Bladder cooling reflex in patients with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE: We describe the effect of intravesical ice water instillation in patients with multiple sclerosis and without an overactive bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 131 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis who presented with a urinary disorder we selected for study 10 men and 29 women with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 50 +/- 9 years who had multiple sclerosis without an overactive bladder. Nonoveractive bladder was defined as no involuntary detrusor contraction up to 400 ml. of maximum fill on routine cystometry. We performed cystometry with saline at 25 to 30C at an infusion rate of 50 and 100 ml. per minute, and with ice water at 0 to 4C at a rate of 100 ml. per minute. Ice water cystometry was considered positive when an involuntary detrusor contraction occurred before 200, and between 200 and 400 ml. of filling. Ice water cystometry was considered negative when there was no involuntary detrusor contraction during ice water filling up to 400 ml. RESULTS: Ice water cystometry enabled us to elicit involuntary detrusor contractions in 21 patients, which remained undetected by warm water cystometry at rates of 50 and 100 ml. per minute. The test was positive before 200, and between 200 and 400 ml. in 10 and 11 cases, respectively. Positive ice water cystometry was significantly associated with irritative signs or significant post-void residual urine volume. CONCLUSIONS: An involuntary detrusor contraction was not elicited by cystometry at 50 or 100 ml. per minute, implying that the afferent mechanoreceptor reflex limb via ADelta fibers is not involved. In contrast, ice water cystometry at 100 ml. per minute elicited an involuntary detrusor contraction, suggesting involvement of an afferent reflex limb via capsaicin sensitive C fibers. These involuntary detrusor contractions revealed by ice water cystometry are probably relevant to an overactive bladder. In urinary disorders such a positive test indicates a spinal lesion. In multiple sclerosis it may have pathophysiological value, indicating a spinal rather than cerebral mechanism of overactive bladder, and diagnostic value, indicating multifocal demyelination.     

多发性脑膜瘤32例报告

目的探讨多发性脑膜瘤的发生、分类、诊断与治疗。方法对32例多发性脑膜瘤患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析研究。结果32例多发性脑膜瘤包括原发多发18例,术后多发7例,合并神经纤维瘤病4例,脑膜瘤病1例,合并垂体瘤、合并胶质瘤各1例。全部采取手术治疗,治愈25例,好转7例。结论各类多发性脑膜瘤的发生学不同,雌激素可能在其发生中起重要作用;多数患者可一期切除全部肿瘤,由于多数患者对多次手术有较好的耐受性,不能一期切除的肿瘤应尽可能分期切除;各类多发性脑膜瘤的治疗原则和预后不同。     

Rapid growth and regression of intracranial meningiomas in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: case report

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease that affects young women. It has been suggested that estrogens play a role in its evolution, and progesterone therapy is often provided in these cases. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a postmenopausal woman with LAM treated with progesterone; subsequently, rapid growth of multiple intracranial meningiomas was observed. One prominent lesion was excised, and 3 other lesions regressed spontaneously over 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare case of a non-pregnancy-related regression of meningiomas in a woman affected by LAM. The significance of this association and the hormonal treatment of the disease are discussed.     

Peritumoural brain oedema in intracranial meningiomas: Influence of tumour size, location and histology

Summary Peritumoural brain oedema was examined retrospectively in 175 patients with 179 intracranial meningiomas. The influence of tumour size, location and histology were investigated.Tumour volume and localization, and the presence of peritumoural brain oedema (PTBOe) were determined by computed tomography (CT). The oedema-tumour volume ratio was defined as Oedema Index (Oel). All patients underwent microsurgical removal of the tumour. Surgically resected meningiomas were classified histopathologically based on criteria of the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification. A close relationship was found between the tumour size and the incidence of peritumoural oedema: with increasing size of the tumour the incidence of oedema also rises, the oedema index, however decreases. Frontobasal and temporobasal meningiomas showed a significant increase in the oedema incidence and the mean oedema index. If major parts of the surface of meningiomas were adjacent to subarachnoid cisterns only a slight tendency for the development of oedema was observed. WHO-III-meningiomas showed a significantly higher oedema incidence (61.1% vs. 94.4%; p<0.004) and mean oedema index (Oel=2.7 vs. 3.7; p<0.0009) than WHO-I-meningiomas. Brain tissue was affected in 59 cases. 19 meningiomas with infiltration into adjacent brain parenchyma revealed a statistically significant increase in oedema incidence (94.7% vs. 51.7%; p<0.0003) and mean oedema index (Oel=3.9 vs. Oel=2.2; p<0.0001) when compared to tumours without any brain tissue involvement in the histopathological specimens. Tumours with large volume, fronto-temporo-basal location and anaplastic histology were not only associated with the highest incidence of oedema formation but also presented with an overproportionate infiltrative growth. Thus, a disruption of the arachnoid or a true brain infiltration may be an essential factor for the development of a PTBOe.     

Intraventricular meningiomas: a report of 16 cases

Meningiomas of the ventricle system are extremely rare. We report on a series of 16 intraventricular meningiomas (IVMs) treated at our institution between 1980 and 2004, with a special interest on the surgical outcome of using the intra/interparietal and parieto-occipital approach and the benefits of neuronavigation. A retrospective analysis of the medical files for clinicoradiological findings, surgical interventions and surgical outcome was carried out. In 16 IVM patients with a female/male ratio of 11:5, age ranged from 24 years to 84 years (median 44 years). Duration of symptoms ranged from a few days to several years, and the cardinal symptoms were signs of increased intracranial pressure (86%), followed by corticospinal tract signs (43%), visual field defects (36%), cognitive changes (29%) and seizures (7%). The majority of tumours was located in the trigone (88%), and one was found in each the temporal horn and in the fourth ventricle. Tumour size ranged from 2.5 cm to 8 cm (median 5 cm), and the radiological appearance was uniform. The neuropathological workup revealed most IVMs as meningothelial, transitional (mixed) or lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningiomas (81%). Three tumours were classified as atypical (19%) and the MIB-1 proliferation index ranged from 1% to 40%. Complete resection was possible in all but one case. The trigonal IVMs were resected via an intraparietal/interparietal or parieto-occipital approach, and neuronavigation was used in eight tumours. We encountered one perioperative death and one severely disabled patient. All other patients had a Glasgow outcome scale score of 5, and most of the pre-existing symptoms disappeared or improved after surgery. IVMs are a surgically curable tumour entity in most cases. The intraparietal/interparietal and parieto-occipital approach is very safe, and neuronavigation allows early devascularisation of the tumour.     

Surgical treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas in elderly patients

Summary Background. The aim of this study is to assess the morbidity and mortality of meningioma surgery in patients over 70 years of age harbouring a tumour at the cerebellopontine angle as one representative location of the posterior fossa in comparison with a matched group of young patients.Method. A retrospective analysis based on clinical charts, surgical records, histological records, imaging studies and follow up records was conducted to select patients over 70 years who underwent surgery for cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. Tumours with comparable size and location were matched with the younger group.Findings. There were 421 meningiomas located in the cerebellopontine angle, 21 patients were older than 70 years (range 70–84). Median Karnofsky-Index at presentation was 80 (50–90), 16 patients had a physical status grading ASA 2 and 5 patients ASA 3. The average length of hospital stay was 22 days (7–99 days). The postoperative median Karnofsky score at time of discharge was 80 (50–90). The most common medical complication was postoperative pneumonia in 4 patients, among them 3 patients had lower cranial nerve disturbances postoperatively. There were 56 younger patients (mean age 52.4 years; range 24.5–69.75 years) with corresponding tumour size and location. Pre-op Karnofsky score was 80 (70–90), 53 patients were graded as ASA 2 and 3 patients as ASA 3. Length of hospital stay was 13.6 days (8–32 days). Post-op Karnofsky score was 80 (50–90). Among 5 patients with postoperative lower cranial nerve disturbances no patient had pneumonia postoperatively. There was no peri-operative mortality in either group.Conclusions. With modern neurosurgical techniques and neuro-anesthesia elderly patients with CPA meningiomas can be operated on with acceptable low morbidity and good neurological outcome but recovery from surgery lasts longer compared to younger patients. However, postoperative lower cranial nerve deficits in elderly patients may not be well tolerated compared with younger patients.     

