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Ludwig Benes

Publications and source records attributed to Ludwig Benes.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Clinical impact of CCM mutation detection in familial cavernous angioma.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: A 3-year-old Bosnian girl with a large symptomatic brainstem and multiple supratentorial cavernous angiomas, who underwent neurosurgical treatment, is presented. As multiple cavernomas are more common in familial cases, genetic analyses and neuroradiological imaging were performed in the patient and her parents to see whether there was any evidence for inheritance. This information is important for genetic counseling and provision of medical care for at-risk relatives. Currently, no recommendation is available on how to manage these cases. RESULTS: Genetic analyses demonstrated a novel CCM1 frameshift mutation (c.1683_1684insA; p.V562SfsX6) in the child and the asymptomatic 27-year-old mother. Sensitive gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging of the mother revealed multiple supratentorial lesions, whereas analogous imaging of the father showed no pathological findings. CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies that seemingly sporadic cases with multiple lesions might well be hereditary and that presymptomatic genetic testing of family members may identify relatives for whom clinical and neuroradiological monitoring is indicated.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2006

Immune surveillance of the human central nervous system (CNS): different migration pathways of immune cells through the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in healthy persons.

BACKGROUND: Since for immune surveillance, only lymphocytes in the activated state are able to enter normal human central nervous system (CNS), available data are briefly reviewed to reveal lymphocyte transfer through blood-brain barrier (bbb) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (bCSFb). METHODS: With immuno-histochemical and -cytochemical methods, bbb was studied on brain microvessels and bCSFb on choroid plexus epithelium and microvessels. Lymphocyte transfer capacity on the barriers was determined with blood/CSF cell ratios revealed by quantified multicolour flow-cytometry of CSF and blood sample pairs. RESULTS: Four paths attenuated the restricted transfer of lymphocyte and NK cell subsets (none for B cells) through bbb and bCSFb, preferring memory cells in normal human brain, using different cell adhesion molecules (CAM). CAM pattern changed in choroid plexus where indication of lymphocyte recirculating from CSF into blood may exist in animal brains. CONCLUSIONS: Since efficiency of migration of blood-borne lymphocytes into CSF across bbb or bCSFb of normal human brain is not fully revealed, further data are needed to understand the transfer of immune cells across the barriers in health and disease.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed2006

A novel platform for image-guided ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The combination of classic neuronavigation and intraoperative ultrasound is a recent innovation in image guidance technology. However, this technique requires two hardware components (neuronavigation and an ultrasound system). It was the aim of the study to describe a new simplified technology of a so-called one-platform navigation system developed by our institution in collaboration with the industry and to demonstrate its range of various applications. METHODS: An ultrasound device (IGSonic; BrainLAB, Munich, Germany) is integrated into the VectorVision2 navigation system (BrainLAB, Munich, Germany). The IGSonic Probe 10V5 is connected to the VectorVision Navigation station via an IGSonic Device Box. Once the ultrasound probe is calibrated, the navigated ultrasound displays the sonographic image of the intracranial anatomy on the navigation screen in a composed overlay fashion. It might depict vascular structures within the ultrasound plane by a duplex mode. Ultrasound can also be operated independently from navigation. RESULTS: The VectorVision2 system combines intraoperative ultrasound data sets with preoperatively acquired neuronavigation data sets in plug and play fashion. The system provides a cost-effective intraoperative imaging modality that offers a good anatomic orientation by various composite images, including the display of the amount of brain shift. In our institution, the comprehensible interface led to a routine use of the technology by several neurosurgeons who had not been familiar with the ultrasound technology before. CONCLUSION: The integration of an ultrasound device into an existing navigation system has been successfully developed. The system offers a friendly user interface and cost-effective intraoperative imaging feedback. Although brain shift can be visualized by an image overlay technology as demonstrated by the present system, future developments should aim at fusion techniques of both intra- and preoperative image data sets.

Brain↗
PubMed2006

Treatment of a partially thrombosed giant aneurysm of the vertebral artery by aneurysm trapping and direct vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery end-to-end anastomosis: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to focus for the first time on the operative management of a direct vertebral artery (VA)-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) end-to-end anastomosis in a partially thrombosed giant VA-PICA-complex aneurysm and to underline its usefulness as an additional treatment option. METHODS: The operative technique of a direct VA-PICA end-to-end anatomosis is described in detail. The VA was entering the large aneurysm sack. Distally, the PICA originated from the aneurysm sack-VA-complex. The donor and recipient vessel were cut close to the aneurysm. Whereas the VA was cut in a straight manner, the PICA was cut at an oblique 45-degree angle to enlarge the vascular end diameter. Vessel ends were flushed with heparinized saline and sutured. The thrombotic material inside the aneurysm sack was removed and the distal VA clipped, leaving the anterior spinal artery and brainstem perforators free. RESULTS: The patient regained consciousness without additional morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a completely decompressed brainstem without infarction. The postoperative angiograms demonstrated a good filling of the anastomosed PICA. CONCLUSION: Despite the caliber mistmatch of these two vessels the direct VA-PICA end-to-end anastomosis provides an accurate alternative in addition to other anastomoses and bypass techniques, when donor and recipient vessels are suitable and medullary perforators do not have to be disrupted.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Is preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging accurate in predicting neurovascular compression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia? A single-blind study.

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) using three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA) and double-dose contrast-enhanced three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient echo (3D-FSPGR) sequences is considered to be a useful tool in detecting neurovascular compression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The purpose of this study was to analyze the accuracy and preoperative diagnostic value of these high-resolution imaging techniques in patients with trigeminal neuralgia, in a single-blind study. The preoperative MRI images of 21 consecutive patients were matched to one neuroradiologist, who was blind as to which side exhibited the symptoms. The images and post-processing multiplanar reconstructions were compared with the video-documented operative observations. HR-MRI using only 3D-FSPGR sequences demonstrated neurovascular compression in accordance with the intraoperative finding in 11 patients (52.4%). In the subgroup where, additionally, 3D-FIESTA sequences were available, neurovascular compression was in accordance with the intraoperative finding in 71.4% (n = 7). High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging using double-dose contrast-enhanced 3D-FSPGR and 3D-FIESTA sequences is currently not sufficient enough to make an accurate prediction of neurovascular compression in a single-blind setting. These 3D imaging techniques currently provide only limited information, and one should consider their use carefully when identifying patients with trigeminal neuralgia from operation until image quality is improved by superior image resolution that can accurately discriminate vessels surrounding the trigeminal root entry zone.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Intraoperative landmarking of vascular anatomy by integration of duplex and Doppler ultrasonography in image-guided surgery. Technical note.

BACKGROUND: The integration of ultrasound technology into neuronavigation systems has recently been the subject of reports by several groups. This article describes our preliminary findings with regard to the integration of data derived from intraoperative duplex (color mode) and Doppler ultrasonography into a neuronavigational data set. It was the aim of the study to investigate (1) whether the intraoperative landmarking of vessels that are outlined with ultrasound technology is possible and (2) whether such a technique might be of clinical interest for neurosurgical interventions. METHODS: The video image of an ultrasound plane (Toshiba, Powervision 6000 SSA-370A, Tokyo, Japan) was integrated into our neuronavigation system (VectorVision2, BrainLab, Heimstetten, Germany). For calibration of the ultrasound plane, an instrument adapter was fixed to the ultrasound probe and then calibrated using a special, predefined calibration phantom. RESULTS: Accordingly, the system supported a combination of the ultrasound plane functionality with the preoperatively acquired neuronavigational data. The duplex and Doppler mode of the ultrasound system displayed the intraoperative vascular anatomy. Once a vessel was outlined during surgery, it could be landmarked by touching the navigation screen. These landmarks were integrated automatically into the neuronavigational data set and could be used to provide intraoperative image updates of the vascular anatomy. This technique was successful in 45 of 47 (95.7%) surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Both image-guided ultrasound and duplex-guided integration of vascular anatomy into the neuronavigational data set are technically possible. In the future, this technology may provide useful intraoperative information during surgery of complex cerebral pathologies.

Blood Vessels↗
PubMed2005

Biological activity of adult cavernous malformations: a study of 56 patients.

OBJECT: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) have previously been considered as congenital and biologically static malformations. On the other hand, the potential for growth and de novo generation of CCMs have also been reported. It is therefore important to study the proliferative and neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions. METHODS: The authors studied the surgical specimens of 56 CCMs (23 deep and 33 superficial) obtained from adult patients. The proliferative activity of the endothelium and the neoangiogenetic capacity of these lesions were considered through immunohistochemical anaylsis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), MIB-1, Flk-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, and endoglin antibodies. Positive immunostaining of endothelial cells occurred in 86% of patients for PCNA and in 38% of the cases for MIB 1. The expression of Flk-1 was observed in the endothelium of 71% of the cases, for VEGF in 41%, for HIF-1 alpha in 48.1%, and for endoglin in 63.6% of the cases. The correlation of immunohistochemical and clinical data indicated that VEGF was expressed in significantly less deep-seated lesions when compared with superficial CCMs. Neither the expression of the proliferative markers nor the expression of the angiogenetic antibodies correlated with patient age at surgery, sex, or the number of recent prior hemorrhagic episodes in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The CCMs from adult patients are active lesions exhibiting endothelial proliferation and neoangiogenesis. According to the data in this study, neoangiogenesis is more prominent in superficial CCMs than in deep-seated CCMs and is not associated with recent prior hemorrhages.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Arteriovenous malformation surrounding the trigeminal nerve--case report.

A 57-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) located at the base of the root of the right trigeminal nerve. In contrast to previous similar cases, his history included no evidence of trigeminal neuralgia or sensory loss. Right vertebral artery angiography revealed a doubled superior cerebellar artery feeding the angioma nidus. The patient refused radiotherapy and preferred surgical treatment. Intraoperatively, a close relationship between arterial feeders and rootlets of the trigeminal nerve was observed. Complete removal of the malformation was achieved and confirmed angiographically. The postoperative course was complicated by subdural hygroma that required repeated drainage and eventually a shunting procedure. This case demonstrates that microsurgical treatment of a trigeminal AVM is feasible. However, stereotactic radiosurgery may be the preferred treatment option considering the potential for postoperative complications.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Studies of the brain specificity of S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in blood serum of acute care patients.

Laboratory monitoring with damage markers of brain and of non-nervous tissues in blood serum of 401 acute care patients showed increased contents of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B besides raised levels of markers of heart, skeletal muscle, bile duct, liver, prostate, kidney, salivary gland damage or of inflammatory stress to varying frequencies. Correlation between raised NSE and S100B contents ascertained brain damage. Correlation between raised NSE and troponin I (cTnI) values indicated brain damage induced by heart failure (probably caused by hypoxia and anemia); this was assessed with correlations between NSE and other heart markers, e.g. creatine kinase (CK) isoenzymes, alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. S100B did not show such correlations: data indicated S100B release from non-nervous tissues having high S100B content, e.g. fat, cartilage, skin. S100B release might be triggered by inflammatory stress and tissue damage. This was further supported by low NSE/S100B concentration ratios in serum compared to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with comatose state, convulsive status, or intracerebral hemorrhage. Our data revealed CSF to be the relevant sample to monitor brain damage with NSE and S100B, whereas in serum raised S100B levels together with normal NSE levels indicated release from non-nervous tissues of acute care patients pointing out multi-organ dysfunction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Isolated paramedullary hemangioblastoma originating from the first cervical nerve root: case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case of an isolated paramedullary hemangioblastoma originating from the first cervical root is reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe an uncommon type of spinal hemangioblastoma and its operative treatment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal hemangioblastoma, rare finding accounting for approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of all spinal cord tumors, may have an intramedullary, extramedullary, or extradural location. Cervical hemangioblastomas occur in approximately 45% of the cases and are intramedullary in about 83% of the cases. METHODS: A 59-year-old man presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns. Four-vessel angiography showed a highly vascular small tumor at the dorsolateral side of the cervicomedullary junction fed by a branch of the vertebral artery. The lesion was surgically removed. RESULTS: Total removal of the lesion was achieved after identification of both the arterial feeder and the draining vein with the aid of microvascular Doppler sonography. There were no complications, and the patient did well after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although hemangioblastomas occurring in the cervicomedullary area usually may cause progressive neural compression, occasionally they also can present clinically as acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. This situation requires urgent and adequate treatment as in the reported case.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Intraoperative spinal digital subtraction angiography: technique and results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate technical and methodological aspects of intraoperative spinal digital subtraction angiography (ISDSA) in our clinical practice and to assess its practicability, safety, and accuracy for the surgical treatment of spinal vascular malformations. METHODS: Between August 1997 and February 2002, a total of 30 patients were treated either surgically (n = 18) or endovascularly (n = 12) for spinal vascular lesions at our institution. The clinical records of five patients who underwent ISDSA were analyzed retrospectively. The thoracic segment was involved in three patients and the medullary cone in two. RESULTS: ISDSA could be performed in four cases. In one patient, the segmental artery could not be probed sufficiently while the patient was prone. No complications occurred from the application of ISDSA. The method was beneficial for the neurosurgeon in all but one patient because the vascular anatomy of the malformation was shown with respect to the surgical approach, including the nidus, and immediate resection control could be performed before wound closure. The duration of the procedure was prolonged by 45 minutes on average. CONCLUSION: ISDSA is safe and effective, especially in surgery for complex vascular and recurrent malformations. Benefits to the patient outweigh the additional expense and prolongation of the surgical procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Image-guided transsylvian, transinsular approach for insular cavernous angiomas.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of cavernomas arising in the insula is especially challenging because of the proximity to the internal capsule and lenticulostriate arteries. We present our technique of image guidance for operations on insular cavernomas and assess its clinical usefulness. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2003, with the guidance of a frameless stereotactic system (BrainLab AG, Munich, Germany), we operated on eight patients who harbored an insular cavernoma. Neuronavigation was used for 1) accurate planning of the craniotomy, 2) identification of the distal sylvian fissure, and, finally, 3) finding the exact site for insular corticotomy. Postoperative clinical and neuroradiological evaluations were performed in each patient. RESULTS: The navigation system worked properly in all eight neurosurgical patients. Exact planning of the approach and determination of the ideal trajectory of dissection toward the cavernoma was possible in every patient. All cavernomas were readily identified and completely removed by use of microsurgical techniques. No surgical complications occurred, and the postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. CONCLUSION: Image guidance during surgery for insular cavernomas provides high accuracy for lesion targeting and permits excellent anatomic orientation. Accordingly, safe exposure can be obtained because of a tailored dissection of the sylvian fissure and minimal insular corticotomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Successful management of a symptomatic fusiform dilatation of the internal carotid artery following surgery of childhood craniopharyngioma.

