低场强术中磁共振成像在经鼻蝶窦垂体大腺瘤显微手术中的应用

目的 探讨低场强术中磁共振成像(iMRI)在经鼻蝶窦垂体大腺瘤显微手术中的应用.方法 在82例垂体大腺瘤的经鼻蝶窦显微手术中,采用0.15T iMRI系统进行术中实时引导.以术后早期高场强MRI为标准对照,定量分析iMRI的成像准确性,并就低场强iMRI对肿瘤切除程度和治疗结果 的影响进行分析.结果 在iMRI的辅助下,82例垂体大腺瘤的全切率从61.0%提高到81.7%.低场强iMRI的成像准确率达86.6%,但对于侵犯鞍旁结构的肿瘤的成像准确率明显低于其他类型垂体大腺瘤的成像准确率(53.3%vs 94.0%,P<0.001).结论 iMRI导航技术的应用,'为经蝶窦垂体大腺瘤手术进程的动态引导及手术结果 的实时判断提供了客观的依据,提高了肿瘤的全切率及手术的精确性与安全性.     

Resection of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma guided by intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and neuronavigation

Purpose

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a rare, benign tumor that occurs mainly in children; complete resection can achieve cure. Guidance of surgery by combined intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) and functional neuronavigation is reported to achieve more radical resection and reduced complications. However, reports about the resection of SEGA with such guidance are rare. We report here our preliminary experience of the resection of SEGA guided by iMRI and neuronavigation, focusing on the feasibility, benefits, and pitfalls of this combination of techniques.

Methods

We performed resection of SEGA guided by combined iMRI and functional neuronavigation in seven children. The first iMRI was performed when the surgeon believed that the tumor had been completely resected; the last iMRI was performed immediately after closure. Additional scans were performed as needed.

Results

Successful resection was achieved in all seven patients using this combination of techniques. The iMRI scans detected residual tumor in three patients and a large, remote epidural hematoma in one patient. Further resection or other surgery was performed in these four patients. Complete resection was eventually achieved in all patients. There were no cases of surgery-related neurological dysfunction, except transient memory loss in one patient. No recurrence of tumor or hydrocephalus was observed in any patients during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Resection of SEGA in children guided by combined iMRI and neuronavigation is feasible and safe. This combination of techniques enables a higher complete resection rate and reduces brain injury and other unexpected events during surgery.     

Low field intraoperative MRI-guided surgery of gliomas: A single center experience

Introduction

The aim of this article is to report on our experience in using a low field intraoperative MRI (iMRI) system in glioma surgery and to summarize the hitherto use and benefits of iMRI in glioma surgery.

Patients and methods

Between July 2004 and May 2009, a total of 103 patients harboring gliomas underwent tumor resection with the use of a mobile low field iMRI in our institution. Surgeries were performed as standard micro-neurosurgical procedures using regular instrumentarium. All patients underwent early postoperative high field MRI to determine the extent of resection. Adjuvant treatment was conducted according to histopathological grading and standard of care.

Results

All tumors could be reliably visualized on intraoperative imaging. Intraoperative imaging revealed residual tumor tissue in 51 patients (49.5%), leading to further tumor resection in 31 patients (30.1%). Extended resection did not translate into a higher rate of neurological deficits. When analyzing survival of patients with glioblastoma, patients undergoing complete tumor resection did significantly better than patients with residual tumor (50% survival rate at 57.8 weeks vs. 33.8 weeks, log rank test p = 0.003), while younger age did not influence survival (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

Low field iMRI is a helpful tool in modern neurosurgery and facilitates brain tumor resection to a maximum safe extent. Its use translates into a better prognosis for these patients with devastating tumors. Future studies covering the use of iMRI will need to be conducted in a prospective, randomized fashion to prove the true benefit of iMRI in glioma surgery.     

Resective surgery for focal cortical dysplasia in children: a comparative analysis of the utility of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)

Purpose

Seizure freedom following resection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) correlates with complete resection of the dysplastic cortical tissue. However, difficulty with intraoperative identification of the lesion may limit the ability to achieve the surgical objective of complete extirpation of these lesions. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) may aid in FCD resections. The objective of this study is to compare rates of postoperative seizure freedom, completeness of resection, and need for reoperation in patients undergoing iMRI-assisted FCD resection versus conventional surgical techniques.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric subjects who underwent surgical resection of FCD at Children’s National Medical Center between March 2005 and April 2015.

