Background Different methods of cranioplasty for the reconstruction of bony skull defects exist. In the absence of the autologous bone flap, a customised manufactured implant may be the optimal choice, but this implant has several limitations regarding its technical standardisation and better cost-effectiveness. Methods This study presents a series of 16 consecutive patients who had undergone cranioplasty with customised three-dimensional (3D) template moulds for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants manufactured after 3D modelling on a specific workstation. The virtual images were transformed into a two-piece physical model using a 3D printer for the biomaterials. PMMA implant was produced intraoperatively with the custom mould. Cosmetic results were analysed by comparing pre- and postoperative 3D computed tomography (CT) images and asking if the patient was satisfied with the result. Results The average total time for planning and production of customised mould was 10 days. The 16 patients were satisfied with the result, and CT images presented harmonious symmetry when comparing pre- and postoperative scans. Cases of postoperative infection, bleeding, or reoperation in this series were not observed. Conclusion Cranioplasty with high-technology customised 3D moulds for PMMA implants can allow for an aesthetic reconstruction with a fast and cost-effective manufacturing process and possibly with low complication rates.

Introduction: In the last two decades the 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been utilized in primary brain lesions and metastases surgery to aid the identification of tumor limits and infiltration. Objectives: In this retrospective study, we demonstrate our experience with the first 41 cases Latin America of surgical resection of central nervous system (CNS) lesions with 5-ALA. Methods: In 41 consecutive patients, we recorded age, sex, histopathological diagnosis, intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence tumor response, 5-ALA post-resection resection grade through magnetic resonance image (MRI) and other concomitantintra-operative techniques utilized (transoperative imaging, awake surgery, electrophysiological stimulation and monitoring). Results: Twenty seven high-grade gliomas and 4 non-glial lesions were 5-ALA fluorescence positive; 6 low-grade gliomas, 1 high-grade glioma and a hippocampal gliosis were 5-ALA fluorescence negative. In one case of a low-grade glioma, the patient developed a cardiac arrhythmia, probably not related to 5-ALA administration, but the surgery was suspended. Conclusions: 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery is a safe and easy technique to be used, increasing tumor total gross resection in glioma cases, proving to be an invaluable neurosurgical tool for intracranial tumor surgery. There was no serious side effect in this series. This dye should be utilized in all cases of high-grade gliomas.

-Syncope is a condition often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. However, the diff e rential diagnosis between both conditions can be quite difficult, even for well-trained physicians. Four cases of epilepsy and/or syncope are reported, to exemplify this situation. Each case is discussed individually, and the confounding factors are analyzed.KEY WORDS: epilepsy, syncope, seizures, differential diagnosis, non-epileptic events.Síncopes ou crises epilépticas? Alguns exemplos de fatores de confusão diagnóstica RESUMO -Síncope é uma condição freqüentemente diagnosticada equivocadamente como crise epilépti-ca. No entanto, existem algumas situações nas quais a diferenciação entre ambas pode ser difícil até mesmo para alguns médicos ou especialistas bastante familiarizados com essas condições. Quatro casos de pacientes com epilepsia e/ou síncope procuraram os autores para elucidação diagnóstica. Cada caso é discutido individualmente, assim como os potenciais fatores de confusão são analisados.

Introduction The improvement on the extent of resection (EOR) of gliomas with the combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has been demonstrated in previous studies. We present our results with the combined use of 5-ALA and (iMRI) in the surgery of glial lesions. Methods A total of 64 cases of patients with intracranial gliomas who underwent image-guided surgery using 5-ALA with and without (iMRI) were reviewed. All patients underwent an early postoperative MRI to evaluate the EOR. Other intra-operative techniques (awake surgery, electrophysiological stimulation and monitoring) were also performed according to the location of the tumor. Results A total of 18 tumors did not show intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence (according to the World Health Organization [WHO] classification of tumors, 2 WHO-grade I, 14 WHO-grade II, 1 WHO-grade III and 1 WHO-grade IV), and 46 tumors showed intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence (3 WHO-grade II, 3 WHO-grade III, 40 WHO-grade IV). In 28 of the 46 5-ALA positive cases, a safe 5-ALA free resection was achieved. In the 5-ALA negative cases, the (iMRI) findings guided the EOR, and complete resection was achieved in 11 cases. Complete resection was opted out in gliomas infiltrating eloquent areas. Conclusions The combined use of 5-ALA and IMRI showed improved results in glioma surgery, offering the safest maximal EOR. In the 5-ALA positive cases (mostly high-grade), fluorescence was a more useful tool. In the 5- ALA negative cases (mostly low-grade), the (iMRI) was decisive to guide the EOR of the tumor.

A instabilidade atlantoaxial possui múltiplas causas e muitas vezes requer tratamento cirúrgico. Várias técnicas estão disponíveis para realização da fixação atlantoaxial, todas elas com diferentes vantagens e desvantagens. Em 2004, Wrigth descreveu a técnica de fixação translaminar de C2, que oferece uma fixação rígida, porém sem a dificuldade técnica da colocação de parafusos na pars de C2 e com eliminação do risco de lesão da artéria vertebral. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a técnica de fixação translaminar de C2, enfatizando detalhes técnicos, risco e benefícios em comparação com as outras técnicas de fixação atlantoaxial. Palavras-chave: Coluna Vertebral; Articulação Atlantoaxial;Áxis; Fusão Vertebral: instrumentação. ABSTRACTAtlantoaxial instability often requires surgical treatment. Several techniques are available to perform antlantoaxial stabilization, and all of these have their different advantages and disadvantages. In 2004, Wright described the C2 translaminar screw fixation, which offers rigid fixation but without the technical demands of C2 pars placement and eliminates the risk of vertebral artery injury. The aim of this study is to review the C2 translaminar screw fixation technique, emphasizing operative details, risks and benefits comparing with the others atlantoaxial fixation techniques. J Bras Neurocirurg 23 (2): 152-156, 2012 Aurich LA, Milano JB, Junior EBS, Ramina R -C2 Translaminar Screw Fixation (Wright`s Technique) Applicability in Atlantoaxial Instability