Changing ictal-onset EEG patterns in children with cortical dysplasia

Purpose

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is intrinsically epileptogenic. We hypothesize that CDs clinically emerging in the early developing brain tend to extend into multifocal or larger epileptic networks to pronounce intractability in contrast to CDs which clinically emerge at a later age.

Methods

We evaluated the spatial and temporal profiles of ictal-onset EEG patterns in children with histopathologically confirmed CD. We designated Group A as children with changing ictal-onset EEG patterns over time, and Group B without change. We compared seizure profiles, consecutive scalp video-EEGs (VEEGs), MRI, MEG, and surgical outcomes.

Results

We found 14 children consisting of 10 Group A patients (7 girls) and 4 Group B patients (all boys). Eight (80%) Group A patients had their seizure onset < 5 years while all Group B patients had seizure onset ? 5 years (p < .05). Changes of ictal onset EEG pattern in Group A consisted of bilateral (4 patients), extending (2); extending and bilateral (2); and generalized (2). We saw MRI lesions (6) and single clustered MEG spike sources (MEGSSs) in (5). Six patients underwent surgery before 15 years of age, and 4 of them attained seizure freedom. All 4 Group B patients had MRI lesions and single clustered MEGSSs. Three patients underwent surgery after 15 years of age. All 4 patients attained seizure freedom.

Conclusion

Ictal-onset EEG patterns change over time in children with early seizure onset and intractable epilepsy caused by CD. Younger epileptic children with CD more frequently have multifocal epileptogenic foci or larger epileptogenic foci. Early resection of CD, guided by MRI, MEG, and intracranial video EEG, resulted in seizure freedom despite changes in ictal-onset EEG patterns.     

Multimodality language mapping in patients with left-hemispheric language dominance on Wada test

Objective

We determined the utility of electrocorticography (ECoG) and stimulation for detecting language-related sites in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance on Wada test.

Methods

We studied 13 epileptic patients who underwent language mapping using event-related gamma-oscillations on ECoG and stimulation via subdural electrodes. Sites showing significant gamma-augmentation during an auditory-naming task were defined as language-related ECoG sites. Sites at which stimulation resulted in auditory perceptual changes, failure to verbalize a correct answer, or sensorimotor symptoms involving the mouth were defined as language-related stimulation sites. We determined how frequently these methods revealed language-related sites in the superior-temporal, inferior-frontal, dorsolateral-premotor, and inferior-Rolandic regions.

Results

Language-related sites in the superior-temporal and inferior-frontal gyri were detected by ECoG more frequently than stimulation (p < 0.05), while those in the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions were detected by both methods equally. Stimulation of language-related ECoG sites, compared to the others, more frequently elicited language symptoms (p < 0.00001). One patient developed dysphasia requiring in-patient speech therapy following resection of the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions containing language-related ECoG sites not otherwise detected by stimulation.

Conclusions

Language-related gamma-oscillations may serve as an alternative biomarker of underlying language function in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance.

Significance

Measurement of language-related gamma-oscillations is warranted in presurgical evaluation of epileptic patients.     

3 TESLA MR imaging in adults with focal onset epilepsy

Objective

The finding of cerebral epileptogenic lesions in magnetic resonance (MR) has demonstrated to be a relevant prognostic factor for potential surgical candidates. In a series of consecutive adults with focal onset epilepsy, we investigated the yield of 3 T MR imaging for detecting epileptogenic cerebral lesions.

Materials and methods

We prospectively recruited 161 adult patients with a diagnosis of focal epilepsy, all of whom underwent standardized MR imaging study performed with a 3 T magnet.

Results

Lesion-related epilepsy was observed in 48% of patients, and 12% of cryptogenic patients showed subtle or non-specific lesions related to the epileptogenic source. The most common findings were focal cortical dysplasia and vascular lesions, followed by mesial temporal sclerosis, tumors, and scars from previous cerebral injuries. Patients older than 72 years were more likely to have vascular epilepsy.

Conclusions

Diagnostic assessment using a standardized 3 T MR imaging protocol for focal-onset epilepsy detects lesions in nearly half the patients. Our results indicate that elders with focal epilepsy should be searched for vascular lesions.     