Results

At the time of the last postoperative follow-up, 11 of the 12 patients (92 %) in the iMRI resection group were seizure free (Engel Class I), compared to 14 of the 42 patients (33 %) in the control resection group (p = 0.0005). All 12 of the iMRI patients (100 %) achieved complete resection, compared to 24 of 42 patients (57 %) in the control group (p = 0.01). One (8 %) patient from the iMRI-assisted resection group has required reoperation, compared to 17 (40 %) patients in the control resection group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the utilization of iMRI during surgery for resection of FCD results in improved postoperative seizure freedom, completeness of lesion resection, and reduction in the need for reoperation.

     

高场强术中磁共振对脑胶质瘤切除程度及手术策略的影响

目的 评价高场强术中磁共振(iMRI)对脑胶质瘤手术切除程度及手术策略的影响.方法 解放军总医院神经外科自2009年10月至2010年6月将高场强iMRI系统应用于胶质瘤切除术患者106例,术前了解术者的切除意图(全切、次全切、大部切除),术前1 d患者常规行MRI扫描,应用影像数据和软件计算术前肿瘤体积,术中常规使用神经导航手术,依据术者的需求采集影像.必要时行iMRI扫描计算术中残余肿瘤体积和肿瘤体积切除百分比,分析使用iMRI对肿瘤切除程度、手术策略的影响.结果 术前计划全切48例,次全切41例,大部切除17例.术中第一次扫描示42例(39.6%)完全切除,64例(60.4%)仍有残留,其中25例由于肿瘤与重要功能区或重要传导束紧邻而未作进一步切除,其余39例(36.8%)改进手术策略,标记出残留肿瘤后进一步手术,25例(23.6%)胶质瘤最终全切除,肿瘤体积切除百分比由(76.5±20.5)%提高到(94.2±8.7)%,差异有统计学意义(U=2.000,P=0.000);最终实际全切67例,次全切25例,大部切除14例,全切率有所提高.106例患者平均肿瘤体积切除百分比由第一次扫描时的(86.3±20.2)%提高到最终扫描时的(93.6±12.4)%,差异有统计学意义(U=4.000,p=0.000).结论 高场强iMRI的应用可显著提高脑胶质瘤的切除程度,改进手术策略.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the impact of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) on extension of resection and surgical strategy modification for glioma surgery. Methods One hundred and six patients, admitted to our hospital from October 2009 to June 2010, were performed glioma resections with the help of high-field iMRI. Questionnaires were filled and collected prospectively to record the surgeons' intention on the extent of resection (EoR) and the intra-operative estimation of EoR before every iMRI scan. The scan imagings were collected based on the request of the surgeon, and the percentage of tumor removal was calculated according to the iMRI data. The impact of iMRI on the tumor EoR and modification of surgical strategy was then evaluated. Results Preoperatively, 48 patients were intended to achieve total tumor removal, 41 sub-total tumor removal, and 17 partial removal. The first intraoperative MRI scan revealed that 42 (39.6%) patients achieved complete resection, while residual tumors were depicted in 64 (60.4%).Further tumor resections were performed in 39 patients (36.8%), but the other 25 patients could not perform further resection for their tumors were closely neighbored to the important functional region or important tracts. Finally, in the whole cohort, the percentage of tumor resection volume was increased from (76.5±20.5)% to (94.2±8.7)%, with significant differences (U=2.000, P=0.000); 67 patients got complete removal, 25 sub-total removal and 14 partial removal; The total removal rate was significantly increased from 45.3% (48/106) to 63.2% (67/106): the average percentage of tumor resection volume in the second time of scan ([93.6±12.41%) was obviously increased as compared with that in the first scan ([86.3±20.21%, U=4.000, P=0.000). Conclusion High-field iMRI may increase the extent of glioma resection, and has significant impact on the intraoperative modification of the surgical strategy.     

Neurosurgical tools to extend tumor resection in pediatric hemispheric low-grade gliomas: iMRI

Introduction

The treatment of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) in pediatric age is still controversial. However, most authors report longer life expectancy in case of completely removed cerebral gliomas. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is increasingly utilized in the surgical management of intra-axial tumor in adults following the demonstration of its effectiveness. In this article, we analyze the management of LGG using iMRI focusing on its impact on resection rate and its limits in the pediatric population.

Methods

We performed review of the literature regarding the treatment of LGG using iMRI focusing on its impact on resection rate and its limits in the pediatric population. Some exemplary cases are also described.

