Neurocysticercosis: challenges in pediatric neurosurgery practice.

PURPOSE: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered a neglected infectious disease, but the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Due to oral tendencies in childhood, it is hypothesized that individuals are infected around this age and develop symptoms as lately as during young adulthood. Although it is considered a benign disease, it may cause great impact in the patient's quality of life due to epilepsy, visual symptoms, and hydrocephalus, which eventually requires frequent hospitalizations. The treatment of hydrocephalus is the main challenge for neurosurgeons. METHODS: We performed a concise review on neurocysticercosis in children and the main presentations of NCC in the neurosurgery practice and a systematic review on hydrocephalus secondary to extraparenchymal NCC. RESULTS: Our review showed a rate of complete resolution of hydrocephalus secondary to NCC of around 80% with the first attempt of surgical treatment combined with medication therapy. Endoscopic removal of the intraventricular cysts with third ventriculostomy was the most common treatment modality. Patients previously managed with ventricular shunts are likely to have worse outcomes and complications. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic approach is the gold standard surgical treatment for hydrocephalus secondary to neurocysticercosis.

The diagnostic accuracy of MRI in determining the relations between paraclinoid aneurysms and the cavernous sinus.

PURPOSE: The location of paraclinoid aneurysms is determinant for evaluation of its intradural compartment and risk of SAH after rupture. Advanced MRI techniques have provided clear visualization of the distal dural ring (DDR) to determine whether an aneurysm is intracavernous, transitional or intradural for decision-making. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in predicting whether a paraclinoid aneurysm is intracavernous, transitional or intradural. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort between January 2014 and December 2018. Patients with paraclinoid aneurysms underwent 3D fast spin-echo MRI sequence before surgical treatment. The DDR was the landmark for MRI characterization of the aneurysms as follow: (i) Intradural; (ii) Transitional; and (iii) Intracavernous. The MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined compared to the intraoperative findings. We also evaluated the intertechnique agreement using the Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) for dichotomous classifications (cavernous vs non-cavernous). RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the cohort. The accuracy of MRI showed a sensitivity of 86.7% (95%CI:59.5-98.3) and specificity of 90.0% (95%CI:55.5-99.8). Analyzing only patients without history of SAH, accuracy test improved with a sensitivity of 92.3% (95%CI:63.9-99.8) and specificity reached 100% (95%CI: 63-100). Values of Cohen's kappa (κ), intertechnique agreement was considered substantial for dichotomous classifications (κ = 0.754; p < 0.001). For patients without previous SAH, intertechnique agreement was even more coincident for the dichotomous classification (κ = 0.901; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D fast spin-echo MRI sequence is a reliable and useful technique for determining the location of paraclinoid aneurysms in relation to the cavernous sinus, particularly for patients with no history of SAH.

Dural-based lesions: is it a meningioma?

PURPOSE: Meningiomas are the most common extra-axial intracranial neoplasms with typical radiological findings. In approximately 2% of cases, histopathological reports reveal different neoplasms or non-neoplastic lesions that can closely mimic meningiomas. We describe radiological features of meningioma mimics highlighting imaging red flags to consider a differential diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 348 lesions with radiological diagnosis of meningiomas which underwent to surgical treatment or biopsy between December of 2000 and September of 2014 were analyzed. We determined imaging features that are not a typical finding of meningiomas, suggesting other lesions. The following imaging characteristics were evaluated on CT and MRI: (a) bone erosion; (b) hyperintensity on T2WI; (c) hypointensity on T2WI; (d) bone destruction; (e) dural tail; (f) leptomeningeal involvement; (g) pattern of contrast enhancement; (h) dural displacement sign. RESULTS: We have a relatively high prevalence of meningioma mimics (7.2%). Dural-based lesions with homogeneous contrast enhancement (52%) are easily misdiagnosed as meningiomas. Most lesions mimic convexity (37.5%) or parafalcine (21.9%) meningiomas. We have determined five imaging red flags that can alert radiologists to consider meningioma mimics: (1) bone erosion (22.2%); (2) dural displacement sign (36%); (3) marked T2 hypointensity (32%); (4) marked T2 hyperintensity (12%); (5) absence of dural tail (48%). The most common mimic lesion in our series was hemangiopericytomas, followed by lymphomas and schwannomas. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of meningioma mimics is not negligible. It is important to have awareness on main radiological findings suggestive of differential diagnosis due to a wide range of differentials which lead to different prognosis and treatment strategies.

