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© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development. Methods: We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)—a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures—into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation. Findings: Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24–51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34–69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20–38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6–32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55–5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23–4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61–4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17–2·49). Interpretation: Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a heterogeneous group with high morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of primary CNS tumors diagnosed in the state of Sergipe from 2010 to 2018. Methods: We evaluated histopathological and immunohistochemical reports on primary CNS tumors diagnosed in Sergipe, Brazil, between 2010 and 2018 and collected data regarding age, sex, location, World Health Organization (WHO) classification and histology. Results: Altogether, 861 primary CNS tumors were found. Tumors in brain locations occurred most frequently (50.8%; n=437). The neoplasms observed were most prevalent in the age range 45‒54 years (20.4%; n=176). Grade I tumors occurred most frequently, corresponding to 38.8% of the cases (n=38) in the age group of 0‒14 years, and 44.6% (n=340) in the population ≥15 years old. Between 0 and 14 years of age, other astrocytic tumors were the most prevalent (29.6%; n=29). In the age group between 15 and 34, gliomas were the most frequent (32.7%; n=54). Meningiomas predominated in the age group of 35 years and above, comprising 47.5% of cases (n=206) in the 35‒74 age group; and 61.2% (n=30) among patients over 75 years old. Conclusion: The epidemiology of primary CNS tumors in Sergipe between 2010 and 2018 is consistent with data in other current studies on the subject. Studies on the epidemiological evolution of these entities in Sergipe are needed. RESUMO Introdução: Os tumores do sistema nervoso central (SNC) são um grupo heterogêneo de entidades que apresenta significativa morbimortalidade. Objetivos: O presente estudo visa à descrição epidemiológica dos tumores primários do SNC com diagnóstico histopatológico no estado de Sergipe, Brasil, entre 2010 e 2018. Métodos: Foram avaliados laudos histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de tumores primários do SNC, diagnosticados entre 2010 e 2018, no estado de Sergipe. Os dados coletados foram descritos de acordo com as variáveis de idade, sexo, localização, classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e tipo histológico. Resultados: Foram encontrados 861 tumores primários do SNC. A localização cerebral foi a mais frequente (50,8%; n=437). As neoplasias observadas prevaleceram na faixa etária de 45 a 54 anos (20,4%; n=176). Os tumores grau I foram os mais frequentes, correspondendo a 38,8% dos casos (n=38) na faixa etária de 0‒14 anos e 44,6% (n=340) na população a partir de 15 anos de idade. Na faixa etária entre 0‒14 anos, o grupo histológico dos outros tumores astrocíticos foi o mais prevalente (29,6%; n=29). Na população entre 15‒34 anos, os gliomas foram os mais frequentes (32,7%; n=54). Os meningiomas predominaram nas faixas etárias a partir de 35 anos, com 47,5% dos casos (n=206) entre 35‒74 anos; e 61,2% (n=30) nos pacientes acima de 75 anos de idade. Conclusão: A descrição epidemiológica dos tumores primários do SNC em Sergipe, entre 2010 e 2018, é condizente com outros trabalhos atuais sobre o tema. Estudos voltados à evolução epidemiológica dessas entidades em Sergipe são necessários.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are unnatural connections in the vascular system. The treatment strategies are dictated by the angioarchitecture, location and presentation of AVMs. The present study sought to report a case report of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with a brain AVM and submitted to a transvenous AVM embolization, located at the corpus callosum's splenium, after a previous transarterial embolization failure. As a therapeutic approach, the patient was submitted to transarterial embolization. However, the procedure was performed too proximally in the arteries, which resulted in the total AVM persistency. The patient was submitted to angiographic control until complete AVM occlusion.

