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S Fuentes

Publications and source records attributed to S Fuentes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Idiopathic acute obstructive hydrocephalus. Case report].

Acute hydrocephalus is rarely encountered in adults without venticuloperitoneal or venticuloatrial shunts. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of acute hydrocephalus due to no identifiable cause. A 40-year-old man developed a typical clinical picture of intracranial hypertension within a 24-hours period. On the morning of hospitalization, the patient consulted his physician for severe headache followed quickly by nausea and vomiting. After cerebral CT-scan, the patient was referred to our department. His condition rapidly worsened, with confusion, then drowsiness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated quadri-ventricular hydrocephalus with a Chiari I malformation. In view of his rapidly deteriorating clinical condition, emergency endoscopic third ventriculostormy was performed. The patient recovered rapidly and was discharged 8 days after the procedure. Diagnostic work-up included lumbar puncture showing normal cerebrospinal fluid (thereby eliminating multiple sclerosis, low-grade intracranial hemorrhage, and meningitis (bacterial, viral, fungal)), spinal MRI depicting no medullary lesions, and brain angiography revealing no vascular abnormalities. Follow-up brain MRI carried out at six months after hospitalization demonstrated normal ventricles and complete disappearance of the Chiari I malformation. No conclusion can be drawn as to whether the Chiari I malformation was the consequence or cause of hydrocephalus. The explanation of this acute hydrocephalus is the acute decompensation without identifiable cause of idiopathic stenosis of the foramen of Magendie and Luschka. Treatment with endoscopic third ventriculostomy is effective.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

[Operative treatment of complex lombosacral fracture dislocation: L5 chance fracture with trans S1-S2 dislocation].

Sacral fractures are uncommon injuries that are often diagnosed late, the transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance fracture has never been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe operative treatment of transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance fracture. A 17-year-old woman sustained multiple injuries in a road accident and presented with hypovolumic shock. Radiological assessment demonstrated transverse fracture dislocation of the sacrum at the S1-S2 level associated with a L5 Chance-fracture. Neurologic examination demonstrated L5 root deficit and perineal hypoesthesia. Operative treatment was undertaken. The procedure consisted of laminectomy of L5, S1, and S2 and osteosynthesis of L3-L4 - S3-S4 (in sacral alae). Attempts to reduce dislocation failed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. One year after operative treatment the patient presented no neurologic deficit and had resumed normal activity. Follow-up radiological imaging demonstrated consolidation of fracture zones. Management for uncommon lumbrosacral junction injuries must take into account various parameters including hemodynamic condition, neurologic status, and stability of the spinal lesions. Decompression of neural impingement and stabilization of fractures by osteosynthesis appear to be a useful alternative that allows patients to stand again and begin rehabilitation quickly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[The value of dynamic cervical MRI in management of selected patients presenting traumatic cervical cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe our experience with dynamic cervical MRI for detection of cervical spinal cord instability in patients presenting spinal cord trauma without fracture or dislocation of the spinal column. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 2000 a total of 95 patients presenting spinal cord trauma have been treated in our department. All patients underwent MRI for diagnostic work-up. Dynamic MRI was performed if spinal cord instability was suspected. Whenever possible, high-quality plain radiography dynamic views were obtained (coma, severe deficit, study of the cervicothoracic junction). RESULTS: Dynamic MRI allowed diagnosis of spinal cord instability in 6 patients with a mean age of 65 years (range, 45 to 75). Instability occurred during extension in 4 patients and during flexion and extension in one case. In the remaining case instability was associated with herniation of a cervical disc due to a severe cervical sprain. All 6 patients underwent early surgical stabilization that allowed improvement in-hospital patient care and quick transfer to rehabilitation centers. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MRI can be a useful tool to detect unstable spinal cord instability in some patients presenting noncompressive spinal cord injuries.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Retrospective study of 77 patients harbouring lumbar synovial cysts: functional and neurological outcome.