Vagus nerve stimulation has a positive effect on mood in patients with refractory epilepsy

Background

Preliminary research on the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) indicated additional effects on neuropsychological variables like mood and quality of life (QOL).

Objectives

The objectives of this prospective longitudinal observational cohort study were to assess the effects of VNS on mood, QOL and cognition in patients with refractory epilepsy and to determine whether these effects occur dependent of seizure control.

Methods

We included 41 patients with refractory epilepsy; treated with VNS as part of usual patient care. A neuropsychological battery was performed during baseline and repeated after 6 months of VNS in order to compare neuropsychological variables before and after VNS. All patients completed seizure diaries.

Results

Significant improvements were observed for both mood and QOL after 6 months of VNS; based on the results in the POMS and QOLIE-89 questionnaires (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in cognition. Mean percentage change in seizure frequency was −9.0%, while 20% of the patients achieved a seizure frequency reduction of 50% or more. No significant correlation was found between changes in seizure frequency and improvements in mood or QOL.

Conclusions

VNS is associated with improvements in both mood and QOL in patients with refractory epilepsy. Since these improvements appeared to be independent of seizure control, the results of this study indicate an additional antidepressant effect of VNS, which can be of extra value in view of the high co-morbidity of mood disturbances in patients with epilepsy.     

Association between metabolic syndrome and previous ischemic lesions in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stroke

Objectives

To elucidate the relationship between MetS and ischemic stroke, we evaluated the association of MetS and individual components with frequency of ischemic stroke lesions and investigated the independent associations between them in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Patients and methods

We evaluated 370 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography. The stroke subgroups were categorized as intracranial large artery atherosclerosis (IC-LAA, n = 151), extracranial large artery atherosclerosis (EC-LAA, n = 35), and nonatherosclerosis (NA, n = 184). MetS was defined using the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation.

Results

Patients with IC-LAA group showed a higher rate of MetS and previous ischemic lesions (predominantly deep gray/white matter) than those with EC-LAA and NA (all P < 0.001). The number of previous ischemic lesions showed a tendency to increase as the number of MetS components increased in the IC-LAA group (P = 0.004). In the IC-LAA group, age (OR, 1.04) and MetS (OR, 3.28) were independently associated with previous ischemic lesions (all P < 0.001), which was prominent with more severe MetS components after adjustment for risk factors (P < 0.001). Among the component conditions, high blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, and abdominal obesity were more associated with previous ischemic lesions (all P < 0.001) than low high-density lipoprotein and high triglyceride levels (P = 0.010 and 0.028, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study showed a strong association between MetS and previous ischemic lesions, more in patients with IC-LAA.     

Outcome of Chlamydia pneumoniae associated acute ischemic stroke in elderly patients: a case-control study

Background

Limited data exists about the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective

To study the role of C. pneumoniae in elderly patients (age more than 65 years) with acute ischemic stroke and its impact on stroke out come.

Methods

We recruited 100 elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke and 100 age and sex matched controls over a period of 2 years. IgG and IgA anti C. pneumoniae antibodies were measured by microimmunofluorescence technique in patients and controls. Good outcome was defined as a Modified Rankin score (mRS) of ≤2.

Results

We found C. pneumoniae antibodies in 35% stroke patients and in 18% control subjects (p = 0.01). Good out come at 90 days follow up was found in 20/35(57.1%) seropositive stroke patients compared to 37/65(56.9%) seronegative stroke patients (p = 0.9).

Conclusions

C. pneumoniae antibody positivity was independently associated with ischemic stroke in elderly patients and its presence does not alter the stroke outcome.     

Interferon, azathioprine and corticosteroids in multiple sclerosis: 6-year follow-up of the ASA cohort

Objective

To evaluate long-term effects of 2-year treatment with interferon beta combined with low-dose azathioprine and prednisone in multiple sclerosis.

Methods

In the original 2-year ASA study, 181 patients with early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis were randomised into 3 treatment arms: those treated with interferon beta (n = 60), with interferon beta and low-dose azathioprine (n = 58), and interferon beta, azathioprine and low-dose prednisone (n = 63). Of these, 172 were included in this 4-year non-study extension. Three monthly clinical controls and annual MRI scans were carried out. The primary endpoint was annual relapse activity. The secondary endpoints were disability and quantitative MRI parameters.