Objective To describe the traumatic brain injury (TBI) care in the city of Coari, Amazonas, from 2017–2019. Methods Ecological study based on the analysis of the data obtained by the Epidemiology Service of the Regional Hospital of Coari regarding TBI attendances in the emergency room from January 2017 to October 2019. According to the Glasgow Coma Scale, TBI was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Other variables analyzed were sex, age, main causes of TBI, hospitalizations at the admission unit, and transfers to another health center and means of transport used. Results One hundred ten admissions were registered: 24 mild TBI, 51 moderate, and 35 severe; higher prevalence among men (70%); and age between 20 and 29 years (29%). The main causes were motorcycle accidents (42.7%), falls (29%), and physical aggression (21%). Some 69% of the patients admitted required to be transferred to another health center, with aerial intensive care unit (ICU) as the most significant means of transport (48.7%). Thirty patients hospitalized at the admission unit progressed with hospital discharge and 4 died. Conclusions The profile of patients affected by TBI in the city of Coari was characterized by male victims of motorcycle accidents with age between 20 and 29 years. The high transfer rates indicates the need for a better neurotrauma assistance. Further investigations and studies associated with regional specificities are essential to recommend changes on the scope of public health and therefore decrease the incidence of TBI.

Diastematomielia é um disrafismo espinhal oculto (HSD), descrito pela primeira vez em 1837 e representa 3,8% de todos os HSD. Poucos casos de diastematomielia cervical foram relatados, uma vez que a localização principal da doença é a coluna torácica baixa, no cone medular. Neste artigo, fizemos uma revisão da literatura e descrevemos um caso raro de diastematomielia cervical associada a lipoma e hipotrofia de membros superiores. Relato do caso: Uma mulher de 48 anos apresentou-se em nosso ambulatório com queixa de atrofia da porção distal do membro superior direito, que evoluiu para o lado contralateral após seis meses. No intraoperatório, a membrana epidural foi aberta, sendo encontrada uma lesão amarelada, reforçando o diagnóstico sugestivo de lipoma. Após a remoção, a medula espinhal dividida tornou-se clara. Discussão: Segundo nossa pesquisa, este é o primeiro caso de lipoma associado a diastematomielia na região cervical. Desde 1985, apenas 23 pacientes adultos foram diagnosticados com exames de imagem e tratados cirurgicamente. É possível dividir os pacientes com malformação da medula espinhal (SCM) em dois grupos. Um grupo de pacientes diagnosticados nos primeiros anos de vida com sintomas remanescentes e outro grupo formado por aqueles diagnosticados na idade adulta. Nosso paciente encontra-se no segundo grupo.

Background/objective Multivariable prognostic scores play an important role for clinical decision-making, information giving to patients/relatives, benchmarking and guiding clinical trial design. Coagulopathy has been implicated on trauma and critical care outcomes, but few studies have evaluated its role on traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes. Our objective was to verify the incremental prognostic value of routine coagulopathy parameters in addition to the CRASH-CT score to predict 14-day mortality in TBI patients. Methods This is a prospective cohort of consecutive TBI patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital Trauma intensive care unit (ICU) from March/2012 to January/2015. The prognostic performance of the coagulation parameters platelet count, prothrombin time (international normalized ratio, INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio was assessed through logistic regression adjusted for the original CRASH-CT score. A new model, CRASH-CT-Coag, was created and its calibration (Brier scores and Hosmer–Lemeshow (H–L) test), discrimination [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI)] and clinical utility (net reclassification index) were compared to the original CRASH-CT score. Results A total 517 patients were included (median age 39 years, 85.1% male, median admission glasgow coma scale 8, neurosurgery on 44.9%). The 14-day mortality observed and predicted by the original CRASH-CT was 22.8% and 26.2%, respectively. Platelet count 3, INR > 1.2 and aPTT ratio > 1.2 were present on 11.3%, 65.0% and 27.2%, respectively, (at least one of these was altered on 70.6%). All three variables maintained statistical significance after adjustment for the CRASH-CT score. The CRASH-CT-Coag score outperformed the original score on calibration (brier scores 0.122 ± 0.216 vs 0.132 ± 0.202, mean difference 0.010, 95% CI 0.005–0.019, p = 0.036, respectively) and discrimination (AUC-ROC 0.854 ± 0.020 vs 0.813 ± 0.024, p = 0.014; IDI 5.0%, 95% CI 1.3–11.0%). Both scores showed the satisfactory H–L test results. The net reclassification index favored the new model. Considering the strata of low ( 30%) risk of death, the CRASH-CT-Coag model yielded a global net correct reclassification of 22.9% (95% CI 3.8–43.4%). Conclusions The addition of early markers of coagulopathy—platelet count, INR and aPTT ratio—to the CRASH-CT score increased its accuracy. Additional studies are required to externally validate this finding and further investigate the coagulopathy role on TBI outcomes.