Comparison of surgical and endovascular treatments for fusiform intracranial aneurysms: systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Fusiform intracranial aneurysms (FIA) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data with propensity score adjustment to compare the functional and angiographic outcomes between surgical and endovascular approaches to FIA. We conducted a systematic review for articles on the treatment of FIA with individual patient-level detailing. Data from patients treated for FIA in our institution from 2010 to 2018 were also collected. The primary studied outcome was morbidity, and secondary outcomes were angiographic results and retreatment. Propensity score-adjusted mixed-effects logistic regression models evaluated treatment options, stratified by anatomical location. Compiling original and published data, there were 312 cases, of which 79 (25.3%) had open surgery, and 233 (74.5%) were treated with endovascular procedures. There were no differences between treatment groups, for neither cavernous ICA (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.05-23.6) nor supraclinoid aneurysms (OR 7.82, 95% CI 0.65-94.4). Both size (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19) and initial mRS (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3) were risk factors for morbidity, independent of location. Neither age nor rupture status influenced the odds of posterior morbidity. Unfavorable angiographic outcomes were more common in the endovascular group for supraclinoid and vertebrobasilar aneurysms (χ2, P < 0.01). There were no differences between morbidity of surgical and endovascular treatments for FIA, regardless of aneurysm location. Size and initial mRS were correlated with functional outcomes, whereas age and rupture status were not. Microsurgery seems to yield better long-term angiographic results compared to endovascular procedures.

Brain abnormalities in myelomeningocele patients.

BACKGROUND: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is often related to hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation (CM) type 2; however, other brain abnormalities have been reported in this population. In order to better understand and quantify other forebrain abnormalities, we analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of MMC patients treated in utero or postnatal. METHODS: Between January 2014 and March 2017, 59 MMC were treated in our hospital. Thirty-seven patients (32 postnatal and 5 intrautero repair) had brain MRI and were enrolled at the study. MRI was analyzed by two experienced neuroradiologists to identify the supra and infratentorial brain abnormalities. RESULTS: A wide range of brain abnormalities was consistently identified in MMC patients. As expected, the most common were hydrocephalus (94.5%) and CM type II (89.1%). Of note, we found high incidence of corpus callosum abnormalities (86.4%), mostly represented by dysplasia (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The data are consistent with the concept that brain abnormalities related to MMC can be both infratentorial and supratentorial, cortical, and subcortical. More studies are needed to correlate these forebrain abnormalities to long-term functional outcome and their prognostic value for these patients.

The current clinical picture of cerebral proliferative angiopathy: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare subset of arteriovenous malformations (AVM). It has unique clinical presentation, angiographic characteristics, and pathophysiology which often brings challenges for the treatment. We aimed to define its epidemiology, pathophysiology are unknown, and best management strategies. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE was searched for articles regarding CPA. Extracted data included epidemiological, clinical, and angiographical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Treatment was classified as conservative, radiosurgery, endovascular, decompression, and indirect vascularization. A meta-analytical approach was employed for description of the data as study-size adjusted percentages or weighted means, as appropriate. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were analyzed, rendering a total 95 cases-half of which came from a single study. Patients were predominantly young (mean 23 years old) and female (60.0%) presenting with headaches (44.9%), seizures (37.1%), or transient ischemic attacks (33.7%). Hemorrhage was present in 18.0%, but rebleeding rates were as high as 67%. The majority of nidus were > 6 cm (52.5%) with hemispheric extension (73.0%). Capillary angioectatic appearance (85.7%), transdural supply (62.5%), and deep venous drainage (73.0%) were also frequent features. Most patients were treated conservatively (54.4%), followed by endovascular (34.2%). Indirect vascularization and radiosurgery were attempted in five and two patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 110.8 patient-years. Neurological status improved in 50.7%, remained stable in 40.2%, and worsened in 9.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative and endovascular treatments seem adequate interventions, despite limited evidence. Complementary techniques can be used in patients throughout disease history, according to symptom-based, individualized approach. More studies are required for choosing interventions based on reliable long-term results.

