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Introduction Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by a segmental myoclonus of the face muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. The accepted pathophysiology of HFS suggests that it is a disease process of the nerve root entry zone associated with any neuro-vascular conflict.

Orbital schwannomas are rare, presenting a rate of incidence between 1 and 5% of all orbital lesions. Their most common clinical symptoms are promoted by mass effect, such as orbital pain and proptosis. The best complementary exam is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows low signal in T1, high signal in T2, and heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The treatment of choice is surgical, with adjuvant radiotherapy if complete resection is not possible. We report the case of a 24-year-old male patient with orbital pain and proptosis, without previous history of disease. The MRI showed a superior orbital lesion compatible with schwannoma, which was confirmed by biopsy after complete resection using a fronto-orbital approach.

Abstract Introduction Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors represent an important cause of persistent and refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). It is believed that ∼ between 1 and 9.9% of the cases of patients presenting with TN painful manifestation are caused by space-occupying lesions. Objective The objective of the present study is to describe the clinical and surgical experience of the operative management of patients presenting with secondary type TN associated with CPA tumors. Method An observational investigation was conducted with data collection from patients with secondary type TN associated with CPA tumors who were treated with surgical resection of the space-occupying lesion and decompression of the trigeminal nerve from January 2013 to November 2016 in 2 different centers in the western region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Results We operated on 11 consecutive cases in which TN was associated with CPA during the period of analysis. Seven (63.6%) patients were female, and 4 (36.4%) were male. Seven (63.6%) patients presented with right-side symptoms, and 4 (36.4%) presented with left-side symptoms. After 2 years of follow-up, we observed that 8 (72.7%) patients showed a complete improvement of the symptoms, with an excellent outcome, and that 3 (27.3%) patients showed an incomplete improvement, with a good outcome. No patient reported partial improvement or poor outcome after the follow-up. There was no operative mortality. Conclusion Cerebellopontine angle tumors represent an important cause of TN and must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with refractory and persistent symptoms. Surgical treatment with total resection of the expansive lesion and effective decompression of the trigeminal nerve are essential steps to control the symptoms.

Abstract Introduction Intracranial dermoid tumors represent a rare clinical entity that accounts for 0.04 to 0.6% of all intracranial tumors. Their location in the posterior fossa is uncommon. Objectives To report the case of a young woman with a posterior fossa dermoid cyst treated by right far lateral approach. Case Report A 17-year-old woman presenting with swallowing difficulties for 6 weeks was referred for a neurological investigation. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a hyperintense T1-weighted large expansive lesion occupying the posterior fossa and compressing the anterior face of the brain stem and cerebellum. The patient underwent surgical treatment by right far lateral approach with decompression of vascular and neural structures. The patient presented an uneventful recovery, and was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. The anatomopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Conclusion The far lateral approach is a safe and feasible route to appropriately treat large posterior fossa dermoid cysts. Decompression of vascular and neural structures is essential to achieve good symptom control.

Abstract Introduction Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) represent ∼ 1% of all intracranial aneurysms and usually present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Objective The aim of the present study is to describe the case of an adult man presenting a saccular aneurysm of the right PCA at the posterior half of the postcommunicating (P2P) segment, and to discuss the technical nuances of the approach and of the clipping process. Case Report An investigation of a chronic headache in a 55-year-old man found a saccular aneurysm located just posterior to the most lateral portion of the right cerebral peduncle. A digital subtraction arteriography revealed a 7.8 mm × 5.6 mm × 4.8 mm posterior-medial projecting aneurysm of the right PCA at the P2P segment. A subtemporal approach was performed with partial aspiration of the right parahippocampal gyrus for a better exposure of the vascular structures. A proximal temporary occlusion of the PCA was performed at the anterior half of the postcommunicating P2A segment. The aneurysm was clipped with two semi-curved clips. The patient presented an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. Conclusion Aneurysms of the PCA are an uncommon vascular disease that challenges the ability of the neurosurgeons due to their many anatomical nuances, to their vast number of perforators, and to the risk of bleeding. However, the operative management of aneurysms of the PCA is technically feasible, safe and effective when performed respecting microsurgical principles.

