.01). In patients with ruptured aneurysms, mortality was associated with preoperative Hunt and Hess (HH) score (P < 0.001), hydrocephalus (P < 0.001), and clinical complications (P < 0.001). Unfavorable outcomes were associated with HH score (P < 0.001), Fisher grade (P = 0.015), clinical vasospasm (P = 0.012), external ventricular drain (P = 0.015), hydrocephalus (P < 0.001), and presence of clinical complications (P = 0.001). In patients with unruptured aneurysms, presence of clinical complications was the only factor associated with mortality (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite advances in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage and surgical treatment of aneurysms, mortality is still high, especially due to clinical complications.

Survival and prognostic factors in childhood medulloblastoma: A Brazilian single center experience from 1995 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population. Despite prognosis improvement in the past two decades, one-third of the patients still remain incurable. New evidence suggests that medulloblastoma comprises four distinct entities; therefore, treatment de-escalation is required. The aim of this article is to evaluate epidemiological data from patients treated at our institution. The primary objective is to analyze overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) and the secondary objective is to identify prognostic factor from this cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients who underwent surgical resection for medulloblastoma among 423 children from the tumor registry data bank of Santo Antônio Children's Hospital from 1995 to 2016. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to identify OS, EFS, and prognostic factors. RESULTS: The 5-year OS and EFS rates found were 44.5% and 36.4%, respectively. The extent of resection and radiotherapy as adjuvant treatments was positively correlated to outcome while metastatic disease at diagnosis was negatively related to OS. Age younger than 3 years old did not have a worse outcome in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Similar results to population-based studies were found, but we still face difficulties due to living in a developing country. In the near future, we look forward to new diagnostic techniques that will enable us to classify medulloblastomas according to molecular subgroups.

Decompressive craniotomy for the treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery: mortality and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess, by Rankin scale, the functional disability of patients who had a malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke, who underwent decompressive craniotomy (DC) within the first 30 days. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a University hospital. Between June 2007 and December 2014, we retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients submitted to DC due to a malignant MCA infarction. The mortality rate was defined during the hospitalization period. The modified outcome Rankin score (mRS) was measured 30 days after the procedure, for stratification of the quality of life. RESULTS: The DC mortality rate was 30% (95% CI 14.5 to 51.9) for the 20 patients reported. The mRS 30 days postoperatively was ≥ 4 [3.3 to 6] for all patients thereafter. CONCLUSION: DC is to be considered a real alternative for the treatment of patients with a malignant ischemic MCA infarction.

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms: aneurysm angiographic morphology and its relation to pre-operative and intra-operative rupture.

OBJECTIVE: Correlate the middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm morphology with the pre-operative and intra-operative risk of rupture. METHODS: Forty patients with 46 middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms were treated microsurgically by the same surgeon. Aneurysms were classified according to shape and the Fisher test was applied to analyze the effect of morphology on the pre-operative and intra-operative rupture. RESULTS: Pre-operative and intra-operative ruptures were observed in 8/46 patients (17.4%) and 14/46 patients (30.4%) respectively. Thirty-two cases (69.6%) had no symptoms postoperatively, modified Rankin score (MRS) of 0; 6.5% had MRS of 1 (no significant disability); 13% had MRS of 2 (slight disability); 4.3% had moderately severe disability (MRS of 4); and there were 3 deaths (6.5%) post-operatively. The morphology was not directly related to the rupture rate. CONCLUSION: In general, ruptures are not affected by the morphology or the studied variables. Larger series are needed to validate these outcomes.