BACKGROUND: Synovial cysts represent an uncommon and probably underestimated pathological entity of the degenerative lumbar spine. The authors report a retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation, radiological studies and operative findings in 77 patients surgically treated for symptomatic lumbar synovial cysts at their institution. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between January 1992 and June 1998, a total of 77 patients presenting with symptomatic lumbar synovial cysts were operated on in the author's department. Operative procedure, complications, results and pathological findings were correlated with preoperative assessment. There were 41 men and 36 women with an average age of 63 years (range 44-90 years). RESULTS: On the basis of their symptom complex on presentation, two populations were identified: patients who presented with a single radicular pain (group I = 51 patients), and patients who presented with bilateral neurogenic claudication (group II = 26 patients). Neurological examination on presentation demonstrated motor deficit (12%), sensory loss (26%) and reflex changes (35%). Degenerative disc disease and facet joint osteoarthritis was a frequent finding in patients with pre-operative MRI. Facet joint orientation was >45 degrees in 76.6% of patients. Preoperative spondylolisthesis was found in 48% on radiological studies. All the patients were treated surgically with resection of the cyst. No fusion was performed as a first line procedure. However subsequent fusion was necessary in one patient who developed symptomatic spondylolisthesis. Mean follow-up period was of 45 months ranging from 18 to 105 months. Only one recurrence occurred during the follow-up period. An excellent or good functional outcome was seen in 97.4% of cases, and 89% of the patients with motor deficit recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of lumbar synovial cysts is an effective treatment associated with very low morbidity. Synovial cysts are associated with increased grade and frequency of facet joint asteoarthritis but not with increased grade or frequency of degenerative disc disease compared with patients without cysts. In the author's opinion, at the present time, there is no reliable criterion which allows the development of a symptomatic spinal instability to be predicted in patients with a preoperative spondylolisthesis and therefore fusion as a first line procedure is still debatable.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Endovascular treatment of benign intracranial hypertension by stent placement in the transverse sinus. Therapeutic and pathophysiological considerations illustrated by a case report].

We report a case of benign intracranial hypertension in a 31-year-old man treated by endovascular stent placement in the right transverse sinus. The patient presented with a typical benign intracranial hypertension syndrome. Ophthalmologic findings showed bilateral papilledema with a 7/10 loss visual acuity loss in the right eye and 2/10 in the left eye. At lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was 40 mmHg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed slit ventricles and dilatation of optic nerve sheaths. optiques. After failure of medical treatment, the patient was referred to our neurosurgical department for therapeutic decision. Direct retrograde cerebral venography showed predominant cerebral venous drainage via the right transverse sinus which exhibited stenosis in its proximal third. Mamometry revealed a 25 mmHg pressure gradient across the point of stenosis. Due to possible venogenic benign intracranial hypertension, endovascular stent placement was proposed and accepted by the patient. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was symptoms free, papilledema had disappeared and visual acuity was 10/10 on both eyes. CSF pressure on lumbar puncture was 11 mmHg. The pathophysiological aspects and therapeutic management of this pathology illustrated by this are discussed along with a careful and exhaustive review of the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Endoscopic treatment of a voluminous benign symptomatic cyst of the pineal region responsible for an obstructive hydrocephalus].

Asymptomatic non neoplastic cysts of the pineal region are common incidental findings in adults. On the contrary, voluminous and symptomatic cysts of the pineal region are rare and their management are not well defined. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman suffering who suffered from mild intracranial hypertension, gait disturbance and vertigo for one year. The neuroradiological workup showed a voluminous cyst of the pineal region responsible for an obstructive hydrocephalus. An endoscopic etiological treatment was decided. The operation consisted in a marsupialization of the cyst in the third ventricle with a stereotactic guidance system. A frozen section of the cyst wall failed to show tumoral cells. Immediate postoperative course was uneventful. Intracranial hypertension symptoms resolved in 24 hours. Clinical examination and neuropsychological testing were normal at two years postoperatively. The two years follow-up cerebral MRI demonstrated a remnant cystic cavity without mass effect and the patency of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic pineal cysts constitutes an interesting therapeutic alternative in the management of this pathology.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Transsacral approach to lumbosacral extraforaminal disc herniations].