Abstract Introduction Pericallosal artery (PA) aneurysms represent 2 to 9% of all intracranial aneurysms, and their management remains difficult. Objective The aim of the present study is to describe the case of an adult woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position. Case Report A 46-year-old woman was referred to our institution 20 days after a sudden severe headache. She informed that she was treating her arterial hypertension irregularly, and consumed ∼ 20 cigarettes/day. The patient was neurologically intact at admission. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) on the first day of the onset of the symptoms revealed hydrocephaly and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III). An angio-CT/digital subtraction arteriography showed bilateral PA aneurysms in mirror position. The patient was successfully treated with surgery via the right interhemispheric approach (because the surgeon is right-handed); the surgeon performed the proximal control with temporary clipping, and introduced an external ventricular drain at the end of the surgery. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits or ventricular shunts. Conclusion Ruptured PA aneurysm is a surgically challenging aneurysm due to the many anatomical nuances and risk of rebleeding. However, the operative management of ruptured bilateral PA aneurysms is feasible and effective.

Abstract Introduction Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction are rare, but when present, they are often associated with fenestration of the basilar artery. Frequently, the endovascular treatment is the first choice due to the complex anatomy of the posterior fossa, which represents a challenge for the open surgical treatment alternative. Case Report A 47-year-old man was admitted to the emergency unit with headache, diplopia, neck pain and mental confusion. The neurological exam showed: score of 15 in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS), no motor or sensitivity deficit, palsy of the left sixth cranial nerve and Hunt-Hess grade III. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III) and hydrocephalus. The patient was submitted to ventricular-peritoneal shunt. A diagnostic angiography was performed with 3D reconstruction, which showed evidence of fenestration of the basilar artery associated with aneurysm in the right vertebrobasilar portion. An aneurysm coil embolization was performed without complications. The patient was discharged 19 days later maintaining diplopia, with paralysis of the left sixth cranial nerve, but without any other complaints or neurological symptoms. Discussion Fenestration of the basilar artery occurs due to failure of fusion of the longitudinal neural arteries in the embryonic period, and it is associated with the formation of aneurysms. The endovascular treatment is the first choice and several techniques are described, including simple coiling, balloon remodeling, stent-assisted coiling, liquid embolic agents and flow diversion devices. The three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is an extremely helpful tool when planning the best treatment course. Conclusion Fenestrated basilar artery aneurysms are rare and complex vascular diseases and their treatment improved with the advent of the 3D angiography and the development of the endovascular techniques.

Abstract Introduction Schwannoma is a common intradural slow-growing, benign and encapsulated tumor that originates from the myelin sheaths of the nerve fibers. However, a lumbar schwannoma complicating the symptoms of spinal stenosis is an extremely rare association. Aim To describe the case of a woman presenting a lumbar schwannoma in association with spinal stenosis. Case Report A 53 year-old female was referred to neurosurgical evaluation due to the worsening of a lumbar pain that was irradiating to the left inferior leg along the anterolateral surface. A neurological examination revealed motor deficits for extension of the left leg and attenuation of the left patellar reflex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lumbar spinal stenosis due to flavum ligament hypertrophy and disc herniation in the L3L4 and L4L5 segments, and an expansive lesion with homogeneous contrast enhancement occupying the left neuroforamen of the L3L4 segment. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor and decompression of the stenotic segments with posterior screw instrumentation from L3 to L5. She presented an uneventful recovery and significant improvement of the lumbar pain, and was still free of symptoms 6 months after surgery. An anatomopathological examination defined the tumor as a schwannoma (Grade I – World Health Organization [WHO]). Conclusion The present study highlights that lumbar schwannoma is a possible etiology complicating the symptoms of patients with previous lumbar spinal stenosis. It is important to treat both pathologies to improve the patients' symptoms.

Concomitant traumatic spinal cord and intracranial subdural hematomas associated with a retroclival hematoma are very uncommon. Their pathophysiology is not totally elucidated, but one hypothesis is the migration of the hematoma from the head to the spine. In the present case report, the authors describe the case of a 51-year-old man presenting with headache, nauseas and back pain after a head trauma who presented with intracranial and spinal cord subdural hematomas. Drainage was performed but, 1 week later, a retroclival subdural hematoma was diagnosed. The present paper discusses the pathophysiology, the clinical presentation, as well as the complications of concomitant traumatic spinal cord and intracranial subdural hematomas associated with a retroclival hematoma, and reviews this condition.

