The Predisposing Causes Associated with a Poor Outcome for the Surgical Treatment of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the main causes leading to a poor outcome (severe disability, a vegetative state and death) following surgical treatment for ruptured intracerbral aneurysms. METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 2007, we maintained a retrospective database of 339 patients who underwent surgical clipping. The various causes we investigated were the technical problems during operation, the initial SAH or ICH, vasospasm, hydrocephalus and the post-operative medical complications. The clinical outcome was assessed according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GOS). RESULTS: There were 263 cases of good outcomes (77.6%) and 76 cases of poor outcomes (22.4%). The three main causes of a poor outcome were 1) preoperative causes such as the direct insult of the initial SAH and ICH in 21 cases (27.6%), 2) intra-operative causes such as the technical problems during dissection and clipping of the aneurysm neck in 29 cases (38.2%) and 3) postoperative causes such as clinical vasospasm in 16 cases (21.1%). The mean follow-up period was 17.6 months (range : 2 months to 9 years). CONCLUSION: A meticulous neck dissection and complete obliteration of the aneurysm preserving parent arteries and perforators are the most effective and prime methods that surgeons can employ to reduce the rate of poor outcomes when performing ruptured aneurysm surgery.

Intraventricular Glioblastoma Multiforme with Previous History of Intracerebral Hemorrhage : A Case Report

GBM is the most common primary brain tumor, but intraventricular GBM is rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report a case of 64-year-old man who had a remote history of previous periventricular intracerebral hemorrhage. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed an intraventricular lesion with inhomogeneous enhancement, infiltrative borders and necrotic cyst, and obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient underwent surgical removal through transcortical route via the bottom of previous hemorrhage site and the final pathologic diagnosis was GBM. We present a rare case of an intraventricular GBM with detailed clinical course, radiological findings, and pathological findings, and the possible origin of this lesion is discussed.

The Utility and Benefits of External Lumbar CSF Drainage after Endovascular Coiling on Aneurysmal ubarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral vasospasm still remains a major cause of the morbidity and mortality, despite the developments in treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The authors measured the utility and benefits of external lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to prevent the clinical vasospasm and its sequelae after endovascular coiling on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in this randomized study. METHODS: Between January 2004 and March 2006, 280 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were treated at our institution. Among them, 107 patients met our study criteria. The treatment group consisted of 47 patients who underwent lumbar CSF drainage during vasospasm risk period (about for 14 days after SAH), whereas the control group consisted of 60 patients who received the management according to conventional protocol without lumbar CSF drainage. We created our new modified Fisher grade on the basis of initial brain computed tomography (CT) scan at admission. The authors established five outcome criteria as follows : 1) clinical vasospasm; 2) GOS score at 1-month to 6-month follow-up; 3) shunt procedures for hydrocephalus; 4) the duration of stay in the ICU and total hospital stay; 5) mortality rate. RESULTS: The incidence of clinical vasospasm in the lumbar drain group showed 23.4% compared with 63.3% of individuals in the control group. Moreover, the risk of death in the lumbar drain group showed 2.1% compared with 15% of individuals in the control group. Within individual modified Fisher grade, there were similar favorable results. Also, lumbar drain group had twice more patients than the control group in good GOS score of 5. However, there were no statistical significances in mean hospital stay and shunt procedures between the two groups. IVH was an important factor for delayed hydrocephalus regardless of lumbar drain. CONCLUSION: Lumbar CSF drainage remains to play a prominent role to prevent clinical vasospasm and its sequelae after endovascular coiling on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Also, this technique shows favorable effects on numerous neurological outcomes and prognosis. The results of this study warrant clinical trials after endovascular treatment in patients with aneurysmal SAH.

A Case of Biphasic Synovial Sarcoma of Frontal Bone in an Elderly Patient

Synovial sarcomas are rare soft tissue malignancies arising from tendons, tendon sheaths, and bursal structures. These tumors usually develop in the extremities of adolescents and young adults. Uncommonly, these tumors may arise in the head and neck approximately 9% of all synovial sarcomas. Most common sites of head and neck synovial sarcomas are hypopharynx and surrounding structures of paranasal sinuses. However, frontal bone without involving paranasal sinus is extremely rare. We report a case of biphasic synovial sarcoma of the frontal bone discuss the clinical and pathologic features of this case with the literature review.

