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Prostanoids derived from the activity of cyclooxygenases and their respective synthases contribute to both active inflammation and immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Their synthesis, deactivation and role in glioma biology have not yet been fully explored and require further study. Using quantitative real time PCR, gas chromatography/ electron impact mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/ electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, we have further characterized the prostanoid pathway in grade IV glioblastoma (GBM). We observed significant correlations between high mRNA expression levels and poor patient survival for microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES1) and prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1). Conversely, high mRNA expression levels for 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-HPGD) were correlated with better patient survival. GBMs had a higher quantity of the prostanoid precursor, arachidonic acid, versus grade II/III tumors and in GBMs a significant positive correlation was found between arachidonic acid and PGE2 content. GBMs also had higher concentrations of TXB2, PGD2, PGE2 and PGF2α versus grade II/III tumors. A significant decrease in survival was detected for high versus low PGE2, PGE2 + PGE2 deactivation products (PGEMs) and PGF2α in GBM patients. Our data show the potential importance of prostanoid metabolism in the progression towards GBM and provide evidence that higher PGE2 and PGF2α concentrations in the tumor are correlated with poorer patient survival. Our findings highlight the potential importance of the enzymes 15-HPGD and PTGR1 as prognostic biomarkers which could be used to predict survival outcome of patients with GBM.

Background: Decompressive craniectomy is a procedure required in some cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This manuscript evaluates the direct costs and outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for TBI in a developing country and describes the epidemiological profile. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using a five-year neurosurgical database, taking a sample of patients with TBI who underwent decompressive craniectomy. Several variables were considered and a formula was developed for calculating the total cost. Results: Most patients had multiple brain lesions and the majority (69.0%) developed an infectious complication. The general mortality index was 68.8%. The total cost was R$ 2,116,960.22 (US$ 661,550.06) and the mean patient cost was R$ 66,155.00 (US$ 20,673.44). Conclusions: Decompressive craniectomy for TBI is an expensive procedure that is also associated with high morbidity and mortality. This was the first study performed in a developing country that aimed to evaluate the direct costs. Prevention measures should be a priority. RESUMO Introdução: A craniectomia descompressiva (CD) é procedimento necessário em alguns casos de trauma cranioencefálico (TCE). Este manuscrito objetiva avaliar os custos diretos e desfechos da CD no TCE em um país em desenvolvimento e descrever o perfil epidemiológico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo foi realizado usando banco de dados neurocirúrgico de cinco anos, considerando amostra de pacientes com TCE que realizaram CD. Algumas variáveis foram analisadas e foi desenvolvida uma fórmula para cálculo do custo total. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes teve múltiplas lesões intracranianas, sendo que 69.0% evoluíram com algum tipo de complicação infecciosa. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 68,8%. O custo total foi R$ 2.116.960,22 (US$ 653,216.00) e o custo médio por paciente foi R$ 66.155,00 (US$ 20,415.00). Conclusões: CD no TCE é um procedimento caro e associado á alta morbidade e mortalidade. Este foi o primeiro estudo realizado em um país em desenvolvimento com o objetivo de avaliar os custos diretos. Medidas de prevenção devem ser priorizadas.

Objetivo. Descrição de hemorragia intracerebral secundária a rotura de aneurisma infeccioso manifestada por uma síndrome neurológica clássica. Método. Relato de caso e breve revisão da literatura. Resulta­dos. A correlação clínico-radiológica permitiu no caso apresentado o correto diagnóstico topográfico e etiológico da lesão. Dentre os diver­sos tipos de tratamento de aneurismas infecciosos algumas terapias são propostas, no caso descrito os autores optaram pela antibioticoterapia juntamente com o tratamento neurocirúrgico endovascular. O exame de angiografia controle evidenciou completa oclusão da lesão e no se­guimento ambulatorial o paciente apresentou boa evolução clínica. Conclusões. O exame físico associado a minuciosa história clínica são recursos indispensáveis ao médico. Esses recursos permitiram em con­junto com a avaliação radiológica complementar, arsenal terapêutico disponível e equipe de reabilitação multidisciplinar propiciar excelen­te evolução e recuperação funcional do paciente.

Objetivos Hidrocefalia tardia que requer implante de derivacao liquorica e frequente apos hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurisma cerebral roto, e contribui para a morbimortalidade tardia. Alguns autores reportam que a fenestracao microcirurgica da Lâmina Terminal, durante a cirurgia do aneurisma diminui a incidencia de hidrocefalia tardia. Material e Metodo No periodo de Janeiro de 2010 a Janeiro de 2012 realizamos a fenestracao da Lâmina Terminal associada a fenestracao da Membrana de Liliequist, em 17 pacientes operados na fase aguda por aneurisma roto. Monitoramos por tomografia a presenca de hidrocefalia apos 6 e 16 meses. Resultados Nenhum paciente apresentou hidrocefalia tardia. Conclusao A fenestracao da Lâmina Terminal associada a fenestracao da Membrana de Liliequist e eficaz na prevencao da hidrocefalia tardia pos hemorragia subaracnoidea por aneurisma roto.

E bem estabelecido que o diagnostico da fratura de condilo occipital tem aumentado nas ultimas decadas, provavelmente devido a disponibilidade e ao uso comum da tomografia computadorizada durante a investigacao do trauma craniano, alem da maior gravidade dos mecanismos de trauma. Por causa da baixa especificidade da apresentacao clinica, e tambem pelo pouco conhecimento sobre o mecanismo de lesao, o diagnostico desta condicao e um desafio para neurocirurgioes. A abordagem terapeutica destes pacientes e baseada em estudos com baixa casuistica e em relatos de caso. Uma revisao sobre este tema foi realizada a fim de discutir alguns aspectos controversos sobre o manejo da fratura de condilo occipital. As fraturas de condilo occipital sao eventos raros, entretanto podem relacionar-se a alta morbidade em pacientes que sofreram trauma encefalico. Alguns sintomas, como intensa dor cervical, podem estar associados com esta fratura; portanto, paciente com suspeita de fratura de condilo occipital deve ser submetido a investigacao radiologica detalhada da regiao. O diagnostico precoce desta fratura permite investigacao apropriada, minimizando a chance de sequelas.

Objetivo. Verificar as indicações de uso de anticonvulsivantes em pa­cientes vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE), avaliando os malefícios e benefícios do uso de diferentes drogas anticonvulsivan­tes descritas na literatura. Método. Foi realizada revisão de literatu­ra, utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE e SCIELO, utilizando os termos: “Epilepsia Pós-Traumática”, “Traumatismos Craniocerebrais ”, “Anticonvulsivantes”, “Post-Traumatic Epilepsy”, “Craniocerebral Trauma” e “Anticonvulsants”. Foram incluídos artigos com enfoque tanto no uso profilático quanto terapêutico de drogas anticonvulsi­vantes no TCE. Foram selecionados os artigos mais relevantes entre os anos de 1980 e 2014. Resultados. Vários autores têm estudado o uso de anticonvulsivantes de forma profilática ou terapêutica em vítimas de TCE, demonstrando o risco de desenvolver convulsão pós traumática em relação ao tipo de lesão cerebral apresentada e com a gravidade do trauma. Conclusão. A maior parte dos artigos não demonstra benefício em se realizar profilaxia anticonvulsivante por mais de sete dias após o trauma. Mais estudos randomizados com uma amostra significativa de pacientes poderiam ser conduzidos no intui­to de comparar o efeito de diferentes drogas anticonvulsivantes tanto na profilaxia quanto no tratamento da epilepsia pós traumática e seu impacto na qualidade de vida desses pacientes e também na morbi­mortalidade dos mesmos.