Olfactory groove meningiomas: functional outcome in a series treated microsurgically

Summary   Background. A systematic investigation of long-term follow-up results after microsurgical treatment of patients harbouring an olfactory groove meningioma, particularly with regard to postoperative olfactory and mental function, has rarely been performed. We reassessed a series of patients treated microsurgically for an olfactory groove meningioma in regard to clinical presentation, surgical approaches and long-term functional outcome. Method. Clinical, radiological and surgical data in a consecutive series of 56 patients suffering from olfactory groove meningioma were retrospectively reviewed. Findings. Presenting symptoms of the 41 women and 15 men (mean age 51 years) were mental changes in 39.3%, visual impairment in 16.1% and anosmia in 14.3% of the patients. Preoperative neurological examination revealed deficits in olfaction in 71.7%, mental disturbances in 55.4% and reduced vision in 21.4% of the cases. The tumour was resected via a bifrontal craniotomy in 36, a pterional route in 13, a unilateral frontal approach in 4 and via a supraorbital approach in 3 patients. Extent of tumour resection according to Simpson’s classification system was grade I in 42.9% and grade II in 57.1% of the cases. After a mean follow-up period of 5.6 years (range 1–13 years) by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 86.8% of the patients resumed normal life activity. Olfaction was preserved in 24.4% of patients in whom pre- and postoperative data were available. Mental and visual disturbances improved in 88 and 83.3% of cases, respectively. Five recurrences (8.9%) were observed and had to be reoperated. Conclusions. Frontal approaches allowed better resection of tumours with gross infiltration of the anterior cranial base, tumours extending into the ethmoids or nasal cavity and in cases with deep olfactory grooves. Preservation of olfaction should be attempted in patients with normal or reduced smelling preoperatively.     

Computed tomography in cases of multiple sclerosis: Problems of differential diagnosis in cases with atypical findings

The value of computed tomography in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is undisputed. The examination is usually carried out as a routine part of the examination program.We report on the CT results of 112 patients with confirmed or suspected MS. Seventy-three patients were examined without, 39 with intravenous administration of a contrast medium. In 41% of the patients, isolated or multiple hypodense foci were found as a manifestation of a multilocular demyelinization process. In 17.8%, only cerebro-at-rophic changes were encountered. In 30.3% of the cases the CT showed normal results. In the group of patients examined with a contrast medium, a pathological contrast medium concentration was found in 30.7%.The differential diagnostic demarcation against other diseases of the CNS with similar CT findings and problems of differential diagnosis with MRI are discussed.     

Pre-operative histopathological evaluation of meningiomas by 3 0T T2R MRI

Summary.  Background: To assess the potential of T2 reversed (T2R) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the pre-operative histopathological assessment of meningiomas.  Method: Twenty patients scheduled for meningioma resection were prospectively assessed using T2R MRI on a 3 tesla system. Image characteristics were compared with intra-operative findings and post-operative histopathological examination of excised meningioma tissues.  Findings: The averaged T2 characteristics expressed as averaged grayscale levels of the tumour correlated highly with tumour consistency, in agreement with previous reports. Furthermore, detailed evaluation of the structural appearance of tumour on T2R images revealed brightness of tumour (shorter T2) was dependent on the degree of histopathological heterogeneity. Significantly shorter T2 value correlated with collagen-rich fibrous tissue.  Interpretation: The study demonstrated the advantage of T2R imaging in pre-operative determination of histopathological characteristics of meningiomas. As a step towards MR microscopy and improved pre-operative treatment planning, T2R imaging on a 3.0T system appears to play an important role in the non-invasive pre-operative structural assessment of a tissue of interest. Published online October 10, 2002 Correspondence: Tsutomu Nakada, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Integrated Neuroscience, Brain Research Institute, University of Niigata, 1 Asahimachi, Niigata 951-8585, Japan.     

Growth of Incidental Meningiomas

The aim of this study was to assess the growth of incidental meningiomas, to establish a strategy for dealing with these tumours. The cases of 37 patients with a meningioma revealed incidentally by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, who were followed at least once by an additional imaging study, were reviewed. The tumour volume was calculated, to estimate the annual growth rate of the incidental meningiomas. Nine of the 37 patients (24.3%) showed a considerable increase (the annual growth rate > 1 cu cm/year) in their tumour volume (tumour growth). There was no significant difference in the follow-up period, age, or the volume of tumour between the patients with and without tumour growth. However, a multivariate analysis revealed that the likelihood of tumour growth independently and significantly increased according to a decrease in the age of the patients (Odds ratio 0.18 for one-standard-deviation change (ISD) 12.6 years, p = 0.042) and according to an increase in the volume of the tumour (Odds ratio 3.64 for ISD 4.46 cu cm, p = 0.042). The majority of patients with incidental meningioma can be apparently observed without any surgical intervention, because their annual growth rates are generally less than 1 cu cm/year. However, clinical and radiological observations would be advisable for these patients (especially young patients and patients with a large tumour), in view of the presence of rapidly growing tumours in some of the patients.     