Results

Intraoperative MRI allowed extension of tumor resection after the depiction of residual tumor at the intraoperative imaging control from 21 to 52 % of the cases in the published series. Moreover, the early reoperation rate was significantly lower when compared with the population treated without this tool (0 % vs 7–14 %). Some technical difficulties have been described in literature regarding the use of iMRI in the pediatric population especially for positioning due to the structure of the headrest coil designed for adult patients.

Conclusion

The analysis of the literature and our own experience with iMRI in children indicates significant advantages in the resection of LGG offered by the technique. All these advantages are obtained without elongation of the surgical times or increased risk for complications, namely infection. The main limit for a wider diffusion of iMRI for the pediatric neurosurgical center is the cost required, for acquisition of the system, especially for high-field magnet, and the environmental and organizational changes necessary for its use.

     

低场强术中磁共振环境下的神经电生理监测

目的 探讨低场强iMRI环境下神经电生理监测(IOM)的操作特点与临床初步体会.方法 分析9例功能区脑肿瘤10M及iMRI的联合应用情况.采集IOM基线,与iMRI环境下的波形比较;记录iMRI影像畸变及电刺激相关不良事件.术后早期复查MRI评估肿瘤切除隋况.结果 9例行IOM均获得稳定波形.1例前置放大器冈磁电效应损坏,未观察到热损伤或电极移动损伤.iMRI 7例局部信号缺失;3例发现肿瘤残余.术后随访MRI 7例全切,2例次全切除,与iMRI判断一致.结论 低场强iMRI环境下,IOM可获得稳定波形.二者联合应用,有助于病变安全切除.     

Combination oral antiplatelet therapy may increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large artery disease

Introduction

The association between the frequency or severity of bleeding complications and combination antiplatelet therapy for acute stroke treatment is not understood in detail. This retrospective study investigated whether combination oral antiplatelet therapy for cases with acute ischemic stroke due to large artery disease increased the incidence of hemorrhagic complications.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 1335 consecutive patients who were admitted to our department within 7 days of the onset of an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between April 2005 and November 2009. We enrolled 167 patients with > 50% stenosis or occlusion in culprit major vessels and who were administered oral antiplatelet agents within 48 hours of admission. Hemorrhagic complications were classified according to the bleeding severity index. We studied the association between the incidence and severity of hemorrhagic complications during hospitalization and the clinical characteristics, including antiplatelet therapy.

Results

Fifty-nine and 108 patients were treated with only 1 antiplatelet agent and combination antiplatelet agents, respectively. Fourteen patients developed bleeds (3 major and 11 minor), and all of the major bleeds occurred in those given combination agents. The proportion of patients receiving combination agents was significantly higher in those with significant bleeds. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that being older and receiving combination agents were independent predictors for significant bleeds during hospitalization.

Conclusions

Despite the retrospective nature of this study, our findings suggest that the incidence of hemorrhagic complications increases in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with combination antiplatelet agents.     

高场强术中磁共振成像对脑胶质瘤全切率的影响及其评估

目的 探讨高场强术中磁共振成像(iMRI)对脑胶质瘤手术全切率的影响及其意义.方法 自2009年2月至6月应用高场强iMRI施行脑胶质瘤切除术40例.运用术中影像数据对胶质瘤体积及全切率做回顾性分析.结果 术中第1次行iMRI扫描仅10例胶质瘤完全切除,30例肿瘤仍有残留,23例行进一步切除,其中21例胶质瘤最终全切除.最终肿瘤的伞切率从25%提高到78%,残存肿瘤的体积也明显下降.结论 高场强iMRI的应用显著提高脑胶质瘤手术的全切率.     

Outcome of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease: A high remission rate in ACTH-secreting macroadenomas

Objective

Although numerous studies have shown that transsphenoidal surgery is the best initial treatment for Cushing disease offering 59–95% of success, fewer information is available on the long-term outcome in the subgroup of patients harboring ACTH-secreting macroadenomas. The aims of this study were to analyze our 10-year experience with transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing's disease and to examine whether remission rates were different between micro- and macroadenomas.

Patients and methods

Forty consecutive patients with proven Cushing's disease (28 microadenomas, 12 macroadenomas [diameter: 10–25 mm], 3 patients with no visible adenoma at MRI) underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) assisted by neuronavigation in our center between 1996 and 2007. The diagnosis was made using standard endocrinological criteria including bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) with CRH stimulation in all patients with discordant or equivocal biochemical and radiological testing. Morning serum cortisol was measured during the first week postoperatively, and a complete endocrine evaluation was made in all patients at 6–8 weeks. Remission at follow-up was defined as a normal postoperative 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) or continued need for glucocorticoid hormone replacement after TSS.