Evaluation of 2 Low-cost High-definition Video Systems for Venous Anastomosis.

Background. A literature review of the use of video systems for magnification has suggested that so far, this novel magnification system has only been used to perform arterial anastomoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of 2 low-cost methods of video-assisted magnification in microvascular venous anastomosis in rats. Methods. Thirty rats were randomly divided into 3 matched groups according to the magnification system used: the microscope group, with venous anastomosis performed under a microscope; the camcorder system group, with the procedures performed under a high-definition Handycam HDR-XR160; and the Photographic camera group, for which procedures were performed with an EOS Rebel T3i photographic camera. In both video system groups, a magnification system was connected to a 42-in. television by an HDMI cable. We analyzed weight, venous caliber, total surgery and anastomosis time, patency immediately and 14 days postoperatively, number of stitches, and histological analyses. Results. There were no significant differences between the groups in weight, venous caliber, or number of stitches. Anastomosis under the video systems took longer. Patency rates were similar between the groups, except for the photographic system group that has a lower patency rate at 14 days. The histological analyses were similar in all groups. Conclusion. It is possible to perform a venous anastomosis in rats through video system magnification, with a satisfactory success rate comparable with that for procedures performed under microscopes; however, the kind of video system has a great influence on the final patency.

Remote ischemic conditioning enhances heart and brain antioxidant defense.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury contributes to morbidity after revascularization procedures. Along with early reperfusion, tissue conditioning by alternating intervals of brief ischemia-reperfusion episodes is considered the best approach to limit tissue damage. Remote ischemic conditioning is conducted remotely, in tissues other than those under ischemia. Despite this, remote ischemic conditioning protection mechanisms are poorly understood, which can lead to misapplication. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether remote ischemic conditioning works in the heart and brain through enhancement of cells' antioxidant defenses and whether the response is sustained or temporary. METHODS: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (n = 7): SHAM: same procedure as the other groups, but no remote ischemic conditioning was carried out. RIC 10: heart and brain were harvested 10 minutes after the remote ischemic conditioning protocol. RIC 60: heart and brain were harvested 60 minutes after the remote ischemic conditioning protocol. The remote ischemic conditioning protocol consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min left hindlimb ischemia followed by 5 min left hindlimb perfusion, lasting 30 min in total. Heart and brain samples were used to measure the tissue antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Remote ischemic conditioning increased heart and brain antioxidant capacity after 10 minutes (0.746 ± 0.160/0.801 ± 0.227 mM/L) when compared to SHAM (0.523 ± 0.078/0.404 ± 0.124 mM/L). No enhancement of heart or brain antioxidant capacity was detected 60 minutes after remote ischemic conditioning (0.551 ± 0.073/0.455 ± 0.107 mM/L). CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic conditioning temporarily enhances heart and brain antioxidant defenses in male Wistar rats.

CONTEXTO: A lesão de isquemia e reperfusão contribui para a morbidade após procedimentos de revascularização. Juntamente com a reperfusão precoce, o condicionamento tecidual através de breves episódios de isquemia e reperfusão é considerado a melhor abordagem para limitar o dano tecidual. Apesar disso, os mecanismos do condicionamento isquêmico remoto são pouco compreendidos, o que pode levar a uma aplicação incorreta. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se o condicionamento isquêmico remoto funciona no coração e no cérebro através do aprimoramento da defesa antioxidante das células e se é uma resposta sustentada ou temporária. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um ratos Wistar foram divididos em três grupos (n = 7): SHAM, no qual não foi realizado condicionamento isquêmico; RIC 10, no qual 10 minutos após o protocolo de condicionamento isquêmico, foi realizada a coleta dos órgãos; e RIC 60, no qual 60 minutos após o protocolo de condicionamento isquêmico, foi realizada a coleta dos órgãos. O protocolo de condicionamento isquêmico remoto consistiu em três ciclos de 5 minutos de isquemia, seguidos de 5 minutos de perfusão no membro posterior esquerdo, com duração total de 30 minutos. Amostras foram usadas para medir a capacidade antioxidante do tecido. RESULTADOS: O condicionamento isquêmico remoto aumentou a capacidade antioxidante do coração e do cérebro após 10 minutos (0,746 ± 0,160/0,801 ± 0,227 mM/L) quando comparado ao SHAM (0,523 ± 0,078/0,404 ± 0,124 mM/L) . Sessenta minutos após o condicionamento isquêmico remoto, não foi detectado aumento da capacidade antioxidante do coração ou do cérebro (0,551 ± 0,073/0,455 ± 0,107 mM/L). CONCLUSÕES: O condicionamento isquêmico remoto melhora temporariamente as defesas antioxidantes do coração e do cérebro em ratos Wistar.