Elevation of Depressed Skull Fracture with a Cup of Breast Pump and a Suction Generator: A Case Report in Technical Aspects

Surgical elevation of the depressed bone is known to be the conventional treatment usually recommended for a simple depressed skull fracture in the adult or pediatric age. The authors introduce, however, a case of depressed skull fracture in an infant which was elevated by means of a cup of breast pump and a suction generator without surgical elevation. In our case, without surgery, a 'cup-shaped' depressed skull fracture in an infant was safely elevated with no neurological signs. This method is considered a simple, effective, safe, and alternative procedure in an infant with simple depressed skull fracture.

Coil Embolization for Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are a common source of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). But, ruptured distal MCA aneurysm is very rare, and their clinical and radiological features are poorly understood. Microsurgical repair remains the most common method used to treat distal MCA aneurysm, even though endovascular coiling has been favored recently. We report our experience of successful coiling for ruptured distal MCA aneurysm. In selected patients, coiling may be a good treatment option for ruptured distal MCA aneurysm.

'Y-stenting' for Endovascular Coiling of Small Basilar Tip Aneurysm

This 58-year-old woman was transferred from a local hospital due to symptoms of acute headache and decreased consciousness. Computed tomography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage with blood clot in prepontine cistern. On the first day in the hospital, diagnostic cerebral angiography revealed a basilar tip aneurysm. We performed basilar artery to bilateral posterior cerebral artery(PCA) stent placement to reconstruct the basilar artery apex.

Surgical Outcomes of Pituitary Apoplexy

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical syndrome caused by pituitary hemorrhage, hemorrhagic infarction, or ischemic infarction within a pituitary tumor or surrounding structure. We analyzed surgical outcomes of pituitary apoplexy. METHODS: From 1995 to 2004, we reviewed our experience of 29 cases with pituitary apoplexy. In all patients, pre- and postoperative clinical presentation were checked and endocrine study were performed. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms were visual disturbance (24 cases, 82.8%) and headache (22 cases, 75.9%). After surgery, headache improved in 86.4%, 88.9% among 18cases who had preoperative reduction in visual acuity and 75.0% among 12 cases who had preoperative reduction in visual field improved. In endocrine study, long-term steroid and thyroid hormone replacement therapy was necessary in 42.9% of 14 cases presenting preoperative hypopituitarism. Postoperative transient hypopituitarism developed in 5 cases (33.3%) and they all recovered in follow up study. Postoperative endocrinological recovery were in 77.9% of 9 cases with preoperative prolactinoma, 1 case in 2 cases with acromegaly and one case with Cushing disease. Postoperative complications were diabetes inspidus(DI) in 1 case (3.4%), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in 2 cases (6.8%) and death in 1 case (3.4%) due to sepsis. CONCLUSION: We report good results through surgery of pituitary apoplexy in a clinical and endocrine outcomes. The surgery should be performed as soon as possible to be a suitable method for treating pituitary apoplexy.

LINAC Radiosurgery for Hemangioblastoma

The author performed radiosurgery with linear accelerator(LINAC) on two patients who were unable to receive surgical treatment. A 75-year-old-male patient(case 1) whose main complaints were gait disturbance and headache had undergone total resection of cerebellar hemangioblastoma five years before the admission and the lesion recurred. Because the patient's general condition was poor, radiosurgery with LINAC was performed and at 1 month after the radiosurgery, obstructive hydrocephalus developed, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt was done. After 11 months, follow-up brain magnetic resonance image findings showed the decrease of the size of the tumor, and the patient's consciousness returned to alertness. He could also walk using a cane. A 28-year-old male paient(case 2) whose main complaints were vertigo, ataxia refused to receive surgical resection due to his religious beliefs, and radiosurgery was performed, after cyst aspiration with ommaya reservoir insertion as an alternative. Eighteen months later, the tumor size has decreased and there were no radiosurgical complications. The patient has been followed-up at the outpatient without any notable symptoms. Through these two cases, the authors experienced tumor control by LINAC radiosurgery when surgical treatment is not acceptable. Radiosurgery seems safe and effective in the treatment of hemangioblastoma, but there is the need for further evaluation.