Objective To evaluate the interobserver reliability of a new scale created for quantitatively assessing brain swelling in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients using the computed tomography (CT) findings in three levels. Methods Computed tomography scans of severe head injury patients were randomly selected from a tertiary hospital image database and evaluated by independent groups of neurosurgeons, neurosurgery residents, radiologists, and intensivists from the same hospital. Each specialist assessed the tomographic findings, applying zero to six points in a new scale. The Kappa coefficient was calculated to assess interobserver agreement. Results The highest reliability coefficient was obtained by the neurosurgeons group (0.791; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.975–0.607; p Conclusion The proposed scale showed good reliability among neurosurgeons, and moderate overall reliability. This tomographic classification might be useful to better assist severe TBI victims, allowing to identify the worsening or amelioration of brain swelling, which should be further investigated. The scale seems to be feasible, even in low income countries, where the cost of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is higher than that of CTs.

Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), also known as dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum, is a rare, usually benign, slow-growing tumor, that commonly affects patients aged 30 to 50 years-old. The manifestations of dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma are nonspecific and are related both to the mass effect produced by its growth and to the location of the lesion. Cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia are often present. In 40% of cases, the tumor is associated with Cowden syndrome, which is part of a group of genetic disorders called polypoid hamartoma complex. In this case report, the patient presented expansive lesion in the posterior fossa, compatible with LDD, associated with macrocephaly. These findings are considered major criteria for Cowden syndrome. When together, they confirm the diagnoses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of LDD and Cowden syndrome in Brazil.

Background: After a traumatic brain injury, post-concussion symptoms are commonly reported by patients. Although common, these symptoms are difficult to diagnose and recognize. To date, no instruments evaluating post-concussion symptoms have been culturally translated or adapted to the Brazilian context. Objective: To culturally adapt the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire for use in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation was done in five steps: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by two expert committees and two pretests among adults in a target population. Results: The semantic, idiomatic, cultural and experimental aspects of the adaptation were considered adequate. The content validity coefficient of the items regarding language clarity, pratical pertinence, relevance and dimensionality were considered adequate for evaluating the desired latent variable. Both pretests demonstrated that the instrument had satisfactory acceptability. Conclusion: The Brazilian version, named Questionário Rivermead de Sintomas pós Concussionais (RPQ-Br), has been adapted, and is ready for use in the Brazilian context. RESUMO Introdução: Após um traumatismo cranioencefálico, os sintomas pós-concussionais são comumente relatados pelos pacientes e, embora comuns, são difíceis de serem reconhecidos. Até o momento, não existem instrumentos que tenham sido traduzidos ou adaptados culturalmente para o contexto brasileiro. Objetivo: Adaptação transcultural do Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire para o português do Brasil. Métodos: O processo de adaptação transcultural foi realizado em cinco etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, avaliação por dois comitês de especialistas e dois pré-testes com adultos da população-alvo. Resultados: Os aspectos semânticos, idiomáticos, culturais e experimentais foram considerados adequados. Os coeficientes de validade de conteúdo dos itens quanto à clareza da linguagem, pertinência teórica, relevância prática e dimensionalidade foram considerados adequados para avaliar a variável latente desejada. Ambos os pré-testes demonstraram aceitabilidade satisfatória do instrumento. Conclusão: A versão brasileira do Questionário Rivermead de Sintomas pós Concussionais (RPQ-Br) foi traduzida e adaptada com sucesso e está pronta para ser utilizada no contexto brasileiro.

