Cees A. F. Tulleken

Neurobehavioral Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Glioma Patients

PURPOSE To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cognitive functioning of high-grade glioma patients in the postneurosurgical period. PATIENTS AND METHODS The HRQOL, as assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey-36, tumor-specific symptoms, and objective and subjective neuropsychologic functioning, of 68 newly diagnosed glioma patients were compared with that of 50 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The association between tumor lateralization, extent of resection, and use of medication, and the HRQOL outcomes was also investigated. RESULTS The HRQOL of the two patient groups was similar but significantly lower than that of the healthy controls. Glioma patients reported significantly more neurologic symptoms and poorer objective and subjective neuropsychologic functioning than the NSCLC patients. Using healthy controls as the reference group, cognitive impairment assessed at the individual patient level was observed in all glioma patients and 52% of the NSCLC patients. Poor performance on timed tasks in the glioma group could be attributed, in large part, to visual and motor deficits. Tumor lateralization was found to affect neuropsychologic functioning in a predictable manner. The extent of resection was not related significantly to neuropsychologic functioning. Corticosteroid use was associated with better recognition memory, whereas antiepileptic drug use was correlated negatively with working memory capacity. CONCLUSION The general HRQOL of glioma patients is similar to that of patients with NSCLC. However, they suffer from a number of condition-specific neurologic and neuropsychologic problems that have a significant impact on their daily lives in the postsurgical period, before treatment with radiotherapy.

Carotid balloon occlusion for large and giant aneurysms: evaluation of a new test occlusion protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of a new angiographic test occlusion protocol before carotid balloon occlusion in patients with carotid aneurysms. METHODS: Carotid occlusion was considered for 29 consecutive patients. From 1993 to 1995, test occlusion in four patients consisted of clinical observation for 30 minutes and during electroencephalographic registration. From 1996 onward, test occlusion in 25 patients consisted of clinical observation and angiography of collateral vessels. Permanent balloon occlusion was performed only when the cortical veins in both the occluded and the collateral vascular territories filled synchronously. RESULTS: Two of the four patients with normal clinical and electroencephalographic findings during test occlusion developed delayed hypoperfusion infarction after permanent carotid occlusion. Seventeen of 25 patients (68%) demonstrated both clinical and angiographic tolerance, and no ischemic events occurred after permanent carotid occlusion. In one patient with clinical tolerance but angiographic nontolerance, permanent carotid occlusion had to be performed, which resulted in delayed hypoperfusion infarction. In two patients with angiographic nontolerance, venous filling became synchronous after bypass surgery. Long-term clinical follow-up showed an alleviation of the symptoms of mass effect in 14 of 21 patients (67%). Magnetic resonance imaging follow-up (range, 3-70 mo) revealed a reduction in the size of the aneurysm in 19 of 21 patients (90%). CONCLUSION: Test occlusion with clinical and angiographic control is reliable, safe, and simple to perform.

Altered flow territories after extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent stroke after carotid sacrifice and to augment cerebral perfusion in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, high-flow extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass operations are performed. Although the function and efficacy of the bypass is monitored during surgery, the postoperative flow through the bypass is significantly lower than the flow in the contralateral ICA. Thus far, it is unknown whether decreased bypass flow is caused by a low tissue perfusion or by a relatively small flow territory. METHODS: Seven patients, four with an atherosclerotic ICA occlusion and three with a giant aneurysm of the ICA, were investigated; each underwent a high-flow EC-IC bypass and permanent occlusion of the ICA. Cerebral blood flow was measured with arterial spin labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. Separate flow territory mapping of the EC-IC bypass, contralateral ICA, and posterior circulation was performed with selective arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in cerebral blood flow between the hemisphere ipsilateral to the EC-IC bypass (70.9 ± 11.3 ml/min/100 g tissue), contralateral to the EC-IC bypass (71.9 ± 14.3 ml/min/100 g tissue), and comparable findings in 50 healthy control participants (69.1 ± 17.5 ml/min/100 g tissue). Paired analysis of the individual flow territories demonstrated a 15% volume reduction (P = 0.018) in flow territory of the EC-IC bypass compared with the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we demonstrate the feasibility of selective arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging for clinical follow-up of patients after high-flow EC/IC bypass surgery, providing both information on flow territories and the level of regional cerebral blood flow.