LINAC Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

OBJECTIVE: The author conducts a retrospective study to analyze long-term outcome and complication of LINAC radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformation(AVM). METHODS: We performed a detailed long-term follow-up study of 31 patients who could be followed up more than 2 years, with AVM treated by LINAC radiosurgery during January, 1996 to July, 2001. At the time of radiosurgery, the mean age was 47 years (range: 13-68). The median follow up period after radiosurgery was 27.2 months (range: 24-36). In all patients, AVM were completely covered with a 50~90% isodose line. The margin dose delivered by the LINAC was 14~28Gy(mean: 20.9Gy) at the periphery. RESULTS: Angiographic complete obliteration rate was 74.2% at 2 years after radiosurgery. Hemorrhage occured in 2cases(6.5%) at 12 and 14months after radiosurgery retrospectively, and 1patient died. Radiation related complication was developed in 1case(3.2%). CONCLUSION: LINAC radiosurgery is safe and effective in the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformation.

The Analysis of Procedural Complications of Endovascular Aneurysm Coiling with GDC

OBJECTIVE: The safety and effectiveness of Guglielmi Detachable Coil(GDC) embolization for cerebral aneurysm has been well documented. However, domestically there are few reports. The purpose of this study is to analyze procedural complications that occurred during endovascular coilling performed for cerebral aneurysms retrospectively. METHODS: From January 1996 to December 2003, a total of 453 patients (484 aneurysms) who had undergone GDC embolization for cerebral aneurysm were selected. The aneurysms were classified according to rupture history, location, dome and neck size. Procedural complications such as aneurysmal rupture, thrombosis and occlusion of patent vessels due to coil escape were noted. RESULTS: Procedural complications occurred 49 cases (10.1%). Among these, there were 27 of procedure-related aneurysmal rupture (5.6%), 14 of thrombosis (2.9%), 8 of occlusion of patent vessels due to coil escape (1.7%). Death or severe neurological deficit were seen in 18 cases of procedure-related rupture, 9 cases of thrombosis and 4 cases of coil escape. Procedure-related mortality and morbidity rates for endovascular coiling were calculated to be 2.9% and 3.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: The potential complications associated with shape, size and relationship to parent vessels of each specific cerebral aneurysm must be considered carefully before treatment. In order to reduce complications, proper equipment, knowledge on the hemodynamics and vascular anatomy, and operator's expertise are desired.

Esthesioneuroblastoma with Intracranial Extension: Case Report

We report a case of esthesioneuroblastoma with intracranial extension treated with surgical resection and chemotherapy. A 5-year-old child presented with visual disturbance, and was subsequently found to have a huge sized mass in the anterior skull base, suprasellar region and lateral ventricle. A bifrontal craniotomy with excision of the tumor through subfrontal and interhemispheric approach was performed. The patient received postoperative chemotherapy according to Tandem protocol. A follow-up magnetic resonance(MR) image showed that the tumor showed partial regression, however, there was no change in tumor size in lateral ventricle. Second operation with excision of remnant mass through a transcallosal approach was performed. MR image, 9 months after first operation showed the postoperative change in frontal area without enhancing mass. By employing staged operation and chemotherapy, the authors obtained good results in the treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma with intracranial extension.

Lymphocytic Hypophysitis: Case Report

The authors report two cases of lymphocytic hypophsitis: a 38-year-old male patient with headache and diabetes insipidus and in a 64-year-old female patient with headache. Magnetic resonance(MR) image of the patients showed mass-like lesions in the hypophysis as well as loss of high signal on T1-weighted MR images. There was evidence of hypopituitarism. Both patients underwent transsphenoidal approaches for histological diagnosis, which was compatable with lymphocytic hypophysitis. When MR image reveals a characteristic pituitary in the hypophysis lesion with relevant clinical symptoms in a patient, one should include "lymphocytic hypophysitis" as one of the diagnostic possibilities, since the therapeutic options are different from those of pituitary tumors.

