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ABSTRACT: At the present time it is well established that cranial magnetic resonance (MR) is the imaging technique of choice for diagnosis of thrombosis of the dural sinuses. However, few studies have been done to evaluate its role in follow-up in this cerebrovascular disorder.
To assess the alterations in resonance signal in follow-up of patients with thrombosis of the dural sinuses and the clinical correlation of this.
We reviewed the clinical histories of 12 patients diagnosed on cranial MR as having thrombosis of the dural sinuses; 8 cases were also seen again six months later. The cranial MR study was done using a 1.5 or 1.0 T superconductive apparatus to do measured spin-echo sequences (SE) in T1 and T2 in sagittal, transverse and coronal planes. The time elapsed between diagnosis on MR and clinical diagnosis was between 24 hours and 6 months.
All patients had stronger resonance signals in T1 and T2 indicating a subacute phase of the thrombosis (oxidative conversion of deoxyhaemoglobin to methoxyhaemoglobin) and complete absence of blood flow in the sinuses. The eight patients seen again after six months were found to be normal on neurological. On cranial MR partial recanalization was seen in 5 of these (62%).
Changes in the resonance signal persist for a long time both with and without signs of recanalization. This finding does not affect the medium term clinical course.
Revista de neurologia 07/1998; 26(154):971-3. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Retino-cerebellar hemangioblastomatosis or Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a phacomatosis with a dominant autosomal pattern of inheritance, which is characterized by the presence of hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system (cerebellum and spinal medulla), retinal angiomas and tumors (pheochromocytoma, clear cell carcinoma) or cysts of the abdominal viscera.
We present the case of a 22 year old female with Von Hippel-Lindau disease, in whom a cystic hemangioblastoma of the basal ganglia of the left hemisphere was diagnosed when she complained of difficulty in carrying out fine movements of the right hand and tremor for some months. The supratenorial site of cystic hemangioblastomas in the clinical context of Von Hippel-Lindau disease is very rare and clinical presentation of a parkinsonian hemisyndrome is exceptional. In our search through the literature we have found tumors with many types of histology (meningiomas, glial tumors, craniopharyngioma, epidermoid cysts) in the origin of tumoral parkinsonism.
However, we have found no previous case of cystic hemangioblastomas. We also emphasize that there was full resolution of the condition after total removal of the tumour.
Revista de neurologia 03/1998; 26(150):221-3. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Some variables were analyzed in 35 patients with severe cranioencephalic injuries following a lucid interval according to mortality. The variables analyzed were: age of less than 40 years, interval of time accident-admission (TAA), admission-operation (TAO), level of consciousness (Glasgow scale), associated extracranial lesions, type of intracranial lesion, and tomodensitometric signs of intracranial hypertension. The only variables demonstrating significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were the level of consciousness (Glasgow scale < 6 points) and the presence of subdural hematoma. Twelve (70.5%) patients who died had less than 6 on the Glasgow scale and in contrast only 5 (27.7%) of the living. Eleven (64.7%) of the group who died and 4 (22.2%) of the living had subdural hematoma. These data suggest that the level of consciousness and the type of lesion are determining factors of the mortality in this type of patients. Early detection and energic treatment of secondary lesions contribute to prognostic improvement of cranioencephalic injuries.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 03/1993; 8(2):49-52. · 0.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Eight cases of surgically intervened intraventricular meningiomas are presented. The patients were six males and 2 females with a mean age of 41.7 years (11-70). The length of symptoms was of several months in 6 (75%) of the cases. The most frequent symptoms observed were cephalea and alterations of the upper functions which were presented in six and four cases, respectively. Papilloedema and involvement of long pathways were the most usual findings observed in neurological examination. Diagnosis was made by computerized tomography and angiography in all the cases. Surgery using a transtemporal approach was carried out in six patients and in the other two a parietal-occipital route was used. Two patients were dead and other two presented bilateral amaurosis. The other patients had good postsurgery.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 04/1992; 7(3):94-6. · 0.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The level of consciousness prior to surgery has been analyzed in a series of 64 patients suffering epidural hematoma (EDH) who underwent surgery during the period from July 1987 to June 1989. The percentage of cases which underwent surgery in coma after a lucid interval have been compared in different periods of time (1978-80, 1981-82, 1983-84 and July 1987 to June 1989). During the period from July 1987 to June 1989 surgery was performed on: 15 patients (23.5%) in coma from the moment of accident, 8 patients (12.5%) underwent surgery in coma but after a lucid interval and 41 patients (64.1%) were conscious. During the different periods of time the number of patients undergoing surgery in coma after a lucid interval were the following: 1979-80, 9 cases (26.5%); 1981-82, 17 cases (43.6%); 1983-84, 8 cases (20%) and during the last period, 1987-89, 7 cases (15.2%). The difference between the percentage of patients intervened in coma after a lucid interval in the previously referred periods of time was statistically significant (p 0.05).