Results

Nine patients were lost to follow-up and 172 were included in the analyses. None of relapse activity, disability accumulation or MRI parameters differed significantly between the groups over 6 years. Only 5.5% and 0.6% of patients were free from disease activity at year 2 and year 6 of the treatment initiation.

Conclusion

The tested combined therapeutic regimen does not improve long-term outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, interferon is not able to completely abolish disease activity.     

Increased levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Background

Recent reports have suggested a pathophysiological role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We evaluated the plasma levels of BDNF in patients with ADHD.

Methods

Plasma BDNF levels were measured in 41 drug naive ADHD patients and 107 normal controls. The severity of ADHD symptoms was determined by patient scores on the ADHD rating scale (ARS) and the computerized ADHD diagnostic system (ADS).

Results

ANCOVA with age and gender as covariates showed that the mean plasma BDNF levels were significantly higher in ADHD patients than in normal controls (F = 16.968, p < 0.001). There were also significant differences in plasma BDNF levels of ADHD patients and those of normal controls for males and females (Mann–Whitney U-test, p = 0.001 and 0.041, respectively). We also found a significant correlation between plasma BDNF levels and omission errors in ADS outcome-variable T-scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that there is an increase of plasma BDNF levels in untreated ADHD patients, and that plasma BDNF levels had a significant positive correlation with the severity of inattention symptoms. Further studies are required to elucidate the source and role of circulating BDNF in ADHD.     

Calcified cysticercotic lesions and intractable epilepsy: a cross sectional study of 512 patients

Background

Neurocysticercosis is a major cause of epilepsy in developing countries and is endemic in Brazil. To test the hypothesis that the aetiological profile of patients with intractable epilepsy in Brazil includes neurocysticercosis, we conducted a cross sectional study investigating the aetiology of intractable epilepsy.

Methods

A total of 512 patients evaluated at the outpatient clinic for intractable epilepsy at the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine were included in the survey. Medical intractability was determined on the basis of seizure incidence and severity, and response to appropriate epilepsy management. Neuroimaging included brain CT with non‐contrasted and contrasted phases and high resolution MRI. Patients were divided into neurocysticercosis and non‐neurocysticercosis groups according to previous diagnostic criteria.

Results

The most common epileptogenic lesions were mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS; 56.0%), malformations of cortical development (12.1%), and brain tumours (9.9%). Neuroimaging was normal in 8.7% of patients. Calcifications were found in 27% of patients and were significantly more common in patients with MTS than in those without MTS (p<0.001). Isolated neurocysticercosis was found in only eight patients (1.56%).

Conclusions

These data suggest that neurocysticercosis is an uncommon cause of intractable epilepsy, even in an endemic region such as Brazil, and that it may only represent a coexistent pathology. However, an analysis of our findings reveals that neurocysticercosis was more common in patients with MTS. This finding could suggest either that there is a cause‐effect relationship between MTS and neurocysticercosis, or that MTS and neurocysticercosis co‐vary with a missing variable, such as socio‐economic status.     

Consideration of epilepsy surgery in adults should be independent of age

Objectives

Epilepsy surgery is performed less frequently in persons over 45 years of age than in younger individuals, probably reflecting biases among patients, referring physicians and neurologists.

Methods

We report on a clinically heterogenous cohort of patients aged 45 years or older who underwent epilepsy surgery for medically intractable epilepsy.

Results

Over a 15-year period, 42 patients with a mean duration of epilepsy of 27.3 years underwent elective surgery. The mean follow-up period was 48 months. Thirty-two patients had an Engel class I outcome, of which 23 were totally seizure-free (Ia). Six patients had a class II outcome (rare disabling seizures), one had a class III outcome (worthwhile improvement), and three had a class IV outcome (no worthwhile improvement). The majority of patients reported an improved quality of life and satisfaction with the epilepsy surgery. A subjective improvement in cognition was reported in 7 patients while a decline was reported in 10 patients. New neuropsychiatric difficulties were reported in three patients while three patients reported improved anxiety after surgery. Only one patient became newly employed after surgery while 23 returned to driving. Permanent complications occurred in four patients (thalamic infarct during a Wada test (n = 1) and asymptomatic visual field defect (n = 3)).