CONTEXT: Central nervous system (CNS) infectious diseases have high prevalence in developing countries and their proper diagnosis and treatment are very important for public health planning. Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that may cause several CNS manifestations, especially in immunocompromised patients. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common type of involvement. Mass-effect lesions are uncommon: they are described as cryptococcomas and their prevalence is even lower among immunocompetent patients. The aim here was to report an extremely rare case of cryptococcoma causing a mass effect and mimicking a brain tumor in an immunocompetent patient. The literature on CNS cryptococcal infections was reviewed with emphasis on cryptococcomas. Clinical, surgical and radiological data on a female patient with this rare presentation of cryptococcoma mimicking a brain tumor are described. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with a rapid-onset progressive history of confusion and completely dependency for basic activities. Neuroimaging showed a left occipital lesion and neurosurgical treatment was proposed. From histopathological evaluation, a diagnosis of cryptococcoma was established. She received clinical support with antifungals, but despite optimal clinical treatment, her condition evolved to death. CONCLUSIONS: Cryptococcal infections have several forms of presentation and, in immunocompetent patients, their manifestation may be even more different. Cryptococcoma is an extremely rare presentation in which proper surgical and clinical treatment should be instituted as quickly as possible, but even so, there is a high mortality rate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the endoscopic transsphenoidal technique for growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas. Methods: A retrospective analysis based on medical records of 23 acromegalic patients submitted to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Biochemical control was defined as basal GH < 1ng/ml, nadir GH < 0.4ng/ml after glucose load and age-adjusted IGF-1 normal at the last follow-up. Results: The overall endocrinological remission rate was 39.1%. While all microademonas achieved a cure, just one third of macroadenomas went into remission. Suprasellar extension, cavernous sinus invasion and high GH levels were associated with lower rates of disease controlThe mos . t common complication was diabetes insipidus and the most severe was an ischemic stroke .Conclusion: The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is a safe and effective technique to control GH-secreting adenomas. The transcavernous approach may increase the risk of complications. Suprasellar and cavernous sinus extensions may preclude gross total resection of these tumors.Keywords: acromegaly; growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma; endoscopy

The first few months after birth, when a child begins to interact with the environment, are critical to human brain development. The human frontal lobe is important for social behavior and executive function; it has increased in size and complexity relative to other species, but the processes that have contributed to this expansion are unknown. Our studies of postmortem infant human brains revealed a collection of neurons that migrate and integrate widely into the frontal lobe during infancy. Chains of young neurons move tangentially close to the walls of the lateral ventricles and along blood vessels. These cells then individually disperse long distances to reach cortical tissue, where they differentiate and contribute to inhibitory circuits. Late-arriving interneurons could contribute to developmental plasticity, and the disruption of their postnatal migration or differentiation may underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.

The World Health Organization classifies glioblastoma (GBM) as a grade IV astrocytoma. Despite the advances in chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatments that improve a patient's length of survival, the overall trajectory of the disease remains unchanged. GBM cells produce significant levels of various types of bioactive lipids. Prostaglandin DFirst we looked to identify the presence of the PGDWe identified the presence of endogenous PGDOur study demonstrates that prostaglandin D

BACKGROUND: Stroke, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mortality rate of poor-grade SAH ranges from 34% to 52%. In an attempt to improve SAH outcomes, clinical research on multimodality monitoring has been performed, as has basic science research on inflammation and neuroregeneration (which can occur due to injury-induced neurogenesis). Nevertheless, the current literature does not focus on the integrated study of these fields. Multimodality monitoring corresponds to physiological data obtained during clinical management by both noninvasive and invasive methods. Regarding inflammation and neuroregeneration, evidence suggests that, in all types of stroke, a proinflammatory phase and an anti-inflammatory phase occur consecutively; these phases affect neurogenesis, which is also influenced by other pathophysiological features of stroke, such as ischemia, seizures, and spreading depression. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether injury-induced neurogenesis is a prognostic factor in poor-grade SAH that can be monitored and modulated. METHODS: We propose a protocol for multimodality monitoring-guided hypothermia in poor-grade SAH in which cellular and molecular markers of inflammation and neuroregeneration can be monitored in parallel with clinical and multimodal data. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: This study may reveal correlations between markers of inflammation and neurogenesis in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, based on clinical and multimodality monitoring parameters. DISCUSSION: This protocol has the potential to lead to new therapies for acute, diffuse, and severe brain diseases. ABBREVIATIONS: BBB, blood-brain barrier CPP, cerebral perfusion pressure EEG, electroencephalography ICP, intracranial pressure IL, interleukin MCA, middle cerebral artery SAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage SD, spreading depression SGZ, subgranular zone SVZ, subventricular zone TCD, transcranial Doppler

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar uma série de casos de doença moyamoya/síndrome de moyamoya (DMM/SMM) tratados por revascularização cerebral no período de 2001 a 2013. Método: Estudo retrospectivo de 12 pacientes portadores de DMM/SMM submetidos à revascularização cerebral. Resultados: Três pacientes foram operados por meio de by-pass de alto fluxo, três com by-pass de baixo fluxo e seis por revascularização indireta (encefaloarteriossinangiose associada à galeossinangiose). Realizamos durante o seguimento: análise da ocorrência de novos acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC), avaliação funcional (utilizando a Escala de Rankin Modificada) e das complicações cirúrgicas. O tempo de acompanhamento para o grupo de by-pass de alto fluxo foi de quatro a dez anos, para o grupo de baixo fluxo e revascularização indireta de três meses a três anos. Nenhum paciente apresentou outro AVC no hemisfério operado tampouco piora funcional. As taxas de morbimortalidade e de infecção foram nulas. Conclusão: A revascularização cerebral foi efetiva, prevenindo a ocorrência de novos AVC e evitando piora funcional.

ResumoO glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) é o tumor primário mais comum do sistema nervoso central (SNC). Em virtude do envelhecimento populacional, entre outros fatores, sua ocorrência em faixas etárias avançadas tem se mostrado crescente nas últimas décadas. Os objetivos da ressecção do GBM incluem: alívio do efeito de massa, citorredução tumoral, diagnóstico histopatológico, controle dos sintomas e melhoria nas taxas de sobrevivência. Por muito tempo acreditou-se que a idade seria fundamental na decisão pelo tratamento, embora alguns autores afirmem que a extensão da ressecção cirúrgica constitui o principal fator determinante do prognóstico, sobretudo para pacientes que foram eleitos para radioterapia e quimioterapia. A ressecção de mais de 98% do volume tumoral é capaz de interferir na sobrevivência, e ressecções menores proporcionaram sobrevivência semelhante à dos pacientes não abordados. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura atual a respeito do tratamento do GBM nos idosos, com enfoque especial na abordagem cirúrgica.

