Prognostic Factors of Hemifacial Spasm after Microvascular Decompression

OBJECTIVE: The factors that influence the prognosis of patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) treated by microvascular decompression (MVD) have not been definitely established. We report a prospective study evaluating the prognostic factors in patients undergoing MVD for HFS. METHODS: From January 2004 to September 2006, the authors prospectively studied a series of 293 patients who underwent MVD for HFS. We prospectively analyzed a number of variables in order to evaluate the predictive value of independent variables for the prognosis of patients undergoing MVD. The patients were followed-up at regular intervals and divided into as cured and unsatisfactory groups based on symptom relief. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total 273 of 293 (94.2%) patients achieved symptom relief within one year after the operation. Intraoperatively, the indentation of the root exit zone was observed in 259 (88.5%) patients. Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed that the symptoms at postoperative 3 months (p<0.001) and indentation of the root exit zone (p=0.036) were associated with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative finding of root exit zone indentation will help physicians determine the prognosis in patients with HFS. To predict the prognosis of HFS, a regular follow-up period of at least 3 months following MVD should be required.

Atypical Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region

We report a very rare case of atypical granular cell tumor arising in the neurohypophysis of a 56-year-old woman. The tumor was seen on radiology to be lobulated, soft and diffusely enhanced, the same as pituitary macroadenoma, but it was anatomically localized within the posterior part of the hypophysis. We partially removed the tumor via the transsphenoidal approach. The pathology showed nuclear pleomorphism, spindling features, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Ki-67 and S-100 protein were focally positive in tumor cells. Histological diagnosis confirmed an atypical granular cell tumor in the sellar region, which is a rare tumor that often has the clinical appearance of a pituitary adenoma. Ophthalmologic symptoms are the most common, followed by endocrinologic manifestations. Here we describe its symptoms and radiological and pathological features.

Clinical Outcome of Surgery for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rationale for treating pure unruptured intracranial aneurysms(UIAs), it is mandatory to know the risk of each treatment modality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical risk for treating UIAs. METHODS: Between December 1994 and May 2005, 147 unruptured aneurysms in 135 patients were treated. The majority of these cases (94.6%) were treated with aneurysmal neck clipping. The remainder received aneurysmal wrapping (2.7%), trapping with bypass (2.0%), or proximal occlusion (0.7%). The clinical outcomes were evaluated in each patient by the Glasgow Outcome Scale at one month post-surgery. RESULTS: The patient pool consisted of 41 males and 94 females. The mean age was 55.9 years (range: 16~82). The aneurysms were located at middle cerebral artery in 63 (42.9%), anterior communicating artery 30 (20.4%), posterior communicating artery in 26 (17.7%), internal carotid artery(ICA) in 14 (9.5%), anterior choroidal artery in 4 (2.7%) and others in 10 (6.9%). One hundred fifteen (78.2%) of aneurysms were small (25mm); 29 (19.7%) and 3 (2.1%) respectively. More than ninety percent (91.1%) of all patients recovered well. Mild to severe disability was seen in 8.7% of the patients. One patient succumbed to complications following injury to the ICA. CONCLUSION: The mortality and morbidity associated with UIA surgery at our hospital compared very favorably to the previous reported literature and with the previously established natural history of this disease.