INTRODUCTION: The development of fusiform dilatation of internal carotid artery is one of the vascular complications that can follow surgery for craniopharyngioma and other suprasellar tumours in children, but its pathogenesis and the line of management are still controversial. CASE REPORT AND DISCUSSION: We report a child who presented with a giant fusiform aneurysm involving the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery after total removal of a craniopharyngioma and review the literature on related cases. The treatment of this phenomenon and its possible pathogenesis are discussed.

Aneurysm↗
PubMed2002

Cerebral cavernomas in the adult. Review of the literature and analysis of 72 surgically treated patients.

The authors review the pertinent literature dealing with all aspects of cerebral cavernous malformations in the adult. Clinical, neuroradiological, pathological, and epidemiological aspects are presented. The clinical significance of bleeding from cavernous malformations and various hemorrhage patterns are discussed in relation to the factors that influence hemorrhage rates. Recent reports describing the genetic mechanisms of inheritance, de novo formation, and angiogenesis of cavernomas are reviewed as well. Brainstem cavernomas have received special attention, since their clinical management is controversial in the literature. Presently, microsurgical removal is favored by the majority of authors and stereotactic radiosurgery appears to be inappropriate for prevention of bleeding from a cavernoma. Our own case material consists of data of 72 patients operated upon during the past 5 years. Twenty-four patients harbored the lesion within the brainstem, 18 within the deep white matter of the hemispheres, 12 in the basal ganglia or thalamus, 11 in superficial areas of the hemisphere, and seven within the cerebellum. The perioperative morbidity rate was 29.2% (21/72) while the rate of long-term morbidity was 5.5% (4/72), with no mortality in this series. It is concluded that cerebral cavernous malformations, including lesions in critical regions of the brain, can be treated microsurgically with excellent results and an acceptable morbidity.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed2002

Image fusion for skull base neuronavigation. Technical note.

An automatic image fusion module (BrainLab, Munich, Germany) is used for the fusion of the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) data sets. The procedure of image fusion takes 5 minutes prior to surgery. The image fusion of CT and MR imaging data visualizes the skull base and tumor margins clearly. Color display of the different data sets allows the tumor and the skull base to be distinguished easily. The fused CT data in bone window mode provides useful additional information on the osseous skull base.

Brain Mapping↗