The potential role of renin-angiotensin system in mild traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem, affecting 69 million people worldwide annually. Mild TBI (mTBI) comprises the majority of the cases and remains the most neglected TBI severity. Its intricate pathophysiology involves complex cellular and molecular processes that remain uncomprehended. Although the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has its well-known roles in blood pressure regulation and fluid balance, accumulating evidence demonstrates its active expression and signaling in the central nervous system. Over the past years, pre-clinical studies have been supporting the role of RAS in mTBI. However, particularly for human TBI, evidence is still missing. Herein, we investigated peripheral levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), components of RAS classical axis, as well as angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and ACE2, components of RAS counter-regulatory axis, in 28 mTBI patients and 24 healthy controls. In the first 24 h, mTBI patients displayed lower ACE (p = 0.0004) and ACE2 (p = 0.0047) concentrations and an increase in Ang II (p = 0.0234) and Ang-(1-7) (p = 0.0225) levels compared to controls. Interestingly, at 30 days follow-up, mTBI patients increased the levels of ACE (p = 0.0415) and ACE2 (p = 0.0416) along with a decrease in Ang II (p = 0.0039) and Ang-(1-7) (p = 0.0015) concentrations compared with their measures at 24 h after TBI. Also, our receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that ACE concentration was a good predictor of mTBI diagnosis (AUC = 0.798, p < 0.0001). The current study provides the first clinical evidence of RAS molecule's involvement in mTBI and their possible role as discriminating biomarkers.

Pediatric minor head trauma in Brazil and external validation of PECARN rules with a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric minor head trauma approaches aim to ensure the absence of traumatic brain lesions, minimize ionizing radiation, and enhance cost control. We evaluated the applicability and cost-effectiveness of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) rules after head trauma and rationalize the use of head computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: We retrospectively divided patients <18 years old who presented at a single institution in Brazil with minor head trauma into four groups: Group I (skull X-ray only), Group II (head CT only), Group III (X-ray and CT), and Group IV (observation only). Direct costs were calculated based on examination and length of hospitalization. The PECARN rules were applied retrospectively in each patient to determine who required a CT scan, and the costs were re-calculated. RESULTS: Of the 1328 patients, CT scans were performed in 36.4% and X-rays in 52.6%. The mean cost was USD 5.88, 34.58, 41.85, and 4.04 for Groups I-IV, respectively. After applying the PECARN rules, 77.6% of patients no longer required a CT scan, and overall costs were reduced from USD 16.71 to 7.88 (p < .001). Conclusion: The PECARN rules demonstrated a meaningful cost-effectiveness and should be applied to the Brazilian pediatric population.

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in Adult Population: The Latin American Brain Injury Consortium Consensus for Definition and Categorization.

Moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a diagnosis that describes diverse patients with heterogeneity of primary injuries. Defined by a Glasgow Coma Scale between 9 and 12, this category includes patients who may neurologically worsen and require increasing intensive care resources and/or emergency neurosurgery. Despite the unique characteristics of these patients, there have not been specific guidelines published before this effort to support decision-making in these patients. A Delphi consensus group from the Latin American Brain Injury Consortium was established to generate recommendations related to the definition and categorization of moderate TBI. Before an in-person meeting, a systematic review of the literature was performed identifying evidence relevant to planned topics. Blinded voting assessed support for each recommendation. A priori the threshold for consensus was set at 80% agreement. Nine PICOT questions were generated by the panel, including definition, categorization, grouping, and diagnosis of moderate TBI. Here, we report the results of our work including relevant consensus statements and discussion for each question. Moderate TBI is an entity for which there is little published evidence available supporting definition, diagnosis, and management. Recommendations based on experts' opinion were informed by available evidence and aim to refine the definition and categorization of moderate TBI. Further studies evaluating the impact of these recommendations will be required.