Revista Clínica Española 03/1992; 190(2):57-9. · 2.01 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sixty eight cases of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) surgically treated (December 1984-December 1988) with twist drill craniostomy (3-4 mm) and application of a closed drainage system (CDS) are reviewed. The patients were distributed in four groups depending on the density of the hematoma: hypodense (36 cases), isodense (6 cases), of mixed density (22 cases) and hyperdense (4 cases). In about one third of patients (25 cases) the duration of symptoms was shorter than one week, in 21 cases it was between one week and one month, and in 22 patients it was longer than one month. 77.95% of cases had a preceding head injury. Headache and motor deficits were the leading symptoms, being present in 43 (63.2%) and 42 (61.7%) cases, respectively. Twelve patients (17.6%) were comatose on admission. Twelve patients required reoperation. Six patients died (8.8%). The preoperative neurological status and associated systemic diseases influenced the outcome. We think that limited craniostomy with CDS is the therapy of choice for symptomatic CSDH.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 03/1991; 6(2):46-51. · 0.79 Impact Factor
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Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 1(6):241-5. · 0.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To date, little attention has been paid to the study of the venous system by means of transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The objective of our study was to learn how to localize cerebral blood flow and find the normal values of different ultrasonographic parameters.
We studied 20 healthy persons in whom the arterial system of the circle of Willis had previously been shown to be normal. Transcranial Doppler scan was done with the person lying face upwards, using a transtemporal 2 MHz catheter. In the study we included persons in whom at least one of the two veins could be studied unilaterally.
We studied twelve men and eight women aged between 25 and 78 years. The basal vein of Rosenthal, localized bilaterally in 70% of the cases, was identified as a wave of low pulsation between segments P1 and P2 of the posterior cerebral artery, going away from the catheter at a speed of about 11 cm/second. The middle cerebral vein was found bilaterally in only 35% of the cases as a wave near to the middle cerebral artery but in the opposite direction, at an average velocity of approximately 11.7 cm/second and of low pulsation.
In spite of the technical problems, which can be solved using contrast agents, it is possible to study the cerebral venous system by means of transcranial Doppler. Our Unit is the first in Spain to show this. We therefore wish to promote the use of transcranial Doppler in cerebral venous disorders.
Revista de neurologia 29(10):963-8. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Eleven patients with shunt infection (SI) of the cerebrospinal fluid in whom the SI was withdrawn and replaced by a new SI system with reservoir and intraventricular and parenteral antibiotic treatment were reported. The diagnosis was made by culture of the components of the SI and, or, the cerebrospinal fluid. In 9 cases the agent was a staphylococcus. The different therapeutic trials to treat SI infections can be summarized as follows: a) replacement of the SI by an external drainage, antibiotics, and reinsertion of the SI when the cerebrospinal fluid was sterilized; b) withdrawal of the SI and placement of a new SI in the same surgical procedure associated with intraventricular and systemic antibiotic treatment; and c) treatment with intraventricular and, or, systemic antibiotics. It has been demonstrated that the surgical approach (a and b) is more effective. In our series the procedure indicated in B was followed by the control of the infection in all cases. The follow-up of the surgical treatment was 1-3 years. The most currently used SI was the ventriculoperitoneal bypass. Their main complications are pseudocysts which are easily recognized by of abdominal echography and frequently revealed SI infection. Diagnosis and treatment of SI infections should take into account the type of complications and the most appropriate collaboration with other clinical departments.