Resumo Objetivo: Documentar a incidência de lesões traumáticas da via óptica, assim como a etiologia traumática; correlacionar as lesões do nervo óptico com achados radiológicos (lesões cranianas e intracranianas); e estudar lesões múltiplas de nervos cranianos. Métodos: Dezoito pacientes admitidos no Serviço de Emergência da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo com lesão traumática da via óptica foram incluídos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com o escore da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG) em: trauma leve (ECG de 13 a 15), moderado (ECG de 9 a 12) e grave (ECG de 3 a 8), distribuição quanto a gênero, presença de fraturas, lesões intracranianas, fístulas liquóricas e mecanismo de trauma. Resultados: Dos 18 casos, 17 lesões ocorreram em conjunto com outros nervos cranianos e em 1 caso houve lesão exclusiva do nervo óptico. Atropelamentos, acidentes automobilísticos, motociclísticos e ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo constituíram as causas mais frequentes de lesão do nervo óptico, de forma isolada, assim como nas lesões de múltiplos nervos. Hematomas extradurais e contusões cerebrais foram as lesões intracranianas mais frequentes e, quando presentes, as fraturas cranianas localizavam-se no teto orbitário ou na região frontal. Conclusão: Neuropatia traumática do óptico deve ser pesquisada à admissão do paciente (quando possível), pois é passível de tratamento clínico (corticoides) ou cirúrgico. Achados sugestivos de neuropatia óptica traumática incluem fraturas do assoalho ou teto orbitário e traumas de alta energia cinética.

Introduction : Blister aneurysms are of uncertain pathogenesis and are a vascular lesion located in the brain. Overall, they represent 0.3% - 1.0% of all intracranial aneurysms and 0.9% - 6.5% of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Even with the first description being from 1969, there is still debate in the literature about which type of treatment is the best: surgical or endovascular. In this review, we focus on the surgical management. Method : The authors performed a review of available surgical techniques used for blood blister-like aneurysms treatment. Pubmed database was used as search source introducing blister-like aneurysm and blister aneurysms as keywords. The most relevant articles and those that focused on surgical treatment techniques were selected. Discussion: The most used surgical methods are clipping, trapping, wrapping and bypass. As main features of each technique, we can highlight clipping with good efficiency, when there is good neck exposure; trapping being employed in ruptured aneurysm; wrapping for avulsion and bypass that promotes vascularization to the distal territory of the aneurysm. Conclusion : The endovascular method has shown to be promising and efficient. However, different surgical techniques are still being employed based on their efficiency when facing certain surgical scenarios. Keywords : Neurosurgery, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Intracranial aneurysm, Endovascular procedures RESUMO Introducao: Aneurismas cerebrais blister-like sao lesoes vasculares de patogenia incerta. De modo geral, representam 0.3%-1.0% de todos aneurismas intracranianos e 0.9% - 6.5% dos aneurismas intracranianos que rompem. Estao associados a alta morbimortalidade. Mesmo com a primeira descricao sendo de 1969, ainda ha debate na literatura sobre qual tipo de tratamento e o melhor: cirurgico ou endovascular. Nessa revisao, focamos no tratamento cirurgico. Metodos : Os autores realizaram uma revisao das tecnicas cirurgicas utilizadas para tratamento de aneurismas blister-like. A plataforma Pubmed foi utilizada para a pesquisa das palavras chaves “blister-like aneurysm” e “blister aneurysm”. Os artigos de maior relevância e aqueles que enfatizam as tecnicas cirurgicas foram selecionados. Discussao: Os metodos cirurgicos empregados sao clipagem, trapping, wrapping e bypass. Quanto as caracteristicas de cada metodo, podemos salientar a eficacia da clipagem, quanto melhor for a exposicao do aneurisma; o uso do trapping em situacoes de rompimento do aneurisma; wrapping para casos em que houve avulsao do aneurisma e by-pass que promove a vascularizacao distal ao aneurisma. Conclusao : O metodo endovascular tem se mostrado promissor e efetivo. No entanto, as diferentes tecnicas cirurgicas ainda sao empregadas e defendidas devido a sua eficiencia frente certos cenarios cirurgicos. Descritores : Neurocirurgia, Hemorragia subaracnoidea, Aneurisma intracraniano, Procedimentos endovasculares

Introduction : Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are vascular lesions defined by arteriovenous shunting flowing through a nidus of coiled and tortuous vascular connections. Cerebral Proliferative Angiopathy (CPA) is a rare type of AVM with pathological, clinical, diagnostic features and treatment differences from a typical AVM. We aimed to summarize important features of CPA already described and identify important gaps of evidence. Methods : Data was selected by a search of PUBMED with the term “cerebral proliferative angiopathy”. The articles considered relevant were included in this review. We also screened article references and included them as needed. Discussion : CPA shows a diffuse nidus appearance, presence of transdural supply and stenosis of feeding arteries, without dominant feeders or flow-related aneurysms. There is intermingled brain between the vascular spaces. The usual clinical presentation is seizures, headaches, and progressive neurological deficits. Sound diagnosis can be made based on CT, MRI, Angiography and perfusion techniques, which are essential to treatment choices. Invasive treatment is seldom indicated, in order to preserve the normal brain parenchyma, and clinical control of symptoms, associated with a thorough follow-up, is the usual approach in most reported cases. Conclusion : Still much remains to be learned about CPA. Establishing more precise roles of various radiological assessing methods, how they affect the follow-up of patients, and safety and efficacy profiles of different treatment approaches will provide us the tools to give patients a more solid intervention and clearer follow-up. Keywords : Vascular malformations, Intracranial arteriovenous malformations, Brain diseases, Cerebrovascular disorders Resumo Introducao : As malformacoes arteriovenosas cerebrais (MAVs) sao lesoes vasculares definidas por comunicacao arteriovenosa por meio de conexoes vasculares tortuosas. A angiopatia cerebral proliferativa (ACP) e um tipo raro de MAV com caracteristicas patologicas, clinicas, diagnosticas e de tratamento distintas das MAVs tipicas. Objetivou-se resumir caracteristicas importantes da ACP ja descritas na literatura, e identificar lacunas importantes nas evidencias. Metodos : Os dados foram selecionados atraves de busca na base de dados PUBMED, com o termo “cerebral proliferative angiopathy”. Os artigos considerados relevantes foram incluidos nessa revisao, assim como alguns outros artigos presentes nas referencias. Discussao : A ACP apresenta-se como um nidus difuso, associada a presenca de irrigacao transdural, de estenose das arterias que a alimentam, sem suprimento arterial dominante ou aneurismas relacionados ao fluxo. Ha parenquima cerebral normal entre os espacos vasculares. Comumente se apresenta com crises epilepticas, cefaleia e deficits neurologicos progressivos. O diagnostico de certeza pode ser realizado atraves de TC, RM, angiografia e tecnicas de perfusao, e e essencial para a escolha do tratamento. Abordagens invasivas sao raramente indicadas a fim de preservar o parenquima cerebral normal. O controle clinico dos sintomas, associado a seguimento rigoroso, e a escolha terapeutica geralmente utilizada na maioria dos relatos. Conclusao : Ainda ha muito que se aprender sobre a ACP. Estabelecer os beneficios de cada um dos diversos metodos imaginologicos, como eles influenciam o seguimento dos pacientes, e perfis de seguranca e eficacia das diferentes terapeuticas fornecera ferramentas para melhor decisao terapeutica. Descritores : Malformacoes vasculares, Malformacoes arteriovenosas intracranianas, encefalopatias, Transtornos cerebrovasculares

Pourfour du Petit syndrome, or reverse Horner syndrome, is described as an overactive sympathetic nervous system, being characterized by mydriasis, eyelid retraction, and hyperhidrosis. We described a case of Pourfour du Petit syndrome after cervical injury by gunshot, with a little review about this rare syndrome. Angiography revealed dissection and formation of pseudo aneurysm of the left carotid artery. We believe that this lesion caused hyper-stimulation of the left cervical sympathetic chain, resulting in reverse Horner syndrome or Pourfour du Petit syndrome. There was reversal of symptoms spontaneously after 3 wk.