Diagnostic Yield of Rescreening Adults for Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations.

PURPOSE: To determine the yield of rescreening adult hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients with initial negative screening CT for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a definite diagnosis of HHT were identified in the University of Toronto, Université de Montréal, and Mayo Clinic HHT databases. Inclusion criteria were: (i) definite diagnosis of HHT; (ii) initial negative PAVM screening based on bubble echocardiography and/or chest CT; and (iii) minimum 2-year imaging follow-up. A positive rescreen was defined as a newly detected PAVM on follow-up CT. Frequency of new PAVMs was calculated at 3 ± 1 years, 5 ± 1 years, 7-9 years, and ≥10 years. The primary endpoint was the rate of new PAVMs at 5 ± 1 years. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two patients (mean age, 49.6 ± 16.7 years; 59% female) were followed for a median of 7 years. Nine patients (5.2%) had newly detected PAVMs. At the 3-, 5-, 7-, and ≥10-year time points, the cumulative rate of newly detected PAVMs was 1.8% (3/166), 5.0% (7/140), 8.8% (8/91), and 13.8% (9/65), respectively. Median feeding artery diameter was 1.3 mm. One patient had a feeding artery larger than 3 mm discovered after 6 years and was treated with embolization. The overall rate of newly detected PAVMs was 0.7%/patient-year. CONCLUSIONS: There is a definite but low rate of newly detected PAVMs in HHT patients with initial negative screening studies. No new treatable PAVMs were identified at the 5-year mark, although 1 treatable case was identified after 6 years. These findings suggest that a longer screening interval may be warranted.

Morphofunctional evaluation of end-to-side neurorrhaphy through video system magnification.

BACKGROUND: The surgical microscope is an essential tool for microsurgery. Nonetheless, several promising alternatives are being developed, including endoscopes and laparoscopes with video systems. However, these alternatives have only been used for arterial anastomoses so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a low-cost video-assisted magnification system in end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into four matched groups: (1) normality (sciatic nerve was exposed but was kept intact); (2) denervation (fibular nerve was sectioned, and the proximal and distal stumps were sutured-transection without repair); (3) microscope; and (4) video system (fibular nerve was sectioned; the proximal stump was buried inside the adjacent musculature, and the distal stump was sutured to the tibial nerve). Microsurgical procedures were performed with guidance from a microscope or video system. We analyzed weight, nerve caliber, number of stitches, times required to perform the neurorrhaphy, muscle mass, peroneal functional indices, latency and amplitude, and numbers of axons. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in weight, nerve caliber, number of stitches, muscle mass, peroneal functional indices, or latency between microscope and video system groups. Neurorrhaphy took longer using the video system (P < 0.05). The amplitude was higher in the microscope group than in the video group. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to perform an end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats through video system magnification. The success rate is satisfactory and comparable with that of procedures performed under surgical microscopes.

Post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula in a pediatric patient: a case-based literature review.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a shunt between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Traumatic CCFs are diagnosed in 0.2% of head traumas being only 4.6% of the pediatric population. Classified by Barrow in 1985, type A CCF is the most frequent, occurring in 75% of cases. Type A is characterized by direct and high-flow CCF that generally can occur as a result of traumatic injury or rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: The subject was an 8-year-old boy with penetrating trauma to his left eye. During the initial evaluation, a computed tomography (CT) scan was unremarkable, and after relief of symptoms, the patient was discharged. Seven days later, he developed grade I proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, ophthalmoplegia (III, IV, and VI cranial nerve palsies), and left-sided ptosis and mydriasis. Arteriography confirmed a post-traumatic CCF, and the patient was treated with an endovascular detachable balloon. CONCLUSION: CCF should be suspected in craniofacial traumas with ocular symptoms. The presence of a skull base fracture on CT is a poor predictor of CCF associated with head trauma. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent neurological deficits and unfavorable outcomes.

Relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and natural history of intracranial aneurysms: meta-analysis.

The aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a major public health problem described as a sudden drastic event with no warning symptoms and high morbidity and mortality rates. The role of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism in intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is still a matter of controversy with divergent findings among European, American, and Asian populations. Our study purposed to test the association between intracranial aneurysms formation and nitric oxide gene polymorphisms through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic search on Medline, Lilacs, and EMBASE was performed. The primary search resulted in 139 papers, out of which 9 met our inclusion criteria after a full text analysis. The dominant T786C model found a significant association with IA (OR 1.22, 95 % CI 1.04-1.44, p = 0.01), so did studies of the recessive T786C model (OR 0.37, 95 % CI 0.30-0.45, p < 0.0001) but with opposite effect. Our findings support the presence of the T786C polymorphism as a predictor for the development of intracranial aneurysm in the cerebral vascular system. More studies are necessary in order to elucidate the pathways of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in cerebrovascular diseases and in defining how different allelic combinations of the eNOS gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) could favor this pathological process.

Traumatic Lumbosacral Spondyloptosis in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

A 4-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency department after having been buried beneath a wall. A computed tomography scan revealed anterior grade V L5-S1 spondylolisthesis, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a traumatic rupture of the fibrous annulus of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc and lesion of the anterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments. The patient underwent anterior and posterior fixation. Four months later she was able to walk independently, despite a persistent left foot drop. Additionally, we conducted a literature review on lumbosacral spondyloptosis in the pediatric population published between 1990 and 2017. We found 16 cases, 86.6% of which were male, with a mean patient age of 16 ± 5.05 years. Most patients underwent spine instrumentation. Based on the data reviewed, the neurological status at admission might be a valid predictor of outcome. Pedicle screws are a safe and reliable procedure for stable fixation of the spine in these cases. The removal of screws is discouraged.

High-Definition Video System for Peripheral Neurorrhaphy in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Although all microsurgeries are based on the use of surgical microscopes, several alternative magnification systems have shown promising results. Improvements in image quality facilitated the use of video systems in microsurgeries with safety and accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a low-cost, video-assisted magnification system in peripheral neurorrhaphy in rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 matched groups according to the magnification system used: the microscope group, with neurorrhaphy performed under a microscope with an image magnification of 40×; and the video system group, with the procedures performed under a video system composed of a high-definition Sony camcorder DCR-SR42 set to 52× magnification, macro lenses, 42-inch television, and a digital HDMI cable. We analyzed weight, nerve caliber, total surgery time, neurorrhaphy time, number of stitches, and number of axons in both ends (proximal and distal). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups in weight, nerve caliber, or number of stitches. Neurorrhaphy under the video system took longer (video: 5.60 minutes; microscope: 3.20 minutes; P < .05). Number of axons was similar between groups, both in proximal and distal stumps. CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform a peripheral neurorrhaphy in rats through video system magnification, but with a longer surgical time.

A Low-Cost High-Definition Video System for Microsurgical Hindlimb Replantation in Rats.

Background The surgical microscope is still essential for microsurgery, but several alternatives that show promising results are currently under development, such as endoscopes and laparoscopes with video systems; however, as yet, these have only been used for arterial anastomoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a low-cost video-assisted magnification system in replantation of the hindlimbs of rats. Methods Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two matched groups according to the magnification system used: the microscope group, with hindlimb replantation performed under a microscope with an image magnification of 40× and the video group, with the procedures performed under a video system composed of a high-definition camcorder, macrolenses, a 42-in television, and a digital HDMI cable. The camera was set to 50× magnification. We analyzed weight, arterial and venous caliber, total surgery time, arterial and venous anastomosis time, patency immediately and 7 days postoperatively, the number of stitches, and survival rate. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in weight, arterial or venous caliber, or the number of stitches. Replantation under the video system took longer (p < 0.05). Patency rates were similar between groups, both immediately and 7 days postoperatively. Conclusion It is possible to perform a hindlimb replantation in rats through video system magnification, with a satisfactory success rate comparable with that for procedures performed under surgical microscopes.