Background Due to the lack of high-quality evidence which has hindered the development of evidence-based guidelines, there is a need to provide general guidance on cranioplasty (CP) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as identify areas of ongoing uncertainty via a consensus-based approach. Methods The international consensus meeting on post-traumatic CP was held during the International Conference on Recent Advances in Neurotraumatology (ICRAN), in Naples, Italy, in June 2018. This meeting was endorsed by the Neurotrauma Committee of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), the NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, and several other neurotrauma organizations. Discussions and voting were organized around 5 pre-specified themes: (1) indications and technique, (2) materials, (3) timing, (4) hydrocephalus, and (5) paediatric CP. Results The participants discussed published evidence on each topic and proposed consensus statements, which were subject to ratification using anonymous real-time voting. Statements required an agreement threshold of more than 70% for inclusion in the final recommendations. Conclusions This document is the first set of practical consensus-based clinical recommendations on post-traumatic CP, focusing on timing, materials, complications, and surgical procedures. Future research directions are also presented.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common after severe trauma. AKI incidence and AKI stage have previously been shown to be associated with poor outcomes after trauma. However, AKI duration may also be important for outcomes after trauma, given that it is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality in general intensive care unit (ICU) and hospitalized patients. We hypothesized that duration of AKI is independently associated with poor outcomes after trauma.MethodsA cohort study was conducted at a single, level 1 trauma center. Patients admitted to the ICU between 2009 and 2018 were included. Data were extracted from the trauma registry and electronic medical records. AKI within 7 days from presentation was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Multivariable analyses were performed to assess the association between AKI incidence, AKI stage, and AKI duration with outcomes including prolonged ICU and hospital length of stay, discharge to home, and mortality.ResultsOf 7049 patients included, 72% were male, the median age was 41 years (IQR 27–58), and 10% died. The AKI incidence was 45%, with 69% of these patients presenting with AKI on arrival. The majority (73%) of patients who suffered AKI recovered within 2 days. After adjustment in separate models, AKI incidence, AKI stage and AKI duration were each associated with prolonged hospitalization, an unfavorable discharge disposition, and mortality. AKI stage and duration were not used in the same model due to collinearity.ConclusionsPost-traumatic AKI was common on arrival and frequently short lasting. Duration correlated with highest AKI stage, and both were separately associated with prolonged hospitalization, discharge destination other than home, and mortality on adjusted analyses. Given the high incidence of AKI on arrival, stage or duration may be better targets for future interventions and quality improvement initiatives to improve outcomes after post-traumatic AKI.Level of evidenceIII. Prognostic.

Neuroprotection represents an important issue in brain injury (BI) scenarios due to the limited treatment options and the importance of the extent of secondary injury. Neuroprotection in BI targets secondary neuronal injury, a multidimensional molecular cascade that includes excitotoxicity, immune response imbalances, oxidative stress, and apoptotic-like processes. These molecular processes lead to dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier and alterations of neurotransmitter and hormonal systems. The result is an imbalance of the interplay between endogenous defense activity and damage mechanisms. The disappointment over the failure of most randomized clinical trials that failed to find an effective neuroprotective therapy has led to the development of a critical, constructive view of the current understanding of the complexity of secondary injury pathways, how these pathways could be modulated, and how a clinical trial should be designed to detect the multidimensional aspects of BI outcomes.

