Jefferson Rosi Junior

Whole-body computerized tomography and concomitant spine and head injuries: a study of 355 cases.

The authors present a prospective study on the coexistence of spinal injury (SI) and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients who were involved in traffic accidents and arrived at the Emergency Department of Hospital das Clinicas of the University of Sao Paulo between September 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009. A whole-body computed tomography was the diagnostic method employed in all cases. Both lesions were observed simultaneously in 69 cases (19.4%), predominantly in males (57 individuals, 82.6%). Cranial injuries included epidural hematoma, acute subdural hematoma, brain contusion, ventricular hemorrhage and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The transverse processes were the most fragile portion of the vertebrae and were more susceptible to fractures. The seventh cervical vertebra was the most commonly affected segment, with 24 cases (34.78%). The distribution of fractures was similar among the other cervical vertebrae, the first four thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar spine. Neurological deficit secondary to SI was detected in eight individuals (11.59%) and two individuals (2.89%) died. Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage was the most common intracranial finding (82.6%). Spinal surgery was necessary in 24 patients (34.78%) and brain surgery in 18 (26%). Four patients (5.79%) underwent cranial and spinal surgeries. The authors conclude that it is necessary a judicious assessment of the entire spine of individuals who presented in coma after suffering a brain injury associated to multisystemic trauma and whole-body CT scan may play a major role in this scenario.

Cavernous carotid artery aneurysms: epidemiology, natural history, diagnostic and treatment. An experience of a single institution.

BACKGROUND Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCA) account for 2-9% of all intracranial aneurysms. They have been considered benign lesions, most often asymptomatic, and to have a natural history with a low risk of life-threatening complications. These aneurysms are unique, their rupture can present in many different forms, they can suffer spontaneous thrombotic changes and the symptomatology related to the mass effect involves the neuro-ophthalmologic system. In this scenario the natural history and clinical presentation are largely different from other intracranial aneurysms. Some investigators advocate treatment of both symptomatic and asymptomatic CCAs, others recommend no treatment. The reason for this controversy relates to a lack of information on the long term natural history of these aneurysms, as well as on the long term results of treatment. METHODS In this article the authors discuss their single institution experience in diagnosis, natural history and management of 123 asymptomatic and oligosympotomatic aneurysms located in the cavernous portion of internal carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS According to our results asymptomatic or olygosymptomatic (pain) CCAs should be conservatively managed with serial images while the others presentations should be analyzed by a multidisciplinary team, involving the neuroendovascular and microsurgical services.

Prognostic model for patients with traumatic brain injuries and abnormal computed tomography scans

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of death and disability worldwide. The prognosis evaluation is a challenge when many variables are involved. The authors aimed to develop prognostic model for assessment of survival chances after TBI based on admission characteristics, including extracranial injuries, which would allow application of the model before in-hospital therapeutic interventions. A cohort study evaluated 1275 patients with TBI and abnormal CT scans upon admission to the emergency unit of Hospital das Clinicas of University of Sao Paulo and analyzed the final outcome on mortality. A logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine the adjusted weigh of each independent variable in the outcome. Four variables were found to be significant in the model: age (years), Glasgow Coma Scale (3-15), Marshall Scale (MS, stratified into 2,3 or 4,5,6; according to the best group positive predictive value) and anysochoria (yes/no). The following formula is in a logistic model (USP index to head injury) estimates the probability of death of patients according to characteristics that influence on mortality. We consider that our mathematical probability model (USP Index) may be applied to clinical prognosis in patients with abnormal CT scans after severe traumatic brain injury.

Dor pélvica crônica não visceral: tratamento multidisciplinar. Relato de caso

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of chronic pelvic pain among females is approximately 4%, similar to the prevalence of migraine (2.1%), asthma (3.7%) and low back pain (4.1%). Its diagnosis and management are major challenges for the health team. This report aimed at showing the difficulty of diagnosing and managing chronic pelvic pain and the importance of the multidisciplinary team for pain relief. CASE REPORT: Forty-five years old patient with pelviperineal pain for six years after hysteroscopy and uterine polyp excision. Severe pain, starting in the immediate postoperative period has evolved along this period without improvement, leading her to look for the Chronic Abdominal, Pelvic and Perineal Pain Outpatient Clinic of the Interdisciplinary Pain Center, Clinicas Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary management, involving drugs, inactivation of trigger-points (anesthetic infiltration, dry needling, acupuncture), physiotherapy, postural reeducation and psychosocial support, has provided patients significant pain relief and improved quality of life.