Objetivo: Estudar a gestão financeira da neurocirurgia no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro no Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto. Métodos: Foram avaliados 246 AIH (Autorizações de Internações Hospitalares) dos pacientes internados no Hospital de base no período de dezembro de 2012 a junho de 2013, sendo catalogados o gasto total do paciente durante a internação, idade, dias de internação, local de origem, nome completo e registro hospitalar, e comparados os valores com os valores pagos pelo SUS de acordo com a legislação em atividade. Resultados: O total de gasto do hospital nas cirurgias eletivas foi de R$ 718.036,70, e o valor pago pelo SUS foi de R$ 321.607,45, evidenciando um déficit de R$ 395.329,17. Em contrapartida, o gasto pelo hospital nas cirurgias de urgência foi de R$ 707.698,28 e o valor pago pelo SUS, de R$ 199.599,94, evidenciando um déficit de R$ 508.098,34. Conclusão: A tabela de distribuição financeira de acordo com os procedimentos do SUS encontra-se desatualizada, principalmente nas subespecialidades que utilizam materiais, por exemplo, a neurocirurgia vascular e de coluna. Além disso, o valor pago pelo SUS nas cirurgias de trauma encontra-se, sobremaneira, inferior ao valor gasto pela instituição, necessitando, assim, de revisão dos gastos e reestudo dos valores pagos pelos procedimentos.

BACKGROUND: Deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis determine high in-hospital mortality. International studies show that these patients are also at increased cardiovascular mortality risk in long-term follow-up. However, data are scarce and there is no national data. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events in long-term follow-up of patients suffering from deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis. METHODS: Case-control study, matched by propensity score in a 1:1 proportion, in patients submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting between 2005 and 2008 at the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology (São Paulo, SP, Brazil). The primary outcome was death. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed the composite event of myocardial infarction, new revascularization, stroke or death. RESULTS: Of 1975 patients, 114 developed one of the infections. During the mean follow up of 3.6 years, deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis increased the risk of death by 8.26 (95% CI 1.88-36.29, P = 0.005) and the incidence of combined end point by 2.61 (95% CI 1.2-5.69, P = 0.015). The Kaplan-Meier curves for both outcomes demonstrated that the greatest risk occurs in the first six months, followed by a period of stabilization and further increase in the incidence of events after 4 years of hospital discharge. The similarity between the curves of primary and secondary outcomes may be consequent to the predominance of death on the combined cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: The presence of deep sternal wound infection or mediastinitis increased mortality in long-term follow-up in this sample of the Brazilian population according to the same pattern displayed by the developed countries.INTRODUÇÃO: A infecção esternal profunda e a mediastinite determinam elevada mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Estudos prévios demonstram que esses pacientes também apresentam maior mortalidade cardiovascular em longo prazo. No entanto, os dados são escassos para o Brasil. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a mortalidade e a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em longo prazo em pacientes acometidos de infecção esternal profunda e mediastinite. MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle com pareamento 1:1 por meio de propensity score, em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio entre 2005 e 2008, no Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia (São Paulo, SP, Brasil). O desfecho primário avaliado foi óbito. Como desfecho secundário, analisou-se o composto de infarto agudo do miocárdio, nova revascularização miocárdica, acidente vascular encefálico ou óbito. RESULTADOS: De 1975 pacientes avaliados, 114 desenvolveram infecção esternal profunda ou mediastinite. Durante o seguimento médio de 3,6 anos, as infecções conferiram razão de risco de óbito de 8,26 (IC 95% 1,88-36,29, P = 0,005), tendo sido a razão de risco de desfecho combinado de 2,61 (IC 95% 1,2-5,69, P = 0,015). A curva de Kaplan-Meier para ambos os desfechos demonstra que o maior risco ocorre nos primeiros 6 meses, seguindo-se um período de estabilização e novo aumento na incidência de eventos após 4 anos da alta hospitalar. A semelhança entre as curvas dos desfechos primário e secundário pode ser consequente à predominância do óbito sobre os demais eventos cardiovasculares. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de infecção esternal profunda ou de mediastinite aumentou a mortalidade em longo prazo nesta amostra da população brasileira, de acordo com o mesmo padrão exibido nos países desenvolvidos.

