Lucas Moretti Monsignore

Increased vertebral morphometric fracture in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism despite normal bone mineral density

BackgroundThe mechanism behind parathyroid hormone (PTH) activation of bone remodeling is intimately dependent on the time of exposure of bone cells to hormone levels. Sustained high PTH levels trigger catabolism, while transitory elevations induce anabolism. The effects of hypoparathyroidism (PhPT) on bone are unknown. The objective was to study the impact of PhPT on bone mineral density (BMD), on the frequency of subclinical vertebral fracture and on mandible morphometry.MethodsThe study comprised thirty-three postmenopausal women, 17 controls (CG) and 16 with PhPT (PhPTG) matched for age, weight and height. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine, total hip and 1/3 radius, radiographic evaluation of vertebral morphometry, panoramic radiography of the mandible, and biochemical evaluation of mineral metabolism and bone remodeling were evaluated in both groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in lumbar spine or total hip BMD between groups. There was marked heterogeneity of lumbar spine BMD in PhPTG (high = 4, normal = 9, osteopenia = 1, and osteoporosis = 2 patients). BMD was decreased in the 1/3 radius in PhPTG P < 0.005). The PhPTG group exhibited an increased frequency of morphometric vertebral fractures and decreased mandible cortical thickness.ConclusionThe study suggests that vertebral fragility occurs in PhPT despite normal or even high BMD. The current results encourage further studies to evaluate the use of panoramic radiography in the identification of osteometabolic disorders, such as PhPT and the development of a more physiological treatment for PhPT.

Computed tomography findings of paracoccidiodomycosis in musculoskeletal system

Objective To evaluate musculoskeletal involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis at computed tomography. Materials and Methods Development of a retrospective study based on a review of radiologic and pathologic reports in the institution database. Patients with histopathologically confirmed musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis and submitted to computed tomography were included in the present study. The imaging findings were consensually described by two radiologists. In order to avoid bias in the analysis, one patient with uncountable bone lesions was excluded from the study. Results A total of seven patients were included in the present study. A total of 18 bone lesions were counted. The study group consisted of 7 patients. A total number of 18 bone lesions were counted. Osteoarticular lesions were the first manifestation of the disease in four patients (57.14%). Bone lesions were multiple in 42.85% of patients. Appendicular and axial skeleton were affected in 85.71% and 42.85% of cases, respectively. Bone involvement was characterized by well-demarcated osteolytic lesions. Marginal osteosclerosis was identified in 72.22% of the lesions, while lamellar periosteal reaction and soft tissue component were present in 5.55% of them. One patient showed multiple small lesions with bone sequestra. Conclusion Paracoccidioidomycosis can be included in the differential diagnosis of either single or multiple osteolytic lesions in young patients even in the absence of a previous diagnosis of pulmonary or visceral paracoccidioidomycosis

Diagnóstico por imagem das fístulas arteriovenosas da região do seio cavernoso

Arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus are rare and difficult to diagnose. They are classified into dural cavernous sinus fistulae or direct carotid-cavernous fistulae. Despite the similarity of symptoms between both types, a precise diagnosis is essential since the treatment is specific for each type of fistula. Imaging findings are remarkably similar in both dural cavernous sinus fistulae and carotid-cavernous fistulae, but it is possible to differentiate one type from the other. Amongst the available imaging methods (Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography), angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae. The present essay is aimed at didactically presenting the classification and imaging findings of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae.Arteriovenous fistulae of the cavernous sinus are rare and difficult to diagnose. They are classified into dural cavernous sinus fistulae or direct carotid-cavernous fistulae. Despite the similarity of symptoms between both types, a precise diagnosis is essential since the treatment is specific for each type of fistula. Imaging findings are remarkably similar in both dural cavernous sinus fistulae and carotid-cavernous fistulae, but it is possible to differentiate one type from the other. Amongst the available imaging methods (Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography), angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae. The present essay is aimed at didactically presenting the classification and imaging findings of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulae.

Mechanical thrombectomy with solitaire stent retrieval for acute ischemic stroke in a Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE: Large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke is associated with low recanalization rates under intravenous thrombolysis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Solitaire AB stent in treating acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke were prospectively evaluated. The neurological outcomes were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the modified Rankin Scale. Time was recorded from the symptom onset to the recanalization and procedure time. Recanalization was assessed using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were evaluated. The mean patient age was 65, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores ranged from 7 to 28 (average 17±6.36) at presentation. The vessel occlusions occurred in the middle cerebral artery (61.9%), distal internal carotid artery (14.3%), tandem carotid occlusion (14.3%), and basilar artery (9.5%). Primary thrombectomy, rescue treatment and a bridging approach represented 66.6%, 28.6%, and 4.8% of the performed procedures, respectively. The mean time from symptom onset to recanalization was 356.5±107.8 minutes (range, 80-586 minutes). The mean procedure time was 60.4±58.8 minutes (range, 14-240 minutes). The overall recanalization rate (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores of 3 or 2b) was 90.4%, and the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate was 14.2%. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at discharge ranged from 0 to 25 (average 6.9±7). At three months, 61.9% of the patients had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, with an overall mortality rate of 9.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial thrombectomy with the Solitaire AB device appears to be safe and effective. Large randomized trials are necessary to confirm the benefits of this approach in acute ischemic stroke.

Urgent percutaneous transcatheter embolization of hemorrhagic hepatic lesions with N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

PURPOSE To report on our clinical experience with and the success rate and safety of percutaneous transcatheter embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as the lone primary embolic agent used for arterial embolization of hemorrhagic liver lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study enrolled all patients who presented to the emergency room with hemorrhagic liver lesions during a two-year period and were treated by percutaneous transcatheter embolization with NBCA. RESULTS Eight consecutive patients were evaluated, and 13 lesions were embolized exclusively with NBCA: eight pseudoaneurysms and five active bleeds. All patients were treated successfully using percutaneous transcatheter embolization with NBCA without re-bleedings or major complications. CONCLUSION Percutaneous transcatheter embolization with NBCA is a safe and effective method for treating hemorrhagic lesions.