INTRODUCTION: The lateral approach is classically used for surgical treatment of extraforminal disc herniations (EDH). However, its use at the level of the L5-S1 space can require more or less extensive resection of the facet joint. This study reports our experience in the treatment of L5-S1 EDH using the transsacral approach described by Muller and Reulen in 1998. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From February 2002 to October 2004, 12 patients presenting EDH at the L5-S1 level underwent treatment using the transsacral approach. There were 8 men and 4 women. Mean age was 55 years (range: 36 to 75 years). All patients presented lumbalgia and L5radiculalgia. Only one patient had dysesthesia. Five patients presented motor deficits and 3 presented sensory deficits. Surgical treatment was proposed after failure of medical treatment and two L5 corticoids infiltrations. RESULTS: All patients were re-examined two months after the procedure. Mean follow-up was 15 months. Complete resolution of radiculalgia with no paresthesia was achieved in all patients. Patients presenting preoperative motor deficit recovered fully after treatment. All patients resumed normal activity. CONCLUSION: The transsacral approach is a valid alternative to the lateral approach for treatment of L5-S1 EDH. The amount of operative exposure achieved using this technique is sufficient to avoid joint injury that can result in chronic postoperative lumbalgia. Another advantage is that excision of the protruding disc fragment can be achieved without mobilization of the nerve root or dorsal root ganglion, thus avoiding postoperative dysesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Depressed skull fracture overlying the superior sagittal sinus causing benign intracranial hypertension. Description of two cases and review of the literature.

The purpose of this report is to describe successful surgical treatment of benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) in two patients presenting with depressed skull fractures over the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The first case involved a 22-year-old patient who presented with depressed skull fracture overlying the posterior third of the SSS. Symptoms of BIH developed within 48 h. The second case involved a 33-year-old patient who presented with depressed skull fracture overlying the junction between the middle and posterior thirds of the SSS. Symptoms of BIH developed 1 month after. Although this patient presented with bilateral papilloedema, the less straightforward nature of his BIH symptoms prompted us to undertake further neuroradiological assessment by angiography with retrograde venous catheterization. A high-pressure gradient was found between venous flow upstream and downstream from the compressed zone. Both patients underwent surgical decompression in the lateral decubital position. Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure was begun upon induction of general anaesthesia. High preoperative pressure declined immediately after elevation of the depressed zone. Bleeding was not a problem at any time during the procedure. Follow-up MRI and angio-MRI demonstrated total restoration of SSS patency. Benign intracranial hypertension is an uncommon complication of depressed skull fracture. Retrograde venous catheterization with pressure measurement can be a useful diagnostic adjunct. Surgical treatment is indicated in symptomatic patients. Based on the two cases reported, we now propose MRI venography in all patients presenting with symptoms of BIH and arteriography with retrograde venous catheterization when venous sinus stenosis exists.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Hydroxyurea treatment for unresectable meningioma].

BACKGROUND: Management of unresectable progressive meningioma remains controversial and constitutes a major challenge since therapeutic options including chemotherapy and hormone modulation are limited. Recent data have suggested that hydroxyurea treatment may have an antitumoral effect. The purpose of this prospective phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyurea treatment for unresectable progressive meningioma. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999, consecutive patients presenting unresectable meningioma with clinically and/or neuroradiologically documented progression were considered for entry into this protocol. Previous radiotherapy was not a mandatory inclusion criteria. Treatment consisted of continuous oral administration of hydroxyurea at a dose of 20 mg/kg per day. Follow-up assessment included physical examination, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed every three months, as well as regular blood testing. The primary endpoint was documentation of objective response by MRI or CT. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population was 43 patients with at least 18 months follow-up. Median age was 60.4 years. Twenty-eight patients had undergone surgery following initial diagnosis. The meningioma was located in the skull base in 67% of patients. Histology was benign in 18 and atypical in 10. The eligible population included 36 patients with documented progressive disease at the time of inclusion; with progression documented clinically in 29 (67.5%) and/or radiologically in 20 (46%). In 7 patients, clinical or radiological progression could not be confirmed. The intent-to-treat analysis at median 26 months follow-up revealed objective response to hydroxyurea in only 3 patients (7%) including one on the basis of improvement in visual symptoms and two on MRI analysis. Progressive disease was observed clinically or radiologically in 26 patients (60.5%). Of the eligible population (n=36), 2 achieved an objective response and 13 (36%) exhibited stabilization under hydroxyurea therapy, while 21 (58%) progressed under treatment. Overall tolerance was good but anemia (grade I-II) and asthenia (grade I-II) were observed in 28% and 23.5% respectively. Treatment was discontinued in 3 patients because of chronic skin toxicity in one and anemia and asthenia in two. CONCLUSION: Hydroxyurea treatment is of marginal efficacy for meningioma and must not be considered as an alternative if radiotherapy or surgery is feasible. New efficient medical treatments are still required for progressive meningiomas.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Retro-odontoid synovial cyst with Forestier's disease].

STUDY DESIGN: We report one case of 66-year-old man with Forestier disease and spinal cord compression by retro-odontoid synovial cyst. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Although retro-odontoid synovial cysts remain rare, an increasing number have been reported in the literature. Affecting adults in the sixth decade of life, retro-odontoid synovial cysts produce slowly progressive upper spinal cord symptoms. Diagnosis can be achieved by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Association with Forestier's disease has been reported in only one previous study. Cyst probably develop as a result of enhanced mechanical stress on the only remaining mobile joint. In the literature treatment of retro-odontoid mass associated with Forestier has usually involved occipito-cervical fusion with transoral decompression. RESULTS: In this report we describe a patient treated by the posterolateral route with good short- and mid-term clinical and radiological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison of transoral route, the advantages of the posterolatral route are shorter hospitalization and lower morbidity especially in elderly patients with operative risk factors.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Gamma knife radiosurgical management of petroclival meningiomas results and indications.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of petroclival meningiomas remains challenging. In order to refine indications for the use of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of these tumours, we retrospectively evaluated our experience in this field. METHODS: Thirty-two patients harboring a petroclival meningioma were treated consecutively using a Gamma knife between December 92 and June 1998. Eight patients underwent radiosurgery after one or more attempted surgical removals and 24 had radiosurgery as the primary treatment. The main symptoms before radiosurgery were cranial nerve palsies, including a sixth nerve deficit in 10 patients and a trigeminal nerve disturbance in 9. All patients underwent a conformal multi-isocentric treatment (mean isocenter's number 8.8) and the dose delivered at the tumour margin ranged from 10 to 15 Gy (mean dose 13 Gy). FINDINGS: The duration of follow-up varied from 24 to 118 months (mean clinical follow-up 56 months, mean radiological follow-up 52.6 months). All 32 patients survived. The tumour volume remained unchanged in 28 patients and decreased slightly in 4. Neurological status worsened permanently in 2 patients with a delayed hemiparesis due to focal pontine infarction. These complications were associated with large meningiomas with vascular involvement and ventral brainstem compression, and occurred at the very early stage of our experience. At last follow-up, preoperative fifth or sixth cranial nerve deficits had improved or recovered in 13 out of 19 patients and any delayed worsening or new cranial nerve deficits were not observed after radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery with a Gamma knife provides effective management of small to middle sized petroclival meningiomas and is an alternative to microsurgery. Careful selection of patients and use of major technical refinements should improve the safety of this treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis: arguments in favor of surgical management after analysis of 8 patients].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to assess the efficacy of primary surgical stabilization in the management of traumatic C2 spondylolisthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients including 5 men and 3 women (mean age, 44 years) were treated surgically for traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. Three patients presented permanent neurological deficit. The indication for operative treatment included fracture instability and association with either neurological deficit or multiple trauma. External immobilization was attempted and failed in two patients. In all cases the procedure was performed by the anterior route and consisted of surgical fixation with C2/C3 discectomy, intersomatic graft placement, and bone fusion. RESULTS: Using the Effendi and Levine classification, fractures were classified as type I in 2 cases, type II in 3, type IIa in 2, and type III in 1. The two patients with severe tetraparesis presented spinal cord contusion at the C2/C3 disk level. Postoperative radiography demonstrated C2/C3 fusion in all patients. No surgical complications were observed. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days. CONCLUSION: Surgical stabilization by C2-C3 fusion via the anterior route is effective for management of all types of traumatic C2 spondylolisthesis. It achieves immediate stability. We recommend its use as a primary intervention not only for unstable lesions but also for lesions associated with neurological deficits or multiple trauma. A major benefit is to facilitate nursing care and patient rehabilitation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[A retrospective study of 32 lumbar synovial cysts. Clinical aspect and surgical management].

