Ventricular volume change in childhood

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 584-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Xenos ◽  
Spyros Sgouros ◽  
Kalyan Natarajan

Object. The aim of this study was to construct a model of age-related changes in ventricular volume in a group of normal children ages 1 month to 15 years, which could be used for comparative studies of cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders and cerebral atrophy developmental syndromes. Methods. A magnetic resonance imaging—based segmentation technique was used to measure ventricular volumes in normal children; each volume was then plotted against the child's age. In addition, intracranial volumes were measured and the ratio of ventricular to intracranial volume was calculated and plotted against age. The study group included 71 normal children, 39 boys and 32 girls, whose ages ranged from 1 month to 15.3 years (mean 84.9 months, median 79 months). The mean ventricular volume was 21.3 cm3 for the whole group, 22.7 cm3 in boys and 19.6 cm3 in girls (p = 0.062, according to t-tests). The mean ventricular volume at 12 months for the whole group was 17 cm3 (20 cm3 in boys and 15 cm3 in girls), representing 65% of the volume achieved by 15 years of age (87% in boys and 53% in girls). The volume increased by a factor of 1.53, to 26 cm3 (23 cm3 in males and 28 cm3 in females, increase factors of 1.15 and 1.86, respectively) at 15 years of age. The change in ventricular volume with age is not linear, but follows a segmental pattern. These age periods were defined as: 0 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 10, and 11 to 16 years. A statistical difference based on sex was only demonstrated in the first 6 years of life. The mean ventricular volume for the first 6-year period was 22.4 cm3 in boys and 15.7 cm3 in girls, and the difference was significant for the two sexes (linear regression analysis for age and sex, significant according to analysis of variance regression at 0.007, p = 0.108 for age, p = 0.012 for sex). Thereafter, there was no significant difference in ventricular volume between boys and girls with further growth. The ratio of ventricular volume to intracranial volume was 0.0175 for the whole group, 0.017 in boys and 0.018 in girls (p = 0.272, according to t-tests). At 12 months of age the ratio was 0.019; it stabilized to 0.015 at 8 years of age, and increased to 0.018 at 15 years of age. No statistical difference based on sex was demonstrated with growth. Conclusions. The ventricular volume in normal children increases with age by a factor of 1.5; the increase is in a nonlinear segmental pattern. Boys have significantly higher ventricular volumes only in the first 6 years of life. The ventricular/intracranial volume ratio remains stable throughout childhood.

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gonzalez-martinez ◽  
Laura Hernandez ◽  
Lucia Zamorano ◽  
Andrew Sloan ◽  
Kenneth Levin ◽  
...  

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma and to identify prognostic factors related to tumor control and survival that might be helpful in determining appropriate therapy. Methods. Twenty-four patients with intracranial metastases (115 lesions) metastatic from melanoma underwent radiosurgery. In 14 patients (58.3%) whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was performed, and in 12 (50%) chemotherapy was conducted before radiosurgery. The median tumor volume was 4 cm3 (range 1–15 cm3). The mean dose was 16.4 Gy (range 13–20 Gy) prescribed to the 50% isodose at the tumor margin. All cases were categorized according to the Recursive Partitioning Analysis classification for brain metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed to determine significant prognostic factors affecting survival. The mean survival was 5.5 months after radiosurgery. The analyses revealed no difference in terms of survival between patients who underwent WBRT or chemotherapy and those who did not. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean survival was observed between patients receiving immunotherapy or those with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of greater than 90. Conclusions. The treatment with systemic immunotherapy and a KPS score greater than 90 were factors associated with a better prognosis. Radiosurgery for melanoma-related brain metastases appears to be an effective treatment associated with few complications.


1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Shapiro ◽  
Arno Fried ◽  
Anthony Marmarou

✓ The pressure-volume index (PVI) technique of bolus manipulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used to measure neural axis volume-buffering capacity and resistance to the absorption of CSF in 16 hydrocephalic infants prior to shunting. The mean steady-state intracranial pressure (ICP) was 11.7 ± 5.7 mm Hg (± standard deviation (SD)), representing a modest elevation of ICP in infants. The mean measured PVI was 28.1 ± 1.5 ml (± standard error of the mean (SEM)) compared to the predicted normal level for these infants of 12.1 ± 2.7 ml (± SD) (p < 0.001). This resulted from an enhanced volume storage capacity in the hydrocephalic infants. The PVI was not related to ventricular size in these hydrocephalic infants. Although absorption of the additional bolus of fluid did not occur at steady-state ICP, it was readily absorbed once ICP was raised above a mean threshold pressure of 16.0 ± 5.0 mm Hg (± SD) in 13 of the 16 infants. Above this pressure, the mean CSF absorption resistance was 7.2 ± 1.3 mm Hg/ml/min (± SEM) which is twice the normal values as measured by the bolus injection technique. The biomechanical profile of infantile hydrocephalus described in this study indicates that two factors are required for progression of ventricular volume. While an absorptive defect may initiate the hydrocephalic process, progressive volume storage requires an alteration in the mechanical properties of the intracranial compartment.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoaki Kinoshita ◽  
Isao Ohki ◽  
Kenneth R. Roth ◽  
Kageharu Amano ◽  
Hideshige Moriya