Conclusions

We report a favorable outcome from epilepsy surgery in a large series of older adults and conclude that age per se is not a contraindication to epilepsy surgery. We emphasize the lack of correlation between outcome from surgery and pre-operative duration of epilepsy.     

Intrathecal granuloma formation as result of opioid delivery: systematic literature review of case reports and analysis against a control group

Objective

To investigate the existence of an association between formation of catheter tip intrathecal inflammatory masses with opioid dose and/or concentration.

Methods

A systematic review of catheter tip granulomas case reports and comparison with a control group was carried out. A boolean search was conducted in the electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE. The patients’ data extracted from the case reports was tested for homogeneity with a control group. Subsequent analysis investigating the association of opioid dose, concentration and flow rate with the formation of catheter tip granulomas was performed.

Results

Seventeen articles resulting in 24 patients with granulomata were included in the review. One patient in our department with granuloma formation was added to this group. Control group comprised 31 patients with an average follow-up of 68.3 ± 9.7 months. The groups were homogeneous considering the variables age, gender and duration of pain previous to implant. Morphine dose (r = 0.821, p < 0.001) and concentration (r = 0.650, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the development of catheter tip intrathecal masses.

Conclusion

Opioid dose and concentration were significantly associated with the development of catheter tip granulomas. A correlation with opioid concentration was confirmed for the first time.     

Rolandic discharges: Clinico-neurophysiological correlation

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze neurophysiologic aspects of rolandic discharges.

Methods

We reviewed 45 electroencephalograms of patients divided into two groups: those with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) and symptomatic partial epilepsy (SPE), following ILAE criteria (1989). The EEG data analyzed were: horizontal dipole discharges, double spike phenomenon, the extension of epileptiform discharges and background activity.

Results

There was a predominance of horizontal dipole between patients with BCECTS compared with patients with SPE; however, this difference was not statistically significant. There was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups when the double spike phenomenon and the extension of discharges beyond the rolandic area were considered. The slower background activity in the SPE group was the only variable with statistical significance.

Conclusions

This study revealed similarities between rolandic discharges of two different epilepsy groups. The only reliable parameter to differentiate the groups was the background activity.

Significance

Our findings suggest that most EEG rolandic features are not pathognomonic of BCECTS, as they are related to the area of the discharges and not to the epileptic syndrome itself.     

Prediction of coma and anisocoria based on computerized tomography findings in patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Objectives

Coma and anisocoria are the two common signs of a crucial state of neurological dysfunction. The ability to forecast the occurrence of these conditions would help clinicians make clinical risk assessments and decisions.

Patients and methods

From October 2006 to September 2008, 118 patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) were enrolled in this retrospective investigation. Patients were distributed into 3 groups according to occurrence of the signs of coma and/or anisocoria in the observation unit during a 30-day period. Group 1 included 52 patients who had normal or impaired consciousness, group 2 included 27 patients who had coma with no anisocoria and group 3 consisted of 39 patients who had coma with anisocoria. The clinical characteristics and parameters on computerized tomography (CT) findings were compared using univariate analysis to determine the factors that were related to the level of consciousness. Logistic regression models established the predictive equations for coma and anisocoria.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that hematoma volume, the score of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH score) and the amplitude of midline shift were the factors related to coma and anisocoria. Mean hematoma volume was 24.0 ± 13.0 ml, 53.6 ± 12.6 ml and 80.5 ± 24.6 ml, the mean amplitudes of midline shift were 1.3 ± 2.0 mm, 5.9 ± 4.9 mm and 10.1 ± 5.5 mm, and the mean IVH score was 0.8 ± 1.3, 3.3 ± 3.3 and 5.9 ± 3.4 in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that hematoma volume and IVH score were independent prognostic factors for coma and anisocoria. The predictive equations for coma and anisocoria were Logit P = 0.279X_HV + 0.521X_IVH − 18.164 and Logit P = 0.125X_HV + 0.326X_IVH − 6.864, respectively.

Conclusions

Hematoma volume and IVH score were the independent prognostic factors for coma and anisocoria. Logistic regression models established the fitted predictive equations, which could help clinicians make clinical risk assessments and decisions.     