Resumo Objetivo: Documentar a incidência de lesões traumáticas do nervo olfatório, assim como a etiologia traumática; correlacionar as lesões do nervo olfatório com achados radiológicos (lesões cranianas e intracranianas) e estudar lesões múltiplas de nervos cranianos. Métodos: Vinte e quatro pacientes admitidos no Serviço de Emergência da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo com lesão traumática do nervo olfatório foram incluídos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o escore da escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG): trauma leve (ECG de 13 a 15), moderado (ECG de 9 a 12) e grave (ECG de 3 a 8), assim como em diferentes graus de lesão do olfatório, como hiposmia, anosmia e parosmia, distribuição quanto a gênero, presença de fraturas, lesões intracranianas, fístulas liquóricas e mecanismo de trauma. Resultados: Dos 24 casos, 15 lesões ocorreram em conjunto com outros nervos cranianos e em nove casos houve lesão exclusiva do nervo olfatório. O atropelamento foi a causa mais comum de lesão do nervo olfatório de forma isolada, assim como nas lesões de múltiplos nervos. Hematomas extradurais foram as lesões intracranianas mais frequentes e a ausência de fraturas predominou nos indivíduos estudados. Conclusão: Neuropatia traumática do olfatório deve ser pesquisada na admissão do paciente (quando possível), sobretudo quando houver evidência de traumas frontais ou occipitais.

ResumoOs pseudoaneurismas traumáticos da artéria meníngea média (AMM) representam lesões raras, correspondendo a menos de 1% dos aneurismas intracranianos. Em geral, estão associados à fratura craniana temporal que cruza o trajeto da AMM. O hematoma extradural (HED) é a apresentação mais comum desse tipo de lesão, podendo apresentar elevada morbimortalidade na maioria dos casos. O diagnóstico dos pseudoaneurismas da AMM pode ser realizado por angiorressonância, angiotomografia e, principalmente, por arteriografia cerebral. Após a confirmação de sua existência, o tratamento é mandatório e deve ser realizado precocemente, por causa do risco potencial de ruptura. Esse tratamento pode ser realizado por craniotomia e coagulação da artéria meníngea média, ou por via endovascular com oclusão do aneurisma. Apresentamos neste relato o caso de paciente vítima de traumatismo craniano atendido em nosso serviço. Os exames de imagem iniciais mostravam fratura temporal, associada à contusão hemorrágica adjacente. O paciente foi submetido à angiografia cerebral, sendo diagnosticado um pseudoaneurisma na artéria meníngea média. Ele foi submetido a procedimento endovascular para embolização do aneurisma, tendo evoluído satisfatoriamente.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Neurocysticercosis is prevalent in developing countries and manifests with several neurological signs and symptoms that may be fatal. The cysts may be parenchymal or extraparenchymal and therefore several signs and symptoms may occur. Depending on their location, neurosurgical procedures may be required, sometimes as emergencies. The aim here was to review 10-year statistics on all surgical neurocysticercosis cases at a large public tertiary-level hospital. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort at a large public tertiary-level hospital. METHODS: All surgical neurocysticercosis cases seen between July 2006 and July 2016 were reviewed. Parenchymal and extraparenchymal forms were considered, along with every type of surgical procedure (shunt, endoscopic third ventriculostomy and craniotomy). The literature was reviewed through PubMed, using the terms “neurocysticercosis”, “surgery”, “shunt” and “hydrocephalus”. RESULTS: 37 patients underwent neurosurgical procedures during the study period. Most were male (62.16%) and extraparenchymal cases predominated (81%). Patients aged 41 to 50 years were most affected (35.13%) and those 20 years or under were unaffected. Ventricular forms were most frequently associated with hydrocephalus and required permanent shunts in most cases (56.57%). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of neurocysticercosis depends on the impairment: the parenchymal type usually does not require surgery, which is more common in the extraparenchymal form. Hydrocephalus is a frequent complication because the cysts often obstruct the cerebrospinal flow. The cysts should be removed whenever possible, to avoid the need for permanent shunts.

Objective To analyze characteristics of type II odontoid fracture (TII-OF), including clinical and radiographic factors, that influence surgical planning in 8 Latin American centers. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed of 88 patients with TII-OF between 2004 and 2015 from 8 Latin American centers. Parameters studied included 1) demographic data and causes of TII-OF, 2) clinical and neurologic presentation, 3) characteristics of fracture (degree of odontoid displacement, displacement of odontoid relative to C2 body, anatomy of fracture line, distance between fragments, presence of comminution, contact area between odontoid and C2 body), 4) type of treatment, and 5) clinical and radiographic outcome. Bone fusion was assessed using computed tomography. Results Mean patient age was 45.33 years ± 23.54; 78.4% of patients were male. Surgery was the primary treatment in 65 patients (73.8%), with an anterior approach in 64.6%. Surgery was usually preferred in patients with posterior or horizontal oblique fracture lines, local pain, and a smaller bone contact surface between the odontoid and the body of C2. A posterior approach was chosen when distance between the fractured bone fragments was >2 mm or after failed conservative or anterior odontoid screw treatment in a symptomatic patient. Conclusion The treatment of choice for TII-OF in 8 Latin American trauma centers was surgery through an anterior approach using screw fixation. Posterior segmental C1-C2 fixation was indicated when distance between bone fragments was >2 mm and in symptomatic patients with nonunion.

Objective: to evaluate the endovascular treatment of vascular lesions of the cavernous segment of the internal carotidartery (ICA) performed at our institution. Methods: we conducted a descriptive, retrospective and prospective study of patients with aneurysms of the cavernous portion of the ICA or with direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (dCCF) undergoing endovascular treatment. Results: we included 26 patients with intracavernous aneurysms and ten with dCCF. All aneurysms were treated with ICA occlusion. Those with dCCF were treated with occlusion in seven cases and with selective fistula occlusion in the remaining three. There was improvement of pain and ocular proptosis in all patients with dCCF. In patients with intracavernous aneurysms, the incidence of retro-orbital pain fell from 84.6% to 30.8% after treatment. The endovascular treatment decreased the dysfunction of affected cranial nerves in both groups, especially the oculomotor one. Conclusion: the endovascular treatment significantly improved the symptoms in the patients studied, especially those related to pain and oculomotor nerve dysfunction. RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o tratamento endovascular de lesões vasculares da artéria carótida interna (ACI), segmento cavernoso, realizado na Santa Casa de São Paulo. Métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e prospectivo, de pacientes com aneurisma da porção cavernosa da ACI ou com fístulas carótido-cavernosas diretas (FCCd) submetidos a tratamento endovascular. Resultados: foram incluídos 26 pacientes com aneurismas intracavernosos e dez com FCCd. Todos os aneurismas foram tratados com oclusão da ACI. Os com FCCd foram tratados com oclusão, em sete casos, e com oclusão seletiva da fístula nos outros três. Houve melhora da dor e proptose ocular em todos os pacientes com FCCd. Nos pacientes com aneurisma intracavernoso, a incidência de dor retro-orbitária caiu de 84,6% para 30,8% após o tratamento. Após o tratamento endovascular houve uma melhora importante da disfunção de nervos cranianos afetados em ambos os grupos, sobretudo no nervo oculomotor. Conclusão: o tratamento endovascular trouxe melhora para os pacientes deste estudo, especialmente nos critérios dor e acometimento do nervo oculomotor.

