Acta Neurochirurgica (Acta Neurochir)

Publisher Springer Verlag

Description

The journal "Acta Neurochirurgica" publishes only original papers useful both to research and clinical work. Papers should deal with clinical neurosurgery - diagnosis and diagnostic techniques operative surgery and results postoperative treatment - or with research work in neuroscience if the underlying questions or the results are of neurosurgical interest. Reports on congresses are given in brief accounts. As official organ of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies the journal publishes all announcements of the E.A.N.S. and reports on the activities of its member societies. Only contributions written in English will be accepted.

  • Impact factor
    1.52
  • Website
    Acta Neurochirurgica website
  • Other titles
    Acta neurochirurgica (Online)
  • ISSN
    0942-0940
  • OCLC
    60637701
  • Material type
    Document, Periodical, Internet resource
  • Document type
    Internet Resource, Computer File, Journal / Magazine / Newspaper

Publisher details

Springer Verlag

  • Pre-print
    • Author can archive a pre-print version
  • Post-print
    • Author can archive a post-print version
  • Conditions
    • Authors own final version only can be archived
    • Publisher's version/PDF cannot be used
    • On author's website or institutional repository
    • On funders designated website/repository after 12 months at the funders request or as a result of legal obligation
    • Published source must be acknowledged
    • Must link to publisher version
    • Set phrase to accompany link to published version (The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com)
    • Articles in some journals can be made Open Access on payment of additional charge
  • Classification
    ​ green

Publications in this journal

  • Article: Mitigating effects of external ventricular drain usage in the management of severe head injury.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Hydrocephalus associated with vestibular schwannomas: perioperative changes in cerebrospinal fluid.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels are known to increase in patients with vestibular schwannomas (VS) with concomitant hydrocephalus, however the only information available on perioperative changes in CSF in these patients comes from case reports. Here, we investigated the relation between CSF protein and hydrocephalus in a large series of patients undergoing resection of VS. METHOD: We classified 376 patients undergoing resection for VS at our institute into two groups, namely VS and no hydrocephalus (control, n = 319) and VS with concomitant hydrocephalus (n = 57), and compared clinical parameters. Among the 57 patients diagnosed with hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus status was examined by lumbar puncture in 20 patients with communicative hydrocephalus, and pre- and postoperative scores in CSF properties were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the hydrocephalus group were significantly older than those in the control group (mean, 55.8 vs. 43.8 years), and had a longer disease duration (median, 76 vs. 12 months), larger tumors (median, 15.6 vs. 5.5 ml), and a higher protein concentration in CSF (median, 147.3 vs. 65.1 mg/dl). Perioperative CSF samples of hydrocephalus patients showed a significantly decrease in cerebrospinal pressure after tumor removal (median, -75mmH2O), followed by a decrease in CSF protein (median, -74.5 mg/dl). No patients required the placement of a shunt. CONCLUSIONS: Extended disease duration and elevated CSF protein secondary to the presence of a tumor contribute to the occurrence of hydrocephalus. Primary maximal tumor removal for VS with coexisting hydrocephalus avoids an unnecessary shunt.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Neuroradiology in Duckburg.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Rapid development of a lumbar juxtafacet cyst causing conus medullaris syndrome.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Fluorescein-guided surgery for grade IV gliomas with a dedicated filter on the surgical microscope: preliminary results in 12 cases.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Fluorescein is widely used as a fluorescent tracer for many applications. Its capability to accumulate in cerebral areas with blood-brain barrier damage makes it an ideal dye for intraoperative visualization of malignant gliomas (MG). We report our preliminary experience in fluorescein-guided removal of grade IV gliomas using a dedicated filter on the surgical microscope. METHODS: In September 2011 we started a prospective phase II trial (FLUOGLIO) to evaluate the safety and obtain initial indications about the efficacy of fluorescein-guided surgery for MG. Patients with suspected MG amenable to complete resection of contrast-enhancing areas were eligible to participate in this study. This report is based on a preliminary analysis of the results of 12 patients with grade IV gliomas out of 15 consecutive cases (age range 48-72 years) enrolled since September 2011. Fluorescein was injected intravenously (i.v.) after intubation (5-10 mg/kg). The tumor was removed using a microsurgical technique and fluorescence visualization by BLU 400 or YELLOW 560 filters on a Pentero microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany). The study was approved by our ethics committee and registered on the European Regulatory Authorities website (EudraCT no. 2011-002527-18). RESULTS: Histological analysis confirmed grade IV gliomas in 12/15 cases. Median preoperative tumor volume was 33.15 cm(3) (9.6-87.8 cm(3)). No adverse reaction related to the administration of fluorescein was registered. Contrast-enhanced tumor was completely removed in 75 % of the patients. CONCLUSION: This preliminary analysis suggested that the use of intravenous fluorescein during surgery on grade IV gliomas is safe and allows a high rate of complete resection of contrast-enhanced tumor at the early postoperative MRI.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: The medial loop of the V2 segment of the vertebral artery and the importance of this variation in correlation with the resection safe zone and technical characteristics of spinal cages during anterior cervical approaches.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: The clinical results of transcervical carotid artery stenting and frequency chosen as the approach route of carotid artery stenting in 1,067 consecutive cases.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is generally performed via a transfemoral approach. A transbrachial approach is usually chosen as an alternative when CAS via a transfemoral approach is difficult. At our institutions, a transcervical approach is chosen when the previous two approach routes are not available. We reviewed CAS cases treated via the transcervical route in our 1,067 CAS series to investigate the safety, feasibility, and frequency of this procedure as an approach route of CAS. METHODS: We performed 1,067 CAS procedures in 1,067 consecutive cases between December 2002 and June 2011. Initially, a transfemoral route was chosen, and secondarily a transbrachial route, the last choice was a transcervical route. A transbrachial approach was chosen in 96 (9.0 %) cases and a transcervical approach in ten (0.9 %). We reviewed the characteristics and outcomes of CAS performed via a transcervical approach. RESULTS: CAS was successfully performed on all ten transcervical-approach patients. Eight procedures were performed under local anesthesia and two under general anesthesia. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were both 0 %. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) showed no deterioration at 3 months except for one case whose mRS became five because of an embolic stroke after aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: CAS via a transcervical approach was safe and feasible, and its frequency chosen as an approach route was 0.9 %. This procedure can be an alternative to transfemoral or transbrachial approaches when CAS via either of these approaches is too difficult.