The use of noninvasive measurements of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent cause of death in neurosurgical patients is due to the increase in intracranial pressure (ICP); consequently, adequate monitoring of this parameter is extremely important. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to analyze the accuracy of noninvasive measurement methods for intracranial hypertension (IH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: The data were obtained from the PubMed database, using the following terms: intracranial pressure, noninvasive, monitoring, assessment, and measurement. The selected articles date from 1980 to 2021, all of which were observational studies or clinical trials, in English and specifying ICP measurement in TBI. At the end of the selection, 21 articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), pupillometry, transcranial doppler (TCD), multimodal combination, brain compliance using ICP waveform (ICPW), HeadSense, and Visual flash evoked pressure (FVEP) were analyzed. Pupillometry was not found to correlate with ICP, while HeadSense monitor and the FVEP method appear to have good correlation, but sensitivity and specificity data are not available. The ONSD and TCD methods showed good-to-moderate accuracy on invasive ICP values and potential to detect IH in most studies. Furthermore, multimodal combination may reduce the error possibility related to each technique. Finally, ICPW showed good accuracy to ICP values, but this analysis included TBI and non-TBI patients in the same sample. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive ICP monitoring methods may be used in the near future to guide TBI patients' management.

ANTECEDENTES: A causa mais frequente de morte em pacientes neurocirúrgicos é devido ao aumento da pressão intracraniana (PIC); consequentemente, o monitoramento adequado desse parâmetro é de extrema importância. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar na literatura científica os principais métodos não invasivos de medida da PIC em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). MéTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos na base de dados PubMed, utilizando os seguintes termos: pressão intracraniana, não invasivo, monitoramento, avaliação e medida, resultando em 147 artigos. Os artigos selecionados datam de 1980 a 2021, sendo todos estudos observacionais ou ensaios clínicos, em inglês e especificando a medida da pressão intracraniana em traumatismo cranioencefálico. Ao final da seleção, 21 artigos foram incluídos nesta revisão. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados os seguintes métodos: diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (ONSD), pupilometria, doppler transcraniano (TCD), combinação multimodal, complacência cerebral por meio da análise de ondas intracerebrais (ICPW), HeadSense e visual evocado por flashes de luz (FVEP). A pupilometria não se correlacionou com os valores de PIC, enquanto que o monitor HeadSense e o método FVEP parecem ter uma boa correlação, mas os dados de sensibilidade e especificidade desses métodos não estão disponíveis. Os métodos ONSD e TCD mostraram acurácia de boa a moderada quanto aos valores de IPCi, além de bom potencial para detectar hipertensão intracraniana. Ademais, a combinação multimodal pode reduzir a possibilidade de erro relacionado a cada técnica. Por fim, o ICPW apresentou boa acurácia quanto aos valores de ICPi, mas, no estudo analisado, foram incluídos pacientes com e sem TCE em uma mesma amostra. CONCLUSõES: Métodos não invasivos de medição da PIC podem atuar no futuro no manejo de pacientes com TCE como uma potencial ferramenta de triagem para TCE grave e para a detecção de hipertensão intracraniana.

Potential Biomarkers of impulsivity in mild traumatic brain injury: A pilot study.

Very few studies have investigated cognition and impulsivity following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the general population. Furthermore, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying post-TBI neurobehavioral syndromes are complex and remain to be fully clarified. Herein, we took advantage of machine learning based-modeling to investigate potential biomarkers of mTBI-associated impulsivity. Twenty-one mTBI patients were assessed within one-month post-TBI and their data were compared to 19 healthy controls on measures of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - BIS), executive functioning, episodic memory, self-report cognitive failures and blood biomarkers of inflammation, vascular and neuronal damage. mTBI patients were significantly more impulsive than controls in BIS total and subscales. Serum levels of sCD40L, Cathepsin D, IL-4, Neuropilin-1, IFN-α2, and Copeptin were associated with impulsivity in mTBI patients. Besides showing that mTBI are associated with impulsivity in non-military people, we unveiled different pathophysiological pathways potentially implicated in mTBI-related impulsivity.