Early cranioplasty has been encouraged after decompressive craniectomy (DC), aiming to reduce consequences of atmospheric pressure over the opened skull. However, this practice may not be often available in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). We evaluated clinical improvement, hemodynamic changes in each hemisphere, and the hemodynamic balance between hemispheres after late cranioplasty in a LMIC, as the institution’s routine resources allowed. Prospective cohort study included patients with bone defects after DC evaluated with perfusion tomography (PCT) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) and performed neurological examinations with prognostic scales (mRS, MMSE, and Barthel Index) before and 6 months after surgery. A final sample of 26 patients was analyzed. Satisfactory improvement of neurological outcome was observed, as well as significant improvement in the mRS (p = 0.005), MMSE (p

Background A daily algorithm for hospital discharge (DAHD) is a key point in the concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. We aimed to evaluate the length of stay (LOS), rate of complications, and hospital costs variances after the introduction of the DAHD compared to the traditional postoperative management of brain tumour patients. Methods This is a cohort study with partial retrospective data collection. All consecutive patients who underwent brain tumour resection in 2017 were analysed. Demographics and procedure-related variables, as well as clinical outcomes, LOS and healthcare costs within 30 days after surgery were compared in patients before/pre-implementation and after/post-implementation the DAHD, which included: stable neurological examination; oral feeding without aspiration risk; pain control with oral medications; no intravenous medications. The algorithm was applied every morning and discharge was considered from day 1 after surgery if criteria was fulfilled. The primary outcome (LOS after surgery) analysis was adjusted for the preoperative performance status on a multivariable logistic regression model. Results A total of 61 patients were studied (pre-implementation 32, post-implementation 29). The baseline demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. After the DAHD implementation, LOS decreased significantly (median 5 versus 3 days; p = 0.001) and the proportion of patients who were discharged on day 1 or 2 after surgery increased (44.8% vs 3.1%; p

Background: In a time when the incidence of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasing in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), it is important to understand the behavior of predictive variables in an LMIC’s population. There are few previous attempts to generate prediction models for TBI outcomes from local data in LMICs. Our study aim is to design and compare a series of predictive models for mortality on a new cohort in TBI patients in Brazil using Machine Learning. Methods: A prospective registry was set in São Paulo, Brazil, enrolling all patients with a diagnosis of TBI that require admission to the intensive care unit. We evaluated the following predictors: gender, age, pupil reactivity at admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), presence of hypoxia and hypotension, computed tomography findings, trauma severity score, and laboratory results. Results: Overall mortality at 14 days was 22.8%. Models had a high prediction performance, with the best prediction for overall mortality achieved through Naive Bayes (area under the curve = 0.906). The most significant predictors were the GCS at admission and prehospital GCS, age, and pupil reaction. When predicting the length of stay at the intensive care unit, the Conditional Inference Tree model had the best performance (root mean square error = 1.011), with the most important variable across all models being the GCS at scene. Conclusions: Models for early mortality and hospital length of stay using Machine Learning can achieve high performance when based on registry data even in LMICs. These models have the potential to inform treatment decisions and counsel family members. Level of evidence: This observational study provides a level IV evidence on prognosis after TBI.

Introduction: The spinal cord stimulation has been applied for the treatment of patients with intractable chronic pain through thereduction of the painful state by implantation of electrodes in the posterior epidural space. Objective: This study aims to analyze acase series with intractable chronic pain submitted to the implantation of spinal cord stimulation electrode in the state of Amazonas.Methods: Patients were included if they presented intractable chronic pain, regardless of age or gender, that received the spinal cordstimulation. The Visual Scale Analogue (VAS) was used for the evaluation or in pre and postoperative pain. Results: The sample of thisstudy was 8 patients. The average of pre and postoperative VAS scale was 8.4 and 3.8, respectively. There were no deaths during orafter surgery. Three complications were described. Conclusion: The Spinal Cord Stimulation proved to be effective in the treatment ofintractable chronic pain. However, new researches are essential to the expansion of this treatment.

Introduction: Recent studies have shown association between the presence of blood in subarachnoid space in the first head computed tomography and the prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury. The importance for the pathophysiology of brain trauma and the large incidence of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage led the authors to conduct a review with specificguidelines for classification, diagnosis and treatment. Material and Methods: Review articles listed in MEDLINE/Index Medicus database and LILACS, comprising a period from January 1970 to March 2008, were collected. Results: Thirty seven articles with the greatest impact from a collection of 192 were selected, considering 132 written in English or in Portuguese. Conclusions: Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with moderate and severe head trauma and management involves advanced neurointensive care.