Aggressive surgery and focal radiation in the management of meningiomas of the skull base: preservation of function with maintenance of local control

Summary  Background. Recent study series have reported that post-operative external beam radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery with the linear accelerator or gamma knife improves long-term local control of subtotally resected or recurrent meningiomas.  Methods. Analysis of treatment results in 100 consecutive patients with skull base meningiomas managed by one surgeon with a median follow-up of five years. Treatment principles included observation for asymptomatic tumors; surgery for progressive or symptomatic tumors unless surgery was medically contraindicated or refused by the patient; to make surgery as aggressive as possible but with the goal of preserving full function of the patient; and to use radiosurgery or conformal fractionated radiation therapy if residual tumor was demonstrated. Preoperative, postoperative, and observational data were prospectively accumulated and stored in a large database system. Median follow up was 5 years with a range from 2 to 10 years.  Findings. The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache (45%) and changes in vision (29%). Cranial nerve deficits (49%) and cerebellar signs (24%) were the most common physical findings. Seventy-two patients had surgical resection. Of these, 93% had greater than 50% resection and 47% had radiographically complete resection. There were no perioperative deaths and there were five surgical complications for a rate of 7%. Complications included hemiparesis (2.8%), new cranial nerve palsy (2.8%), and indolent osteomyelitis (1.4%). Fifteen patients had observation only; none of who progressed. Thirteen patients had radiation only, primarily because of patient preference or medical contraindications to surgery in the setting of substantial symptoms. There were no complications of this therapy. With a median five-year follow-up, only one patient (1%) demonstrated tumor progression using the treatment paradigm outlined here.  Interpretation. These results demonstrate that skull base meningiomas which require treatment can be managed with a combination of aggressive surgery and conformal radiation with an acceptable functional status in 99% of cases.     

The Ki-67 proliferation antigen in meningiomas. Experience in 600 cases

Summary. Background. Meningiomas are mostly benign tumours that can be cured by surgical resection. Because meningiomas tend to recur, long term management in patients with subtotal tumour resection remains controversial. Previous studies have shown that the proliferation potential of meningiomas by Ki-67 labelling indices (LI) might predict their natural history. The purpose of this study was to analyse the reliability of Ki-67-labelling index in predicting the behaviour of meningiomas, and to help the neurosurgeon in establishing better follow up criteria and long term management strategies for these patients. Method. From 1990 to 2000 1328 meningiomas have been operated in our Neurosurgical Department. A total of 600 tumours were examined immunohistochemically using the Mib-1 monoclonal antibody. Clinical charts of the patients including surgical, histological and follow up records, as well as imaging studies were analysed retrospectively. Ki-67 LI were correlated with neuroradiological findings, 3D volumetric studies, histological subtype, recurrence-free survival, grade of resection, consistency of tumour tissue, location, osseous involvement, en plaque appearance, vascularity and progesterone-receptor status. Findings. Among the 600 patients analysed, there were 66% females (mean LI 3.8%) and 34% males (mean LI 5.7%), including 20 neurofibromatosis-type-2 (NF-II) patients with a mean LI of 5.2%. Histological grading revealed 91% WHO°I meningiomas (mean LI 3.28%), 7% WHO°II (mean LI 9.95%) and 2% WHO°III (mean LI 12.18%). Labelling indices in recurrent meningiomas increased from initial resection to a fourth local resection. A significant correlation between negative progesteron-receptor status and high tumour vascularity with high Ki-67 LI was seen. Ki67 was not a statistically significant predictor of survival time in totally excised WHO°I meningiomas. Interpretation. Mib-1 is one important tool in addition to routine histological evaluation, but a combination of clinical factors and particularly the extent of surgical resection, along with the biological features of the tumour, should influence the decision of the neurosurgeon to the patient follow up.     