Preoperative embolization of choroid plexus papilloma with Onyx via the anterior choroidal artery: technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Total surgical resection is the treatment of choice for choroid plexus tumors. However, the hypervascular nature of such lesions imposes challenges to the surgical treatment. Preoperative embolization for intracranial tumors has been widely used in an attempt to reduce blood loss, but rarely with choroid plexus tumors. CASE REPORT: We describe the first case of preoperative embolization of choroid plexus papilloma with Onyx via the anterior choroidal artery. The procedure underwent without any complications and surgical treatment was possible with minimal blood loss. DISCUSSION: Embolization of choroid plexus tumors via anterior choroidal artery is potentially dangerous, but following a meticulous technique, it can be used as a safe and effective preoperative procedure.

Traumatic brain injury in Brazil: an epidemiological study and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem worldwide. Although TBI is common in developing countries, there are few epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients with TBI at the Hospital João XXIII, a public reference center for trauma in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and to systematically review the available literature on TBI in Brazil. METHODS: Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from electronic medical records for the entire month of July 2016. The literature on epidemiology of TBI in Brazil was systematically reviewed using MeSH/DeCS descriptors in the PubMed and Lilacs databases. RESULTS: Most patients admitted with TBI were male and under 60 years of age. Mild TBI was the most prevalent form and the most common cause of TBI was falls. A Glasgow Coma Scale score below 12, neuroimaging changes on computer tomography, and presence of any medical conditions were significantly associated with longer hospital stay. Brazilian studies showed that TBI affected mainly men and young adults. In addition, mild TBI was the most common TBI severity reported and the most common causes were motor vehicle accidents and falls. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the profile of TBI in this center reflects the data from other Brazilian studies.

Cognitive Impairment Following Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may present cognitive deficits within the first 24 h after trauma, herein called "acute phase," which in turn may lead to long-term functional impairment and decrease in quality of life. Few studies investigated cognition in mTBI patients during the acute phase. The objectives of this study were to investigate the cognitive profile of patients with mTBI during the acute phase, compared to controls and normative data, and whether loss of consciousness (LOC), previous TBI and level of education influence cognition at this stage. Fifty-three patients with mTBI (aged 19-64 years) and 28 healthy controls participated in the study. All patients were evaluated at bedside within 24 h post-injury. Demographic and clinical data were registered. Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Digit Span (working memory), and the Visual Memory Test/Brief Cognitive Battery (for episodic memory). The clinical sample was composed mainly by men (58.5%). The mean age was 39 years-old and 64.3% of the patients had more than 8 years of education. The most common causes of mTBI were fall from own height (28.3%), aggression (24.5%), and fall from variable heights (24.5%). Compared to controls, mTBI patients exhibited significantly worse performance on MMSE, FAB, naming, incidental memory, immediate memory, learning, and delayed recall. Compared to normative data, 26.4% of patients had reduced global cognition as measured by the MMSE. Episodic memory impairment (13.2%) was more frequent than executive dysfunction (9.4%). No significant differences were found in cognitive performance when comparing patients with or without LOC or those with or without history of previous TBI. Patients with lower educational level had higher rates of cognitive impairment (VMT naming-28.6 vs. 4.2%; VMT immediate memory-32 vs. 4.2%; VMT learning-39.3 vs. 4.2%, all p < 0.05). In sum, we found significant cognitive impairment in the acute phase of mTBI, which was not associated with LOC or history of TBI, but appeared more frequently in patients with lower educational level.

Decompressive craniotomy: prognostic factors and complications in 89 patients.

Decompressive craniotomy (DC) is applied to treat post-traumatic intracranial hypertension (ICH). The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors and complications of unilateral DC. Eighty-nine patients submitted to unilateral DC were retrospectively analyzed over a period of 30 months. Chi square independent test and Fisher test were used to identify prognostic factors. The majority of patients were male (87%). Traffic accidents had occurred in 47% of the cases. 64% of the patients had suffered severe head injury, while pupillary abnormalities were already present in 34%. Brain swelling plus acute subdural hematoma were the most common tomographic findings (64%). Complications occurred in 34.8% of the patients: subdural effusions in 10 (11.2%), hydrocephalus in 7 (7.9%) and infection in 14 (15.7%). The admittance Glasgow coma scale was a statistically significant predictor of outcome (p=0.0309).

The use of noninvasive measurements of intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury: a narrative review / Avaliação não invasiva da pressão intracraniana em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract Background The most frequent cause of death in neurosurgical patients is due to the increase in intracranial pressure (ICP); consequently, adequate monitoring of this parameter is extremely important. Objectives In this study, we aimed to analyze the accuracy of noninvasive measurement methods for intracranial hypertension (IH) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The data were obtained from the PubMed database, using the following terms: intracranial pressure, noninvasive, monitoring, assessment, and measurement. The selected articles date from 1980 to 2021, all of which were observational studies or clinical trials, in English and specifying ICP measurement in TBI. At the end of the selection, 21 articles were included in this review. Results The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), pupillometry, transcranial doppler (TCD), multimodal combination, brain compliance using ICP waveform (ICPW), HeadSense, and Visual flash evoked pressure (FVEP) were analyzed. Pupillometry was not found to correlate with ICP, while HeadSense monitor and the FVEP method appear to have good correlation, but sensitivity and specificity data are not available. The ONSD and TCD methods showed good-to-moderate accuracy on invasive ICP values and potential to detect IH in most studies. Furthermore, multimodal combination may reduce the error possibility related to each technique. Finally, ICPW showed good accuracy to ICP values, but this analysis included TBI and non-TBI patients in the same sample. Conclusions Noninvasive ICP monitoring methods may be used in the near future to guide TBI patients' management.

Resumo Antecedentes A causa mais frequente de morte em pacientes neurocirúrgicos é devido ao aumento da pressão intracraniana (PIC); consequentemente, o monitoramento adequado desse parâmetro é de extrema importância. Objetivos Avaliar na literatura científica os principais métodos não invasivos de medida da PIC em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). Métodos Os dados foram obtidos na base de dados PubMed, utilizando os seguintes termos: pressão intracraniana, não invasivo, monitoramento, avaliação e medida, resultando em 147 artigos. Os artigos selecionados datam de 1980 a 2021, sendo todos estudos observacionais ou ensaios clínicos, em inglês e especificando a medida da pressão intracraniana em traumatismo cranioencefálico. Ao final da seleção, 21 artigos foram incluídos nesta revisão. Resultados Foram analisados os seguintes métodos: diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (ONSD), pupilometria, doppler transcraniano (TCD), combinação multimodal, complacência cerebral por meio da análise de ondas intracerebrais (ICPW), HeadSense e visual evocado por flashes de luz (FVEP). A pupilometria não se correlacionou com os valores de PIC, enquanto que o monitor HeadSense e o método FVEP parecem ter uma boa correlação, mas os dados de sensibilidade e especificidade desses métodos não estão disponíveis. Os métodos ONSD e TCD mostraram acurácia de boa a moderada quanto aos valores de IPCi, além de bom potencial para detectar hipertensão intracraniana. Ademais, a combinação multimodal pode reduzir a possibilidade de erro relacionado a cada técnica. Por fim, o ICPW apresentou boa acurácia quanto aos valores de ICPi, mas, no estudo analisado, foram incluídos pacientes com e sem TCE em uma mesma amostra. Conclusões Métodos não invasivos de medição da PIC podem atuar no futuro no manejo de pacientes com TCE como uma potencial ferramenta de triagem para TCE grave e para a detecção de hipertensão intracraniana.

