Acta neurochirurgica. Supplement
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
Deferoxamine reduces early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The effect of subarachnoid hemoglobin on neuroglial cells contributing to early brain injury is unclear. Several intracerebral hemorrhage studies indicated that pathological iron deposition in the brain contributes to secondary brain injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron and neuroglial cell changes following SAH, and examine the effect of deferoxamine (DFX). ⋯ DFX treatment reduced brain non-heme iron concentration, ferritin expression and neuronal cell death at day 3 (P < 0.01) following SAH. These results suggest that excessive hemoglobin and iron overload play an important role in early brain injury following SAH. Acute treatment with DFX significantly ameliorates neuronal cell death and may be a potential therapeutic agent for SAH.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
ReviewSurgical anatomy of the sacral hiatus for caudal access to the spinal canal.
The sacral hiatus is used for access to the spinal canal in many neurosurgical and anesthesiologic procedures. The aim of the present paper is to give a review of its anatomical characteristics relevant to permit correct and uncomplicated accesses. ⋯ The mean sacral space depth has been observed to be 4.6 mm in adults and 3.5 mm in infants. On the basis of anatomical measurements of the sacral hiatus, lower insertion angles have been suggested in infant with respect to adult subjects (21° vs. 58°).
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The extradural space is currently investigated through fluoroscopy and ultrasound for surgical approach, whereas magnetic resonance imaging has been used to provide detailed information. The aim of the present paper is to describe the radiologic anatomy of the sacral canal through a review of its appearance in the different radiologic techniques. CT is able to visualise also the sacrum and the content of the sacral canal, triangular in shape in the transverse images, being able to establish the measurement of the transverse area of the dural sac and of the canal diameter. ⋯ The band-like structure on top is the sacrococcygeal ligament. The band-like structure at the bottom is the dorsal surface of the sacrum. The sacral hiatus corresponds to the hypoechoic region observed between the two hyperechoic band-like structures.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
ReviewComparison of different preclinical models of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating type of stroke. It is characterized by spontaneous bleeding in brain parenchyma and is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Presently, there is neither an effective therapy to increase survival after intracerebral hemorrhage nor a treatment to improve the quality of life for survivors. ⋯ The "balloon" method has also been used to mimic ICH for study. In this summary, we intend to provide a comparative overview of the technical methods, aspects, and pathologic findings of these types of ICH models. We will also focus on the similarities and differences among these rodent models, achievements in technical aspects of the ICH model, and discuss important aspects in selecting relevant models for study.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialLong term intrathecal infusion of opiates for treatment of failed back surgery syndrome.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a multidimensional painful condition and its treatment remains a challenge for the surgeons. Prolonged intrathecal infusion of opiates for treatment of noncancer pain also remains a controversial issue. The authors present a prospective study about the long-term treatment of 30 patients with nonmalignant pain treated with intrathecal infusion of morphine from February, 1996 to May, 2004. ⋯ There was improvement of the quality of life measured by SF-36 (30.8-49.6) and in all dimensions of the Treatment of Pain Survey, except for working capacity. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 98 months (mean = 46.7 months). It was concluded that intrathecal infusion of morphine is a useful and safe tool for long-term treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain.