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Biomedical subjects

M Dujovny

Publications and source records attributed to M Dujovny.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Stereotactic endoscopic interventions in cystic and intraventricular brain lesions.

Image guided stereotaxis is an accurate and safe method of directing therapy to target volumes defined in two-dimensional (2D) multiplanes or three-dimensional (3D) perspectives using computer reconstruction of image data. The major limitations of stereotactic techniques are related to a lack of intraoperative visualization and direct monitoring of the procedures and to changes of intracranial coordinates after decompression of cystic lesions or aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid in the management of intraventricular lesions. Endoscopic laser stereotaxis (ELS) involves integration of rigid-flexible endoscopy and Nd-YAG laser to 3D-2D multiplanar image-guided stereotactic procedures. The major advantages of ELS include: direct intraoperative visualization, hemostasis, evacuation or resection assessment, and wide exploration of intracranial cavities or ventricles. The technique allows safe aspiration, biopsy, and resection or internal decompression of deep and subcortical intracranial lesions. ELS has proved to be safe and effective in the management of 76 clinical cases and appears to be a promising technique in the management of cystic and intraventricular lesions.

Brain Diseases

Microsurgical anatomy of the lower basilar artery.

This study was designed to study the microvascular anatomy of the basilar artery between the superior cerebellar artery and the vertebrobasilar junction (i.e. the lower basilar artery). Twenty unfixed brains were injected with silicone rubber solution and studied with a Zeiss OPMI microscope. The length of this segment of the basilar artery was 28.1 + 1.35 mm and its course was straight in 9 (45%) brains, curved in 7 (35%) and tortuous in 4 (20%). The total number of perforators found in 20 brains was 340 with an average of 17 per brain. Of these, 118 (34.7%) were median and 222 (65.2%) were lateral. Median branches had a mean length of 5.8 + 1.25 mm, whereas left and right lateral branches had a mean length of 16 + 1.25 mm and 16 + 1.58 mm respectively.

Autopsy

Stereotactic management of midline brain lesions.

Eighty-seven patients, aged 10 months to 92 years, with midline brain lesions were treated using stereotactic techniques at our institution between January 1987 and June 1990. A total of 119 stereotactic procedures were performed with no operative mortality. Procedures included 53 biopsies only, 22 endoscopic laser decompressions, 8 stereotactic microsurgical resections, 9 permanent implants of 125I, 12 temporary implants of 125I, 11 cyst aspirations, 2 cystoperitoneal shunts and 2 intracavitary 32P. The morbidity rate was 4.21%. Local anesthesia was used in 106 of the procedures (89%). Accurate diagnosis was achieved in all cases. Image guidance and stereotactic techniques open new frontiers in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of deep-seated midline intraparenchymal lesions.

Biopsy

Permanent iodine-125 implant and external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Survival data of 114 patients treated for malignant brain tumors with 125I interstitial radiation therapy at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich. (1986-1990), are presented. The first 64 patients were treated with temporary 125I implants with a total prescribed dose of 60 Gy at a dose rate of 40 cGy/h. In order to reduce the risk of injury to the surrounding normal tissue associated with high-dose brachytherapy, a new approach was initiated using permanent implants with a lower dose rate; 50 patients were treated after surgical resection with permanent implantation of 125I seeds at a lower dose rate of 4-7 cGy/h, with a total dose of 10,000-12,000 cGy, and concurrent external radiation therapy of 5,000 cGy. The rationale of this protocol was to increase the effectiveness of the low-dose-rate implant by a concurrent 'daily' boost of external radiation, thus inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells during the protracted low-dose radiation treatment. Survival was compared between groups with permanent and temporary implants in terms of effectiveness in tumor control as well as impact on clinical condition. Low-dose-rate implant with concurrent external radiation therapy seems to offer the best chance for long-term survival without deterioration in the clinical condition.

Adult

In vivo and in vitro study of the lesions produced with a computerized radiofrequency system.

For many years, radiofrequency-generated lesions have been used for the treatment of pain and abnormal movements. However, the reliability of this method has been questioned because of the variation in the size of lesions produced by the electrode at different times and temperatures. A 500-kHz radiofrequency generator with different electrodes was used to determine the size of lesions, using different time and temperature exposures. A computerized feedback mechanism kept the tip temperature constant during the production of the lesion, regardless of varying tissue impedance. Eight electrodes of different size and tip characteristics were evaluated at different temperatures and time settings, both in vitro and in vivo. Graphic display of the curves in time were obtained at 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 degrees C. The effects of thermo-coagulation were studied in vitro in fresh egg whites, using time intervals of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 s, and in vivo, in the subcortical white matter of 20 adult New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were sacrificed after 7 days. Lesions were photographed and measured under magnification. In all cases, the coagulated masses were ellipsoid, with regular, well-demarcated borders. A two-way statistical analysis of variance was done. The coagulum size increased with higher temperatures and with larger probes. The increase was significant in both diameter and length (p = 0.001). In contrast, the use of different times at the same level of temperature showed no significant increase in most of the electrodes. There were two statistical significant time effects, for both diameter and length, with the monopolar 2-mm electrode. The use of real-time monitoring with graphic display and the feedback information provided for the computerized control of power and current allows high precision of the temperature at the electrode tip during the production of the lesion.

Analysis of Variance

Intracerebral penetration of infrared light. Technical note.

Near infrared transmission spectroscopy of the human cerebrum may allow noninvasive evaluation of cerebral hemoglobin saturation in humans. The emerging spectroscopy configuration for this application is a side-by-side source-receiver construct. The ability of this spectroscopy paradigm to detect changes in intracerebral attenuation by selective injection of the infrared tracer indocyanine green into the internal and external carotid arteries during endarterectomy is evaluated in five adult patients. In all five, simultaneous two-channel infrared transmission spectroscopy over the ipsilateral hemisphere documented tracer bolus transit with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 100:1. In addition, the two channels could be configured to achieve depth resolution of the collected spectra.

Brain

Variability of the territories of the major cerebral arteries.

Recent morphological and functional studies on the circle of Willis suggest that the areas of supply of the six major cerebral arteries show a considerable variation in distribution, in contrast to the relatively consistent pattern generally accepted; therefore, the cortical and intracerebral distribution of the territories of these arteries was investigated in 25 unfixed human brains obtained at routine autopsy. The six major cerebral arteries were simultaneously injected under the same pressure with different-colored Araldite F mixtures under standardized conditions to obtain the most realistic territorial distribution. The cortical boundaries were examined and recorded in relation to the cerebral gyri and sulci, and the territories of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries were analyzed and compared. The intracerebral distribution of these territories was investigated after the injected brains were cut in parallel slices. The variability of the territories of these arteries was much larger than generally described in the literature. Twenty-six variations in the territory of the anterior cerebral artery, 17 variations in the area of the middle cerebral artery, and 22 variations in the area of the posterior cerebral artery were found in the cortex of 50 hemispheres. Intracerebrally, the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries contributed in varying degrees to the blood supply of the lobar white matter, the internal capsule, the caudate nucleus, and the lentiform nucleus. The large variation in the area in which the cortical and intracerebral boundaries between these territories was located was demonstrated by illustrating the minimum and maximum extent of each. The results are compared with prior findings, and their implications for both experimental model studies and clinical practice are discussed.

Adolescent

Application of multimodality imaging stereotactic localization in the surgical management of vascular lesions.

Multidimensional image preplanning and accurate pre and intraoperative localization for intracranial vascular lesions have been implemented. Methodology include carbon fiber base ring, localizer plates, any X-ray tubes, PC compatible software and intraoperative localizing unit. Surgical management of deep arteriovenous malformations is especially suitable for this technique, including the use of intraoperative digital angiography.

Cerebrovascular Disorders

Measurement of regional cerebrovascular haemoglobin oxygen saturation in cats using optical spectroscopy.

We describe the use of optical spectroscopy in the near infra-red light range to non-invasively measure regional cerebral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (rSHbO2) in cats during progressive cerebral hypoxia. This technique differs from spectroscopic techniques previously described in that the concentration ratio--percentage haemoglobin: oxygen saturation--is quantified. This saturation is the weighted summation of saturation in the cerebrovascular system: arterial, venous, and capillary beds. In a cat model of progressive cerebral hypoxia, a positive linear correlation between this regional measurement of cerebral saturation and actual saturation, calculated from cerebral arterial and mixed venous blood, was noted (n = 20, r = 0.88, p less than 0.01). The spectroscopic measurement rSHbO2 is also used to index cerebral oxygen extraction. During hypoxia spectroscopic indexed oxygen extraction (iOE) and cerebral arterial-venous difference in oxygen content were simultaneously measured. A least-squares positive linear correlation between these two parameters was noted [AVDO2 = iOE (0.05) + 4.4] (n = 40, r = 0.6, s = 1.2). Objective measurement of 'regional cerebrovascular haemoglobin saturation' and an index of cerebral oxygen extraction are possible using optical spectroscopy.