Traumatic brain injury in Brazil: an epidemiological study and systematic review of the literature / Traumatismo cranioencefálico no Brasil: um estudo epidemiológico e uma revisão sistemática da literatura

ABSTRACT Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem worldwide. Although TBI is common in developing countries, there are few epidemiological studies. Objective: To investigate the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients with TBI at the Hospital João XXIII, a public reference center for trauma in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and to systematically review the available literature on TBI in Brazil. Methods: Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from electronic medical records for the entire month of July 2016. The literature on epidemiology of TBI in Brazil was systematically reviewed using MeSH/DeCS descriptors in the PubMed and Lilacs databases. Results: Most patients admitted with TBI were male and under 60 years of age. Mild TBI was the most prevalent form and the most common cause of TBI was falls. A Glasgow Coma Scale score below 12, neuroimaging changes on computer tomography, and presence of any medical conditions were significantly associated with longer hospital stay. Brazilian studies showed that TBI affected mainly men and young adults. In addition, mild TBI was the most common TBI severity reported and the most common causes were motor vehicle accidents and falls. Conclusions: Overall, the profile of TBI in this center reflects the data from other Brazilian studies.

RESUMO Antecedentes: O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) representa, mundialmente, um problema sério de saúde pública. Apesar de o TCE ser prevalente em países em desenvolvimento, estudos epidemiológicos permanecem escassos. Objetivo: Investigar as características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pacientes acometidos por TCE no Hospital João XXIII - centro de referência em trauma situado em Belo Horizonte, Brasil - e revisar sistematicamente toda a literatura disponível sobre o TCE no Brasil. Métodos: Os dados clínicos e sociodemográficos foram coletados apenas para o mês de julho, 2016, por meio de prontuários eletrônicos. A literatura sobre a epidemiologia do TCE no Brasil foi sistematicamente revisada usando descritores Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)/Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS) nos bancos de dados PubMed e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs). Resultados: Os pacientes acometidos por TCE eram em sua maioria homens com menos de 60 anos. O TCE leve foi a gravidade mais prevalente entre os casos. O TCE foi causado principalmente por quedas. Escores menores que 12 na escala de Coma de Glasgow mais alterações de neuroimagem em tomografia computadorizada e a presença de qualquer comorbidade médica estão significativamente associados à maior estadia hospitalar. Estudos brasileiros demonstraram que o TCE acomete principalmente homens e adultos jovens. Além disso, o TCE leve foi a gravidade mais comum reportada, e os mecanismos de TCE mais comuns foram acidentes automobilísticos e quedas. Conclusões: O perfil de pacientes acometidos por TCE no centro de referência em questão reflete os dados de outros estudos brasileiros.

Endoscopic assisted microneurosurgery for gasserian portion of trigeminal neuroma: two cases.

We report two cases of trigeminal neuroma that were operated on by the neurosurgery team at Felício Rocho Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Endoscopic assisted microsurgery was the technique used to approach the gasserian region tumor with good results.

[Decompressive craniectomy in children and adolescents with head injury: analysis of seven cases]. / Craniectomia descompressiva para tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana traumática em crianças e adolescentes: análise de sete casos.

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical technique used to treat patients with elevated intracranial pressure often found in head injury. Its indication remains a controversial issue in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVE: To report seven cases managed with this technique. METHOD: Retrospective study of seven patients, aged from 2 to 17 years, treated with unilateral DC due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as a consequence of head injury. All patients had ICP monitored post operatively and the DC classified as ultra-early (<6h), early (6-12h) or late (>24h) according to the time of its application. The minimum follow-up was six months. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated with CT scans and clinical exams, and graded according the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Three patients deceased (GOS1), one was in vegetative state (GOS2), two recovered but still requiring nursing care (GOS3 and 4), and one had a full recovery (GOS5) at hospital discharge. After six months the GOS2 and a GOS3 patients achieved full recovery (GOS5). Subdural collection (2), hydrocephalus (1) and superficial infection (1) occurred as complication. Two patients had autologous cranioplasty and the other two heterologous cranioplasty. CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy remains a feasible treatment method to lower the ICP, but is not safe from complications. A multicentric study should be done for appropriate protocol treatment of pediatric patients.

