Erythropoietin neuroprotection is enhanced by direct cortical application following subdural blood evacuation in a rat model of acute subdural hematoma

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) has been successfully tested as neuroprotectant in brain injury models. The first large clinical trial with stroke patients, however, revealed negative results. Reasons are manifold and may include side-effects such as thrombotic complications or interactions with other medication, EPO concentration, penetration of the blood-brain-barrier and/or route of application. The latter is restricted to systemic application. Here we hypothesize that EPO is neuroprotective in a rat model of acute subdural hemorrhage (ASDH) and that direct cortical application is a feasible route of application in this injury type. The subdural hematoma was surgically evacuated and EPO was applied directly onto the surface of the brain. We injected NaCl, 200, 2000 or 20,000IU EPO per rat i.v. at 15min post-ASDH (400μl autologous venous blood) or NaCl, 0.02, 0.2 or 2IU per rat onto the cortical surface after removal of the subdurally infused blood t at 70min post-ASDH. Arterial blood pressure (MAP), blood chemistry, intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain tissue oxygen (ptiO2) were assessed during the first hour and lesion volume at 2days after ASDH. EPO 20,000IU/rat (i.v.) elevated ICP significantly. EPO at 200 and 2000IU reduced lesion volume from 38.2±0.6mm(3) (NaCl-treated group) to 28.5±0.9 and 22.2±1.3mm(3) (all p<0.05 vs. NaCl). Cortical application of 0.02IU EPO after ASDH evacuation reduced injury from 36.0±5.2 to 11.2±2.1mm(3) (p=0.007), whereas 0.2IU had no effect (38.0±9.0mm(3)). The highest dose of both application routes (i.v. 20,000IU; cortical 2IU) enlarged the ASDH-induced damage significantly to 46.5±1.7 and 67.9±10.4mm(3) (all p<0.05 vs. NaCl). In order to test whether Tween-20, a solvent of EPO formulation 'NeoRecomon®' was responsible for adverse effects two groups were treated with NaCl or Tween-20 after the evacuation of ASDH, but no difference in lesion volume was detected. In conclusion, EPO is neuroprotective in a model of ASDH in rats and was most efficacious at a very low dose in combination with subdural blood removal. High systemic and topically applied concentrations caused adverse effects on lesion size which were partially due to increased ICP. Thus, patients with traumatic ASDH could be treated with cortically applied EPO but with caution concerning concentration.

Dynamic changes of intramural hematoma in patients with acute spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection.

BACKGROUND We prospectively investigated temporal and spatial evolution of intramural hematomas in patients with acute spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection using repeated magnetic resonance imaging over six-months. AIM The aim of the present study was to assess dynamic changes of intramural hematoma in patients with acute spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection at multiple follow-up time-points with T1w, PD/T2w, and magnetic resonance angiography. METHODS We performed serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in 10 patients with spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection on admission, at days 1, 3, 7-14 and at months 1·5, 3, and 6. We calculated the volume and extension of the hyperintense intramural hematoma using T1w and PD/T2w fat suppressed sequences and assessed the degree of stenosis due to the hematoma using magnetic resonance angiography. RESULTS Mean interval from symptom onset to first magnetic resonance imaging was two-days (SD 2·7). Two patients presented with ischemic stroke, three with transient ischemic attacks, and five with pain and local symptoms only. Nine patients had a transient increase of the intramural hematoma volume, mainly up to day 10 after symptom onset. Fifty percent had a transient increase in the degree of the internal carotid artery stenosis on MRA, one resulting in a temporary occlusion. Lesions older than one-week were predominantly characterized by a shift from iso- to hyperintese signal on T2w images. At three-month follow-up, intramural hematoma was no longer detectable in 80% of patients and had completely resolved in all patients after six-months. CONCLUSIONS Spatial and temporal dynamics of intramural hematomas after spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection showed an early volume increase with concomitant progression of the internal carotid artery stenosis in 5 of 10 patients. Although spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection overall carries a good prognosis with spontaneous hematoma resorption in all our patients, early follow-up imaging may be considered, especially in case of new clinical symptoms.

[Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma with fatal outcome]

Halsschmerz, Dysphagie und Dyspnoe sind die häufigsten Symptomen, aufgrund derer Patienten einen Arzt aufsuchen. Hierbei handelt es sich um unspezifische Symptome mit vielfältigen Ursachen. Mögliche im Retropharyngealraum lokalisierte Pathologien sind in der überwiegenden Anzahl der Fälle selbst limitierend oder durch medikamentöse Therapien beherrschbar (Bsp.: Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Seitenstrangangina). Deutlich seltener sind im Spatium retropharyngeum lokalisierte Abszesse, Neoplasien (Bsp.: Lipome, Neurofibrome, Liposarkome) oder Hämatome (Schmäl F et al. HNO 2002; 50: 418 – 423). Letztlich können auch degenerative Veränderungen der Wirbelsäule, eine ektop verlaufende Arteria carotis interna oder seltene Manifestationen von Systemerkrankungen (Bsp.: Sarkoidose) zu einer unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägten Vorwölbung der Pharynxhinterwand und Einengung der Luft- und Speiseröhre führen. Anhand des vorliegenden Falls wird die klinische Präsentation sowie die radiologische Diagnose eines retropharyngealen Hämatoms diskutiert und die anatomische Beziehung der Halskompartimente mit besonderem Fokus auf den Retropharyngealraum dargestellt.

The Nelaton Catheter Guard for Safe and Effective Placement of Subdural Drain for Two-Burr-Hole Trephination in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Technical Note

BACKGROUND For chronic subdural hematoma, placement of a Blake drain with a two-burr-hole craniotomy is often preferred. However, the placement of such drains carries the risk of penetrating the brain surface or damaging superficial venous structures. OBJECTIVE To describe the use of a Nelaton catheter for the placement of a subdural drain in two-burr-hole trephination for chronic subdural hematoma. METHOD A Nelaton catheter was used to guide placement of a Blake drain into the subdural hematoma cavity and provide irrigation of the hematoma cavity. With the two-burr-hole method, the Nelaton catheter could be removed easily via the frontal burr hole after the Blake drain was in place. RESULTS We used the Nelaton catheters in many surgical procedures and found it a safe and easy technique. This method allows the surgeon to safely direct the catheter into the correct position in the subdural space. CONCLUSIONS This tool has two advantages. First, the use of a small and flexible Nelaton catheter is a safe method for irrigation of a chronic subdural hematoma cavity. Second, in comparison with insertion of subdural drainage alone through a burr hole, the placement of the Nelaton catheter in subdural space is easier and the risk of damaging relevant structures such as cortical tissue or bridging veins is lower. Thus this technique may help to avoid complications when placing a subdural drain.