Manganese superoxide dismutase gene Ala-9Val polymorphism might be related to the severity of abnormal involuntary movements in Korean schizophrenic patients

Objective

This study examined whether the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene Ala–9Val single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) and the severity of the abnormal involuntary movements in Korean schizophrenic patients.

Method

We investigated whether the MnSOD gene Ala–9Val SNP is associated with TD in Korean schizophrenic patients with (n = 83) and without (n = 126) TD who were matched for exposure to antipsychotics and other relevant variables.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed that being older (p = 0.026) was a risk factor for TD, but that there was no significant association between MnSOD gene and TD. Abnormal involuntary movements were more severe in carriers of the Ala allele than in noncarriers (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

These findings do not support that the MnSOD gene Ala–9Val SNP is associated with TD in Korean schizophrenic patients. However, this polymorphism might be related to the severity of abnormal involuntary movements in this population.     

Terson haemorrhage in patients suffering aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a prospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients

Objective

The concomitance of vitreous/subhyaloid haemorrhage (Terson syndrome; TS) and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is commonly underestimated. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of TS and to identify parameters that predispose its development, indicate the severity of the underlying disease, and predict outcome.

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients suffering from aSAH were included in this study. The admitting Glasgow Coma Scale scores (GCS), Hunt &; Hess (H&;H) and Fisher grades were documented. All participants were ophthalmologically examined. The outcome at discharge was estimated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

Results

Of the 60 patients admitted for aSAH, eleven (18.3%) displayed TS within 24 h after aneurysm rupture. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relation between TS and either high Fisher- (3.0 vs. 2.32; p = 0.008) or H&;H- (4.09 vs. 2.69; p = 0.001) and low GCS- (5.55 vs. 12.87; p < 0.001) scores. Compared with the non-TS group, patients with TS displayed generally worse outcomes (mean GOS 2.09 vs. 3.53; p = 0.007), including a significantly higher mortality (36.4 vs. 10.2%; p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Terson syndrome is likely to occur in severe aSAH with poor admission scores and indicates a worse functional outcome. An ophthalmological examination is strongly recommended in aSAH patients with poor admission scores.     

Surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in a low-volume hospital--outcome and review of literature

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcome of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in a low-volume hospital and compare the results with the recent literature.

Methods

A retrospective review of all consecutive craniotomies for UIA from July 1999 through June 2009 was performed. Morbidity was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 and evaluated six weeks after surgery. Cognitive function was evaluated at rehabilitation-to-home discharge. A PubMed database search (2001–2011) seeking retrospective, single-center studies reporting on surgical outcome of UIAs was performed.

Results

There were 47 procedures performed in 42 patients to treat 50 UIAs (mean of 5 annual craniotomies). The mean age was 54.7 ± 12.1 years and mean aneurysm size was 7.6 ± 4.0 mm. Favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) at six weeks after surgery was achieved in 45 of 47 procedures (95.7%). Aneurysm size ≥ 12 mm was statistically significant related to adverse outcome defined as mRS change ≥ 1 (71% vs. 29%; p = 0.018). Five patients (10.6%) with favorable neurological outcome (mRS 2) presented with cognitive impairment at rehabilitation-to-home discharge. There was no significant difference in overall morbidity and mortality comparing low- and high-volume hospitals (4.0% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.85).

Conclusions

Low-volume hospitals may achieve good results for surgical treatment of UIAs. The results indicate that defining numeric operative volume thresholds is not feasible to guide centralization of aneurysm treatment.     

Diffusion tensor and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI in glioblastoma

Objective

We prospectively investigated the correlation between diffusion tensor (DTI), dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI metrics and Ki-67 labelling index in glioblastomas.

Methods

We studied seventeen patients who were operated on for glioblastoma. DTI and DSC MRI were performed within a week prior to surgical excision. Lesion/normal ratios were calculated for the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and relative mean transit time (rMTT) ratio. In the excised tumour specimens Ki-67 antigen expression was evaluated by the MIB-1 immunostaining method.

Results

A significant correlation was observed between Ki-67 index and ADC ratio (r = −0.528, p = 0.029) and FA ratio (r = 0.589, p = 0.012). rCBV and rMTT presented a trend towards significant correlation with Ki-67 index (r = 0.628, p = 0.07 and r = 0.644, p = 0.06 respectively). There was a trend towards better survival for patients with gross total tumour excision and FA values lower than 0.48 (p = 0.1 and p = 0.09 respectively). No significant correlation was found between ADC ratio, rCBV, rCBF, rMTT and overall survival.