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically demonstrated results and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior decompressive surgery via a new (unilateral) approach. This approach allows surgeons to perform central and bilateral decompression while only stripping the muscles unilaterally, thus preserving the posterior osteoligamentous complexes. Methods. The authors evaluated 51 consecutive patients in whom surgery was performed between 1987 and 1996. The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements in percentage of vertebral slippage. Postoperative dynamic angulation statistically decreased compared with its preoperative value (p < 0.05). Improvement of an average of 67% was shown on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, and in 78% of these patients, good to excellent results were demonstrated. Secondary fusion was required in only three patients (5.9%). Conclusions. This new surgical technique offers a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in a minimally invasive manner, avoiding the risk of causing or aggravating postoperative spinal instability.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Shane Tubbs ◽  
Matthew D. Smyth ◽  
John C. Wellons ◽  
Jeffrey P. Blount ◽  
Paul A. Grabb ◽  
...  

Object. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no quantitative analysis of the atlantoaxial interlaminar distance in flexion (ILD) in children exists in the medical literature. In this study they sought to determine the age-matched relationship between the posterior elements of the atlas and axis in children in cervical spine flexion, to be used as an adjunct to the atlantodental interval in common clinical use. Methods. Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine in full flexion were analyzed in 74 children. The atlantoaxial ILD was defined as the distance between a midpoint of the anterior cortices of the atlantal and axial posterior arches. The mean ILD for the entire group was 19 mm (range 8–30 mm). No significant difference was seen between male and female patients (p = 0.084). When stratified by age, the mean ILD was 12.3 ± 3 mm (15 cases) in children age 3 years or younger and 20.5 ± 4.7 mm (59 cases) in children age older than 3 years. Further stratification of the groups yielded a mean ILD of 10.4 ± 1.4 [eight cases]) in children age 1 to 2 years, and 14.4 ± 4.7 mm (seven cases) in children age 3 years. In children older than 3 years of age the mean ILD was consistently approximately 20 ± 5 mm regardless of age. Conclusions. Rapid, safe, and accurate diagnosis of the cervical spine is essential in critical care. Knowledge of the distance between the posterior elements of the atlas and axis in flexion should enhance the clinicians' (those who clear cervical spines) ability to diagnose accurately atlantoaxial instability on lateral radiographs obtained in flexion.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Xenos ◽  
Spiros Sgouros ◽  
Kalyan Natarajan ◽  
A. Richard Walsh ◽  
Anthony Hockley

Object. The goal of this study was twofold: to investigate the change in ventricular volume in children with hydrocephalus in response to shunt placement and to assess the effects of two different valve types (Medium Pressure [MP] cylindrical valve and Delta [model 1.5] valve). Methods. Ventricular volume was measured using segmentation techniques on computerized tomography scans and magnetic resonance images obtained in 40 children with hydrocephalus who ranged in age from 4 days to 16 years. Imaging was performed preoperatively and at 5 days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The results were compared with measurements obtained in 71 healthy children ranging in age from 1 month to 15 years. Each ventricular volume that was measured was divided by the corresponding sex and age—related mean normal volume to calculate the “× normal” ventricular volume, indicating how many times larger than normal the ventricle was. The mean preoperative ventricular volume was 232 cm3 (range 50–992 cm3). The mean postoperative volumes were 147, 102, 68, and 61 cm3 at 5 days and at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment, respectively. The mean preoperative × normal ventricular volume was 14.5 (range 2.2–141.7), and the mean postoperative × normal volumes were 7.9, 5.6, 3.5, and 2.9 at 5 days and 3, 6, and 12 months postimplantation, respectively. The rate of volume reduction was consistently higher in patients who received the MP valve in comparison with those who received the Delta valve, both for new shunt insertions and for shunt revisions. The difference between the two valve groups did not reach statistical significance. Two patients in whom ventricular volumes increased during the study period experienced shunt obstruction at a later time. Conclusions. Preoperative ventricular volume in children with hydrocephalus can be up to 14 times greater than normal. In response to shunt placement, the ventricular volume continues to fall during the first 6 months after operation. The effect is more profound in children who receive the MP valve than in those who receive the Delta valve, although in this study the authors did not demonstrate statistical significance in the difference between the two valves. Nevertheless, this may indicate that the MP valve produces overdrainage in comparison with the Delta valve, even within the first few months after insertion. There is some indication that sequential ventricular volume measurement may be used to identify impending shunt failure.