Use of Vacuum-suction in Depressed Skull Fractures ­ Case Report and Technical Nuances of Nonoperative Treatment

Up to 20% of victims from skull fractures are represented by the pediatric population, and 50% of these lesions are depressed skull fractures. The treatment is multimodal in nature, ranging from conservative treatment to open surgical repair. The last one is associated, although in a small proportion, to complications, such as infections, hematomas and even death, besides the risks of the anesthetic procedure itself. The authors of the present article present a case report of the successful treatment of a depressed skull fracture in a newborn patient, using the vacuum-suction technique. The use of vacuum-suction may be beneficial for the pediatric patients, as it is a quick, non-invasive procedure, without the need for general anesthesia.

[Decompressive craniotomy for the early treatment of traumatic intracranial hypertension]. / Craniotomia descompressiva para tratamento precoce da hipertensão intracraniana traumática.

There is no clear role for decompressive craniotomy (DC) for the intracranial hypertension (ICH) treatment in the literature. Actually, there is a lack of class I or II published data for DC, so it is recomended as a second tier option for the refractory ICH. Recent studies has analized the role of early DC for pos traumatic ICH. The present study analizes 21 patients who has received the early DC for the treatment of traumatic ICH. The majority of the patients had Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 and harboring a brain swelling or acute subdural hematoma at cranial computadorized tomography. Hydrocephalus was frequent after DC (28.5%). Good results were obtained in 11 patients (52.5%). We favour the early application of DC for pos traumatic hypertension.

Risk Factors for Graft Infection After Cranioplasty in Patients with Large Hemicranial Bony Defects.

OBJECTIVE: To identify infection incidence and related risk factors in patients who underwent cranioplasty (CP) after unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC). METHODS: CP after DC was performed in 45 patients from April 2011 through January 2012. The covariates studied were compared with occurrence versus nonoccurrence of infection. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by a multivariate analysis and development of independent logistic regression models with significance of 5%. RESULTS: Wound infections were observed in 24% of cases. Patients treated with polymethyl methacrylate flaps had a 31% rate of infection compared with 12% in patients treated with autologous flaps, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.279). Increased risk of infection was associated with performing CP during the same period of hospitalization as DC (45% vs. 8%; P = 0.006), recent systemic infection (53% vs. 10%; P = 0.003), a Glasgow Outcome Scale score lower than 4 (48% vs. none; P < 0.001), motor deficit (42% vs. 5%; P = 0.011), and lower levels of hemoglobin (P < 0.001). Another risk factor for infection was an interval between DC and CP of 29-84 days compared with >168 days (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of wound infection was high. Risk factors included motor deficits, Glasgow Outcome Scale score <4, lower hemoglobin levels, recent systemic infections, interval between DC and CP of 29-84 days, and DC and CP performed during the same hospitalization. Performing CP during a different hospitalization may reduce the risk of graft infection because the hemoglobin level would be higher, and patients would be less dependent and free of recent infection.

[Surgical treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms]. / Tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas não rotos da artéria cerebral média.

Thirty four surgical cases of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms are presented. There was a male prevalence. 83% of aneurysms was small (< 10 mm). There was a low morbidity related to the surgical treatment. We advise the surgical treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms as first choice to patients with this condition.

Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Disease Barely Known to Neurosurgeons

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE), also known as malignant otitis externa (MOE), is a severe and rare infectious disease of the external auditory canal (EAC). Without treatment, it may progress to skull base involvement. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common causative agent (90% of the cases), and affects immunocompromised subjects, particularly diabetic patients. Severe chronic otalgia, otorrhea, and cranial nerve palsy are the most common clinical presentations. Patients with NOE are frequently referred to neurosurgery because of the neurological impairment and skull base compromise. The definitive diagnosis is frequently elusive, requiring a high index of suspicion. Several laboratorial tests, imaging modalities, and the histologic exclusion of malignancy may be required. An early diagnosis and aggressive treatment reduce morbidity and mortality. We present four NOE cases to illustrate the spectrum of clinical presentation and complementary exams. According to the literature, more effort for early diagnosis and treatment is required, and neurosurgeons play an important role in this task.