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain) 5(6):188-91. · 0.79 Impact Factor
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Revista de neurologia 46(1):61. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a disorder which is rare in immunocompetent patients.
We report the cases of two elderly patients with serology, in one case positive for hepatitis C, and in the other with anti-DNA antibodies, and discuss the part these might play in causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Case 1. An 86 year old man had been found on serology investigations to be positive for hepatitis C virus. In November 1996 he complained of dysarthria and left hemi-negligence following an accidental fall. Since his clinical condition became worse he was admitted to hospital for further investigation. On neuroimaging studies the intracerebral lesions were increased. The only other finding confirmed was that of positive serology for hepatitis C virus. The patient deteriorated progressively and died 50 days after admission. Case 2. A 70 year old woman began to show progressive cognitive impairment and left hemiparesia in June 1996. Se was investigated in another centre and provisionally diagnosed as having vasculitis of the CNS, in view of her positive anti-DNA antibody and right frontoparietal hypodense lesion. Treatment had been started with corticosteroids. She was admitted to our hospital when her neurological deficits worsened. The immunological alterations were confirmed. On MRI the lesions in the white matter were seen to have progressed. The patient slowly improved. She was discharged from hospital in February 1997 in a semiconscious state, able to follow persons and things with her eyes, with global aphasia and with spastic tetraparesia which was mainly left-sided. She remains stable.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a condition which should be remembered when dealing with immunocompetent patients.
Revista de neurologia 29(2):133-7. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Moya-Moya disease is a chronic infrequent vasculopathy. Occasionally such abnormalities are found in association with one of many conditions, in these cases the angiographic abnormality should be termed Moya-Moya syndrome rather than Moya-Moya disease. Although in children the usual manifestations are ischemic events and seizures. This clinical presentation is infrequent in adults. We present a 42-years-old man with a 1-month history of recurrent right sided partial somatosensorial seizures, later he presented a left parietal infarction, the angiographic findings were compatible with moyamoya syndrome.
Revista de neurologia 23(124):1242-5. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: We present a case of fusiform intracranial aneurysm where, apart from the unusual site, we draw attention to the form of clinical presentation, namely intraventricular haemorrhage. Clinical case. A 68 year-old-man with a history of smoking, hyperuricemia with seizures of gout treated with colchicine and allopurinol, and hypertension treated with captopril. Nine years previously he had a right capsulothalamic haematoma and presented (as a sequela of this) a left sensomotor deficit, with a good functional level. In December 1998 he was admitted for sudden onset of headache and deterioration of consciousness. He had right limb movements which were typical of decerebration and made intubation and mechanical ventilation necessary. Cerebral CT, with angiographic sequences, showed blood in the lateral ventricles and III ventricle, with ventricular dilation and a fusiform aneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery. In view of the neurological state of the patient, treatment of the aneurysm was postponed. After initial improvement, which permitted extubation, tetraparesia (predominantly right) and a pseudobulbar syndrome were seen. The patient had repeated respiratory infections and died from sepsis caused by Pseudomona aeruginosa (of respiratory origin) three months after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Fusiform intracranial aneurysms form 9% of all aneurysms. Localization to the middle cerebral artery is infrequent, the basilar trunk and internal carotid artery are commoner sites. In our case angio-CT was a useful non-invasive neuro-radiological technique.
Revista de neurologia 28(10):973-5. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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J Bosch,
A Ortega-Aznar,
M Tintoré,
J Río,
R Ferreira,
E Rubio,
A Rovira,
S Abilleira,
A Mauleón,
X Montalbán,
M Boada,
A Codina
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ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an infrequent condition which starts with a thickening of the dura mater and whose pathogenesis is unknown. We present two new cases of unknown aetiology.