1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 1085-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren R. Selman ◽  
Sana U. Bhatti ◽  
C. Cory Rosenstein ◽  
W. David Lust ◽  
Robert A. Ratcheson

✓ Temporary occlusion of an intracranial artery is frequently necessary in the surgical management of intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and tumors. While the risks of vessel damage associated with clip application have been lessened by improved design, the threat of ischemic damage remains. It is unclear whether multiple, brief periods of clip application are more or less safe than a single period of occlusion, and whether the underlying cerebrovascular status influences the outcome from either method. The effect of each of these paradigms (single: 1-hour occlusion; multiple: three 20-minute episodes separated by 10 minutes of reperfusion) on histopathological outcome was assessed in a middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model using both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The mean volume of infarction (± standard error of the mean) was not different between the single-ischemic (49.4 ± 17.3 cu mm) and the multiple-ischemic (42.9 ± 12.9 cu mm) episode groups of normotensive rats, whereas in the spontaneously hypertensive rats a significant difference existed between the volume of infarction for the single-occlusion group (126.7 ± 18.7 cu mm) and the multiple-occlusion group (162.4 ± 15.5 cu mm) (p < 0.05). The metabolic data obtained from spontaneously hypertensive animals did not provide an explanation for the larger infarction in that there were no significant differences between the single- and multiple-occlusion groups with respect to tissue glucose, adenosine triphosphate, or lactate levels. The results suggest that intermittent reperfusion may have different effects depending not only on the degree and duration of ischemia and reperfusion, but also on the underlying cerebrovascular status.


1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore H. Schwartz ◽  
Brian Ho ◽  
Charles J. Prestigiacomo ◽  
Jeffrey N. Bruce ◽  
Neil A. Feldstein ◽  
...  

Object. Ventricular size often shows no obvious change following third ventriculostomy, particularly in the early postoperative period, making postoperative evaluation difficult without expensive and often invasive testing in patients with equivocal clinical responses. The authors hypothesized that performing careful volumetric measurements would show decreases in size within the first 3 weeks after surgery.Methods. Volumetric measurements were calculated from standard 3 × 3—mm axial computerized tomography (CT) scans obtained immediately before and 3 and 21 days after surgery. Two independent investigators measured third ventricular volume in a series of 16 patients and lateral ventricular volume in 10 of the patients undergoing stereotactically guided endoscopic third ventriculostomy for noncommunicating hydrocephalus.Fifteen patients were symptomatically improved at the time the follow-up scan was obtained. Third ventricular volume decreased in all patients by a mean of 35% (range 7.8–95.1%) and lateral ventricular volume decreased in all patients by a mean of 33% (range 4.5–80.3%). The degree of change correlated with the length of preoperative symptoms (p <0.005). The one patient who experienced no improvement showed no decrease in third ventricular volume. In seven of 10 patients, the decrease in third ventricular volume exceeded the decrease in lateral ventricular volume. Repeated measurements indicated that the 95% confidence interval for the authors' calculations varied around the mean by 2.5% for third ventricular volume and 1.2% for lateral ventricular volume. Long-term outcome was excellent, with only one case of delayed failure. The mean follow-up duration was 12 months.Conclusions. Volumetric measurements calculated from standard CT scans will show a demonstrable decrease in ventricular volume soon after successful third ventriculostomy and can be helpful in assessing patients postoperatively. Although the third ventricle may exhibit a greater decrease, the lateral ventricular measurements are more accurate. Patients with more indolent symptoms show the smallest change.


Author(s):  
Syoof Khowman Alramahy ◽  
Akram Hadi Hamza

This study was carried out to study of some immunological aspects among the pulmonary Tuberculosis patients infected with causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A Total of 200 sputum samples were collected from patients attending the consultant Clinic for Chest and Respiratory disease center, Diwaniya. Control group (No=15) also included. According to acid fast stain of sputum, the patients were classified as positive (No=91,45.5%) and negative (No=109,54.5, Lowenstein Jensen medium used for the cultivation of samples, on which 70% of sputum samples where positive culture for this microorganism. The grown microorganism were identified as M. tuberculosis, based on positive A.F.B, Niacin producers ,negative for catlase at 68c. The mean IgG level was l184.053±76.684 mg/100 ml in tuberculosis group compared with 1016.533 ± 44.882 mg/100ml in control group, rendering the statistical difference significant. For IgA and IgM levels, they were at mean of 315.880±38.552 mg/100 ml and 119.527±8.464 mg/100 ml in control group compared with 396.358±38.776 mg/100 ml and 134.207±11.696 mg/100 ml in patients group respectively with significant difference


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Hugues Roche ◽  
Jean Régis ◽  
Henry Dufour ◽  
Henri-Dominique Fournier ◽  
Christine Delsanti ◽  
...  