Low-energy penetrating nail injury to the brain is an extremely rare neurosurgical emergency. The most common cause of nail gun injury is work related accidents; other causes result from accidental firing of a nail gun, suicide attempts by firing nail guns into the brain, and bomb blasts containing pieces of nails. Neurosurgical treatment performed by craniotomy still seems to be the safest one; there are reports of complications such as subdural hematoma and intraparenchymal hemorrhages following the blind removal of foreign bodies leading to suggestions that all penetrating foreign bodies should be removed under direct vision. We report a rarely described neurosurgical approach for removal of a penetrating nail from the brain and skull without evidence of associated hematoma and other brain lesions.

A different and rare type of atrophy with a predominant pattern in scapulo-peroneal distribution was described by Davidenkow in 1939. The syndrome was characterized by some researchers as a variant of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, however Davidenkow noticed that clinical and laboratorial manifestations did not corroborate exactly with this hypothesis. We describe a case of a female patient, 39 years-old, clinical picture similar to the syndrome described by Davidenkow, presenting scapulo-peroneal atrophy. Her first symptoms had appeared when she was 24, initially with proximal motor weakness in the upper limbs. This patient did not have family history of myopathy or neuropathy. Several tests were performed to exclude other syndromes that could be included in the differential diagnosis, by testing gene mutation, in addition to the physical examination and electromyography. The large spectrum of neuromuscular diseases makes difficult the diagnosis of Davidenkow's syndrome which always should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Background Spontaneous complete thrombosis of a giant aneurysm and its parent artery is a rare event. Their spontaneous recanalization is even rarer, with few reports. Case description A 17-year-old male patient presenting blurred vision and headache, with a history of seizures, was referred to our service. After further investigation with cranial computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebral angiography (CAG), it was diagnosed a thrombosed aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and also complete thrombosis of the PCA. Three years later, he experienced visual worsening. A new MRI scan indicated flow both through the aneurysm and the left PCA, which was further confirmed by CAG. We decided for a noninterventional treatment combined with strict clinical follow-up. The patient continues to present with the previous neurological deficit, without recurrence of headaches. Conclusions Thrombosis is not the final event in the natural history of giant aneurysms, and partial thrombosis does not preclude the risk of rupture. Thrombosed aneurysms may display additional growth brought about by wall dissections or intramural hemorrhages. Their treatment may be either surgical or involve endovascular procedures such as embolization. Thrombosed giant aneurysms are dynamic and unstable lesions. A noninterventional treatment is feasible, but aneurysmal growth or recanalization may suggest the need for a more active intervention.

Resumo Objetivo: Documentar a incidência de lesões traumáticas de nervos cranianos, assim como a etiologia traumática, correlacionar as lesões dos nervos cranianos com achados radiológicos (lesões cranianas e intracranianas) e estudar lesões múltiplas de nervos cranianos. Métodos: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes admitidos no Serviço de Emergência da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo com lesões traumáticas nos diferentes nervos cranianos foram incluídos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à radiografia simples de crânio, tomografia computadorizada e, quando indicada, ressonância magnética de encéfalo. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com o escore da Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG) em: trauma leve (ECG de 13 a 15), moderado (ECG de 9 a 12) e grave (ECG de 3 a 8). Resultados: Os nervos cranianos mais afetados de forma isolada foram olfatório, facial e oculomotor. O atropelamento foi a causa mais comum de lesão de nervos cranianos de forma isolada, assim como nas lesões de múltiplos nervos. Contusões e hematomas extradurais foram as lesões intracranianas mais frequentes. Conclusão: Neuropatia craniana de etiologia traumática ocorre frequentemente e deve ser pesquisada à admissão do paciente, pois pode exigir descompressão de estruturas nervosas importantes como nervo óptico e facial.

ResumoOsteocondromas são neoplasias relativamente raras que podem comprometer o espaço intracraniano. Geralmente estão localizadas na base do crânio em decorrência de sua origem proveniente das sincondroses da base do crânio. Deve-se suspeitar do diagnóstico em pacientes com sintomas de hipertensão intracraniana associados à lesão calcificada que apresente áreas de hipo e hiperdensidade à tomografia computadorizada de crânio.

OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos da epidemiologia, apresentação clínica e radiológica de pacientes com hematoma extradural traumático (HED) submetidos a procedimento neurocirúrgico. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a revisão de prontuários de 210 pacientes admitidos no Serviço de Emergência com HED diagnosticados através de tomografia computadorizada, tratados cirurgicamente no período de agosto de 1998 a janeiro de 2008. Foram analisados: idade, sexo, apresentação clínica e radiológica, mecanismo de trauma e status neurológico no momento da alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Em 49,2% o mecanismo de trauma foi queda; 89,2% dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino; 49,7% dos casos tinham Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG) entre 13-15; 61% dos pacientes tinham idade entre 20-49 anos; A localização do HED em 26,5% e 19,6% dos casos foi têmporo-parietal e temporal, respectivamente; 32,8% tinham lesões intracranianas associadas, sendo a fratura craniana evidenciada em cerca de 45% dos casos; 76,2% dos pacientes tratados cirurgicamente tiveram alta com déficit mínimo ou ausência de déficit neurológico. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos que o HED, na população de estudo, apresenta-se mais frequentemente no gênero masculino, na quarta década de vida, mais relacionado às quedas. Na admissão, observamos uma ECG entre 13 e 15, sendo pertinente mencionar o envolvimento da região têmporo-parietal na maioria dos casos. Acreditamos que o conhecimento da epidemiologia do hematoma extradural traumático pode auxiliar na elaboração de medidas de saúde pública, visando à prevenção e identificação precoce desta doença em determinada população. OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiology, clinical and radiological presentation of patients with traumatic extradural hematoma (EDH) undergoing neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: We performed a chart review of 210 patients admitted to the emergency department with EDH diagnosed by CT scan and surgically treated between August 1998 and January 2008. Variables analyzed were: age, gender, clinical and radiological presentation, mechanism of injury and neurological status at discharge from hospital. RESULTS: In 49.2% trauma mechanism was fall; 89.2% of patients were male, 49.7% of cases had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) between 13 and 15; 61% of patients had age between 20 and 49 years; the location of EDH was the temporo-parietal and temporal in 26.5% and 19.6% of the cases, respectively; 32.8% had associated intracranial lesions, with skull fractures seen in around 45% of cases; 76.2% of surgically treated patients were discharged with minimal or no neurologic deficit. CONCLUSION: We observed that, in the study population, EDH appears more often in males, in the fourth decade of life, and is more related to falls. On admission, GCS was observed between 13 and 15 and it is appropriate to mention the involvement of the temporo-parietal region in most cases. We believe that knowledge of the epidemiology of traumatic epidural hematoma can assist in developing public health measures aimed at prevention and early identification of this disease in the population.