Hematoma Cervical e Hemotórax Espontâneos no contexto de Neurofibromatose Tipo I

Introdução: A neurofibromatose tipo I (NF1), também designada doença de Von Recklinghausen, é causada por uma anormalidade no cromossoma 17, de transmissão autossómica dominante, responsável pela produção deficiente de neurofibromina. Caracteriza-se por displasia nos tecidos mesodérmicos e neuroectodérmicos, e tem uma incidência de um para 2.500-3.300 nascimentos. A presença de manchas café-au-lait, neurofibromas cutâneos e hamartomas da íris são sinais cardinais da doença. Primeiramente descrita por Ruebi em 1945, a patologia vascular é uma complicação subestimada e pouco reconhecida na NF1. A ocorrência de hemorragia fatal ou quase fatal está reportada ocasionalmente nas cavidades pleural, abdominal, retroperitoneu, tecidos moles do tronco e extremidades. Esta hemorragia massiva é causada pela rutura de vasos sanguíneos friáveis, característicos pelos níveis reduzidos de neurofibromina e consequente proliferação endotelial e de músculo liso nas artérias e veias. Uma das consequências clínicas mais sérias descritas na NF1 é a ocorrência de hemorragia severa e dificuldade em alcançar controlo hemostático. Objetivo: Exposição de caso clínico de extenso hematoma cervical e hemotórax espontâneos por rutura troncos venosos braquiocefálico, veia subclávia e junção subclávio-jugular em doente com NF1. Caso clínico: Relata-se caso clínico de mulher de 51 anos, com antecedentes conhecidos de NF1 e hipertensão arterial. Foi admitida no serviço de urgência em choque hipovolémico hemorrágico, no contexto de dor súbita no ombro direito e volumosa tumefação cervical direita. Em angioTC foi objetivado volumoso hematoma, envolvendo a região cervical direita, a região retrofaríngea-prevertebral, escavado supraclavicular direito, mediastino, associando a importante hemotórax direito. Procedeu-se a abordagem supraclavicular com drenagem do hematoma e identificação de fontes hemorrágicas, nomeadamente: tronco venoso braquicefálico, veia subclávia e confluência subclávio-jugular. Foi necessária secção da clavícula para controlo hemorrágico e realização de rafias dos troncos venosos com prolene. Intraoperatoriamente, foi evidente a fragilidade e friabilidade excessiva dos vasos sanguíneos. Após controlo hemorrágico, foi realizada videotoracoscopia para drenagem de hemotórax e evacuação de coágulos, confirmando-se a ausência de hemorragia ativa. No pós-operatório a doente recuperou estabilidade hemodinâmica, sem evidência analítica de queda de hemoglobina. Realizou-se angioTC, onde se confirmou franca melhoria do hematoma cervical direito e retrofaríngeo em critérios quantitativos, e ausência de extravasamento de contraste. Objetivou-se adicionalmente aneurismas acular da artéria vertebral direita, corrigido ulteriormente através de embolização com coils. Conclusão: A NF1 é uma doença genética que raramente se pode associar a hemorragia life- -threatening. A vasculopatia é uma complicação subestimada e pouco reconhecida na NF1. A existência de friabilidade vascular excessiva com consequente hemorragia espontânea na NF1 é rara e pode ser fatal, exigindo um diagnóstico rápido e tratamento atempado.

Hematoma sublingual espontáneo secundario a terapia anticoagulante con warfarina

Abstract Hemorrhagic complications in oral anticoagulant therapy are frequent. Spontaneous sublingual hematomas secondary to anticoagulants are an extremely unusual complication that is potentially lethal. The study reports a case of a patient on anticoagulation therapy with warfarine who develops a massive, spontaneous sublingual hematoma with obstruction of the high airway and cardiac arrest, where emergency transtracheal catheter ventilation was used.

Hematoma postoperatorio en neurocirugía: Presentación de un caso y revisión

El hematoma postoperatorio es una de las complicaciones más graves en neuro-cirugía, con una mortalidad que varía entre un 18 y 32%, y una morbilidad significativa. Se han identificado factores de riesgo clínicos, perioperatorios y patológicos que aumentan la probabilidad de sufrir esta complicación. Los autores reportan el caso de un paciente que presentó un hematoma postoperatorio luego de la exéresis de una metástasis cerebral y analizan las posibles causas que llevaron a dicha complicación. Asimismo realizan una exhaustiva revisión no sistemática de la literatura referente a la hemorragia postoperatoria, sus factores de riesgo y manejo perioperatorio.

Use Of Electrocautery For Coagulation And Wound Complications In Caesarean Sections.

To evaluate the safety of electrocautery for coagulation during Caesarean sections. A randomized, controlled, clinical pilot study was performed at a university maternity hospital. After admission for delivery and decision to perform a C-section, volunteers were randomized to either the intervention group (use of electrocautery for coagulation) or nonintervention group. The women were examined at the time of postpartum discharge (day 3), at days 7 to 10, and again at days 30 to 40 for signs of infection, hematoma, seroma, or dehiscence. Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat analysis, and risk ratios were calculated. No significant differences were found between the two groups. Only 2.8% of patients in the intervention group developed surgical wound complications during hospitalization. However, 7 to 10 days following discharge, these rates reached 23.0% and 15.4% in the intervention and nonintervention groups, respectively (RR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.84-2.60). Further studies should confirm whether the use of electrocautery for coagulation does not increase the risk of surgical wound complications in patients undergoing Caesarean sections.