Conclusion

ADC ratio, FA ratio, rCBV and rMTT tumour/normal tissue ratios may represent indicators of glioma proliferation. FA values may hold promise for predicting survival in patients with glioblastoma.     

Comparison of two methods for the detection of oligoclonal bands in a large number of clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis patients

Objective

A novel oligoclonal band (OB) assay which consists of isoelectric focusing (IEF) and IgG immunodetection by alkaline phosphatase-labeled anti IgG antibody was reported to be very sensitive. It also accurately predicted conversion to MS in patients with CIS. The aim of our study was to compare sensitivity of a novel and the standard procedure with peroxidase immunodetection in a large number of CIS and MS patients.

Methods

OB were determined in serum and CSF samples in 161 patients (104 females), 47 with CIS and 114 with MS with median age 38 years (range 19–68) using both methods.

Results

Eighty-three percent of patients had CSF OB with the standard and 89% with the novel method. Median number of OB was 5 (range 0–17) with the peroxidase and 8 (range 0–18) with the alkaline phosphatase method; p = 0.001. Twenty-one percent of patients had ≥10 OB with the standard and 37% with the novel method of the detection; p = 0.021. Subjective impression of band clarity showed that 20% of patients had sharper and stronger bands when the peroxidase and 65% when the alkaline phosphatase method was used; p < 0.0001.

Conclusion

The alkaline phosphatase method is more sensitive than the peroxidase method and at the same time cheaper, easy to perform and less time consuming.     

Hemorragias intracerebrales en pacientes anticoagulados, ¿qué hacemos después?

Introduction

The management of antithrombotic therapy after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in anticoagulated patients is not well defined. We analyzed the risks and benefits of antiplatelet therapy (AG) against the resumption of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (AVK) in a series of patients.

Material and methods

Retrospective study of ICH in anticoagulated patients. We registered demographic data, history of hypertension (HT), time of follow-up and new cerebral vascular events (ICH, stroke [IC]).

Results

We evaluated 88 patients, mean age 69 ± 9 years, 50% men, 73% hypertensive. During the acute phase 18 patients died and the follow-up was lost in 31. Of the remaining (n = 39), AVKs were resumed in 25 and changed to AG in 14. Comparing the characteristics of both groups, the anticoagulated group was younger (P = .005) and the embolic sources were more often of higher risk (P = .003). After an average follow-up of 54 ± 31 months, the distribution of events was: IC (AVKs 8%, AG 14.3%, P = .6), ICH (AVKs 24%, AG 7.1%, P = .38), IC or ICH (AVKs 32%, AG 21.4%, P = .48) and death (AVKs 29%, AG 7.1%, P = .21). This trend of increased risk of new events in patients with AVKs was confirmed by Kaplan-Meier curves, although without statistical differences.

Conclusions

Restarting AVK treatment after ICH in anticoagulated patients could increase the risk of new bleeding events and mortality. Prospective studies are needed to define a better and appropriate antithrombotic therapy after ICH related with anticoagulation.     

Predictors of short-term outcomes following endoscopic pituitary surgery

Objective

Refinement of endoscopic pituitary surgery requires an understanding of the impact of demographic and surgical variables on outcomes.

Methods

Multivariate logistic regression and ANOVA models were used to explore variables for association with outcomes in a consecutive series of 57 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Results

The mean duration of surgery was 177 min and was longer in patients with larger tumor size (p = 0.03) and presentation with visual symptoms (p = 0.02) in univariate analyses. The median duration of hospitalization was 3 days and was longer in patients with larger tumors (p = 0.0005). Gross tumor removal was achieved in 89%. Tumor size correlated with extent of tumor removal with an almost 3-fold decrease in complete tumor removal for every 1 cm increase in tumor size (p = 0.047). High rates of hormonal control (90%) and improvement in visual symptoms (92%) were noted.

Conclusions

High rates of gross tumor removal, hormonal cure and visual field improvement were noted in this series. Markers including tumor size and visual symptoms may be used to stratify patients.