The majority of the filum terminale ependymomas are of the myxopapillary type, which most commonly present as lumbago or sciatic pain, an insidious clinical condition, at times accompanied by paraparesis, bladder paresis and vesical alterations. We report the case of a 13-year-old patient who presented with acute cauda equina. He underwent total resection of the lesion, which resulted in progressive improvement. The clinical conditions, diagnoses and treatments of the medullary cone and cauda equina myxopapillary ependymomas are also discussed.

Summary Eagle syndrome is a rare condition presenting with retroauricular pain (usually as main symptom) associated with dysphagia, headache, neck pain on rotation and, much rarelier, stroke. This occurs due to styloid process elongation. Sometimes, there is also styloid ligament calcification, which can cause compression of nerves and arteries and the symptoms above. Treatment can be conservative with pain modulators (e.g. pregabalin) or infiltrations (steroids or anesthetics drugs). In refractory cases, surgical approach aiming to reduce the size of the styloid process can be performed. We present a rare case of Eagle syndrome (documented by computed tomography) with good response to clinical treatment.

Introdução: Coleções subdurais crônicas, representadas na sua maioria pelos hematomas (HSDCr) e higromas (HSD), são afecções frequentes na prática neurocirúrgica. Sua apresentação clínica, assim como as técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas para o seu tratamento, já são bem documentadas na literatura. Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes diagnosticados com coleções subdurais crônicas, representadas por HSDCr e HSD, submetidos a tratamento neurocirúrgico no nosso serviço, no período de 2000 a 2014. Métodos: Foram analisados os relatos cirúrgicos entre o período de 2000 a 2014, de pacientes diagnosticados com coleções subdurais crônicas, compreendendo hematomas e higromas. Avaliaram-se características demográficas, tipo de tratamento empregado, ocorrência de recidivas, lateralidade, localização e manutenção de dreno no pós-operatório. Resultados: Neste estudo, foram selecionados 581 pacientes, dentre os quais 500 (86,05%) apresentaram HSDCr e 81 (13,9%) HSD. Eram do sexo masculino 74,18%. Em relação aos HSDCr, a média de idade foi 61,6 ± 21 anos. A trepanação foi o tipo de intervenção mais utilizada (95%), seguido de craniotomia (4,7%). Houve recidiva em 29 casos. No que diz respeito aos HSD, a média de idade foi 45,7 ± 27,2. A trepanação foi realizada em 91,5% dos casos, seguida pela craniotomia (3,16%), derivação subduro-peritoneal (3,1%) e derivação subdural externa (2,1%). Houve 15 casos recidivados. Conclusão: Os HSDCr representam a maioria das coleções subdurais submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico. Os idosos foram o grupo mais acometido. O tratamento cirúrgico de escolha foi a trepanação.Descritores: Hematoma subdural crônico, Hematoma subdural, Derrame subdural

OBJECTIVE: Analyse technical aspects, effectiveness and morbidity of the endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas. METHOD: From January 2005 to September 2008, 30 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary adenomas with a follow up from 3 to 36 months. Their medical charts were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: There were 18 women and 12 men, mean age 44 years (range 17-65 yr). Among the 30 patients, 23 had macroadenomas and 7 microadenomas. Twelve patients had non-functioning tumors, 9 had ACTH-secreting tumors, 8 had GH-secreting tumors and 1 prolactinoma. Complete resection and hormonal control was achieved in all microadenomas. Macroadenomas were completely removed in 6 patients, subtotal resection in 6 and partial resection in 11. Three patients had diabetes insipidus and 5 had CSF leaks treated with lumbar drainage. CONCLUSION: The endonasal endoscopic approach for pituitary tumors is effective and has low morbidity. OBJETIVO: Analisar aspectos técnicos, eficácia e morbidade do acesso transesfenoidal endonasal endoscópico para adenomas hipofisários. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de trinta pacientes consecutivos submetidos à ressecção endoscópica endonasal de adenomas hipofisários, entre janeiro de 2005 e setembro de 2008, com seguimento pós-operatório entre três e 36 meses. RESULTADOS: Foram operados 18 mulheres e 12 homens com idades variando entre 17 e 65 anos (média 44 anos). Entre os 30 casos operados, 23 eram macroadenomas e sete microadenomas. Doze pacientes apresentavam adenomas não-funcionantes, nove tumores secretores de ACTH, oito tumores secretores de GH e um prolactinoma. Ressecção macroscópica completa e controle endócrino foram conseguidos em todos microadenomas. Ressecção dos macroadenomas foi completa em seis pacientes, subtotal em seis e parcial em seis casos. Três pacientes desenvolveram diabetes insipidus e cinco tiveram fístula liqüórica pós-operatória controlada com drenagem lombar. CONCLUSÃO: A abordagem endoscópica endonasal para adenomas de hipófise é eficaz e apresenta baixa morbidade.

Resumo Objetivo: Revisão crítica dos aspectos anatômicos da abordagem dos aneurismas da artéria cerebelar inferior posterior (ACIP); a abordagem extremo-lateral e os detalhes de suas variantes foram analisados. Métodos: Revisão da literatura e análise da experiência dos autores. Resultado: A abordagem extremo-lateral é a melhor abordagem cirúrgica para os aneurismas da ACIP. As indicações de by-pass e tratamento endovascular também devem ser consideradas. A principal complicação é a fístula de liquor, mas isquemia do tronco, hematoma de leito cirúrgico, contusão cerebelar, lesão dos nervos bulbares e instabilidade condilar também devem ser citadas. Conclusão: O conhecimento da anatomia microcirúrgica é fundamental na abordagem dos aneurismas da ACIP.

Approaches to the basilar artery aneurysm Objective: To review the main approaches to basilar aneurysms and discuss relevant anatomy and angiographic features to choose the appropriate approach in each case. Methods: Literature review and author's experiences are presented. Results: Current main approaches to basilar aneurysms regarding the level of the lesion from sellae dorsum are: Kawase transpetrosous for lower, transcavernous for middle and temporopolar for higher positioned aneurysms. Doppler, electroencephalography, somatosensory and motor evoked potential might minimize incidence of ischemic complications attributable to prolonged temporary occlusion or inadvertent perforator occlusion. Circulatory arrest and hypotermia may be considered for giant and complex aneurysms. The main principle applied is maximization of bone resection, which facilitates the use of surgical instruments and minimizes brain retraction. Complex basilar aneurysms frequently outdo endovascular treatment. Conclusion: There is a tendency in literature to consider the aneurysm surgery as an outdated method; however, technology of intensive care and anesthesia for brain protection, surgical techniques and clips evolution are indispensable for manipulate angry brain in aneurysms surgery after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular procedures do not remove clots from cisterns to avoid vasospasm, treat hydrocephalus or fenestrate the lamina terminalis to the same purpose; besides, longer follow up is necessary according to the final result. The neurosurgeon must dominate both treatment options and be able to differentiate exact indications.

