Biomedical subjects

Vasilios A Zerris

Publications and source records attributed to Vasilios A Zerris.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Targeting the cranial nerve: microradiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia with CISS and 3D-flash MR imaging sequences.

OBJECT: The authors undertook a study to identify magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques that can be used reliably during gamma knife surgery (GKS) to identify the trigeminal nerve, surrounding vasculature, and areas of compression. METHODS: Preoperative visualization of the trigeminal nerve and surrounding vasculature as well as targeting the area of vascular compression may increase the effectiveness of GKS for trigeminal neuralgia. During the past years our gamma knife centers have researched different MR imaging sequences with regard to their ability to visualize cranial nerves and vascular structures. Constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) fusion imaging with three-dimensional gradient echo sequences (3D-Flash) was found to be of greatest value in the authors' 25 most recent patients. In 24 (96%) out of the 25 patients, the fifth cranial nerve, surrounding vessels, and areas of compression could be reliably identified using CISS/3D-Flash. The MR images were acceptable despite patients' history of microvascular decompression, radiofrequency (RF) ablation, or concomitant disease. In one of 25 patients with a history of multiple RF lesions, the visualization was inadequate due to severe trigeminal nerve atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The CISS/3D-Flash fusion imaging has become the preferred imaging method at the authors' institutions during GKS for trigeminal neuralgia. It affords the best visualization of the trigeminal nerve, surrounding vasculature, and the precise location of vascular compression.

Atrophy↗

PubMed2004

Brain-machine and brain-computer interfaces.

The idea of connecting the human brain to a computer or machine directly is not novel and its potential has been explored in science fiction. With the rapid advances in the areas of information technology, miniaturization and neurosciences there has been a surge of interest in turning fiction into reality. In this paper the authors review the current state-of-the-art of brain-computer and brain-machine interfaces including neuroprostheses. The general principles and requirements to produce a successful connection between human and artificial intelligence are outlined and the authors' preliminary experience with a prototype brain-computer interface is reported.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Transient choroid plexus cysts and benign asymmetrical ventricles: a case suggesting a possible link: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans occasionally reveal asymmetrical ventricles with no identifiable cause. A case is presented that highlights a possible connection between transient choroid plexus cysts and benign asymmetrical ventricles. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient was a 2.5-week-old asymptomatic boy. Transcranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the infant to have a left frontal horn choroid plexus cyst and a mildly dilated left lateral ventricle. Head circumference was at 90% of the norm for age. The neurological examination revealed nothing abnormal. Four months later, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed complete resolution of the cyst with persistent ventricular asymmetry. INTERVENTION: No surgical intervention was undertaken. The lesion was assessed via x-ray. CONCLUSION: Spontaneously resolving choroid plexus cysts of infancy causing outflow obstruction of the lateral ventricle may be one of the underlying causes of benign asymmetrical ventricles.

Brain Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Nasofrontal dermoid sinus cyst: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Nasofrontal dermoid sinus cysts are rare. The embryological origin, presentation, treatment, and genetic associations of two cases of these cysts are discussed. Emphasis is placed on physical findings and the importance of addressing both the intracranial and extracranial components. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The first patient, a 33-year-old woman, sought care for chemical meningitis. As a child, she was differentiated from her identical twin sister by a dimple on the tip of her nose. The second patient, a 34-year-old man, sought care for new-onset seizures. Since birth, he had a dimple on the tip of his nose. As a child, he had undergone resection of a nasal cyst. Imaging studies in both patients indicated a midline anterior cranial base mass within the falx and a defect in the crista galli. INTERVENTION: Both patients underwent biorbitofrontal nasal craniotomy. A bifrontal craniotomy was performed first, then removal of the orbitonasal ridge. The dermoid and involved falx were resected. The sinus tract was followed through the crista galli and resected up to the osteocartilaginous junction in the nose. The remainder of the tract was resected via a small incision through the nares. The dura was closed primarily by mobilizing the dura along the sides of the crista galli. After surgery, both patients still possessed their sense of smell. CONCLUSION: Nasofrontal dermoid sinus cysts have a unique embryological origin. A midline basal frontal dermoid associated with a dimple on the nasal surface with or without protruding hair and sebaceous discharge is the pathognomonic presentation. It is important to address both the intracranial and extracranial component surgically. Although concomitant anomalies and familial clustering have been described, most cases are spontaneous occurrences.

Adult↗