High Risk of Seizures and Epilepsy after Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
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BACKGROUND: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a life-saving procedure for treatment of large malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) strokes. Post-stroke epilepsy is an additional burden for these patients, but its incidence and the risk factors for its development have been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence and risk factors for post-stroke seizures and post-stroke epilepsy after DHC for treatment of large malignant MCA strokes in a cohort of 36 patients. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study of 36 patients we report the timing and incidence of post-stroke epilepsy. We analyzed if age, sex, vascular risk factors, side of ischemia, reperfusion therapy, stroke etiology, extension of stroke, hemorrhagic transformation, ECASS scores, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, or modified Rankin scores were risk factors for seizure or epilepsy after DHC for treatment of large MCA strokes. RESULTS: The mean patient follow-up time was 1,086 days (SD = 1,172). Out of 36 patients, 9 (25.0%) died before being discharged. After 1 year, a total of 11 patients (30.6%) had died, but 22 (61.1%) of them had a modified Rankin score ≤4. Thirteen patients (36.1%) developed seizures within the first week after stroke. Seizures occurred in 22 (61.1%) of 36 patients (95% CI = 45.17-77.03%). Out of 34 patients who survived the acute period, 19 (55.9%) developed epilepsy after MCA infarcts and DHC (95% CI = 39.21-72.59%). In this study, no significant differences were observed between the patients who developed seizures or epilepsy and those who remained free of seizures or epilepsy regarding age, sex, side of stroke, presence of the clinical risk factors studied, hemorrhagic transformation, time of craniectomy, and Rankin score after 1 year of stroke. CONCLUSION: The incidence of seizures and epilepsy after malignant MCA infarcts submitted to DHC might be very high. Seizure might occur precociously in patients who are not submitted to anticonvulsant prophylaxis. The large stroke volume and the large cortical ischemic area seem to be the main risk factors for seizure or epilepsy development in this subtype of stroke.
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Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare tumor, locally aggressive, usually originated from maxilla and mandible and rarely from the skull. A case of a 4 month-old child presenting a bulging lesion in the midline of the occipitoparietal region with progressive growth is reported. CASE REPORT: The neurologic examination had normal developmental milestones. Computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance Image showed a highly enhancing tumor, dislocating anteriorly and inferiorly the superior sinuses. In order to prevent excessive bleeding, surgical resection was performed in three stages, with complete removal. CONCLUSION: Based on the absence of tumor recurrence, we believe in a favorable neurological prognosis and in a possible of cure, although the patient was not submitted to any adjuvant treatment.

Cerebral trypanosomiasis and AIDS.

UNLABELLED: A 36 year-old black female, complaining of headache of one month's duration presented with nausea, vomiting, somnolence, short memory problems, loss of weight, and no fever history. Smoker, intravenous drugs abuser, promiscuous lifestyle. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: left homonimous hemianopsia, left hemiparesis, no papilledema, diffuse hyperreflexia, slowness of movements. Brain CT scan: tumor-like lesion in the splenium of the corpus calosum, measuring 3.5 x 1.4 cm, with heterogeneous enhancing pattern, suggesting a primary CNS tumor. Due to the possibility of CNS infection, a lumbar puncture disclosed an opening pressure of 380 mmH(2)0; 11 white cells (lymphocytes); glucose 18 mg/dl (serum glucose 73 mg/dl); proteins 139 mg/dl; presence of Trypanosoma parasites. Serum Elisa-HIV tests turned out to be positive. Treatment with benznidazole dramatically improved clinical and radiographic picture, but the patient died 6 weeks later because of respiratory failure. T. cruzi infection of the CNS is a rare disease, but we have an increasing number of cases in HIV immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis by direct observation of CSF is uncommon, and most of the cases are diagnosed by pathological examination. It is a highly lethal disease, even when properly diagnosed and treated. This article intends to include cerebral trypanosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in immunocompromised patients from endemic regions.

Decompressive craniotomy for the treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery: mortality and outcome / Craniotomia descompressiva para tratamento do infarto maligno da artéria cerebral media: mortalidade e desfecho

ABSTRACT Objective To assess, by Rankin scale, the functional disability of patients who had a malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke, who underwent decompressive craniotomy (DC) within the first 30 days. Methods A cross-sectional study in a University hospital. Between June 2007 and December 2014, we retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients submitted to DC due to a malignant MCA infarction. The mortality rate was defined during the hospitalization period. The modified outcome Rankin score (mRS) was measured 30 days after the procedure, for stratification of the quality of life. Results The DC mortality rate was 30% (95% CI 14.5 to 51.9) for the 20 patients reported. The mRS 30 days postoperatively was ≥ 4 [3.3 to 6] for all patients thereafter. Conclusion DC is to be considered a real alternative for the treatment of patients with a malignant ischemic MCA infarction.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a capacidade funcional de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico no território da artéria cerebral média (ACM) submetidos à craniotomia descompressiva (CD) no período de 30 dias pela escala de Rankin. Métodos Estudo transversal em um hospital universitário. Entre junho de 2007 e dezembro de 2014, analisados retrospectivamente os registros de todos os pacientes submetidos a CD devido a enfarte maligno na ACM. A taxa de mortalidade foi definida durante o período de internação. O resultado da estratificação da qualidade de vida foi através da escala Rankin modificado (mRS) mensurado em 30 dias após o procedimento. Resultados A taxa de mortalidade CD foi de 30% (IC 95% 14,5-51,9) para os 20 pacientes relatados. A mRS 30 dias de pós-operatório foi => 4 [3,3-6] para todos os pacientes. Conclusão CD deve ser considerada uma alternativa real para o tratamento de pacientes com enfarte isquêmico no território da ACM.

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms: aneurysm angiographic morphology and its relation to pre-operative and intra-operative rupture / Aneurismas da artéria cerebral média: morfologia angiográfica dos aneurismas e sua relação com ruptura pré-operatória e intra-operatória

ABSTRACT Objective Correlate the middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm morphology with the pre-operative and intra-operative risk of rupture. Methods Forty patients with 46 middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms were treated microsurgically by the same surgeon. Aneurysms were classified according to shape and the Fisher test was applied to analyze the effect of morphology on the pre-operative and intra-operative rupture. Results Pre-operative and intra-operative ruptures were observed in 8/46 patients (17.4%) and 14/46 patients (30.4%) respectively. Thirty-two cases (69.6%) had no symptoms postoperatively, modified Rankin score (MRS) of 0; 6.5% had MRS of 1 (no significant disability); 13% had MRS of 2 (slight disability); 4.3% had moderately severe disability (MRS of 4); and there were 3 deaths (6.5%) post-operatively. The morphology was not directly related to the rupture rate. Conclusion In general, ruptures are not affected by the morphology or the studied variables. Larger series are needed to validate these outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar a morfologia do aneurisma da bifurcação da artéria cerebral média com o risco de ruptura pré-operatória e intra-operatória. Métodos 40 pacientes com 46 aneurismas de bifurcação da artéria cerebral média receberam tratamento microcirúrgico pelo mesmo cirurgião. Os aneurismas foram classificados de acordo com a morfologia e o teste de Fisher foi aplicado para analisar o efeito da morfologia sobre a ruptura pré-operatória e intra-operatória. Resultados As rupturas pré e intra-operatória foram observadas em 8/46 pacientes (17,4%) e 14/46 (30,4%) respectivamente. Trinta e dois casos (69,6%) não apresentaram sintomas pós-operatórios, pontuação de Rankin modificada (MRS) de 0, 6,5% tinham MRS de 1 (sem incapacidade significativa), 13% tinham MRS de 2 (leve incapacidade), 4,3% moderadamente grave (MRS de 4) e houve 3 óbitos (6,5%) durante o pós-operatório. A morfologia não estava diretamente relacionada à taxa de ruptura pré-operatória ou intra-operatória. Conclusão Em geral, as rupturas não são afetadas pela morfologia ou pelas variáveis estudadas. São necessárias séries maiores para validar esses resultados.

Use of temporary arterial occlusion durinng anterior cerebral artery aneurym repair: evaluation of prospective factors / Uso de oclusão arterial temporária durante clipagem de aneurisma de comunicante anterior: avaliação preditivos

O estudo visa determinar os fatores prognósticos para sequelas e complicações perioperatórias nas cirurgias de aneurismas da artéria comunicante anterior (ACoA), secundários ou relacionados à clipagem temporária. Num universo de 92 pacientes operados de aneurisma da ACoA entre 2000 e 2013, 32 foram operados nos últimos sete anos. Destes, 21 foram submetidos à clipagem temporária durante a cirurgia para reparo do aneurisma. Aneurismas maiores que 7mm tiveram uma tempo estatisticamente maior de clipagem temporária que aqueles menores (22±5.7 vs 11.3±4.1, Teste-t, p <0.0001). Não se evidenciou correlação estatística entre o tempo de oclusão e o prognóstico (r=0.92, Pearson, p>0.08). Idade, Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG) da primeira avaliação, e Escala de Fisher da Tomografia de Crânio da entrada foram fatores de pior prognóstico (Glasgow Outcome Scale GOS ≤ 3) (regressão-cox, p<0.001). Idade maior que 50 anos, ECG menor que 13, e Fisher III ou IV resultaram em pior prognóstico. Por sua vez gênero, tabagismo, alcoolismo, obesidade, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia, localização da oclusão temporária, rotura trans-operatória do aneurisma e tamanho do aneurisma não foram identificados como fatores independentes de prognóstico. Durante seguimento pós-operatório, dois terços dos pacientes tiveram um prognóstico favorável (GOS≥ 4), retomando suas atividades de vida diária sem maiores dificuldades. Cinquenta e dois por cento dos pacientes evoluíram com hidrocefalia, a despeito da fenestração rotineira da lâmina terminalis, realizada em 71,4% dos procedimentos. A maioria dos pacientes desenvolveu vasoespasmo (66%), sendo 19% vasoespasmo severo. Sequela neurológica por isquemia tardia foi observada em 28,5% dos pacientes, secundária ao vasoespasmo grave, sem correlação estatística com o tempo de oclusão ou com ruptura aneurismática intraoperatória.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Integrated global management and therapeutic / Malformações arteriovenosas cerebrais. Manejo global integrado e terapêutica

Melhora significativa dos resultados do tratamento das Malformações Arteriovenosas (MAV) do sistema nervoso central tem sido observada, associada a avanços das modalidades de diagnóstico e tratamento. Os autores relatam esses avanços no diagnóstico e tratamento global integrado das MAV.