Modified pressure cooker technique: An easier way to control onyx reflux.

The use of onyx enabled the treatment of various intracranial vascular diseases more effectively than cyanoacrylate. The pressure cooker technique allowed definitive control of reflux and was made possible via detachable microcatheters. We present a variation of this technique called the modified pressure cooker to make reflux control easier and more reproducible and thus simplifying the procedure. We also extended the application of the technique to other diseases beyond arteriovenous malformations including dural arteriovenous fistulas and hypervascular tumors.

Early versus late carotid artery stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis

INTRODUCTION Early carotid revascularization (≤ 14 days) is recommended for symptomatic carotid stenosis. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, safety data on early CAS is controversial. The study aims to compare early versus late CAS, when CAS is performed as a first intention revascularization strategy. METHODS A retrospective analysis of all symptomatic patients admitted to our stroke unit who underwent CAS was conducted. Patients were divided between two groups: patients who had undergone CAS within 14 days after symptoms and those who had undergone CAS later. Primary endpoints were ipsilateral ischemic stroke or ipsilateral parenchymal hemorrhage (iPH) at 30 days. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at the 30-day and at the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS One hundred twenty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated. Primary endpoints obtained in the early and late CAS groups were, respectively, ipsilateral stroke (2.0% vs. 2.6%, P = 1.00) and iPH (2.0% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.40). The rates of MACCE between the early and the late CAS groups were, respectively, (7.8% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.21) at the 30-day follow-up, and (12.2% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.77) at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this study, CAS seems to be safe when used as first intention revascularization treatment within 2 weeks of symptoms, if infarcted area is less than one third of the middle cerebral artery territory. Our results need to be confirmed by larger studies.

Radiation Exposure of Patients and Interventional Radiologists during Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Prospective Single-Operator Study

PURPOSE To prospectively analyze the radiation exposure of patients and interventional radiologists during prostatic artery embolization (PAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five consecutive PAE procedures performed with an Artis zee system in a single center by an interventional radiologist were prospectively monitored. The mean age, weight, and prostate volume of the patients were 65.7 year (range, 43-85 y), 71.4 kg (range, 54-88 kg), and 79 cm3 (range, 36-157 cm3), respectively. In addition to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine radiation data, direct measures were also obtained. Radiochromic film was used to evaluate peak skin dose (PSD). The radiologist wore a protective apron and a thyroid collar, and a ceiling-suspended screen and a table curtain were used. To estimate the absorbed doses, nine pairs of dosimeters were attached to the operators body. RESULTS The average fluoroscopy time was 30.9 minutes (range, 15.5-48.3 min). The mean total dose-area product (DAP) was 450.7 Gy·cm2 (range, 248.3-791.73 Gy·cm2) per procedure. Digital subtraction angiography was responsible for 71.5% of the total DAP, followed by fluoroscopy and cone-beam computed tomography. The mean PSD was 2,420.3 mGy (range, 1,390-3,616 mGy). The average effective dose for the interventional radiologist was 17 μSv (range, 4-47 μSv); values for the eyes, hands, and feet were obtained, and were all greater on the left side. CONCLUSIONS PAE may lead to high x-ray exposures to patients and interventional radiologists.

Extending the indications for transvenous approach embolization for superficial brain arteriovenous malformations

Introduction Transarterial embolization is the standard endovascular treatment strategy for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The transvenous approach has been indicated for the embolization of deep AVMs meeting a set of strict eligibility criteria. The present study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the transvenous approach for superficial AVMs. Methods A retrospective series of 12 patients presenting with cortical AVMs were treated by endovascular embolization using a transvenous approach with a curative intent. Results Nine patients (75%) had ruptured AVMs at admission. The mean nidus size was 1.9 cm, six patients (50%) had a nidus in eloquent areas and the median Spetzler–Martin grade was 2. The rate of immediate angiographic occlusion of the AVMs was 91.6% (11/12). One patient in whom immediate angiographic occlusion was not achieved showed spontaneous occlusion at the 6-month follow-up. No procedural or clinical complications were observed. The mean and median modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at discharge were 1.7 and 2 (range 0–3, SD=0.96), and the mean and median mRS scores at 6 months were 1.6 and 2 (0–3, 1.16). Nine patients (75%) were independent (mRS ≤2) at discharge and 11 patients (91.6%) were independent (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions The curative transvenous embolization of superficial intracranial AVMs is feasible and appears safe and effective when strict anatomical selection is respected. This technique extends the current indications for transvenous embolization of intracranial AVMs and may improve cure rates while reducing embolization-related complications.

Carotid artery stenting in the context of endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

UNLABELLED Mechanical thrombectomy as an adjunctive to intravenous thrombolysis is now the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusions. However, the best management of acute carotid tandem occlusions (CTO) remains controversial. METHOD Twenty patients underwent endovascular treatment of acute CTO. The primary endpoint was the composite rate of complete or partial recanalization without a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Secondary endpoints were recanalization times, procedure times, and clinical outcomes at three months. RESULTS The primary endpoint was reached in 17 (85%) patients. Recanalization rate was reached in 90% of patients (19/20) and sICH rate was 5% (1/20). At the 3-month follow-up we obtained a mRS ≤ 2 rate of 35% (7/20) and a mortality rate of 20% (4/20). CONCLUSION Carotid angioplasty stenting and endovascular treatment of AIS due to CTO appears effective with an acceptable rate of sICH.