We report a retrospective analysis of a series of 32 cases of lumbar synovial cysts. Clinically, two populations were identified: patients who presented radicular pain mimicking the clinical diagnosis of disk herniation (group I) and patients who presented neurogenic claudication consistent with a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (group II). The radiological work-up consisted in standard X-rays and CT-scan for all patients. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed in 14 patients. All the patients were operated on. The surgical technique consisted in foraminotomy for patients in group I and more or less extensive laminectomy for patients in group II. Functional outcome was marked by a significant improvement in 96.9% of the patients and those who presented a motor deficit recovered in 83% of the cases. Based on the findings in this series, we discuss the clinical aspects and the therapeutic management of this pathological entity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Intracranial aneurysm revealed by panhypopituitarism. Considerations on therapeutic management based on a case report and review of the literature].

We report a case of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm in paraclinoidal location which was a unmasked by severe panhypopituitarism. An ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) clamp test was performed in the pretreatment stage. The test was well tolerated and the aneurysm could be embolized with GDC (Guglielmi detachable coils) without necessitating an occlusion of the ICA. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 48 hours. At one year, cerebral angiograms confirmed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. Therapeutic management of this rare entity is discussed along with a careful and exhaustive review of the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Metastatic meningioma to the first thoracic vertebral body. A case report and review of the literature].

This report describes a case of metastatic meningioma involving the first thoracic vertebral body in a 63-year-old woman. The patient was treated surgically 10 years earlier for a benign meningioma of the right parietal vault. Local recurrence was diagnosed in 1992. Despite the gamma-knife radiosurgery, recurrence required surgical treatment in 1999. Histological findings were compatible with atypical meningioma (grade II WHO). One year later, the patient presented left C8 cervicobrachial neuralgia. Investigation led to discovery of a D1 tumor that was a metastasis of the atypical intracranial meningioma. A resection of the vertebral T1 body with C7-T2 osteosynthesis was performed with an excellent recovery and no postoperative complication.

Brachial Plexus Neuritis↗
PubMed2002

[Dissemination of melanoma cells after anterior surgery of the cervical spine].

We describe a previously unreported complication after anterior surgery of the cervical spine for melanoma. Ten days after the surgical procedure, a 51-year-old man presented a huge cystic cervical metastasis along the surgical route. The pathophysiology and the surgical risk of the procedure are discussed.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed2002

[Postoperative intracranial seeding of craniopharyngioma. Three case reports and a review of the literature].

Metastasis of craniopharyngioma is uncommon. Only 10 cases have been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe 3 patients who presented metastases following operative treatment of suprasellar craniopharyngioma. All 3 patients (ages: 32, 11, and 9 years) underwent radical excision of a supradiaphragmatic, retrochiasmatic craniopharyngioma by the right frontopterional approach. Resection was considered as total in all cases. All patients required hormone replacement therapy. Local recurrence was observed in only one case. Metastasis occurred along the surgical route in all three patients. The interval between surgery and metastasis was 5 and 3 years in the first two cases. The third patient presented two metastases: one in the temporal space at 3 years and another in the frontal space at 10 years. Repeat surgery was performed in 2 patients. The first case involved a lesion located in the right frontal space, and the second involved local recurrence and metastasis along the surgical route. The third patient was treated by puncture and radiation therapy for the temporal lesion and surveillance for the frontal lesions. No recurrence has been observed at 2 and 7 years after re-operation. Although rare, metastasis of craniopharyngioma has been reported up to 21 years after resection of the primary tumor. Metastasis often occurs along the surgical route, as in our 3 cases, but spreading to distant locations via cerebrospinal fluid has been observed. Regular follow-up is necessary, even after supposedly total resection.

Adult↗