Remote ischemic conditioning temporarily improves antioxidant defense.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is the most promising surgical approach to mitigate ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. It consists in performing brief cycles of IR in tissues other than those exposed to ischemia. The underlying mechanisms of the induced protection are barely understood, so we evaluated if RIC works enhancing the antioxidant defense of the liver and kidney before IR injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar rats were assigned into three groups as follows: sham, same surgical procedure as in the remaining groups was performed, but no RIC was carried out. RIC 10, RIC was performed, and no abdominal organ ischemia was induced. After 10 min of the end of the RIC protocol, the liver and kidney were harvested. RIC 60, similar procedure as performed in RIC 10, but the liver and the kidney were harvested 60 min. RIC consisted of three cycles of 5-min left hind limb ischemia followed by 5-min left hind limb perfusion, lasting 30 min in total. Samples were used to measure tissue total antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: RIC protocol increased both liver (1.064 ± 0.26 mM/L) and kidney (1.310 ± 0.17 mM/L) antioxidant capacity after 10 min when compared with sham (liver, 0.759 ± 0.10 mM/L and kidney, 1.08 ± 0.15 mM/L). Sixty minutes after the RIC protocol, no enhancement on liver (0.687 ± 0.13 mM/L) or kidney (1.09 ± 0.15 mM/L) antioxidant capacity was detected. CONCLUSIONS: RIC works through temporary and short-term enhancement of liver and kidney cells antioxidant defenses to avoid the deleterious consequences of a future IR injury.

Combined remote ischemic perconditioning and local postconditioning on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic perconditioning (rPER) is the newest technique described to mitigate ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. Local postconditioning (POS) is also an effective technique for this purpose. It is uncertain if adding local POS to rPER provides superior liver protection, so we tested this hypothesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty five Wistar rats were assigned into five groups: sham, IR, POS, rPER, and rPER + POS. Animals were subjected to liver ischemia for 60 min. POS consisted of four cycles of 5-min liver perfusion followed by 5-min liver ischemia (40 min total) after the major ischemic period. rPER consisted of four cycles of 5-min hindlimb ischemia followed by 5 min hindlimb perfusion contemporaneously to major liver ischemic period, during its last 40 min. After 2 h, median and left lobes were harvested for malondialdehyde and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measurement, and blood for the measurement of serum transaminases. RESULTS: All tissue conditioning techniques were able to reduce transaminases serum levels, having no differences among them. All tissue conditioning techniques were able to reduce hepatic tissue MDA level; however, only rPER + POS had higher values than SHAM. All tissue conditioning techniques also enhanced TEAC; however, only POS had lower TEAC than SHAM. CONCLUSIONS: rPER appears as the most promising technique to avoid IR injury. This technique reduced oxidative stress of cell membranes and lowered transaminases serum level. There was no additive protection when POS and rPER were held together.