Object. The authors sought to assess the functional tolerance and tumor control rate of cavernous sinus meningiomas treated by gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS). Methods. Between July 1992 and October 1998, 92 patients harboring benign cavernous sinus meningiomas underwent GKS. The present study is concerned with the first 80 consecutive patients (63 women and 17 men). Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed as an alternative to surgical removal in 50 cases and as an adjuvant to microsurgery in 30 cases. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 6–71 years). The mean tumor volume was 5.8 cm3 (range 0.9–18.6 cm3). On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging the tumor was confined in 66 cases and extensive in 14 cases. The mean prescription dose was 28 Gy (range 12–50 Gy), delivered with an average of eight isocenters (range two–18). The median peripheral isodose was 50% (range 30–70%). Patients were evaluated at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 years after GKS. The median follow-up period was 30.5 months (range 12–79 months). Tumor stabilization after GKS was noted in 51 patients, tumor shrinkage in 25 patients, and enlargement in four patients requiring surgical removal in two cases. The 5-year actuarial progression-free survival was 92.8%. No new oculomotor deficit was observed. Among the 54 patients with oculomotor nerve deficits, 15 improved, eight recovered, and one worsened. Among the 13 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, one worsened (contemporary of tumor growing), five remained unchanged, four improved, and three recovered. In a patient with a remnant surrounding the optic nerve and preoperative low vision (3/10) the decision was to treat the lesion and deliberately sacrifice the residual visual acuity. Only one transient unexpected optic neuropathy has been observed. One case of delayed intracavernous carotid artery occlusion occurred 3 months after GKS, without permanent deficit. Another patient presented with partial complex seizures 18 months after GKS. All cases of tumor growth and neurological deficits observed after GKS occurred before the use of GammaPlan. Since the initiation of systematic use of stereotactic MR imaging and computer-assisted modern dose planning, no more side effects or cases of tumor growth have occurred. Conclusions. Gamma knife radiosurgery was found to be an effective low morbidity—related tool for the treatment of cavernous sinus meningioma. In a significant number of patients, oculomotor functional restoration was observed. The treatment appears to be an alternative to surgical removal of confined enclosed cavernous sinus meningioma and should be proposed as an adjuvant to surgery in case of extensive meningiomas.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 47-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yuh Chung ◽  
David Hung-Chi Pan ◽  
Cheng-Ying Shiau ◽  
Wan-Yuo Guo ◽  
Ling-Wei Wang

Object. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and adjuvant stereotactic procedures by assessing the outcome of 31 consecutive patients harboring craniopharyngiomas treated between March 1993 and December 1999. Methods. There were 31 consecutive patients with craniopharyngiomas: 18 were men and 13 were women. The mean age was 32 years (range 3–69 years). The mean tumor volume was 9 cm3 (range 0.3–28 cm3). The prescription dose to the tumor margin varied from 9.5 to 16 Gy. The visual pathways received 8 Gy or less. Three patients underwent stereotactic aspiration to decompress the cystic component before GKS. The tumor response was classified by percentage reduction of tumor volume as calculated based on magnetic resonance imaging studies. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to improvement and dependence on replacement therapy. An initial postoperative volume increase with enlargement of a cystic component was found in three patients. They were treated by adjuvant stereotactic aspiration and/or Ommaya reservoir implantation. Tumor control was achieved in 87% of patients and 84% had fair to excellent clinical outcome in an average follow-up period of 36 months. Treatment failure due to uncontrolled tumor progression was seen in four patients at 26, 33, 49, and 55 months, respectively, after GKS. Only one patient was found to have a mildly restricted visual field; no additional endocrinological impairment or neurological deterioration could be attributed to the treatment. There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusions. Multimodality management of patients with craniopharyngiomas seemed to provide a better quality of patient survival and greater long-term tumor control. It is suggested that GKS accompanied by adjuvant stereotactic procedures should be used as an alternative in treating recurrent or residual craniopharyngiomas if further microsurgical excision cannot promise a cure.


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