O conceito de morte encefálica surgiu concomitantemente com a medicina de transplantes na década de 1960, existindo assim a necessidade de determinação científica e legal de em que momento um paciente pode ser considerado em morte encefálica e, assim, um potencial doador de órgãos e tecidos. O exame clínico deverá avaliar quatro pontos fundamentais que são as bases para a determinação clínica de morte encefálica. Neste artigo, revisamos os conceitos de diagnóstico clínico de morte encefálica e os principais exames complementares confirmatórios.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading public health problems and a significant cause of neurological damage. Unintentional causes of TBI are the most frequent. However, fruit falling over the head causing TBI is extremely rare. In the Amazon region, accidents with ouriços, a coconut-like shell fruit, seem relatively common. However, to the best our knowledge, it has never been described in a scientific journal before. Therefore, we aim to evaluate a series of TBI caused by this tropical fruit. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of 7 TBI cases due to the fall of ouriços admitted to two tertiary hospitals in the Amazon region from January 2017 to December 2018. The collected data included: age, Glasgow Coma Scale, skull fracture, venous sinus injury, hematoma, surgical treatment, and outcome. Results: All patients were men, with an average age of 38, ranging from 8 to 77-years-old. Four out of seven had skull fractures. Five patients developed an epidural hematoma, and two of them had an associated subdural hematoma. Dura mater injury was observed in two patients, whereas four patients were operated. There was one related death. Conclusion: This case series is the first to describe an unconventional but potentially fatal cause of TBI in the Amazon: the falling of the Brazil-nut fruit. Most patients were diagnosed with mild TBI. Nevertheless, patients may have cranial fractures and epidural hematomas, leading to death when there’s a delay in medical assistance.

The goals of treating a cerebral metastasis (CM) are to achieve local control of the disease and to improve patient quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of conventional surgery supported by intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to approach a CM. To perform this analysis, we determined the postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) scores and tumor resection grades.Patients with a CM diagnosis were included in this study. Surgical treatment was either supported or not by IOUS. Pre- and postoperative KPS scores were determined by the oncology team, and cerebral tumor volume was estimated through pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The surgical team determined whether it was possible to perform a total CM resection.There were 78 patients treated using surgical management (35 with and 43 without IOUS). In the IOUS group, the postoperative KPS scores were higher (80 vs. 70, respectively; P = 0.045) and the KPS evolution was superior (P = 0.036), especially in the following subgroups: difficulty of tumor resection ranking score4 (P = 0.037), tumor in an eloquent area (P = 0.043), tumor not associated with vessels or nerves (P = 0.007), and solitary lesions (P = 0.038). The residual tumor volume was lower in the IOUS group (9.5% and 1.6 mmIOUS may improve postoperative KPS scores and decrease residual tumor volumes in CM surgeries. These findings should be confirmed in future studies.

BackgroundAcute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a traumatic lesion commonly found secondary to traumatic brain injury. Radiological findings on CT, such as hematoma thickness (HT) and structures midline shift (MLS), have an important prognostic role in this disease. The relationship between HT and MLS has been rarely studied in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prognostic accuracy of the difference between MLS and HT for acute outcomes in patients with ASDH in a low-income to middle-income country.MethodsThis was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in a university-associated tertiary-level hospital in Brazil. The TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis) statement guidelines were followed. The difference values between MLS and HT (Zumkeller index, ZI) were divided into three categories (3). Logistic regression analyses were performed to reveal the OR of categorized ZI in predicting primary outcome measures. A Cox regression was also performed and the results were presented through HR. The discriminative ability of three multivariate models including clinical and radiological variables (ZI, Rotterdam score, and Helsinki score) was demonstrated.ResultsA total of 114 patients were included. Logistic regression demonstrated an OR value equal to 8.12 for the ZI >3 category (OR 8.12, 95% CI 1.16 to 40.01; p=0.01), which proved to be an independent predictor of mortality in the adjusted model for surgical intervention, age, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that this category was associated with 14-day survival (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.16; p=0.005). A multivariate analysis performed for three models including age and GCS with categorized ZI or Helsinki or Rotterdam score demonstrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.745, 0.767, and 0.808, respectively.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the potential usefulness of the difference between MLS and HT as a prognostic variable in patients with ASDH.Level of evidenceLevel III, epidemiological study.