Parkinsonism is a movement disorder characterized by resting tremor, slow and decreased movements (hypokinesia and akinesia), rigidity, postural instability, problems with gait, and coordination. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common cause of parkinsonism and its prevalence is estimated to range from 0.1% to 0.3% in the general population and from 1% to 2% in persons 65 years of age or older. Although the majority of cases of PD are describe to be sporadic, many identifiable etiologies have been included as possible causes of parkinsonism, such as genetic disorders, cerebrovascular events and intoxication. However, mesencephalic cavernoma is an extremely rare condition associated to hemiparkinsonism. In the present report, we describe the case of a Brazilian woman that evolved symptoms of hemiparkinsonism and presented a ventral mesencephalic cavernoma on radiological investigation.

PURPOSE: Analyze the morphological and structural outcomes of a patch of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in the treatment of an iatrogenic injury of the common bile duct. METHODS: In Group 1 (Sham), 7 dogs underwent 3 laparotomies with intervals of 30 days between them. In Group 2, 10 dogs underwent transient common bile duct obstruction. After 30 days, this biliary occlusion was undone and a patch of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene replaced a fragment removed from the duct's wall. Thirty days after this last surgery, cholangiographic assessment of prosthesis patency and macro and microscopic evaluation of the biliary tract were performed. Daily clinical inspection completed the study outcomes. The Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all dogs enlargement of the biliary tree diameter was observed 30 and 60 days after the first surgical procedure. Partial adhesion of the patch to the common bile duct as a free luminal foreign body was found in 6 dogs. The prosthesis was completely integrated to surrounding tissue in the remaining four. CONCLUSION: Although a feasible option for the treatment of biliary duct iatrogenic lesions, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis must be used with caution considering the potential risks for complications.OBJETIVO: Analisar, evolutivamente, a morfologia e a estrutura de um fragmento de politetrafluoretileno expandido utilizado no tratamento de uma lesão iatrogênica do ducto biliar comum. MÉTODOS: No grupo 1 (Simulação), sete cães foram submetidos a três laparotomias com intervalos de 30 dias entre elas. No grupo 2, em dez cães realizou-se uma obstrução tansitória do ducto biliar comum. Após 30 dias, a oclusão biliar foi desfeita e um fragmento da parede ductal foi substituído por um retalho de politetrafluoretileno expandido. Trinta dias após esta última operação, foram efetuadas uma avaliação colangiográfica da perviedade da prótese e uma análise macro e microscópica do trato biliar. Inspeções clínicas diárias completaram o estudo evolutivo. O teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: Decorridos 30 e 60 dias do primeiro procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se, em todos os cães, aumento do diâmetro da árvore biliar. Em seis cães verificou-se a presença do fragmento da prótese parcialmente aderido à parede do ducto biliar comum e também solta no lúmen da via biliar. A prótese estava completamente integrada aos tecidos circunvizinho nos demais quarto animais. CONCLUSÃO: A prótese de politetrafluoretileno expandido apresenta-se como uma opção factível para o tratamento das lesões iatrogênicas do ducto biliar, entretanto, deve ser utilizada com cautela, considerando o risco potencial de complicações.

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment that has provided remarkable therapeutic benefits for otherwise treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders, including advanced Parkinson disease. Levodopa medications are usually discontinued the night before surgery to localize the optimal response site to intraoperative macrostimulation. However, abrupt withdrawal of medication may result in severe side effects. On the present report, we describe the case of a 65 years-old man that evolved parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome following deep brain stimulation procedure for bilateral subthalamic nucleus after discontinuation of antiparkinsonian medications. Physicians should be aware of this life-threatening clinical conditions, once early diagnosis and reintroduction of medication improve patient's clinical condition significantly.

