Lumbar disc herniation with contralateral radiculopathy: a systematic review on pathophysiology and surgical strategies.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a relatively common pathology usually presenting with unilateral radiculopathy ipsilateral to the disc herniation. Some patients can present with contralateral radicular symptoms. The objective of this article is to review the current literature on lumbar disc herniations with contralateral radiculopathy regarding its pathophysiology and surgical strategies. A systematic review of the literature on LDH with contralateral radiculopathy was performed using MEDLINE (via PubMed) using MeSH terms. This review was done following recommendations of PRISMA statement and PICOT strategy of search. Initial electronic search identified 126 papers. Finally, 18 articles were reviewed. None of the included papers was described as comparative. Pathophysiological processes underlying contralateral pain may include prominent spondylotic changes and the accompanying stenosis; hypertrophic yellow ligament; dural attachments along the posterior longitudinal ligament; nerve root traction forces; and friction radiculitis, migrated epidural fat, nerve root anomaly, and venous congestion inside the vertebral canal. In our pooled analysis, 11 patients reported were treated by bilateral approach with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Eight patients were treated by unilateral approach ipsilateral to pain with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Forty-eight patients were treated by unilateral approach ipsilateral to herniation with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Pathophysiology underlying contralateral pain in LDH is probably multifactorial. There is not enough scientific evidence to define the best surgical approach for patients with LDH and contralateral pain.

Autopsy and biopsy study of paracoccidioidomycosis and neuroparacoccidioidomycosis with and without HIV co-infection.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis prevalent among immunocompetent patients in Latin America. This study aimed to describe the frequency, demographics and clinical characteristics of central nervous system PCM (NPCM) and PCM in an endemic region, and the impact of human immunosuppression virus (HIV) co-infection. This was a retrospective study of autopsy and biopsy reports from the Medical Pathology Section of the Hospital de Clinicas, UFPR, Curitiba, Southern Brazil, between 1951 and 2014. PCM was present in 0.1% of 378,323 cases examined, with 5.7% being NPCM. Infection was prevalent in working-age men, agricultural workers and rural residents. Numbers of HIV autopsy cases increased over time, while those of PCM cases decreased. Prevalence of co-infection of HIV/PCM and HIV/NPCM was 1.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. Adrenals were affected more frequently in the NPCM group compared with the PCM group. Mortality was higher on NPCM group. The clinical course of PCM in HIV patients resembles an acute/sub-acute infection. Association of NPCM and HIV is rare, while diagnosis of NPCM is difficult, it should be considered a differential diagnosis in HIV patients who live in, or have visited, endemic areas and present with neurological symptoms.

Geographical evaluation of Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis and Paracoccidioidomycosis in Southern Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis among immunocompetent patients in Latin America. This study aimed to describe the expansion over time and the geographical distribution of confirmed Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPCM) and PCM cases, and relate it to environmental characteristics such as climate, soil types and coffee crops. This was a retrospective study of autopsy and biopsy reports between 1951 and 2014 from the Medical Pathology Section of the Hospital de Clinicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Southern Brazil. PCM was predominant in male agricultural workers. PCM cases predominated in areas with subtropical climate with hot summers in North West Parana state. NPCM cases were distributed statewide more frequent in rural than metropolitan area. There was no association with climate, soil type, or coffee crop culture. Most of the PCM cases were in the metropolitan area of the capital, chiefly due to migration fluxes. Even though the history is predominantly agricultural, PCM cases were distributed mainly in the metropolitan area of the state capital, there was no association with climate and soil. NPCM cases were numerically more frequent in rural than metropolitan area.

Correlation of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Parameters and Outcomes in Patients with Intramedullary Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) account for about 2%-4% of all central nervous system tumors. Surgical resection is the main treatment step, but might cause damage to functional tissues. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is an adopted measure to decrease surgical complications. Below, we describe the results of IMSCT submitted to surgery under IONM at a tertiary institution. METHODS: The sample consisted of consecutive patients with IMSCT admitted to the Neurological Institute of Curitiba from January 2007 to November 2016. A total of 47 patients were surgically treated. Twenty-three were male (48.9%) and 24 were female (51.1%). The mean age was 42.77 years. The mean follow-up time was 42.7 months. RESULTS: Neurological status improved in 29 patients (62%), stable in 6 (13%), and worse in 12 (25%). Patients who presented with motor symptoms at initial diagnosis had a worse outcome compared to patients with sensory impairment and pain (P = 0.026). Patients with a change in electromyography had worse neurological outcomes compared to patients who did not show changes in monitoring (P = 0.017). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: No prospective randomized high evidence study has been performed to date to compare clinical evolution after surgery with or without monitoring. In our sample, surgical resection was well succeeded mainly in oligosymptomatic patients with low preoperative McCormick classification and no worsening of IONM during surgery. We believe that microsurgical resection of IMSCT with simultaneous IONM is the gold standard treatment and achieved with good results.