Spinal meningiomas: critical review of 131 surgically treated patients

This study was undertaken to analyze the functional outcome of surgically treated spinal meningiomas and to determine factors for surgical morbidity. Between January 1990 and December 2006 a total of 131 patients underwent surgical resection of a spinal menigioma. There were 114 (87%) female and 17 (13%) male patients. Age ranged from 17 to 88 years (mean 69 years). The mean follow-up period was 61 months (range 1–116 months) including a complete neurological examination and postoperative MRI studies. The pre- and postoperative neurological state was graded according to the Frankel Scale. Surgery was performed under standard microsurgical conditions with neurophysiological monitoring. In 73% the lesion was located in the thoracic region, in 16% in the cervical region, in 5% at the cervico-thoracic junction, in 4.5% at the thoraco-lumbar junction and in 1.5% in the lumbar region. Surgical resection was complete in 127 patients (97%) and incomplete in 4 patients (3%). At the last follow-up the neurological state was improved or unchanged in 126 patients (96.2%) and worse in 4 patients (3%). Permanent operative morbidity and mortality rates were 3 and 0.8%, respectively. Extensive tumour calcification proved to be a significant factor for surgical morbidity (P < 0.0001). Radical resection of spinal meningiomas can be performed with good functional results. Extensive tumor calcification, especially in elderly patients proved to harbor an increased risk for surgical morbidity.     

Bladder and urethral pressures during bladder filling in patients with multiple sclerosis and urge incontinence

Twenty patients with multiple sclerosis and distressing urge incontinence underwent continuous measuring of bladder and urethral pressures during bladder filling. Hyperreflexia with high-pressure peaks resulted in more excessive leakage than detrusor instability with frequent recurring pressure rises of low amplitude and short duration. Atropine reduced leakage by decrease of amplitude as well as frequency of the detrusor contractions. In some patients atropine also normalized urethral instability. Thus it seems probable that both hyperreflexia and instability in patients with multiple sclerosis are mediated by cholinergic neurones in the bladder wall.     

伴结节性硬化症的双肾多发性血管平滑肌脂肪瘤(附四例报告)

目的 探讨伴结节性硬化症的肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤(AML)的临床诊治特点。方法 报告4例结节性硬化症伴多发性双肾AML的临床诊治资料。男女各2例。年龄17～44岁。l例表现为典型“三联征”，3例有典型面部皮疹，2例有癫痫发作史，3例伴肝、脾、骨等多发肾外病灶，3例颅脑CT检查均发现典型的大脑钙化结节灶。结果 3例患者经CT检查确诊，l例CT检查未发现肿瘤内特异性脂肪密度组织，B超引导下穿刺活检确诊，因右肾肿瘤巨大行肾切除术。l例患者因肿瘤小且症状轻微行保守治疗，另2例肿瘤伴出血者经保守治疗症状好转，随访6～36个月，肿瘤大小无变化，无症状复发。结论 伴结节性硬化症的双肾占位即使CT检查未发现特异性脂肪密度也不能排除AML的可能，细针穿刺活检能够确诊并排除肾癌。治疗方案应根据双侧肾肿瘤大小、分布、发展情况及症状决定。     

Electrical stimulation of sacral dermatomes in multiple sclerosis patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

AIMS: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the dorsal penile/clitoral nerve (DPN) has been shown to suppress detrusor contractions in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). However, the long-term use of surface electrodes in the genital region may not be well tolerated and may introduce hygienic challenges. The aim of this study was to assess whether electrical stimulation of the sacral dermatomes could suppress detrusor contractions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with NDO, hereby providing an alternative to DPN stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 MS patients (8 M, 6 F) with low bladder capacity (<300 ml) and a recent urodynamic study showing detrusor overactivity incontinence participated in the study. Three successive slow fill cystometries (16 ml/min) were carried out in each patient. The first filling served as control filling where no stimulation was applied. In the second and third filling electrical stimulation of either the DPN or sacral dermatomes was applied automatically whenever the detrusor pressure exceeded 10 cmH2O. RESULTS: The control filling showed detrusor overactivity in 12 of the 14 patients. In 10 of the 12 patients one or more detrusor contractions could be suppressed with DPN stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the sacral dermatomes failed to suppress detrusor contractions in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although therapeutic effects may be present from stimulation of the sacral dermatomes, we were unable to demonstrate any acute effects during urodynamics. For this reason stimulation of the sacral dermatomes is not an option in a system that relies on the acute suppression of a detrusor contraction.