Late recurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage after treatment for ruptured aneurysms: patient characteristics and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who have been successfully treated for all detected aneurysms are at risk for recurrence of SAH. We assessed the characteristics, complications of re-treatment, and outcomes of patients with recurrent SAH as important factors in determining whether to screen patients for new aneurysms. METHODS:We studied patients admitted between 1987 and 2002 to three hospitals in the Netherlands for recurrent SAH. Patients had received treatment previously for all aneurysms identified after initial SAH. We collected data for age, sex, risk factors, site, and number of the aneurysm(s), time between the first and the second SAH, complications of re-treatment, and outcome after recurrent SAH. RESULTS:We identified 30 patients: 27 women and 3 men. Thirty-two aneurysms were documented; 19 were classified as de novo, 8 were classified as regrowth, and 5 had been missed in retrospect. The mean time between the first and the second SAH was 7.8 years (range, 0.25–17 yr for all aneurysms and 2.8–14 yr for de novo aneurysms). Nine patients (30%) had a family history of SAH. No specific complications were reported with reoperation in 21 patients. Ten patients (33%) died, 4 patients (14%) were severely disabled, and 16 patients (53%) had good outcomes. CONCLUSION:Among patients admitted with recurrent SAH, there is a predominance of women and patients with familial SAH. Reoperation is not associated with specific complications. Outcome after recurrent SAH is similar to that after initial SAH.

1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human hydrocephalus.

To evaluate cerebral metabolism in clinical hydrocephalus with 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

Magnetic resonance imaging for quantitative flow measurement in infants with hydrocephalus : a prospective study

OBJECT Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) that is associated with hydrocephalus may lead to alterations in cerebral hemodynamics and ischemic changes in the brain. In infants with hydrocephalus, defining the right moment for surgical intervention based on clinical signs alone can sometimes be a difficult task. Clinical signs of raised ICP are known to be unreliable and sometimes even misleading. Furthermore, when sutures are closed, ICP does not always correlate with the size of the ventricles or with the clinical signs or symptoms. In this study the authors investigated whether cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be measured by using quantitative MR angiography in infants with progressive hydrocephalus. In addition, the authors investigated the relationship between CBF and ICP, before and after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. METHODS Fifteen infants with progressive hydrocephalus (age range 1 day-7 months) were examined. All patients underwent anterior fontanel pressure measurement, MR angiography, and mean arterial blood pressure measurements before and after CSF diversion. Brain volume was measured to compensate for the physiological increase in CBF during brain maturation in infants. RESULTS The mean preoperative ICP was 19.1 +/- 8.4 cm H(2)O (+/- standard deviation). The mean postoperative ICP was 6.7 +/- 4.0 cm H(2)O (p < 0.005). The mean preoperative CBF was 25.7 +/- 11.3 ml/100 cm(3) brain/min. After CSF diversion, CBF increased to 50.1 +/- 12.1 ml/100 cm(3) brain/min (p < 0.005). The mean arterial blood pressure did not change after surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to measure CBF in infants with hydrocephalus. Raised ICP was related to a decrease in CBF. After CSF diversion, CBF and ICP improved to values within the normal range.

Longitudinal diffusion-weighted imaging in infants with hydrocephalus: decrease in tissue water diffusion after cerebrospinal fluid diversion.

OBJECT Progressive hydrocephalus may lead to edema of the periventricular white matter and to damage of the brain parenchyma because of compression, stretching, and ischemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cerebral edema can be quantified using diffusion-weighted imaging in infants with hydrocephalus and whether CSF diversion could decrease cerebral edema. METHODS Diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed in 24 infants with progressive hydrocephalus before and after CSF diversion. Parametric images of the trace apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were obtained. The ADCs of 5 different cortical and subcortical regions of interest were calculated pre- and postoperatively in each patient. The ADC values were compared with age-related normal values. Mean arterial blood pressure and anterior fontanel pressure were measured immediately after each MR imaging study. RESULTS After CSF diversion, the mean ADC decreased from a preoperative value of 1209 +/- 116 x 10(-6) mm(2)/second to a postoperative value of 928 +/- 64 x 10(-6) mm(2)/second (p < 0.005). Differences between pre- and postoperative ADC values were most prominent in the periventricular white matter, supporting the existence of preoperative periventricular edema. Compared with age-related normal values, the preoperative ADC values were higher and the postoperative ADC values were lower, although within normal range. The decrease in ADC after CSF drainage was more rapid than the more gradual physiological decrease that is related to age. The preoperative ICP was elevated in all patients. After CSF diversion the ICP decreased significantly to within the normal range. A linear correlation between ADC values and ICP was found (correlation coefficient 0.496, p < 0.001). In all patients the mean arterial blood pressure was within physiological limits both pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a rapid and more extensive decrease in ADC values after CSF diversion than is to be expected from physiological ADC decrease solely due to increasing patient age. The preoperative ADC increase can be explained by interstitial edema caused by transependymal CSF leakage or by vasogenic edema caused by capillary compression and stretching of the brain parenchyma. This study population of infants with (early recognized) hydrocephalus did not suffer from cytotoxic edema. These findings may help to detect patients at risk for cerebral damage by differentiating between progressive and compensated hydrocephalus.

Noninvasive detection of the distinction between progressive and compensated hydrocephalus in infants: is it possible?