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Possible mechanism of deep brain stimulation for pedunculopontine nucleus-induced urinary incontinence: a virally mediated transsynaptic tracing study in a transgenic mouse model.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Intraperitoneal treatment with S100B enhances hippocampal neurogenesis in juvenile mice and after experimental brain injury.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Neurogenesis is documented in adult mammals including humans, is promoted by neurotrophic factors, and constitutes an innate repair mechanism following brain injury. The glial neurotrophic protein S100B is released following various types of brain injuries, enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and improves cognitive function following brain injury in rats when applied intrathecally. The present study was designed to elucidate whether the beneficial effect of S100B on injury-induced neurogenesis can be confirmed in mice when applied intraperitoneally (i.p.), and whether this effect is dose-dependent. METHODS: Male juvenile mice were subjected to a unilateral parietal cryolesion or sham injury, and treated with S100B at 20nM, 200nM or vehicle i.p. once daily. Hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation was quantified following labelling with bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/KG i.p.) in the germinative area of the dentate gyrus, the subgranular zone (SGZ), on day 4 as well as on cell survival and migration to the granular cell layer (GCL) on day 28. Progenitor cell differentiation was assessed following colabelling with the glial marker GFAP and the neuronal marker NeuN. RESULTS: S100B enhanced significantly the early progenitor cell proliferation in the SGZ as well as cell survival and migration to the GCL, and promoted neuronal differentiation. While these effects were predominately dose-dependent, 200nM S100B failed to enhance the proliferation in the SGZ on day 4 post-injury. CONCLUSION: We conclude that S100B participates in hippocampal neurogenesis after injury at lower nanomolar concentrations. Therefore S100B may serve as a potential adjunct treatment to promote neuroregeneration following brain damage.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Reconstruction of intracranial vertebral artery with radial artery and occipital artery grafts for fusiform intracranial vertebral aneurysm not amenable to endovascular treatment: technical note.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Symptomatic fusiform intracranial vertebral artery aneurysms pose a formidable treatment challenge when not amenable to endovascular treatment. In this paper, we illustrate the microsurgical management of such an aneurysm. METHODS: To prevent neurological deterioration, anatomical reconstruction preserving all vessels including posterior inferior cerebellar artery and perforators is essential. In this case illustration, the occipital artery was used as a donor to a perforator originating from the aneurysmal segment. This bypass was performed in an end-to-side fashion. Subsequently, the aneurysmal component of the vertebral artery was resected and an end-to-side (V4 to V3) bypass was performed using a radial artery graft. RESULTS: The patient achieved complete resection of the aneurysm preserving normal anatomy of the posterior circulation without any ischemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Complex cerebral artery bypass techniques are essential in the armamentarium of cerebrovascular for the treatment of complex lesions not amenable to endovascular therapy.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Intraoperative fluorescence for resection of hemangioblastomas.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Resection of hemangioblastomas can be challenging due to their high vascularity and intimate association with neighboring cerebrovascular structures. The authors present their intraoperative findings using fluorescein angiography and fluorescence for removal of hemangioblastomas in an attempt to improve the safety and extent of resection. METHODS: From April through August 2012, four patients were diagnosed with hemangioblastomas, 3 in the cerebellum and 1 in the medulla oblongata. Low-dose (4 mg/kg) sodium fluorescein was injected intravenously immediately before microdissection. The area of interest was inspected through a microscope-integrated fluorescent module. RESULTS: In three superficially located tumors, the vascular pattern of feeding and draining vessels could be easily identified with fluorescein angiography. The resection of the tumors was guided using real-time fluorescence mode. For each patient, histopathologic examination of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. All samples of fluorescent tissue resected were confirmed to contain tumor. No patient experienced any complication. CONCLUSION: Low-dose sodium fluorescein used in conjunction with a microscope-integrated fluorescence module is a potentially useful tool for localization, vascular characterization, and resection of hemangioblastomas.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Syndromic versus nonsyndromic atlantoaxial dislocation: do clinico-radiological differences have a bearing on management?