Case 1. A 53 year old man complained of occipital headache, tinnitus and deafness since February 1981. In October 1981 he was admitted to hospital with a worse headache, perio-orbital pain, dysgeusia and ipsilateral peripheral facial palsy. In December he had generalized tonic-clonic seizures and paralysis of the VII and XI right cranial nerves and IX, X and XII left cranial nerves. In February 1982 he developed right trigeminal neuralgia. He was readmitted in November 1983 with continuous headache, vomiting and a behavior disorder. On CT there was marked attenuation of the posterior dura mater, which the neurosurgical department considered unsuitable for biopsy. He died in March 1985. On necropsy there was hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Case 2. A 62 year old patient consulted in November 1995 complaining of right hypoacusia for the past six months, progressively accompanied by ipsilateral paralysis of the II, IV, VI, VII and VIII cranial nerves but with no other alterations on physical examination. Analytical and serological investigations were normal. Cranial MR showed an extraparenchymatous infiltrating lesion in the middle cranial fossa. Biopsy was decided on when no clinical improvement was seen with corticosteroid treatment. The pathologist reported hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Treatment was started with cyclophosphamide in monthly doses and the condition has remained stable to date.
With these two cases we wish to establish a pathogenic relation between the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and orbital pseudotumor and show the role played by immunosuppressive treatment in the control of hypertrophic pachymeningitis.
Revista de neurologia 31(10):946-51. · 0.65 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Descriptive analysis of some features in patients with cranio-encephalic traumatisms (CET) admitted to our hospital and collected in a data base, in order to establish the prognosis of the lesions and apply the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Since July 1987 to June 1989 we collected data on 584 patients with CET who presented the following selection criteria: consciousness level lower than 13 points in the Glasgow scale and/or pathologic computerized tomography. According to the consciousness level (Glasgow scale) on admission, patients were classified into three groups: slight CET (Glasgow 15-13), moderate CET (Glasgow 12-9), and severe CET (Glasgow < 9). The traumatic mechanisms were divided into 8 categories (occupant, pedestrian, motorbike, aggression, labor, drop, sporting, cyclist). According to the main lesion we considered the following diagnoses: subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, cerebral contusion (s), diffuse lesion with normal computerized tomography and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral congestion, and diffuse axonal lesion. Results were evaluated six months after using the Glasgow scale.
The mean age of patients with slight CET was 37.7 +/- 22.1 years, those with moderate CET 31.7 +/- 22.6 years, and those with severe CET 30.8 +/- 21.6 years. Four hundred and forty-two were men (75.6%). The time period between the accident and hospital admission could be determined in 512 cases (87.6%). Severe CET arrived to the hospital (4.8 +/- 7.3 hours) earlier than the other groups (6.6 +/- 11.9 hours in moderate CET and 14.2 +/- 23 hours in slight CET). Most of patients, 488 (83.5%), were referred from another hospital, whereas the remaining cases came directly from the accident place. Traumatic mechanisms according to the previous categories were: occupant 145 (25%), pedestrian 112 (20%), motorbike 104 (18%), cyclist 2 (0.003%), labor 39 (7%), drop 154 (27%), sporting 7 (1%), aggression 10 (2%). Percentage of traffic accident was higher in patients with severe CET (74.6, 64, and 47% in severe moderate, and slight CET, respectively). The main lesions were: acute subdural hematoma, 72 (12.3%); cerebral contusion, 207 (35.4%); epidural hematoma, 88 (15%); normal computerized tomography/subarachnoid hemorrhage, 87 (14.8%); swelling, 17 (2.9%); diffuse axonal injury, 74 (12.6%); and the remaining, 39 (6.6%) had other lesions such as hydrocephalus fracture-sinking, etc. Mortality was 44.2, 12.2, and 3.7% respectively in severe, moderate, and slight CET.
Data base may contribute to establish the prognosis of CET and to determine the efficacy of therapeutic procedures as well as that of diagnostic and investigational methods.
Revista espanola de anestesiologia y reanimacion 39(5):277-81.