Síndrome de Brown Sequard em associação à síndrome de Horner / Brown Sequard Syndrome In Association With Horner Syndrome

O trauma raquimedular (TRM) é uma importante causa de incapacidade, sendo constatado uma incidência média de 21 pacientes por milhão de habitantes por ano por uma revisão sistemática realizada nas cinco regiões do pais em. Em Belo Horizonte essa incidência chegou a 26 pacientes por milhão por ano. Trata-se de AFC, 28 anos, que foi encaminhado com urgência para o Hospital João XXIII com história de agressão por arma branca (um facão) na região supra clavicular esquerda no dia 22/10. Ao exame neurológico o paciente encontrava-se consciente, orientado e com hemiplegia á esquerda. Anestesia tátil e vibratória á esquerda (lesão do trato corticoespinhal e fascículo grácil e cuneiforme) e preservada á direita, além de anestesia térmica/dolorosa contralateral a hemissecção (lesão do trato espinotalâmico), que configuram a síndrome de Brown Sequard completa. Foi realizada tomografia computadorizada da coluna que evidenciou fratura de lâmina de T1. A ferida lacerante foi suturada e paciente manteve quadro estável por 5 dias. Após 7 dias da admissão hospitalar constatou-se anisocoria com pupila miótica à esquerda e ptose de pálpebra também a esquerda, que configura a síndrome de Horner concomitantemente. Foi realizada punção lombar constatando liquor hemorrágico e com alta celularidade, iniciado antibioticoterapia com Meropenem e Vancomicina. Relata-se a correlação anátomoclínica de paciente vitima de TRM aberto, com síndromes associadas, de hemissecção medular e Horner. Ressalta-se a importância dos conhecimentos em neuroanatomia. (AU)

Spinal cord trauma is an important cause of disability, with an average incidence of 21 patients per million inhabitants per year by a systematic review in the five regions of Brazil. In Belo Horizonte, this incidence reached 26 patients per million per year. This is the AFC, 28 years old, who was referred urgently to the Hospital João XXIII with a history of white-collar aggression (a machete) in the left supraclavicular region on 22/10. At the neurological examination the patient was conscious, oriented and with left hemiplegia. Tactile and vibratory anesthesia to the left (lesion of the corticospinal tract and gracile and cuneiform fasciculus) and preserved to the right, in addition to thermal / painful anesthesia contralateral to the hemisection (lesion of the spinothalamic tract), which constitute the complete Brown Sequard syndrome. Computed tomography of the spine was performed, showing a T1 fracture. The lacerating wound was sutured and patient maintained stable frame for 5 days. After 7 days of hospital admission, anisocoria was observed with miotic pupil on the left and ptosis of the eyelid also on the left, which configures Horner syndrome concomitantly. A lumbar puncture was performed, confirming hemorrhagic and high cellularity, and antibiotic therapy with Meropenem and Vancomycin. The anatomic-clinical correlation of a patient with open MTR with associated syndromes of medullary and Horner hemisection is reported. The importance of knowledge in neuroanatomy is emphasized. (AU)

Spondylodiscitis with Extensive Spine Involvement ­ Case Report

Spondylodiscitis consists of an inflammatory process of infectious origin that affects primarily the intervertebral disc and spreads to the adjacent vertebral bodies, often evolving into osteomyelitis, with consequent associated neurological damage. The diagnosis is often delayed, with an average of 2 to 6 months between the appearance of the first symptoms and the confirmation of the disease. Therefore, the laboratorial and imaging exams play an important role in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, as well as in the orientation for the treatment to be followed (conservative or surgical). We report a case of extensive involvement of the spine and discuss about the epidemiology of the disease, its diagnosis, and therapeutic principles.