Edema pulmonar neurogênico: relato de dois casos

Neurogenic pulmonary edema is a rare and serious complication in patients with head injury. It also may develop after a variety of cerebral insults such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain tumors and after epileptic seizures. Thirty six patients with severe head injury and four patients with cerebrovascular insults treated in Intensive Care Unit of HC-UNICAMP from January to September 1995 were evaluated. In this period there were two patients with neurogenic pulmonary edema, one with head injury and other with intracerebral hemorrhage. Diagnosis was made by rapid onset of pulmonary edema, severe hypoxemia, decrease of pulmonary complacence and diffuse pulmonary infiltrations, without previous history of tracheal aspiration or any other risk factor for developement of adult respiratory distress syndrom. In the first case, with severe head trauma, neurogenic pulmonary edema was diagnosed at admission one hour after trauma, associated with severe systemic inflammatory reaction, and good outcome in three days. The second case, with hemorragic vascular insult, developed neurogenic pulmonary edema the fourth day after drenage of intracerebral hematom and died.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage (Zebra Sign) in Vascular Neurosurgery: Pathophysiological Insights

Hemorrhage in regions remote from the site of initial intracranial operations is rare, but may be fatal. Postoperative cerebellar hemorrhage as a complication of supratentorial surgery, with a radiological appearance known as zebra sign, is an increasingly recognized clinical entity and is associated mainly with vascular neurosurgery or temporal lobe resection. The pathophysiology remains unclear. Three cases of remote cerebellar hematoma occurred after neck clipping of anterior communicating artery aneurysms. All patients had similar clinical findings and underwent pterional craniotomy with the head in accentuated extension. One patient died and the two were discharged without symptoms. Cerebellar hemorrhage probably has a multifactorial origin involving positioning associated with abundant cerebrospinal fluid drainage causing cerebellar sag with resultant vein stretching and bleeding, and use of aspirin or other antiplatelet agents.

INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITORING IN CHILDREN WITH FULMINANT HEPATIC FAILURE

Introduction. We describe a series of 10 children with intracranial hypertension complicating fulminant hepatic failure submitted to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for intensive care an transplantation management. Patients and methods. Information from pediatrics patients acute liver failure admitted to our hospital was collected in a standard protocol form. We analyzed data from 10 patients, medium age 5.2 years old. In this period we studied aspects as ICP transducer used, number of days with ICP monitoring and complications of ICP monitoring. Results. Hepatitis A was diagnosed in five patients and hepatitis B in two cases. The initial ICP were 2 to 24 mmHg in transducer Seven patients died, four due to intracranial hypertension, included the patient operated for subdural hematoma, and three with transplantation failure. Only, a case of hematoma was verified. Conclusions. The application of ICP monitoring allows intensive care for aggressive ICP management. It can be used in children without adaptations. [REV NEUROL 2009: 48: 134-6]

Successful Endomyocardial Biopsy Guided by Transthoracic Two-Dimensional Echocardiography

Introduction. Two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography is an excellent alternative method to perform endomyocardial biopsies (EB) in special situations, mainly when the patient is in a critical state and cannot go to the catheterization laboratory or when there are contraindications to the use of fluoroscopy as in the pregnancy. Objective. This single-center experience analyzed the last 25 years use of an EB technique guided by echocardiography realized at the bedside on critical patients. Methods. From 1985 to 2010, we performed 76 EB guided by 2-D echocardiography on 59 patients, among whom 38 (64.4%) were critically ill with examinations at the bedside; among 10 (16.9%) subjects, the procedure was carried out simultaneously with fluoroscopy for safety`s sake during the learning period. In addition, 8 (13.6%) were unavailable for fluoroscopy, and 3 (5.1%) required a hybrid method due to an intracardiac tumor. Results. The main adverse effects included local pain (n = 4, 5.6%); difficult out successful puncture due to previous biopsies (n = 4, 5.6%); local hematoma without major consequences (n = 3, 4.2%); failed but ultimately successful puncture on the first try due to previous biopsies or (n = 3, 4.2%); obesity and immediate postoperative period with impossibility to pass the bioptome into the right ventricle; however 2 days later the procedure was repeated successfully by echocardiography (n = 1, 1.4%). All myocardial specimens displayed suitable size. There were no undesirable extraction effects on the tricuspid valve tissue. In this series, there was no case of death, hemopericardium, or other major complication as a direct consequence of the biopsy. Conclusion. 2-D echocardiography is a special feature to guide EB is mainly in critically ill patients because it can be performed at the bedside without additional risk or disadvantages of fluoroscopy. The hybrid method associating 2-D echocardiography and fluoroscopy allows the procedure in different situations such as intracardiac tumor cases.