Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2007
Functional neuronavigation combined with intra-operative 3D ultrasound: initial experiences during surgical resections close to eloquent brain areas and future directions in automatic brain shift compensation of preoperative data.
The aims of this study were: 1) To develop protocols for, integration and assessment of the usefulness of high quality fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and DTI (diffusion tensor imaging) data in an ultrasound-based neuronavigation system. 2) To develop and demonstrate a co-registration method for automatic brain-shift correction of pre-operative MR data using intra-operative 3D ultrasound. ⋯ In the present study we have demonstrated how both fMRI and DTI data can be acquired and integrated into a neuronavigation system for improved surgical planning and guidance. The surgeons reported that the integration of fMRI and DTI data in the navigation system represented valuable additional information presented in a user-friendly way and functional neuronavigation is now in routine use at our hospital. Furthermore, the present study showed that automatic ultrasound-based updates of important pre-operative MRI data are feasible and hence can be used to compensate for brain shift.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2007
Neurochemical monitoring using intracerebral microdialysis during systemic haemorrhage.
Intracerebral microdialysis is a sensitive tool to analyse tissue biochemistry, but the value of this technique to monitor cerebral metabolism during systemic haemorrhage is unknown. The present study was designed to assess changes of intracerebral microdialysis parameters both during systemic haemorrhage and after initiation of therapy. ⋯ In this model of systemic haemorrhage, changes of cerebral energy metabolism detected by intracerebral microdialysis indicated anaerobic glycolysis and degradation of cellular membranes throughout the study period.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2007
ReviewIschaemic preconditioning of the brain, mechanisms and applications.
The concept of ischaemic preconditioning was introduced in the late 1980s. The concept emerged that a brief subcritical ischaemic challenge could mobilize intrinsic protective mechanisms that increased tolerance against subsequent critical ischaemia. Tissues with a high sensitivity against ischaemia, i.e. myocardium and central nervous system, present the most promising targets for therapeutic application of ischaemic preconditioning. During the last years the mechanisms of neuronal preconditioning were systematically studied and a number of molecular regulation pathways were discovered to participate in preconditioning. The purpose of the present review is to survey the actual knowledge on cerebral preconditioning, and to define the practical impact for neurosurgery. ⋯ Possible cumulative neuroprotection by preconditioning and pharmacological protection during critical ischaemia should be studied systematically. Easy to apply methods of preconditioning, such as the application of volatile anaesthetics or erythropoietin some hours or days prior to planned temporary ischaemia, should be introduced into the practice of operative neurosurgery.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2007
Case ReportsEpidermoid cysts of the cerebellopontine angle with extension into the middle and anterior cranial fossae: surgical strategy and review of the literature.
Epidermoid cysts are tumours, which contain keratin, cellular debris and cholesterol, and lined with stratified squamous epithelium. Clinically, epidermoid cysts behave like benign, slow-growing lesions. ⋯ Radical surgical removal of epidermoid cysts should be attempted, but a less aggressive surgical strategy should be considered if there is strong adherence to the surrounding brain tissue, particularly in eloquent areas. In this case, complete tumour removal was achieved via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach.