Fernando Campos Gomes Pinto

Anatomic Study of the Filum Terminale and Its Correlations with the Tethered Cord Syndrome

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the intradural anatomic features of the filum terminale (FT) in fresh human cadavers, analyzing morphological parameters relevant for the diagnosis of the tethered cord syndrome. METHODS Forty-one fresh cadavers were dissected, and the following parameters were evaluated: cadaver height, weight, and age, FT length, FT diameters at the initial point and midpoint, and topographic relationships of the initial and fusion points of the FT to the adjacent vertebrae. RESULTS The mean FT length was 156.44 mm (range, 112.8–211.1 mm), the mean initial diameter was 1.38 mm (range, 0.4–2.5 mm), and the mean midpoint diameter was 0.76 mm (range, 0.1–1.55 mm). Four specimens (9.76%) exhibited FT thicknesses of more than 2 mm at their initial points. The FT most frequently started at the middle L1 level (19.51%) and fused with the dura mater at the upper S2 level (31.71%). Two fila (4.88%) started below the L2 level. Statistically significant correlations were observed (Pearson correlation, P < 0.05) between specimen weight and height (P = 0.019), initial point and midpoint diameters of the FT (P < 0.001), initial vertebral level and specimen height (P = 0.012), and initial and fusion vertebral levels (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Variation ranges were large for almost all anatomic parameters of the FT. Six cadavers (14.63%) in our study fulfilled one of the anatomic diagnostic criteria for tethered cord syndrome. Neurosurgeons must remember the normal variations in the anatomic features of this region when establishing the diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome or performing surgical procedures involving the caudal part of the dural sac.

Ultrastructural study of the filum terminale and its elastic fibers.

OBJECTIVE:The filum terminale (FT) is a fibrovascular band involved in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Its morphological and ultrastructural properties remain largely unknown even though they are thought to play a role in the generation of TCS in adult patients with normal level conus medullaris. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Twenty fresh adult human cadavers had their fila measured and removed. Transversal and longitudinal sections of the proximal, middle, and distal thirds of FT were submitted to light microscopy analysis with four different techniques. Five fila were selected for longitudinal and transversal scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS:The bulk of the FT is composed of 5- to 20-&mgr;m thick longitudinal bundles of Type 1 collagen separated by 3- to 10-&mgr;m intervals, although capillaries and other elements may be present. A delicate (0.05–1.5 &mgr;m) meshwork of predominantly Type 3 collagen transversal fibers connects these bundles. Abundant longitudinally oriented elastic and elaunin fibers are found inside collagen bundles. A complex tridimensional structure is evidenced on electron microscopy. CONCLUSION:The longitudinal arrangement of collagen bundles and the impressive amount of elastic and elaunin fibers should elicit considerable elastic properties to the FT. An altered elasticity mechanism has been proposed for TCS; further studies are needed with TCS patients to define whether the collagen structure, Type 1/Type 3 proportion, or elastic fiber content are altered, which could lead to new histopathological definitions of TCS, helping neurosurgeons in the difficult management of TCS patients with normal level conus medullaris.

Role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Currently, the most common treatment for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), generally with programmable valve implantation. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is another treatment option, and it does not require prosthesis implantation. OBJECTIVE To compare the functional neurological outcome in patients after 12 months of treatment with INPH by using 2 different techniques: ETV or VPS. METHODS Randomized, parallel, open-label trial involving the study of 42 patients with INPH and a positive response to the tap test, from January 2009 to January 2012. ETV was performed with a rigid endoscope with a 30° lens (Minop, Aesculap), and VPS was performed with a fixed-pressure valve (PS Medical, Medtronic). The outcome was assessed 12 months after surgery. The neurological function outcomes were based on the results of 6 clinical scales: mini-mental, Berg balance, dynamic gait index, functional independence measure, timed up and go, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups after 12 months of follow-ups, and the VPS group showed better improvement results (ETV = 50%, VPS = 76.9%). CONCLUSION Compared with ETV, VPS is a superior method because it had better functional neurological outcomes 12 months after surgery.

Hydrocephalus in neurocysticercosis

IntroductionCysticercosis (CC) is the most important of the parasitic diseases of the central nervous system due to its high incidence in the world. CC is the infection with the larval cysts of Taenia solium. It is the most common helminthic infection of the nervous system and is endemic in most underdeveloped countries as well as in industrialized nations. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 people die every year from neurocysticercosis (NCC) worldwide.DiscussionHumans with CC are incidental intermediate hosts, which replace the pig in the life cycle of the T. solium. Children are more frequently affected by parenchyma infestation of cysticercus, of which the main clinical manifestation is epilepsy. Hydrocephalus is more common in adults and is caused by cerebrospinal fluid blockage by ventricular cysts and inflammatory reactions (ependimitis/arachnoiditis). Treatment should be individualized based on clinical presentation, degree of infestation, location and viability of cysticercus, and host response. Hydrocephalus can be controlled only by removal of obstructive intraventricular cysts or associated with either ventriculoperitoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy. The degree of infestation and complications related to the shunt represents the most important prognostic factors in the outcome of NCC.