OBJECTIVE: To describe five cases of giant carotid cavernous aneurysms which evolved with spontaneous thrombosis of internal carotid artery (STICA), with emphasis at epidemiology, clinical presentation, natural history, related factors and neurological outcome. METHOD: There were 711 consecutives patients with 802 aneurysms with and without surgical treatment during a period of 19 years. We selected 35 patients with 40 carotid cavernous aneurysms (5%) of which 20 (50%) were giant aneurysms. Among those cases, 5 patients evolved with STICA (25%). Symptoms and findings at presentation were recorded and compared with those at outcome. RESULTS: Clinical presentation was commonly related to atherosclerotic factors such as elevated blood pressure (80%), diabetes mellitus (40%) and dislipidemy (40%). All patients presented with hemicranial headache, ophthalmparesy and retro bulbar pain, and after STICA all presented improvement of symptoms. After STICA, 4 patients had regression of deficit, 2 partial and 2 complete. Four patients had sensorial trigeminal neuropathy in V1 and V2 territories, also showing improvement of symptoms after STICA. CONCLUSION: STICA is a common outcome in giant carotid cavernous aneurysms, and is related with significant improvement of symptoms; however, it may be catastrophic for those patients without efficient collateral circulation. OBJETIVO: Relatar cinco casos de aneurismas gigantes intracavernosos que evoluíram com trombose espontânea da artéria carótida interna (TEACI), estudando-se: prevalência, apresentação clínica, história natural, fatores associados e prognóstico neurológico. MÉTODO: Análise de 711 pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico de 802 aneurismas cerebrais submetidos a tratamento clínico ou cirúrgico num período de 19 anos. Foram identificados 40 aneurismas intracavernosos, sendo que 20 desses eram gigantes. Dentre esses, 5 pacientes com aneurismas gigantes intracavernosos que evoluíram com TEACI (25%). Os sintomas e sinais neurológicos da apresentação foram registrados e comparados ao término do acompanhamento. RESULTADOS: Todos pacientes apresentavam cefaléia hemicraniana, apresentavam oftalmoplegia e dor retro-orbitária. Freqüentemente estavam associados a fatores ateroscleróticos como HAS (80%), diabetes melito (40%) e dislipidemia (40%) e após a TEACI evoluíram com melhora desses sintomas. Após a TEACI, 4 pacientes tiveram regressão do déficit, sendo que em 2 a regressão do déficit foi total. Quatro pacientes apresentavam hipostesia no território de V1 e V2. Todos apresentaram melhora desse sintoma. CONCLUSÃO: A TEACI é uma evolução comum em aneurismas intracavernosos gigantes, e está associada à melhora importante dos sintomas. No entanto pode ser catastrófica naqueles pacientes sem circulação colateral eficiente.

Professor Mahmut Gazi Yasargil was born in Lice, Turkey, on July 6th, 1925, and moved with his family to Ankara at the age of 3 months old [1, 2]. During his childhood, he lost his brother Ihsan having succumbed to abdominal typhus; this unfortunate event inspired him and his brothers to study medicine [1]. In the winter of 1943, he arrived in Naumburg an der Saale, Germany, where he served 6 months as a nurse-helper before beginning his medical studies [1]. Later, he began to study at the Friedrich von Schiller University in Jena but was obliged to leave Jena in April 1945 by the end phase of World War II. Soon, he was accepted at the University of Basel [1, 2], where he had his first contact with microsurgery performing transpalatinal exploration of the hypophysis in frogs for a research [1]. On January 4th, 1953, he began his training in neurosurgery in Zurich with Professor Hugo Krayenbul [1, 2], where he studied neuroanatomy and helped to introduce stereotactic and epilepsy procedures. In October 1965, Dr Yasargil began his training in vascular microsurgery in Burlington, USA [1, 2]. He was 40 years old and already had 13 years of experience in classic neurosurgical procedures [3]. On December 3rd, 1966, he started working on dog’s middle cerebral arteries and in the next day on basilar artery, and he considers this as the birth of microneurosurgery [1, 4]. He also developed the technique for transplantation of the superficial temporal artery to the middle cerebral artery by end-to-side anastomosis [2, 4]. During this time, he also started working with bipolar coagulation, created a few years earlier by Len Malis [1, 3]. In this period, he started to travel around the USA organizing meetings to divulgate and integrate new techniques in microsurgery, which began a series of microneurosurgical courses around the world in the next years [1, 3]. In 1967, he began the microneurosurgery routine in Zurich, performing 103 operations in the first year [1]; the number soon increased, and the outcomes have been published in the six volumes of the book Microneurosurgery [2, 3]. At the end of 1972, he was elected as chairman of the department of neurosurgery in Zurich and succeeded his teacher on April 15th, 1973, until his retirement in 1993 [1]. In April 1993, Professor Ossama Al-Mefty invited him to join the neurosurgical department of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock [1, 5]. On November 2nd, 1994, Professor Yasargil performed his first operation and there kept working for the next years [3]. In 1999, he was honored as BMan of the Century 1950–2000^ by the journal Neurosurgery at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting [2, 6] and The European Association of Neurological Surgeons Medal of Honor [6]. His ingenuity in developing microsurgical techniques for use in cerebrovascular neurosurgery has transformed the outcomes of patients with conditions that * Joao Luiz Vitorino Araujo vitorinomed@yahoo.com.br

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most malignant glioma of the central nervous system. Meningiomas derived from the arachnoid cap cells are less aggressive tumours but atypical and malignant meningiomas have similar migratory, invasive and highly proliferative properties to that of GBMs and are also particularly difficult to treat. Recent investigations in our laboratory have focussed on the eicosanoid pathways present in gliomas and meningiomas. Techniques used include qRT-PCR, Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, ESI-LC-MS/MS, GCMS and cell migration assays. We have identified several of the eicosanoids involved in the control of both cell proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells. A strong relationship was found between prostaglandins of the E series and their receptors, and cell migration in GBM-derived cells. qRT-PCR analyses have identified mRNA's correlated with differences in survival in GBM patients. GCMS and ESI-LC-MS/MS analyses, to profile the fatty acids and eicosanoids present in primary brain tumours, have shown significant differences between tumour types and among tumour grades. High grade tumours have significantly altered HODE, HETE and HEPE contents in comparison with lower grade tumours. We are currently investigating the role of eicosanoids in the control of ABC transporters in glioma cells and primary brain tumours. The expression and activity of ABCB and ABCC transporters were altered by the presence of cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 inhibitors. The improved response to chemotherapeutic drugs found after interfering with eicosanoid production supports the hypothesis that altered eicosanoid metabolism could be an important approach to adjuvant therapy, which may lead to improvements in patient response to drug treatment in the future. Financial support: FAPESP, CAPES, CNPq.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas are acquired lesions between the meningeal arteries and their associated draining veins. They may have highly variable clinical presentations and evolution, from severe neurological deficit to no or trivial symptoms. Intracranial hemorrhage occurs in less than 24% of all dural fistulas, and the bleeding is usually subarachnoid, more infrequently intracerebral, and rarely in the subdural space. Here, we present a rare case of a patient who presented with a subdural spontaneous hemorrhage. After investigation by cerebral angiography, the diagnosis of a dural arteriovenous fistula was made. The patient underwent uneventful endovascular treatment. As there are with only a few reports in the literature of such a presentation, we present this patient and perform a brief review of the literature.