Dorsal displacement of the facial nerve in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

The course of the facial nerve (FN) has been extensively investigated in patients with vestibular schwannomas (VSs). FN running dorsally to the tumor capsule accounts for less than 3% of the cases. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based fiber tracking helps to preoperatively identify the FN. During surgery, a higher risk of injury is associated with the dorsal location of the FN. The authors demonstrate the nuances and tricks to identify and preserve a dorsal displaced FN during resection of a large VS, T3b according to the Hannover classification, through the retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2182.

Using Cranial Sutures in a Single-Step Frame-Guided Resection and Reconstruction for Intraosseous Meningiomas: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Single-stage surgical treatment of cranial intraosseous meningiomas includes complete tumor resection followed by aesthetic reconstruction. Tailored tumor resection with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing custom-made implant for the defect has been advocated in recent years to achieve a satisfactory cosmetic result with reduced operative time and fewer complications. However, several technical nuances related to the area of osseous removal may compromise cranioplasty. METHODS: We present 2 cases of intraosseous meningiomas (sphenoid wing and retromastoid) to illustrate a step-by-step approach, from preoperative planning to single-step surgery. RESULTS: For each case, a customized frame template delimiting bone removal was designed using cranial sutures as anatomical landmarks for precise placement of the cranioplasty template over the area of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Custom templates based in cranial sutures may benefit single-step frame-guided resection and reconstruction of intraosseous tumors with compelling results.

Cranioplasty with three-dimensional customised mould for polymethylmethacrylate implant: a series of 16 consecutive patients with cost-effectiveness consideration.

BACKGROUND: Different methods of cranioplasty for the reconstruction of bony skull defects exist. In the absence of the autologous bone flap, a customised manufactured implant may be the optimal choice, but this implant has several limitations regarding its technical standardisation and better cost-effectiveness. METHODS: This study presents a series of 16 consecutive patients who had undergone cranioplasty with customised three-dimensional (3D) template moulds for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants manufactured after 3D modelling on a specific workstation. The virtual images were transformed into a two-piece physical model using a 3D printer for the biomaterials. PMMA implant was produced intraoperatively with the custom mould. Cosmetic results were analysed by comparing pre- and postoperative 3D computed tomography (CT) images and asking if the patient was satisfied with the result. RESULTS: The average total time for planning and production of customised mould was 10 days. The 16 patients were satisfied with the result, and CT images presented harmonious symmetry when comparing pre- and postoperative scans. Cases of postoperative infection, bleeding, or reoperation in this series were not observed. CONCLUSION: Cranioplasty with high-technology customised 3D moulds for PMMA implants can allow for an aesthetic reconstruction with a fast and cost-effective manufacturing process and possibly with low complication rates.

Acromial type in Brazilian young adults: a radiological study / Tipo acromial em adultos jovens brasileiros: um estudo radiológico

Introduction: curved and hooked acromia play a key role in shoulder impingement syndrome. Little is known about acromial type in the Brazilian population. Aim: To describe the acromial profile of Brazilian young adults; to evaluate its correlation with gender and handedness and the occurrence of symmetry between the genders. Methodology: forty acromia in 20 Brazilian adults of both genders, aged 21-25 years, were studied. The acromial type was classified through the Bigliani/Epstein method using radiographs in supraspinatus outlet view. Results: as there was no gender difference in occurrences of acromial type, we considered the male and female groups together. Thus, among the 20 right acromia, we found 5 type I (25%), 8 type II (40%) and 7 type III (35%). Among the 20 left acromia, we found 4 type I (20%), 11 type II (55%) and 5 type III (25%). The only left-handed volunteer (100%) presented acromial type III in both the right and the left shoulder. Among the 19 right-handed volunteers, 5 (26.3%) presented right acromion type I, 8 (42.1%) had type II and 6 (31.6%) had type III; for the left acromion, 4 (21.1%) presented type I, 11 (57.9%) had type II and 4 (21.1%) had type III. Acromial symmetry occurred in 60% of females and 70% of males. Conclusion: type II acromion was predominant, in both the right and the left shoulder in Brazilian young adults. There was no correlation between acromial type and gender. It was not possible to analyze the correlation between acromial type and handedness. Acromial type tended to be symmetrical in our sample.