Impact of an Educational Intervention Implanted in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit on Rates of Infection Related to External Ventricular Drains

Background Studies on the implantation of care routines showed reduction on EVD catheter-related infections rates; however zero tolerance is difficult to be achieved. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the maximal reduction on rates of EVD-related infections. Methodology/Principal Findings The quasi-experimental (before-after intervention) study occurred in two phases: pre-intervention, from April 2007 to July 2008, and intervention, from August 2008 to July 2010. Patients were followed for 30 days after the removal of the EVD, and EVD-related infections were considered as only those with laboratorial confirmation in the CSF. Observations were made of the care of the EVD and compliance with Hygiene of the Hands (HH), a routine of care was drawn up, training was given, and intervention was made to reduce the time the EVD catheter remained in place. Results during the study, 178 patients were submitted to 194 procedures, corresponding to 1217 EVD catheters-day. Gram-negative agents were identified in 71.4% of the infections during the pre-intervention period and in 60% during the intervention period. During the study, EVD-related infection rates were reduced from 9.5% to 4.8% per patient, from 8.8% to 4.4% per procedure, and the incidence density dropped from 14.0 to 6.9 infections per 1000 catheters-day (p = 0.027). The mortality reduced 12% (from 42% to 30%). Conclusions/Significance During one year after the fourth intervention, no microbiologically identified infection was documented. In light of these results, educational intervention proved to be a useful tool in reducing these rates and showed also impact on mortality.

Idiopathic distal lenticulostriate artery aneurysm in a child

The authors describe a rare case of idiopathic distal lenticulostriate artery (LSA) aneurysm in a 5-year-old boy who presented in the emergency department with a sudden onset of headache. Admission computed tomography scans revealed an intracerebral hemorrhage in the left caudate nucleus with intraventricular extension. Angiographic studies demonstrated a left medial LSA aneurysm. The patient underwent a left parasagittal frontal craniotomy, the lateral ventricle was accessed via the anterior transcallosal approach, and the aneurysm was removed after sectioning of the parent vessel. The child left the hospital after 5 days; at that time he was asymptomatic and without motor impairment. The optimum treatment of aneurysms involving small perforating arteries is controversial and depends mainly on the causative factors. The pathogenesis and treatment of these unusual aneurysms are discussed.

Revisiting hydrocephalus as a model to study brain resilience

Hydrocephalus is an entity which embraces a variety of diseases whose final result is the enlarged size of cerebral ventricular system, partially or completely. The physiopathology of hydrocephalus lies in the dynamics of circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The consequent CSF stasis in hydrocephalus interferes with cerebral and ventricular system development. Children and adults who sustain congenital or acquired brain injury typically experience a diffuse insult that impacts many areas of the brain. Development and recovery after such injuries reflects both restoration and reorganization of cognitive functions. Classic examples were already reported in literature. This suggests the presence of biological mechanisms associated with resilient adaptation of brain networks. We will settle a link between the notable modifications to neurophysiology secondary to hydrocephalus and the ability of neuronal tissue to reassume and reorganize its functions.

Programmable valve represents an efficient and safe tool in the treatment of idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus patients

UNLABELLED Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by gait disturbance, dementia and /or urinary incontinence, dilation of the ventricular system and normal opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Shunt surgery is the standard treatment of iNHP. Diversions with programmable valves are recommended, once drainage pressure can be changed. However, well-defined protocols still lack guiding the steps to attain proper pressure for each patient. METHODS In our study, we reported the experience of shunting 24 patients with iNPH using Strata® (Medtronic) valve, following a protocol based on a positive Tap Test. RESULTS We observed clinical improvement in 20 patients and stability/worsening in 4 patients. Complications occurred in five patients, including one death. The results display improvement, and complications occurred at a lower rate than reported in other studies. CONCLUSIONS The Strata® valve used in the proposed protocol represents an efficient and safe tool in the treatment of iNPH.

Surgical Treatment of Myelomeningocele Carried Out at ‘Time Zero’ Immediately after Birth

Background/Aims: To present a protocol of immediate surgical repair of myelomeningocele (MMC) after birth (‘time zero’) and compare this surgical outcome with the surgery performed after the newborn’s admission to the nursery before the operation. Methods: Data from the medical files of 31 patients with MMC that underwent surgery after birth and after admission at the nursery (group I) were compared with a group of 23 patients with MMC admitted and prospectively followed, who underwent surgery immediately after birth – ‘at time zero’ (group II). Results: The preoperative rupture of the MMC occurred more frequently in group I (67 vs. 39%, p < 0.05). The need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt was 84% in group I and 65% in group II and 4 of them were performed during the same anesthetic time as the immediate MMC repair, with no statistically significant difference. Group I had a higher incidence of small dehiscences when compared to group II (29 vs. 13%, p < 0.05); however, there was no statistically significant difference regarding infections. After 1 year of follow-up, 61% of group I showed neurodevelopmental delay, whereas only 35% of group II showed it. Conclusions: The surgical intervention carried out immediately after the birth showed benefits regarding a lower incidence of preoperative rupture of the MMC, postoperative dehiscences and lower incidence of neurodevelopmental delay 1 year after birth.

Determining ICH Score: can we go beyond?

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) still presents a great heterogeneity in its clinical evaluation, demonstrating differences in the enrollment criteria used for the study of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treatment. The aim of the current study was to assess the ICH Score, a simple and reliable scale, determining the 30-day mortality and the one-year functional outcome. Consecutive patients admitted with acute SICH were prospectively included in the study. ICH Scores ranged from 0 to 4, and each increase in the ICH Score was associated with an increase in the 30-day mortality and with a progressive decrease in good functional outcome rates. However, the occurrence of a pyramidal pathway injury was better related to worse functional outcome than the ICH Score. The ICH Score is a good predictor of 30-day mortality and functional outcome, confirming its validity in a different socioeconomic populations. The association of the pyramidal pathway injury as an auxiliary variable provides more accurate information about the prognostic evolution.