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: This prospective study attempts to study the clinico-radiological differences between patients with syndromic AAD (SAAD), non-syndromic AAD (NSAAD), and AAD with Klippel-Feil anomaly (AADKFA) that may impact management. METHODS: In 46 patients with AAD [SAAD (including Morquio, Down, Larson and Marshall syndrome and achondroplasia; n = 6); NSAAD(n = 20); and, AADKFS (n = 20)], myelopathy was graded as mild (n = 17, 37 %), moderate (15, 32.5 %) or severe (14, 30.5 %) based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score modified for Indian patients (mJOAS). Basilar invagination (BI), basal angle, odontoid hypoplasia, facet-joint angle, effective canal diameter, Ishihara curvature index, and angle of retroversion of odontoid and vertebral artery (VA) variations were also studied. STATISTICS: Clinico-radiological differences were assessed by Fisher's exact test, and mean craniometric values by Kruskal-Wallis test (p value ≤ 0.05 significant) RESULTS: Incidence of irreducible AAD in SAAD (n = 0), NSA AD (11.55 %) and AADKFS (n = 18.90 %) showed significant difference (p = 0.01). High incidence of kyphoscoliosis (83 %) and odontoid hypoplasia (83 %) in SAAD, and assimilated atlas and BI in NSAAD and AADKFA groups were found. In AADKFA, effective canal diameter was significantly reduced(p = 0.017) with increased Ishihara index and increased angle of odontoid retroversion; 61 % patients had VA variations. Thirty-five patients underwent single-stage transoral decompression with posterior fusion (for irreducible AAD) or direct posterior stabilization (for reducible AAD). Postoperative mJOAS evaluation often revealed persistent residual myelopathy despite clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Myelopathy is induced by recurrent cord trauma due to reducible AAD in SAAD, and compromised cervicomedullary canal diameter in NSAAD and AADKFA. SAAD in children may be missed due to incomplete odontoid ossification or coexisting angular deformities. In AADKFA, decisions regarding vertebral levels to be included in posterior stabilization should take into consideration intact intervening motion segments and compensatory cervical hyperlordosis. Following VA injury, endovascular primary vessel occlusion/stenting across pseudoaneurysm preempts delayed rehemorrhage.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Pathophysiology of shunt dysfunction in shunt treated hydrocephalus.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that shunt dysfunction in the ventricular catheter and the shunt valve is caused by different cellular responses. We also hypothesized that the cellular responses depend on different pathophysiological mechanisms. METHODS: Removed shunt material was collected. Macroscopic tissue in the catheters was paraffin-embedded and HE-stained. Valves were incubated with trypsin-EDTA in order to detach macroscopically invisible biomaterial, which was then cytospinned and HE-stained. Associated aetiological and surgical data were collected by reviewing patient files, and ventricular catheter position was examined using preoperative radiology (CT scans). RESULTS: We examined eleven ventricular catheters and ten shunt valves. Catheters: 6/11 catheters contained intraluminal tissue consisting of vascularised glial tissue and inflammatory cells (macrophages/giant cells and a few eosinophils). Catheter adherence correlated with the presence of intraluminal tissue, and all tissue containing catheters had some degree of ventricle wall contact. All obstructed catheters contained intraluminal tissue, except one catheter that was dysfunctional because of lost ventricular contact. Valves: Regardless of intraoperative confirmation of valve obstruction, all ten valves contained an almost uniform cellular response of glial cells (most likely ependymal cells), macrophages/giant cells, and lymphomonocytic cells. Some degree of ventricle wall catheter contact was present in all examined valves with available radiology (9/10). CONCLUSIONS: The same cellular responses (i.e., glial cells and inflammatory cells) cause both catheter obstruction and valve obstruction. We propose two synergistic pathophysiological mechanisms. (1) Ventricle wall/parenchymal contact by the catheter causes mechanical irritation of the parenchyma including ependymal exfoliation. (2) The shunt material provokes an inflammatory reaction, either nonspecific or specific. In combination, these mechanisms cause obstructive tissue ingrowth (glial and inflammatory) in the catheter and clogging of the valve by exfoliated glial cells and reactive inflammatory cells.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Intraventricular ganglioglioma prognosis and hydrocephalus: The largest case series and systematic literature review.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Ganglioglioma is mostly found in cerebral parenchymal, and it is rarely located in the ventricular system. To date, ganglioglioma within the ventricular system has been reported in only 10 cases. Its prognosis and relationship with complicating hydrocephalus are unclear. METHODS: A total of 7 cases with intraventricular ganglioglioma diagnosed by the surgical pathology examination from June 2004 to April 2011 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data were collected from the clinical medical records, and the tumor site, size and basement of tumor were analyzed. Follow up was performed to obtain the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The 7 cases included 5 males and 2 females, with disease onset at 23.6 ± 14.9 years old. Epilepsy as the initial symptom was observed in 1 case. Reduced hearing, dizziness and weakness of both lower limbs were found in 1 case. Intracranial hypertension were detected in 5 cases, including 1 case complicating by decreased visual acuity. Tumors were located in the lateral ventricle in 5 cases, while 2 cases in the third ventricle. Hydrocephalus was observed in 5 cases, including 2 cases with severe hydrocephalus, and both underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Total resection of tumors was performed in 5 cases, and 2 cases underwent gross total resection. The mean duration of follow-up was 28.7 months (8-90 months). Intracranial hypertension in all cases disappeared. Even radiotherapy post-surgery, one case with GTR relapsed 1 year later. However, the other 6 cases didn't relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Ganglioglioma in ventricular system is extremely rare, mainly with the symptoms of intracranial hypertension or seizure. The degree of hydrocephalus is closely related to the site of tumor's basement. The prognosis is good after total resection. The patients with GTR should be followed-up.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: The role of stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases in stable systemic disease: a review of the literature.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cancer patients with brain metastases display a median survival of only 1 to 2 months if left untreated. Although whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has lengthened median patient survival, the long-term neurotoxic effects of WBRT have become a deterrent to its use in the context of stable systemic disease. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who might benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in order to delay or avoid WBRT. Here we present a review of the literature to elucidate the role of SRS in patients with multiple brain metastases. METHODS: MEDLINE search for English-language articles from 1998 to 2012 describing survival or neurocognitive functioning of patients with multiple brain metastases treated with SRS, WBRT, or a combination. RESULTS: SRS monotherapy yields an equivalent survival with low risk of long-term neurotoxicity, but higher rate of recurrence, compared to WBRT or combined radiotherapy. Patients with ≤4 brain metastases or KPS ≥ 80 are expected to survive significantly longer than the onset time of prominent WBRT-induced neurocognitive decline. CONCLUSIONS: SRS, administered alone or adjuvant to surgical resection of symptomatic metastases, is preferred for patients with ≤4 brain metastases or KPS ≥ 80 to delay or avoid WBRT. WBRT can then be employed in the event of recurrence. WBRT with or without resection is preferred for patients with ≥5 brain metastases and KPS < 80, due to these patients' shorter survival and increased recurrence risk. SRS boost treatments can then be used in the event of poor tumor response or progression.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Transfacet screw fixation of the subaxial cervical spine-how I do it?
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Transfacet screw fixation is a biomechanically effective way of fusing the subaxial cervical spine. The technique used by this author is described. METHODS: With the patient in prone position, a conventional posterior exposure of the cervical spine is done. The entry point used by this author is 2 mm above the middle of the lateral mass without any lateral angulation. Under fluoroscopic guidance the facet is drilled until all the four cortical surfaces are purchased. Then the depth is measured to assess the length of the screw required. This is followed by tapping and screw insertion both of which are done under fluoroscopic control. All screws are placed prior to laminectomy to decompress the cervical cord. CONCLUSIONS: This is a simple, inexpensive and biomechanically effective way of stabilizing the subaxial cervical spine.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Association between sympathetic response, neurogenic cardiomyopathy, and venous thromboembolization in patients with primary subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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    ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Sympathetic activation promotes hemostasis, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with pronounced sympathetic activation. This investigation will assess whether catecholaminergic activity relates to venous thrombotic events in patients with acute SAH. METHODS: Observational study of consecutive SAH grade 3-5 patients requiring ventriculostomy insertion who did not undergo open surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysm. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained within 48 h of hemorrhage for assay of catecholamines, which were related to occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolization (PE). RESULTS: Of the 92 subjects, mean age was 57 years, 76 % were female, and 57 % Caucasian; 11 % experienced lower extremity (LE) DVT, 12 % developed upper extremity (UE) or LE DVT, and 23 % developed any DVT/PE. Mean time to occurrence of UE/LE DVT was 7.8 days (+/-5.9 days), and mean time to development of PE was 8.8 days (+/-5.4 days). In hazards analysis models, independent predictors of LE DVT included neurogenic cardiomyopathy (NC) [HR 4.97 (95%CI 1.32-18.7)], norepinephrine/3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol ratio (NE/DHPG) [3.81 (2.04-7.14)], NE [5.91 (2.14-16.3)], and dopamine (DA) [2.27 (1.38-3.72)]. Predictors of UE/LE DVT included NC [5.78 (1.70-19.7)], cerebral infarction [4.01 (1.18-13.7)], NE [3.58 (1.40-9.19)], NE/DHPG [3.38 (1.80-6.33)] and DA [2.01 (1.20-3.35)]. Predictors of DVT/PE included Hunt-Hess grade (H/H) [3.02 (1.19-7.66)], NE [2.56 (1.23-5.37)] and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) [3.49 (1.01-12.0)]. CONCLUSIONS: In severe SAH, central sympathetic activity and clinical manifestations of (nor)adrenergic activity relate to the development of venous thromboemboli. Catecholamine activation may promote hemostasis, or may represent a biomarker for venous thromboses.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Study the effects of zonisamide on fine structure of rabbit basilar artery and hippocampus in rabbit subarachnoid hemorrhage model.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the effect of a novel antiepileptic drug, zonisamide (ZNS), on the basilar artery and hippocampus in a rabbit subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. METHODS: Three groups of New Zealand white rabbits were used: a sham (non-SAH) group, an SAH + saline group, and SAH + drug treatment group that received ZNS. In the treatment group, the subjects were given ZNS for 3 days after the SAH. Hippocampal sections were evaluated for neural tissue degeneration. Basilar artery lumen areas and arterial wall thickness were also measured in all groups. RESULTS: The mean luminal area of the SAH + ZNS was significantly greater than the SAH + saline group. In addition, the arterial wall thickness of SAH + ZNS group was significantly thinner than the SAH + saline group. The neuronal degeneration scores of the hippocampal CA1 regions in the SAH + ZNS group were significantly lower than the SAH + saline treatment animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that ZNS has a vasodilatatory effect on the basilar artery and a neuronal protective effect in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in a rabbit SAH model.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;
  • Article: Pial arteriovenous fistula with giant venous varix and dilation of vein of Galen, treated with surgical clipping.
    Acta Neurochirurgica 05/2013;

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