Algorithms

Dominant A1: angiographic and clinical correlations with anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

It has been observed but never proven that anomalies of the anterior communicating artery complex are associated with anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACAA). Therefore, in an effort to understand the significance of haemodynamic factors in the genesis, as well as the clinical course of ACAA, we evaluated the correlation between certain angiographic patterns of flow in the anterior circulation and the clinical findings of 51 patients with ACAA compared with 50 matched controls. Four significant associations which have never been validated were identified: 1) a dominant A1 (filling both A2's) was found in 57% of ACAA patients versus 14% of controls (p less than 0.001). 2) Unilateral hypoplasia of the opposite A1 was present in 24% of ACAA patients versus 6% of controls (p = 0.01). 3) Exclusive filling of the ACAA from one A1 occurred in 78%. 4) No statistically significant relationship was found between the anatomic flow patterns studied and the patients clinical presentation including age, sex, or grade. We conclude that anterior communicating artery aneurysms are significantly related in a majority of patients with the presence of a dominant A1, probably as the result of enhanced haemodynamic stress caused by this anatomic abnormality in the circulation. However, this association is not constant, and a dominant pattern of flow did not correlate with the clinical course. This is probably a reflection of the differences between factors initiating aneurysm formation and those influencing its growth, as well as of the relative limitations of angiography when pathophysiological extrapolations are attempted.

Adolescent

Anatomy of the sympathetic pathways in the carotid canal.

The sympathetic fibers in the carotid canal were studied in 30 unfixed specimens from human cadavers. Thirty petrous internal carotid arteries were injected with red silicone rubber, and the course of the sympathetic fibers was examined after removal of the inferior and superior wall of the carotid canal. The internal carotid artery was removed completely, leaving the sympathetic fibers intact as much as possible. Instead of a plexus-like configuration of the sympathetic fibers around the petrous carotid artery in all specimens, an anterosuperior group and a posteroinferior group of sympathetic fibers were found together, and both closed on the inferior-anterior side of the terminal portion of the horizontal part of the carotid canal. Seventy-three percent of the anterosuperior group of sympathetic fibers consisted of one large bundle, and 27% consisted of two smaller bundles. The majority of the posteroinferior group of sympathetic fibers consisted only of one bundle (93%). In 60% of the specimens, the majority of sympathetic fibers in the carotid canal were found in the anterosuperior group, 20% were found in the posteroinferior group, and in 20%, there was an equal distribution. The formation of the petrous bone and the related structures of the skull base play an important role in the configuration of these groups of sympathetic fibers. This study shows that, in cases of operative intervention in the carotid canal, the anterosuperior group of sympathetic fibers may be encountered. Damage to this bundle may result in sympathicoparesis, as it often contains the most sympathetic fibers. This group of sympathetic fibers can be easily separated from the internal carotid artery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carotid Artery, Internal

Comparative cranial CT enhancement in a primate model of cerebral infarction.

The value of various enhancement techniques as opposed to nonenhanced CT scanning was compared in 15 baboons with cerebral infarction secondary to embolization of the left middle cerebral artery. The most prominent CT findings in infarction included an area of low absorption in the opercula--basal ganglia--centrum semiovale region and generalized lateral ventricular enlargement. Intravenous enhancement of the low-density region occurred in 25% of the animals and often obscured the preenhancement abnormality. However, a rapid bolus injection of contrast material followed by immediate consecutive CT scans (computed angiotomography) permitted prominent visualization of early-shunting veins. Delayed scanning following intrathecal enhancement better defined small infarctions that did not exhibit the usual cerebral blush. The CT imaging of inhaled xenon provides a new technique for evaluating subtle abnormalities in cerebral perfusion, even when the routine CT scan shows no abnormality.

Animals

Pentothal protection for delay cerebral revascularization.

Thiopentone (20 mg/kg/bolus and 20 mg/kg/three hours) was effective in preventing infarction in five dogs with six hours of middle cerebral occlusion. Nine control animals sustained massive to large infarctions. Utilizing this regime therapeutic blood levels were rapidly attained for over 12 hours without side effects. From the experimental and human experience with focal cerebral ischaemia, there appears to be a finite grace period in which cerebral revascularization can be undertaken. In canine and primate models this time has been about five hours, following which the infarction process may not be reversible (Sundt et al. 1977, Laha et al. 1978). Seeking to prolong this grace period, thiopentone was selected as an ideal drug for this purpose, and its effect on the revascularized canine middle cerebral distribution was evaluated at six hours following embolectomy.

Animals

Post-traumatic middle cerebral artery thrombosis.

Post-traumatic thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is uncommon: only 39 cases were found in the literature. In the present report, eight cases of post-traumatic MCA thrombosis are analyzed and compared with other reported cases. The symptoms can be easily confused with those of expanding intracranial hematoma. Although ancillary noninvasive diagnostic methods are helpful, cerebral angiography confirms the diagnosis. The morbidity and mortality rates are high, and treatment has been mainly supportive. The low mortality in the present study may be related to the absence of severe head or other trauma. Possible cerebral revascularization procedures are also discussed.

Adult

Temporary microvascular clips.

Selected commercially designated temporary clips (Acland, Biemer, Kleinert-Kutz, Variangle, and Yasargil) were applied for 1 hour to rat common carotid arteries. Scanning electron and light microscopic studies revealed varying degrees of endothelial damage. The authors believe that further improvements are needed in the design of temporary clips.

Animals