Results

Overall, 32/40 patients (80%) were in remission after one or more TSS. Interestingly, a very good remission rate (92%) was observed in the subset of macroadenomas, similar to that found in the group of microadenomas (84%, NS), while no post-surgical remission was observed in the 3 patients with no visible adenoma at MRI (p < 0.01). Of the 8 patients not in remission after repeated TSS surgery, 3 underwent radiation therapy and three had bilateral adrenalectomy, allowing remission of their hypercortisolism. There was minor morbidity and no death.

Conclusion

While our overall results are in accordance with other published series, we show here that ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenomas are usually not associated with a bad outcome, in contrast with patients with no visible adenoma at preoperative MRI.     

A gamma band specific role of the subthalamic nucleus in switching during verbal fluency tasks in Parkinson's disease

Objective

Decline in verbal fluency is the most consistent and persistent cognitive impairment documented after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms of this deficit are unclear. We aimed to identify and characterise verbal fluency related processing within the subthalamic nucleus through analysis of local field potentials.

Methods

Local field potentials were recorded from deep brain stimulation electrodes implanted in the subthalamic nuclei of 8 patients (16 sides) with Parkinson's disease, when patients were on medication. Patients performed phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks and a control word repetition task to control for the motor output involved in response generation.

Results

Significant increases in local field potential Power (p ≤ 0.05) were seen across a broad gamma frequency band (30–95 Hz) during both verbal fluency tasks, after controlling for motor output. Increases in gamma local field potential Power of + 7.5% ± 2.3% (SEM) in the semantic fluency task and + 6.9% ± 2.0% in the phonemic fluency task were derived when averaging across all electrode contact pairs. Gamma changes recorded from contacts lying in the left hemisphere (dominant in verbal fluency) correlated with average number of correct responses generated (r = 0.81 p = 0.015) and measures of ‘switching’ (r = 0.79 p = 0.020) particularly strongly in the semantic fluency task.

Interpretation

Frequency specific power changes observed during task performance are consistent with involvement of the subthalamic nucleus in switching during verbal fluency. Antagonism of such task-related activity with high frequency stimulation of this nucleus may explain the impairments reported.     

Normal range of mean platelet volume in healthy subjects: Insight from a large epidemiologic study

Aim

Mean platelet volume (MPV) in the healthy population has not been studied before. Therefore, the aim of the study was to measure MPV in normal subjects in a large cohort of Turkish adults.

Methods

A total of 2298 subjects with a mean age of 50 (age range 18 to 92) were interviewed. Subjects who had smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, chronic use of any drugs including antiplatelets, heavy drinkers, metabolic syndrome, ejection fraction < 55%, creatinine > 1.4 in men and > 1.1 in women, abnormal liver function tests and an abnormal TSH were excluded in a in a stepwise manner. Complete blood counts were done on the same day within 6 hours by a CELL-DYN 3700 SL analyzer (Abbott Diagnostics).

Results

Three hundred twenty-six participants (204 females (63%) and 122 males (37%) with a mean age of 41 ± 16) constituted the final healthy cohort. Mean MPV of the cohort was 8.9 ± 1.4 fL. There was no significant difference among age groups regarding MPV.

Conclusion

Ninety-five percent of the individuals had a MPV between 7.2 and 11.7 fL. A patient having a MPV beyond this range should be evaluated carefully especially for occlusive arterial diseases.     

Comparison of the diagnostic performance of the original and modified Wells score in inpatients and outpatients with suspected deep vein thrombosis

Introduction

The original and modified Wells score are widely used prediction rules for pre-test probability assessment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The objective of this study was to compare the predictive performance of both Wells scores in unselected patients with clinical suspicion of DVT.

Methods

Consecutive inpatients and outpatients with a clinical suspicion of DVT were prospectively enrolled. Pre-test DVT probability (low/intermediate/high) was determined using both scores. Patients with a non-high probability based on the original Wells score underwent D-dimers measurement. Patients with D-dimers < 500 μg/L did not undergo further testing, and treatment was withheld. All others underwent complete lower limb compression ultrasound, and those diagnosed with DVT were anticoagulated. The primary study outcome was objectively confirmed symptomatic venous thromboembolism within 3 months of enrollment.

Results

298 patients with suspected DVT were included. Of these, 82 (27.5%) had DVT, and 46 of them were proximal. Compared to the modified score, the original Wells score classified a higher proportion of patients as low-risk (53 vs 48%; p < 0.01) and a lower proportion as high-risk (17 vs 15%; p = 0.02); the prevalence of proximal DVT in each category was similar with both scores (7-8% low, 16-19% intermediate, 36-37% high). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve regarding proximal DVT detection was similar for both scores, but they both performed poorly in predicting isolated distal DVT and DVT in inpatients.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that both Wells scores perform equally well in proximal DVT pre-test probability prediction. Neither score appears to be particularly useful in hospitalized patients and those with isolated distal DVT.     

The DD genotype of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene independently associates with CMR-derived abnormal microvascular perfusion in patients with a first anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic agents

Introduction

The role of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene on the result of thrombolysis at the microvascular level has not been addressed so far. We analyzed the implications of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene on the presence of abnormal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived microvascular perfusion after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Materials and Methods

We studied 105 patients with a first anterior STEMI treated with thrombolytic agents and an open left anterior descending artery. Microvascular perfusion was assessed using first-pass perfusion CMR at 7 ±1 days. CMR studies were repeated 184 ± 11 days after STEMI. The ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Results

Overall genotype frequencies were II-ID 58% and DD 42%. Abnormal perfusion (≥ 1 segment) was detected in 56% of patients. The DD genotype associated to a higher risk of abnormal microvascular perfusion (68% vs. 47%, p = 0.03) and to a larger extent of perfusion deficit (median [percentile 25 - percentile 75]: 4 [0-6] vs. 0 [0-4] segments, p = 0.003). Once adjusted for baseline characteristics, the DD genotype independently increased the risk of abnormal microvascular perfusion (odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]: 2.5 [1.02-5.9], p = 0.04). Moreover, DD patients displayed a larger infarct size (35 ± 17 vs. 27 ± 15 g, p = 0.01) and a lower ejection fraction at 6 months (48 ± 14 vs. 54 ± 14%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The DD genotype associates to a higher risk of abnormal microvascular perfusion after STEMI.     

Safety and efficacy of warfarin in paediatric patients with prosthetic cardiac valves: a retrospective audit

Introduction

Guidelines for warfarin management in children are essentially extrapolated from adult evidence. This study aimed to address that lack of paediatric-specific data regarding warfarin safety and efficacy for this population.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective clinical audit was conducted within a cardiac referral centre incorporating a paediatric anticoagulation service. Children (0–16 years) with a prosthetic cardiac valve were included. Warfarin related outcomes were collected between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2009. Analysis included the percentage of INR tests within, above, or below the target therapeutic range (TTR). Adverse event data was collected regarding major bleeding and thrombotic events.

Results

75 patient years of warfarin therapy were recorded. 44.0% of INR tests were within the TTR. INR tests not within the TTR were twice as likely to be sub-therapeutic. Children with aortic prosthetic valves achieved their TTR less frequently than children with prosthetic mitral or tricuspid valves. There were no thrombotic events and 3 major bleeding events.

Conclusions

Although less than 50% of INR results were within the TTR, oral anticoagulant management resulted in acceptable safety and efficacy outcomes for this cohort. Further studies are needed to confirm optimal paediatric-specific warfarin management strategies for children with prosthetic heart valves.     

Incidental venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: prevalence and consequence

Introduction

Careful re-evaluation of CT-scans for cancer staging frequently reveals unsuspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) on CT-scans. However, it is unknown how often these findings lead to anticoagulant treatment in daily clinical practice.

Methods

Reports from thoracic and/or abdominal CT-scans performed in a consecutive series of patients to stage cancer were retrospectively evaluated to determine the prevalence of incidental venous thromboembolism (iVTE). Presence of pre-existing signs of VTE, anticoagulant treatment and 3-month follow-up were analysed in patients with iVTE.

Results

A total of 1466 staging scans (838 patients) from the year 2006 were included in the analysis. The prevalence of VTE in patients was 2.5% (21/838 patients, 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.8%); the prevalence of VTE on scans was 1.4% (21/1466 scans, 95% CI 0.9-2.2%). Incidental PE or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 11 (1.3%, 0.7-2.3%) and abdominal vein thrombosis in 9 patients (1.1%, 0.6-2.0%; in the portal (5), mesenteric (3) and renal vein (1), respectively). Nine out of eleven patients with PE/DVT were treated with anticoagulants, while none of the patients with thrombosis in other locations received anticoagulants. One of these patients developed symptomatic PE one month later; otherwise, follow up was uneventful in the untreated patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of iVTE in patients with cancer in clinical practice is relatively low and most patients with PE or DVT are treated with anticoagulants. For patients with thrombi in other locations, further research is necessary to understand the natural history of these thrombi in order to develop adequate guidelines.     