A Comparative Surgical Outcome Study between Below and Above 60 Year-old Patients in Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The author divide the patients of cerebral aneurysm into two groups, those under and over sixty years of age, and analyze retrospectively how the ages of patients influence the outcome after the operation. METHODS: Among the patients who underwent surgical treatments for aneurysmal rupture at Dankook University Hospital between June, 1994 and June, 1999, the author took 151 cases in which postoperative follow up was possible over 6 months. After dividing them into the young and old aged groups, the author analyzed, clinical characteristics, postoperative results, complications, and the overall prognosis using Glasgow outcome scale of each group. RESULTS: Comparatively young age group to old age group ratio was 84:67, and the old aged group showed higher occurrence in women. Age distribution ranged from 19 to 78 years of age. According to Hunt-Hess grade measured at the time of admission, there was higher proportion of grade II and III in both groups, and according to Fisher grade based on brain CT scan, there was a higher proportion of grade III in both groups. In the young aged group, aneurysm was found in middle cerebral artery(MCA), anterior cerebral artery(ACA) and posterior cerebral artery(PCA) in the order of frequency. In the old aged group, aneurysm of PCA was most common followed by that of ACA and MCA. There was no higher prevalence of post-operative complications among old aged patients except for the occurrence of hydrocephalus. The outcome of patients assessed 6 months after the operation showed that the prognosis depended more on the Hunt - Hess grade and Fisher grade at the time of admission rather than the difference in age. CONCLUSION: Except for the occurrence of hydrocephalus in the old aged group, age did not seem to in-fluence the occurrence of post-operative complications after surgical treatment of aneurysm. Such findings warrant on aggressive surgical treatment for brain aneurysm in older patients.

LINAC Radiosurgery for Metastatic Brain Tumors

OBJECTIVE: The authors take a group of patient who have undergone radiosurgery for the treatment of metastatic brain tumor, and conduct a retrospective analysis on the therapeutic response and prognotic factors which influenced the outcome. METHODS: The cases of metastatic brain tumor managed with radiosurgery at our hospital between January of 1996 and December of 2000 were 26. Second radiosurgery was performed for new metastasis in two patients. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 59.3 years. A single lesion was found in 17 cases while multiple lesions were found in 11 cases. Median survival period of the pateints who have undergone radiosurgery was 53 weeks, and survival rate at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months was 84.6%, 53.9%, and 19.6% respectively. Overall tumor-control-rate was 92.9%. There was one case of radiation necrosis as a complication. Extracranial metastasis, controlled primary cancer and above 70 of Karnofsky performance scale score were statistically significant prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSION: Radiosurgery is safe and effective in the treatment of metastatic brain tumor. And the control of primary malignant tumor, the presence of extracranial metastasis and above 70 of KPS have seen shown to influence the therapeutic response and prognosis.

Symptomatic Vasospasm and Chronic Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients after Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture-Comparison with Younger Ones / 대한뇌혈관학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus and symptomatic vasospasm in elderly patients following intracranial aneurysm rupture with those of younger patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 189 patients who were treated with open surgery between May 1994 and December 2000. They were divided into two groups; elderly (> or =60 yrs) and younger (< or =59 yrs) group. Incidence of shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus and symptomatic vasospasm was analysed in each group during 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus has developed more frequently in the elderly group (27.8%) than in the younger group (7.3%). Incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was not significantly different between two groups, even though poor grade patients were more represented in the elderly group. CONCLUSION: Meticulous clinical long-term follow-up is needed to detect shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus as early as possble in the elderly patients with operated ruptured intracranial aneurysms and in that case, shunt operation should be undertaken.