Os meningeomas são neoplasias derivadas das células aracnóideas, sendo sua origem ligada a alterações genéticas idiopáticas (deleção do braço longo do cromossomo 22), doenças predisponentes à sua formação e indução por radioterapia. Relata-se o caso de um homem de 50 anos com meningeoma pós-radioterapia diagnosticado 20 anos após o tratamento de um oligodendroglioma. Os critérios que suportam o diagnóstico de meningeoma induzido por radioterapia são discutidos, assim como é revisada a literatura pertinente ao assunto. Meningiomas are neoplasms derived from arachnoid cells with their origin linked to idiopathic genetic abnormalities (delection of the long arm of chromosome 22), predisposing diseases and radiotherapy induction. We report the case of a 50 years-old man radiation-induced meningioma 20 years after the diagnosis, surgical and radiation treatment of an oligodendroglioma. The supporting diagnostic criteria of radiation-induced meningiomas are discussed and the pertinent literature of the theme is revised.

Resumo Objetivo: Examinar a relação da hiperglicemia e da pressão arterial com o prognóstico neurológico de pacientes com hematoma intraparenquimatoso encefálico espontâneo, relacionado à hipertensão arterial. Método: Estudamos, retrospectivamente, a evolução clínica de 100 pacientes com hematoma intraparenquimatoso encefálico espontâneo submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico para drenagem do hematoma, na Santa Casa de São Paulo, no período de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2004. Os pacientes foram subdivididos em dois grupos: um grupo de evolução favorável (escores 4 e 5 na Escala de Prognóstico Neurológico) e outro desfavorável (escores 1, 2 e 3 na Escala de Prognóstico Neurológico). Resultados: Os doentes com evolução neurológica desfavorável apresentaram níveis significativamente maiores de glicemia e de pressão arterial, tanto na admissão quanto na evolução pós-operatória. Os pacientes com prognóstico neurológico favorável foram significativamente mais jovens, admitidos com a pontuação na Escala de Coma de Glasgow significativamente maior (em média, acima de 12) e apresentaram período de internação mais prolongado. Conclusão: A hiperglicemia e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica são componentes freqüentes nas lesões neurológicas, sendo indicadores significativos de gravidade e confiáveis para a avaliação do prognóstico neurológico.

ResumoEste projeto é trabalho do Departamento de Trauma da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia, realizado com a colaboração de diversas instituições, com o objetivo de conceber uma infra-estrutura que permita estudos prospectivos (multicêntricos ou não) de questões relacionadas à neurotraumatologia, coletando dados via Internet entre instituições. Descrevemos a situação atual do “Projeto Diretrizes de Atendimento ao Traumatismo Craniencefálico”. Apresentamos os resultados iniciais de um estudo cooperativo entre diversas instituições médicas através da criação de um banco de dados e estabelecemos um novo protocolo de estudo. Propomos que o sistema atual evolua à semelhança do BrainIT Group. No momento é uma proposta conceitual, de uma estrutura de coordenação entre serviços e de acesso a bancos de dados e que estabeleça critérios para publicação.

Introduction: Gliomas are difficult to treat primary brain tumours classified into grades I-IV by the WHO. One problem is the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR) in response to repeated cycles of chemotherapy. MDR occurs through the increased expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters). Several ABC transporters are linked to drug resistance in human tumours and include MDR1/P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) and the multiple drug resistance proteins, ABCC1 and ABCC2. Cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2) can cause up-regulation of ABCB1 and a correlation exists between COX-2 and ABCB1 in breast cancer. Considering the fact that gliomas can develop MDR and express high levels of COX-2, the aim of the study was to investigate the importance of COX-1 and COX-2 to the expression and activity of the ABC transporters ABCB1 and ABCC1-5 in the absence or presence of vincristine-induced MDR. Materials and Methods: The human glioma cell lines A172, T98G, U87MG, U138MG and U251MG were used. mRNA and protein expression of COX-1, COX-2, microsomal ­prostaglandin E synthase 1, 2 and cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES1, mPGES2 and cPGES), ABCB1 and ABCC1-5 were determined by qPCR and Western blotting in the absence or presence of COX-1 inhibitor (SC-560), COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). ABC transporter activity was determined using fluorescent probes. The response of vincristine-resistant cells was studied as vincristine is used in gliomas in PCV (procarbazine, CCNU, vincristine) treatment and is a known substrate for the ABC transporters ABCB1 and ABCC2. Tumour samples from grade II-IV gliomas were also analysed for ABCB1 and ABCC1-4 expression by immunohistochemical staining and compared with COX1, COX2, mPGES1, mPGES2 and cPGES expression. Results: The results showed constitutive expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the panel of human glioma cells as well as the expression of all the ABC transporters studied, although considerable variations in expression were found among the different cell lines. Inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 caused a decrease in the expression and activity of several ABC transporters. The presence of GLA also led to changes in COX-1, COX-2 and ABC transporter expression in the glioma cell lines. Vincristine-resistant cells showed an increase in expression of both COX enzymes and ABC transporters which was altered by COX inhibition. Patient samples had variable expression of COX enzymes and ABC transporters. Conclusions: The potential for altering the expression profile and activity of ABC transporters through the manipulation of COX-2 and/or prostaglandin metabolism may lead to improved tumour response to chemotherapy in the future. Financial support: FAPESP (15/08777-0), CNPq, CAPES.

Objetivo Descrever e analisar a técnica empregada para a cateterização bilateral dos seios petrosos inferiores (SPI) em nosso serviço, discutindo as dificuldades e as taxas de sucesso encontradas. Sujeitos e métodos Entre 2009 e 2012, foram submetidos ao cateterismo bilateral dos SPI 14 pacientes com suspeita de síndrome de Cushing, sendo descrita a técnica empregada para o cateterismo e para a análise hormonal. Resultados O procedimento foi bem tolerado por todos os pacientes, sendo alcançada a cateterização adequada dos SPI em 92,85% dos casos. O diagnóstico de doença de Cushing foi firmado em 10 casos, sendo o resultado do cateterismo dos SPI após estímulo com CRH coerente em todos, não havendo falso-negativos. Conclusão O cateterismo dos SPI, apesar de ser uma técnica invasiva, é um procedimento seguro. A sua realização pode ser feita de forma adequada na maioria dos casos e, quando bem indicada, permanece como padrão-ouro na distinção da forma hipofisária da ectópica na síndrome de Cushing. Objective To describe and analyze technique for bilateral catheterization of inferior petrosal sinus in our service, discussing the difficulties and success rates found. Subjects and methods Fourteen patients with suspected Cushing’s syndrome underwent bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses (IPS) catheterization between 2009 and 2012. The technique for catheterization and for hormone analysis were described. Results The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and adequate catheterization was achieved in 92.85% of cases. The diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was confirmed in 10 cases. The result of IPS catheterization after CRH infusion was coherent in all cases, without false negatives. Conclusion The catheterization of IPS, despite being an invasive technique, is a safe procedure. The objectives can be done properly in most cases. When well indicated, this procedure remains the gold standard in distinguishing the ectopic form to pituitary source in Cushing’s syndrome.

To describe and analyze technique for bilateral catheterization of inferior petrosal sinus in our service, discussing the difficulties and success rates found.Fourteen patients with suspected Cushing's syndrome underwent bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses (IPS) catheterization between 2009 and 2012. The technique for catheterization and for hormone analysis were described.The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and adequate catheterization was achieved in 92.85% of cases. The diagnosis of Cushing's disease was confirmed in 10 cases. The result of IPS catheterization after CRH infusion was coherent in all cases, without false negatives.The catheterization of IPS, despite being an invasive technique, is a safe procedure. The objectives can be done properly in most cases. When well indicated, this procedure remains the gold standard in distinguishing the ectopic form to pituitary source in Cushing's syndrome.