There are few studies reporting pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) caused by Streptococcus constellatus in the medical literature. S. constellatus is a comensal microorganism that belongs to the Streptococcus milleri’s bacteria group and is not considered to be pathogenic for humans. We report the case of a 23-year-old man with a 15-days history of abdominal pain in the right flank followed by daily fever, chills, nausea, vomits, sialism and jaundice. Physical examination revealed moderate jaundice (2+/4+), abdominal distention, generalized pain and tender over the right flank with positive Blumberg’s sign. Additionally, the liver was palpable 5 cm below the costal margin in the right midclavicular line. Abdominal Computerized Tomography showed multiple hypodense hepatic images suggestive of liver abscesses. The patient underwent surgical exploration of the abdomen through a sub-costal incision and, during operation ruptured abscess localized on the hepatic segment III was drained. Culture of the purulent material obtained at surgery yielded Streptococcus constellatus as the causative agent. Liver abscess is a potential life-threatening disease that must be treated as soon as possible with invasive approaches, if necessary, and bacteriological studies performed when possible, allowing isolation of causative agents and specific antibiotic therapy.

A insuficiência hepática aguda (IHA) é caracterizada por deterioração hepática súbita e presença de encefalopatia ou coagulopatia, consequente a infecções e drogas, entre outros. Uma paciente com exames sorológicos para leptospirose e hepatite A positivos (anti-leptospira IgM e anti-HAV IgM foram positivos) apresentou IHA e faleceu após seis dias de tratamento clínico. Em conclusão, a IHA devido à co- infecção pode evoluir ao óbito e, talvez, o transplante hepático de emergência, além de ser a única opção de tratamento possível, pode ser também a última chance de sobrevivência.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoperitoneum is usually associated with a perforated peptic ulcer. However, perforated appendicits may be evolved on it. In the medical literature, the anatomo-radiologic correlation between them is an uncommon event. CASE REPORT: Man with 56-year-old look for assistance with diffuse abdominal pain and distension associated with fever, vomit and absence of flatus and evacuation for about 14 days. The chest radiography revealed a pneumoperitoneum. Diffuse peritonitis was found during the exploratory laparotomy. Appendectomy, peritoneal cavity cleaning and drainage with tubular drains were carried out. However, severe sepsis occurred and the patient died on the 16th post-operative day with multiple systemic organ failure. CONCLUSION: Although rare as pneumoperitoneum ethiology, acute appendicitis may be thought as it's cause.INTRODUÇÃO: Penumoperitôneo é usualmente associado à perfuração gástrica ou duodenal. Entretanto, apendicite perfurada pode também desenvolvê-lo. Na literatura, correlação clínica-radiológica é rara nesses eventos. RELATO DO CASO: Homem com 56 anos foi atendido com dor abdominal difusa, distensão abdominal e febre, vômitos, parada de eliminação de gazes e fezes por 14 dias. Estudo radiológico de tórax mostrou pneumoperitôneo. No procedimento cirúrgico, peritonite difusa foi encontrada e apendicectomia com lavagem abdominal e drenagem foi efetuada. Entretanto, o paciente morreu por sepse generalizada e falência múltipla de órgãos e sistemas no 16o. dia do pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Embora rara como causa de pneumoperiotôneo, a apendicite aguda deve ser pensada como sua possível causa.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder empyema is a serious complication of acute cholecystitis being peritonitis and sepsis it's main clinical consequences. Organ giant volume is rare specially with no relevant symptoms. CASE REPORT: Man 56-year-old with mild abdominal pain on the right hypochondrium, palpable gallbladder and ultrasound images revealing cholelithiasis. At surgery, there was a giant dilatation of the gallbladder with 580 mL of purulent bile. Cholecystectomy was carried out without post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: Early cholecystectomy should always be realized in patients presenting symptoms of gallbladder empyema no matter the size of it.INTRODUÇÃO: Empiema de vesicular é complicação séria da colecistite aguda podendo levar à peritonite e sepse. O aspeto gigante do volume do órgão e seu conteúdo líquido é que fazem deste caso rara citação na literatura RELATO DE CASO: Homem com 56 anos apresentou-se em ambulatório médico eletivo com dor abdominal leve em hipocôndrio direito. O exame clínico mostrou vesícula biliar palpável e imagens ultrassonográficas confirmaram colecistolitíase. Indicada ressecção cirúrgica, o ato operatório mostrou gigante dilatação da vesícula com conteúdo de 580 mL de líquido purulento. Colecistectomia laparotômica foi realizada sem intercorrências per-operatórias. CONCLUSÃO: Colecistectomia precoce deve ser sempre o tratamento de escolha nos casos de colecistectomia com componente inflamatório ou infeccioso independentemente do tamanho no órgão.