Periventricular Germinoma

Germinomas of the central nervous system are rare embryonal tumors(accounting for less than 1% of intracranial neoplasms) that may be located in the pineal region, in the floor of the third ventricle, or in the suprasellar area. We report a case of germinoma developed in periventricular deep white matter without pineal region tumors or suprasellar masses. The 19-year-old male patient presented with slowly progressing headache, dizziness, photophobia, and dysarthria. Initial brain MRI revealed a irregular and dense enhancement from lateral ventricles to 4th ventricle. The stereotactic biopsy of tumor and histologic examination revealed the germinoma. Craniospinal axis radiation therapy was performed. After radiation therapy patient was improved and no neurologic sequelae was seen at discharge. Periventricular germinomas without pineal or suprasellar lesion are very rare. The radiation therapy, as in our case, is beneficial as with other intracranial germinomas. Stereotactic biopsy of periventricular germinoma provides precise pathologic diagnosis and thus allows more specific management.

Clinical Analysis of Pituitary Apoplexy

OBJECTIVES: Pituitary apoplexy is a well-described clinical syndrome resulting from pituitary hemorrhage, hemorrhagic infarction, or infarction, almost invariably occurring in the presence of an adenoma. We analyzed pituitary apoplexy with an emphasis on clinical presentation, pathology and predisposing factors. METHODS: We reviewed 35 histologically proven pituitary adenomas, operated from January 1995 to August 1999, to select 8 cases which showed clinical or operative findings compatible with pituitary apoplexy. These patients were analyzed in terms of symptom and sign, hormonal status, and predisposing factors, pathologic findings. RESULTS: Among 35 surgically treated tumors of the pituitary gland, 8 cases(23%) were diagnosed as pituitary apoplexy. The pathologic findings revealed hemorrhage(7 cases) and infarction(1 case) of pituitary adenomas. One case had predisposing factor of appendectomy. The most common presenting symptom and sign were sudden severe headache and visual disturbance. CONCLUSION: We treated pituitary apoplexy surgically and obtained good outcomes. Pituitary apoplexy due to massive infarction of the pituitary gland is very rare condition but surgical treatment by trans-spheniodal surgery showed a good result.

Multiple Spinal Intradural Schwannomas in the Absence of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Manifestations: A Case Report

No abstract available.

Multiple Metastases of the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Associated with Intracranial Metastasis

OBJECTIVE: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a relatively slowly growing malignant tumor. Probably at least 40-50% of patients eventually develop distant metastases. We present the natural history and treatment modality of this malignancy from our experience and review of literature. METHODS: We report a case of a 30-year-old man who complained of a headache, facial pain and hearing disturbance in the right ear. Physical examination revealed soft, protruded mass and narrowed external auditory canal. The cranial MRI showed a well defined mass in the extradural middle cranial fossa. RESULTS: The patient underwent subtotal resection of the lesion after tumor embolization was performed. The pathological diagnosis was adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient received postoperative radiation therapy(56Gy) resulting in a complete neurological recovery. Fifteen months later, the patient was readmitted for severe back pain. Bone scan disclosed hot uptakes at the upper cervical spine, the 4th lumbar vertebra, and the pelvic area. These areas were irradiated(40Gy) and the presenting symptoms were relieved. Twenty months later, he complained of respiratory difficulty and was found to have a multiple nodule(s) in the lung. He was given 10 cycles of chemotherapy but discharged because of unresponsivencess and development of new lesions. Brain MRI and bone scan were checked 10 months after his discharge due to more aggravated lung metastasis although local tumor was controlled. Adjuvant radiation therapy(18Gy) was performed and he continued to be functional independently, although he was no longer working as a registered nurse. Two months later, dyspnea and hemoptysis were more improved and chest X-ray showed decreased mass. During the follow up period, he complained of intercostal pain, chest X-ray showed more aggregated lung mass. Chest CT scan showed multiple lung metastases and liver metastasis. In spite of adjuvant radiotherapy, the patient died of multiple systemic metastases 47 months after the first operation. CONCLUSION: Surgery is essential in the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Radiotherapy has gained acceptance as a palliative therapy, as it reduces tumor bulk and relieves symptoms. The combined treatment do not, however, prevent further recurrence and distance metastasis.