OBJECT Clinical signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus can be clear and specific, but also subtle, nonspecific, or even absent. It may be difficult to decide whether shunt placement is indicated, especially in infants. Therefore, there is a need for the development of better noninvasive detection methods to distinguish between compensated and (slowly) progressive hydrocephalus. Early interference can reverse the cerebral damage, whereas the detection of a nonpathological state in infants with compensated hydrocephalus avoids the complications of unnecessary shunt procedures. Using MR imaging, the authors investigated cerebral blood flow (CBF) and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) measured in infants with clinically compensated hydrocephalus. METHODS The diagnosis of compensated hydrocephalus was made on the basis of clinical criteria, consisting of no signs or symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), measurement of a normal ICP, and standard MR imaging showing enlarged ventricles. Flow measurements through both internal carotid arteries and the basilar artery were considered to represent the total CBF. In addition, ADC values were assessed in 5 different regions of interest in the brain parenchyma using diffusion weighted imaging. Brain volumetric measurement was performed to express CBF in ml/100 cm(3) brain/min, thus compensating for physiological CBF growth over time. Mean arterial blood pressure was manually measured to exclude this factor as a cause of a possible change in CBF. Intracranial pressure measurement was performed noninvasively using the Rotterdam Teletransducer. RESULTS Eighteen infants with clinically compensated hydrocephalus were included. The mean CBF was 53.5 ml/100 cm(3) of brain/min. The individual CBF values were graphically compared with age-related normal CBF values and fell in the normal range. Mean ADC value was 890.0 x10(-6) mm(2)/sec. Apparent diffusion coefficient values per region of interest were graphically compared with normal ADC values per region of interest and fell within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS In infants with hydrocephalus, normal CBF and low ADC values, as measured using MR imaging, are associated with compensated hydrocephalus and may support a conservative approach with respect to the decision on whether to place a shunt.

NEW TRANSCRANIAL DOPPLER INDEX IN INFANTS WITH HYDROCEPHALUS: TRANSSYSTOLIC TIME IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in infants with hydrocephalus may cause (ir)reversible damage to the brain parenchyma but can be present without clinical signs and/or symptoms. Therefore, new, favorably noninvasive, detection methods are needed to distinguish between compensated hydrocephalus with normal intracranial pressure and slowly progressive hydrocephalus with increased intracranial pressure. Because early ischemic changes in the brain parenchyma are associated with increased intracranial pressure, transcranial Doppler (TCD) indices may be useful to detect increased intracranial pressure in infants with hydrocephalus. Twenty-four infants with hydrocephalus underwent noninvasive ICP measurement, magnetic resonance imaging and TCD before and after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. The TCD indices were paired to the anterior fontanelle pressure findings and compared for correlation. After CSF diversion, ICP decreased significantly from 21.8 cm H(2)O to 7.7 cm H(2)O (p<0.005). The transsystolic time (TST) as measured with TCD increased significantly from 176 to 221 ms (p<0.005), whereas the pulsatility index (PI) decreased significantly from 1.3 to 1.0 (p<0.05). The resistance index (RI) decreased significantly from 0.73 to 0.63 (p<0.05). Mean bloodflow velocity through the middle cerebral artery increased significantly from 55.5 to 75.8 cm/s (p<0.005). TST has a strong correlation with the ICP (p<0.005). Measuring TST with TCD can be helpful in the decision-making process about whether to perform CSF diversion in infants with hydrocephalus. Because TST is related solely to the relative changes in the flow velocity caused by intracranial physical properties, it has a closer relation to ICP than the PI and the RI.

Comparison of adhesive markers, anatomical landmarks and surface matching in patient-to-image registration for frameless stereotaxy

The application accuracy of frameless stereotaxy depends partly on the accuracy of the patient-to-image registration procedure. We compared the application accuracy of registration procedures based on anatomical landmarks, surface matching, and adhesive markers. After acquisition of a 3D-MRI volume, 30 patients were subjected to all three registration procedures. Frameless stereotaxy was performed with the STN system (Carl Zeiss, Germany). Following each registration procedure, the root-mean-squared-error (RMSE) and the target registration error (TRE) of an extra adhesive marker (target) were recorded. The first represents the goodness-of-fit of the registration procedure (not available in surface matching) while the second represents the application accuracy. The mean TRE+/- SD for each type of registration was 5.3+/- 2.1mm, 9.4+/- 6.6mm, and 3.6+/- 1.6mm (paired t-tests: p<0.01). When anatomical landmarks were used, anterior targets generated smaller TREs than posterior targets (4.6+/- 2.0mm and 6.8+/- 1.3mm respectively, t-test: p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between the RMSE and the TRE (anatomical landmarks: R2=0.071, adhesive markers: R2=0.004). A more detailed evaluation of surface matching, using a plastic skull phantom, also could not demonstrate an improvement in application accuracy due to surface matching. In conclusion, our results indicate that adhesive markers offer the most accurate alternative to bonescrews. However, we believe anatomical landmarks to provide sufficient accuracy for many neurosurgical procedures concerning frontally located targets, reducing the need for extra preoperative imaging.