Anatomia microcirúrgica das artérias infratentoriais: um estudo estereoscópico / Microsurgical anatomy of the infratentorial arteries: stereoscopic printing study

CONTEXTO: O espaço infratentorial do crânio é uma região que possui complexa rede de artérias que vascularizam o tecido cerebelar e o tronco encefálico. Sua complexa anatomia tridimensional deve ser profundamente entendida pelo neurocirurgião vascular e pelo radiologista intervencionista. OBJETIVO: Descrever as principais artérias do espaço infratentorial e seu trajeto, bem como sua relação com a topografia das estruturas neurais. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 cérebros humanos, fixados em formalina e 6 cabeças de cadáveres dissecadas, utilizando-se microscópico cirúrgico com 3X a 40X de aumento. Os cérebros e todas as cabeças foram injetados com siloxanos polimerizados ou polisiloxanos (silicone) colorido. As dissecções anatômicas foram documentadas utilizando-se técnica para obtenção de imagens tridimensionais (3D), objetivando a produção de impressões estereoscópicas. RESULTADOS: São descritos o trajeto, segmentos e ramos das artérias basilar, cerebelar superior, cerebelar anteroinferior, cerebelar posteroinferior e vertebral. CONCLUSÃO: A anatomia das artérias infratentoriais é complexa e as imagens estereoscópicas apresentadas são um importante instrumento de documentação, pois permitem uma noção de profundidade da anatomia estudada.

BACKGROUND: The infratentorial space is a region with a complex network of arteries supplying the cerebellum and brainstem. Its complex three-dimensional anatomy must be thoroughly understood by the vascular neurosurgeon and the interventional radiologist. OBJECTIVE: To describe the main arteries of the infratentorial space and its trajectory and its relationship to the topography of the neural structures. METHODS: We studied 30 formalin-fixed human brains and we also dissected 6 cadaver heads, using a surgical microscope with 3X to 40X magnification. The brains and all heads were injected with colored silicone. The anatomical dissections were documented with a three-dimensional method, aiming to produce stereoscopic prints. RESULTS: The neurovascular relationships, segments and branches of the basilar artery, superior cerebellar, anteroinferior cerebellar, cerebellar and posteroinferior vertebral are described. CONCLUSION: The microsurgical anatomy of the infratentorial arteries is complex and the stereoscopic images presented are an important tool for documentation.

Anatomia microcirúrgica da artéria carótida externa: um estudo estereoscópico / Microsurgical anatomy of the external carotid artery: a stereoscopic study

CONTEXTO: O conhecimento das estruturas anatômicas da artéria carótida externa por meio do estudo estereoscópico pode determinar melhores resultados em microcirurgias da artéria carótida externa. OBJETIVO: Descrever as estruturas da artéria carótida externa sob a visão estereoscópica, identificando seus múltiplos aspectos. MÉTODOS: Doze regiões cervicais foram dissecadas, utilizando-se microscópico cirúrgico com 3 a 40x de aumento. As dissecções anatômicas foram documentadas utilizando-se a técnica para obtenção de imagens tridimensionais (3D), objetivando a produção de impressões estereoscópicas. RESULTADOS: O uso da técnica estereoscópica possibilitou a abordagem da circulação arterial extracraniana, sendo realizados estudos cirúrgicos do tipo combinado fossa posterior e fossa infratemporal, tornando as microcirurgias e os procedimentos neurocirúrgicos vasculares mais precisos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso das imagens obtidas pela técnica estereoscópica produziu um resultado mais assertivo em relação ao estudo da anatomia para a microcirurgia e procedimentos neurocirúrgicos, facilitando melhor aprendizado previamente à realização de procedimentos complexos em neurocirurgia.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge on the anatomical structures of the external carotid artery through the stereoscopic study may provide better results in microsurgical treatment of the external carotid artery. OBJECTIVE: To describe the structures of the external carotid artery under stereoscopic vision, identifying its multiple aspects. METHODS: Twelve cervical regions were dissected using a surgical microscope with 3 to 40x magnification. The anatomical dissections were documented using the technique to obtain three-dimensional images (3D), aiming at producing stereoscopic prints. RESULTS: The use of the stereoscopic technique enabled the stereoscopic approach to extracranial arterial circulation, and it was followed by a combined posterior fossa and infratemporal approach, making microvascular surgery and neurosurgical procedures more precise. CONCLUSION: The use of images obtained through the stereoscopic technique produced a more assertive result in relation to the anatomy study for microsurgical or neurosurgical procedures, facilitating a better learning before performing complex procedures in neurosurgery.