Increased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma

Background

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, arising in the mediastinum. Compression of large mediastinal vessels is common in patients with PMBCL, predisposing these patients to venous thrombosis. The incidence of this complication is still unknown.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 42 consecutive patients diagnosed with PMBCL at a Clinic for hematology, Clinical Center of Serbia between 1999 and 2009 to identify the frequency and risk factors for venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) and its correlation with survival.

Results

In the subgroup of patients with thrombosis (VTE subgroup) were 15/42 patients (35.7%): 14 patients had deep venous thrombosis and 1 had pulmonary embolism. Ten patients had a thrombosis at the moment of diagnosis PMBCL, while in five thrombosis occurred during the course of the disease. According to hemostasis variables, patients in the VTE subgroup had significantly higher fibrinogen (P = 0.02) and D-Dimer (P < 0.001). Also, patients in the VTE subgroup had significantly larger diameter of mediastinal tumor mass (P = 0.01) and the incidence of syndrome venae cava superior (P = 0.009). The median survival rate in the VTE subgroup was 45 months (95% CI; 22 to 68 months) while in the NVTE it was 93 (95% CI; 46 to 140 months), (log rank P = 0.058).

Conclusions

VTE is a common complication in PMBCL patients and according to our results negatively influences survival. Use of antithrombotic prophylaxis may be considered together with chemotherapy, especially in those with bulky mediastinal tumor mass.     

Determination of awareness in patients with severe brain injury using EEG power spectral analysis

Objective

To determine whether EEG spectral analysis could be used to demonstrate awareness in patients with severe brain injury.

Methods

We recorded EEG from healthy controls and three patients with severe brain injury, ranging from minimally conscious state (MCS) to locked-in-state (LIS), while they were asked to imagine motor and spatial navigation tasks. We assessed EEG spectral differences from 4 to 24 Hz with univariate comparisons (individual frequencies) and multivariate comparisons (patterns across the frequency range).

Results

In controls, EEG spectral power differed at multiple frequency bands and channels during performance of both tasks compared to a resting baseline. As patterns of signal change were inconsistent between controls, we defined a positive response in patient subjects as consistent spectral changes across task performances. One patient in MCS and one in LIS showed evidence of motor imagery task performance, though with patterns of spectral change different from the controls.

Conclusions

EEG power spectral analysis demonstrates evidence for performance of mental imagery tasks in healthy controls and patients with severe brain injury.

Significance

EEG power spectral analysis can be used as a flexible bedside tool to demonstrate awareness in brain-injured patients who are otherwise unable to communicate.     

Calculating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas: Comparison of ABC/2 formula with planimetry method

Objective

The ABC/2 equation is commonly applied to measure the volume of intracranial hematoma. However, the precision of ABC/2 equation in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas is less addressed. The study is to evaluate the accuracy of the ABC/2 formula by comparing with planimetry method for estimating the tumor volumes.

Methods

Thirty-two patients diagnosed with acoustic neuroma received contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of brain were recruited. The volume was calculated by the ABC/2 equation and planimetry method (defined as exact volume) at the same time. The 32 patients were divided into three groups by tumor volume to avoid volume-dependent overestimation (<3 ml, 3–6 ml and >6 ml).

Results

The tumor volume by ABC/2 method was highly correlated to that calculated by planimetry method using linear regression analysis (R² = 0.985). Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.993, p < 0.001) demonstrates nearly perfect association between two methods.

Conclusions

The ABC/2 formula is an easy method in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas that is not inferior to planimetry method.     

Insight, obsession et vérification dans le trouble obsessionnel-compulsif

Introduction

The role of insight in the symptomatic expression of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remains controversial. We sought to better investigate this issue and assessed potential relationships between the level of insight and some cognitive determinants of OCD symptoms. For this purpose, we used a behavioral task (the checking behavioral task) that allowed the expression of repetitive checking behaviors in OCD patients.

Methods

The level of insight was assessed in 20 checking OCD patients with the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS). Patients were subjected to the checking behavioral task during which we assessed the “uncertainty cost” at the time of decision-making that lead to checking behavior.

Results

We found a positive correlation between the level of insight and the uncertainty cost during decision-making leading to the performance of checking behaviors.

Conclusion

These first experimental findings suggest the existence of a relationship between insight and cognitive determinants underlying OCD symptoms.