Introdução: o acrômio curvo e gancho desempenham um papel fundamental na Síndrome do impacto do ombro. Pouco se sabe sobre o tipo acromial na população brasileira. Objetivo: descrever o perfil do tipo acromial em adultos jovens brasileiros e avaliar sua correlação com o gênero e a lateralidade e a ocorrência de simetria entre os sexos. Metodologia: foram estudados 40 acrômios de 20 adultos brasileiros, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 21 e 25 anos. O tipo acromial foi classificado pelo método de Bigliani/ Epstein nas radiografias de perfil de escápula. Resultados: como não houve diferença na ocorrência do tipo acromial quanto ao gênero, consideramos os grupos masculino e feminino juntos. Assim, dos 20 acrômios direitos, foram encontrados 5 (25%) do tipo I, 8 (40%) do tipo II e 7 (35%) do tipo III, enquanto que dos 20 acrômios esquerdos, foram encontrados 4 (20%) tipo I, 11 (55%) tipo II e 5 (25%) tipo III. O único voluntário canhoto (100%) apresentou para o ombro direito e esquerdo o tipo acromial III. Dos 19 voluntários destros, 5 (26,3%) apresentavam acrômio direito tipo I, 8 (42,1%) tipo II e 6 (31,6%) tipo III; para o acrômio esquerdo, 4 (21,1%) apresentavam tipo I, 11 (57,9%) tipo II e 4 (21,1%) tipo III. A simetria acromial ocorreu nos grupos feminino (60%) e masculino (70%). Conclusão: o acrômio tipo II foi o mais predominante para os ombros direito e esquerdo em adultos jovens brasileiros. Não houve correlação entre o tipo de acromial e o gênero. Não foi possível analisar a correlação entre o tipo acromial e a lateralidade. O tipo acromial tende a ser simétrico em na amostra estudada.

Confiabilidade interavaliador do método de Bigliani para classificação do tipo acromial / Inter-rater reliability of the method of Bigliani for classifying acromial type

Introdução: em 1875, Hamilton identificou o formato do acrômio como uma etiologia de dor no ombro. Neer, em 1972, descreveu a síndrome do impacto no ombro como uma relação de causa e efeito entre a morfologia do acrômio e o impacto subacromial. Em 1986, Bigliani et al. apresentaram um esquema de classificação do acrômio de acordo com o formato de sua superfície inferior: plano (tipo I), curvo (tipo II) e gancho (tipo III). Em 1993, Epstein et al. proporam que o acrômio tipo II apresentaria um declive em seu terço médio e o tipo III no seu terço anterior. Objetivo: avaliar a reprodutibilidade/confiabilidade interavaliador do método de Bigliani et al. (1986) refinado por Espstein et al. (1993) para a classificação do tipo acromial. Metodologia: casuística composta por 20 voluntários brasileiros, de ambos os gêneros, entre 21-25 anos. A incidência radiográfica utilizada para visualizar o formato do acrômio foi perfil de escápula. O tipo acromial foi classificado por três avaliadores. A reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade foram avaliadas pelo teste McNemar e pelo índice Kappa. Resultados: teste de McNemar com p > 0,05; índice Kappa entre 0,61 e 0,8; e probabilidade de significância p de Kappa < 0,05 confirmam a muito boa reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade do método para classificação do tipo acromial entre os três avaliadores. Conclusão: o método de Bigliani et al. (1986) refinado por Epstein et al. (1993) para classificação do tipo acromial mostrou concordância entre todos os avaliadores confirmando a muito boa reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade entre os avaliadores do estudo.

Introduction: in 1875, Hamilton identified that acromion shape was an etiology for shoulder pain. In 1972, Neer described shoulder impact syndrome as a cause and effect relationship between acromion morphology and subacromial impact. In 1986, Bigliani et al. presented an acromion classification scheme according to the shape of its lower surface: flat (type I), curved (type II) and hook (type III). In 1993, Epstein et al. proposed that the type II acromion would have a slope in its middle third and type III in its anterior third. Objective: to evaluate the inter-rater reproducibility and reliability of the method of Bigliani et al. (1986) for classifying acromial type, as refined by Epstein et al. (1993). Methodology: this was a case series composed of 20 Brazilian volunteers of both genders, aged 21-25 years. The shape of the acromion was visualized radiographically using the supraspinatus outlet view. Acromial type was classified by three evaluators. Reproducibility and reliability were assessed using the McNemar test and kappa index. Results: the McNemar test showed probability p > 0.05 and the kappa index was between 0.61 and 0.8 significant result: p < 0.05. These confirmed that this method had very good reproducibility and reliability for classifying acromial type among the three evaluators. Conclusion: the method of Bigliani et al. (1986) for classifying acromial type, as refined by Epstein et al. (1993) showed agreement among all the evaluators. This confirmed that there was very good reproducibility and reliability among the evaluators of this study.

Reconstruçäo anatômica do pé no feto humano de 3§ mês pós-concepçäo: anatomia do desenvolvimento do arco transverso anterior / Anatomical reconstuction of the foot of a human fetus in the tenth postconception week

O pé esquerdo de um feto humano na 10ª semana pós-concepçäo foi reconstruído pelo método de Born modificado. A reconstruçäo mostrou a formaçäo do arco transverso anterior e possibilitou a tomada de medidas, tais como altura do arco e largura do pé, que foram, respectivamente, 0,36mm e 2,68mm. Nessa fase do desenvolvimento, quando os músculos intrínsecos do pé estäo apenas se formando, a existência de uma elevaçäo acentuada na extremidade distal dos metatarsianos indica que esta deve ser conseqüência da formaçäo do esqueleto do pé, detectável mesmo antes do apoio ou da marcha