Homocysteine serum levels in patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is very few data regarding homocysteine's influence on the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To compare homocysteine levels between patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms, and to evaluate possible influences of this molecule on vasospasm and functional outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective, case-control study. We evaluated homocysteinemia differences between patients with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms; and the association of homocysteine levels with vasospasm and functional outcomes. Logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: A total of 348 participants were included: 114 (32.8%) with previous aneurysm rupture and 234 (67.2%) with unruptured aneurysms. Median homocysteine was 10.75µmol/L (IQR = 4.59) in patients with ruptured aneurysms and 11.5µmol/L (IQR = 5.84) in patients with unruptured aneurysms. No significant association was detected between homocysteine levels and rupture status (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.96-1.04). Neither mild (>15µmol/L; OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.32-4.12) nor moderate (>30µmol/L; OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.54-1.81) hyperhomocysteinemia demonstrated significant correlations with ruptured aneurysms. Neither univariate (OR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.71-1.0) nor multivariable age-adjusted (OR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.75-1.05) models evidenced an association between homocysteine levels and vasospasm. Homocysteinemia did not influence excellent functional outcomes at 6 months (mRS≤1) (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.94-1.16). CONCLUSION: There were no differences regarding homocysteinemia between patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In patients with ruptured aneurysms, homocysteinemia was not associated with vasospasm or functional outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: Existem poucos dados sobre a influência da homocisteína na formação e rotura de aneurismas intracranianos (AI). OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis de homocisteína entre pacientes com AI rotos e não rotos e influências no vasoespasmo e resultados funcionais. MéTODOS: Estudo caso-controle, que avaliou as diferenças de homocisteinemia entre pacientes com aneurismas rotos e não rotos, além da associação entre níveis de homocisteína, vasoespasmo e estado funcional. Regressões logísticas foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: Um total de 348 participantes foram incluídos: 114 (32,8%) com aneurismas rotos e 234 (67,2%) não rotos. A homocisteína mediana foi de 10,75µmol/L (IQR = 4,59) nos rotos e 11,5µmol/L (IQR = 5,84) nos não rotos. Não houve associação significativa entre os níveis de homocisteína e o status de ruptura (OR = 0,99, 95% CI = 0,96-1,04). Nem a hiperhomocisteinemia leve (>15µmol/L; OR = 1,25, 95% CI = 0,32-4,12) nem a moderada (>30µmol/L; OR = 1,0, 95% CI = 0,54-1,81) mostraram correlações significativas com aneurismas rotos. Modelos univariados (OR = 0,86; 95% CI = 0,71-1,0) e multivariados ajustados por idade (OR = 0,91; 95% CI = 0,75-1,05) não evidenciaram associação entre homocisteína e vasoespasmo. A homocisteinemia não influenciou resultados funcionais excelentes em seis meses (mRS ≤ 1) (OR = 1,04; 95% CI = 0,94-1,16). CONCLUSãO: Não houve diferenças em relação à homocisteinemia entre pacientes com aneurismas intracranianos rotos e não rotos. Em pacientes com aneurismas rotos, a homocisteinemia não foi associada ao vasoespasmo ou resultados funcionais.

Cervical solitary fibrous tumor: case report and literature review.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare neoplasms in the spinal canal. There are few studies addressing SFT/hemangiopericytomas with no distinctive clinical characteristics, no conclusive radiological findings or even a well-defined best treatment strategy. We described a rare case of cervical SFT/hemangiopericytomas in a young patient with spinal cord compression. There are many differential diagnoses for spinal dural-based masses of which meningiomas are the most common. Surgeons and oncologists should be aware of differentials of dural-based masses in the spinal cord for surgical decision making and to guide treatment.

Early versus delayed debridement for surgical site infection after oncological neurosurgery.

Background: There are no guidelines on the management of surgical site infection (SSI) in neurosurgery. This study sought to analyze whether early debridement improved survival compared to antibiotic therapy alone in patients with postcraniotomy infections after oncological neurosurgeries. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patient records from 2011 to 2019 to identify patients that had been reoperated for the debridement of SSI after brain tumor resection. If SSI was suspected but not clinically evident, the diagnosis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis or contrast-based imaging examinations. Immediately after diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotics were started for all patients. Results: Out of 81 SSI cases, 57 underwent debridement. Two patients were reoperated 3 times, and three had two surgeries, resulting in a total of 64 procedures. The number of days between SSI diagnosis and surgical intervention did not influence mortality in both univariate and multivariable analyses (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% CI 0.93-1.13). Early debridement (<24 h) did not influence rates of antibiotic prescription at discharge (P = 0.53) or hospital length of stay (LOS) (P = 0.16). Higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) were associated with the lower survival (HR 1.05, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.08). Multiple cutoffs were tested and values above 3.5 are more significantly associated with worse outcomes (HR 2.2; 95%CI 1.1-4.2). Conclusion: Early debridement does not seem to influence the survival, rates of antibiotic at discharge, or hospital LOS of patients presenting with SSI after neurosurgery for intracranial tumors. High NLRs are strong predictors of worse prognosis in this population.