Neurocitoma central atípico: relato de caso / Atypical central neurocytoma: case report

Neurocitomas centrais são tumores do sistema nervoso central de comportamento usualmente benigno, que costumam ocorrer nos ventrículos laterais de indivíduos jovens. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 31 anos de idade, com uma lesão expansiva intraventricular ocasionando quadro de hidrocefalia e queixas visuais. O paciente foi submetido à ressecção completa da lesão. Apresentou hidrocefalia persistente no pós-operatório, necessitando de derivação ventrículo-peritoneal. A evolução foi favorável e o paciente recebeu alta para seguir acompanhamento ambulatorial. Exame anatomopatológico evidenciou neurocitoma central atípico. O objetivo deste relato é apresentar um caso clássico de uma neoplasia rara, realizando uma revisão da literatura e mostrando sua importância, dado o prognóstico favorável.

Central neurocytomas are central nervous system tumors. They are usually benign and tend to occur in the lateral ventricles of young adults. We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient with an intraventricular lesion, causing hydrocephalus and visual complaints. The patient was submitted to a complete surgical resection of the lesion. However, he persisted with hydrocephalus in the postoperative period and required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The clinical course was favorable and the patient was discharged to follow-up. Anatomic pathology test revealed an atypical central neurocytoma. The objective of this case report is to describe a classic presentation of a rare neoplasm, including a review of the literature, highlighting the importance of this diagnosis because of the favorable prognosis.

Mal de Pott: uma doença milenar em um novo século / Pott's disease: an ancient disease in a new century

A tuberculose espinhal, também conhecida como Mal de Pott ou Doença de Pott, caracteriza-se como a forma mais frequente de tuberculose extrapulmonar. Apresentamos aqui o caso de uma paciente encaminhada ao Serviço de Neurologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre com um quadro de dois meses de evolução, apresentando sintomas de compressão medular. O diagnóstico de tuberculose espinhal foi realizado por punção guiada por tomografia computadorizada e a paciente foi submetida à drenagem do abscesso. Concomitantemente, foi iniciado o tratamento com RHZ e a paciente evoluiu com melhora dos sintomas neurológicos. Esse caso ilustra que mesmo pacientes com alterações neurológicas importantes devido à tuberculose medular podem apresentar melhora significativa com tratamento.

Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease, is the most common form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. We report on a patient referred to the Division of Neurology of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre presenting with spinal cord compression symptoms for two months. The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was rapidly done by a computerized tomography guided biopsy. The patient was submitted to abscess surgical draining and complementary RHZ treatment, with recovery of neurological symptoms. This case illustrates that even patients with severe neurological deficits due to spinal tuberculosis may have a good outcome with the appropriate treatment.

Diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo: uma revisão / Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a review

A síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) é a neuropatia periférica mais comum resultante da compressão do nervo mediano no punho, acometendo principalmente o sexo feminino entre a terceira e sexta década de vida. A sua manifestação clinica se manifesta por dor, parestesias e formigamento nas extremidades superiores, sendo uma causa cada vez mais reconhecida de incapacidade para o trabalho. O exame físico do paciente com STC possui sinais clássicos, como o sinal de Tinel,de Phalen e de Durkan (compressão do nervo mediano). O diagnóstico da STC é baseado no exame clínico e exame de eletroneuromiografia (padrão ouro) ou exames de imagem (com limitações) As formas de tratamento variam entre tratamento conservador e cirúrgico. No trabalho, os autores relatam breve revisão da patologia e suas formas de diagnóstico e tratamento.

The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheralneuropathy resulting from compression of the mediannerve at the wrist, affecting mainly the female sex, between the third and sixth decade of life. Its clinical manifestations are pain, numbness and tingling in upper extremities, and anincreasingly recognized cause of incapacity for work. Physical examination of patients with CTS has classic signs such as Tinel’s , Phalen’s and Durkan signs (median nerve compression).The diagnosis of CTS is based on clinical examination and electromyography (gold standard) or imaging (with limitations).Treatment options range from conservative and surgical treatment. We report a brief review of this syndrome and its forms of diagnosis and treatment.