Summary In clinical practice, hospital admission of patients with altered level of consciousness, sleepy or in a non-responsive state is extremely common. This clinical condition requires an effective investigation and early treatment. Performing a focused and objective evaluation is critical, with quality history taking and physical examination capable to locate the lesion and define conducts. Imaging and laboratory exams have played an increasingly important role in supporting clinical research. In this review, the main types of changes in consciousness are discussed as well as the essential points that should be evaluated in the clinical management of these patients. Resumo Abordagem Na prática clínica é extremamente comum a admissão hospitalar de pacientes com nível de consciência alterado, sonolentos ou em estado não responsivo. Essa condição clínica demanda uma investigação eficaz e um tratamento precoce. É fundamental a realização de uma avaliação focada e objetiva, com a realização de anamnese e exame físico de qualidade para localizar a lesão e definir condutas. Exames de imagem e laboratoriais têm desempenhado papéis cada vez mais relevantes no suporte à investigação clínica. Nesta revisão, são discutidos os principais tipos de alterações de consciência e os pontos imprescindíveis que devem ser avaliados na abordagem clínica desses pacientes.

Background: Because nearly 23,000 more neurosurgeons are needed globally to address 5 million essential neurosurgical cases that go untreated each year, there is an increasing interest in task-shifting and task-sharing (TS/S), delegating neurosurgical tasks to nonspecialists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This global survey aimed to provide a cross-sectional understanding of the prevalence and structure of current neurosurgical TS/S practices in LMICs. Methods: The survey was distributed to a convenience sample of individuals providing neurosurgical care in LMICs with a Web-based survey link via electronic mailing lists of continental societies and various neurosurgical groups, conference announcements, e-mailing lists, and social media platforms. Country-level data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: The survey yielded 127 responses from 47 LMICs; 20 countries (42.6%) reported ongoing TS/S. Most TS/S procedures involved emergency interventions, the top 3 being burr holes, craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, and external ventricular drain. Most (65.0%) believed that their Ministry of Health does not endorse TS/S (24.0% unsure), and only 11% believed that TS/S training was structured. There were few opportunities for TS/S providers to continue medical education (11.6%) or maintenance of certification (9.4%, or receive remuneration (4.2%). Conclusions: TS/S is ongoing in many LMICs without substantial structure or oversight, which is concerning for patient safety. These data invite future clinical outcomes studies to assess effectiveness and discussions on policy recommendations such as standardized curricula, certification protocols, specialist oversight, and referral networks to increase the level of TS/S care and to continue to increase the specialist workforce. Key words: Capacity, Global health, Global neurosurgery, LMIC, Task-sharing, Task-shifting, Workforce

Objective The aim of the present review was to describe the evolution of the damage control concept in neurotrauma, including the surgical technique and medical postoperative care, from the lessons learned from civilian and military neurosurgeons who have applied the concept regularly in practice at military hospitals and civilian institutions in areas with limited resources. Methods The present narrative review was based on the experience of a group of neurosurgeons who participated in the development of the concept from their practice working in military theaters and low-resources settings with an important burden of blunt and penetrating cranial neurotrauma. Results Damage control surgery in neurotrauma has been described as a sequential therapeutic strategy that supports physiological restoration before anatomical repair in patients with critical injuries. The application of the concept has evolved since the early definitions in 1998. Current strategies have been supported by military neurosurgery experience, and the concept has been applied in civilian settings with limited resources. Conclusion Damage control in neurotrauma is a therapeutic option for severe traumatic brain injury management in austere environments. To apply the concept while using an appropriate approach, lessons must be learned from experienced neurosurgeons who use this technique regularly.