Magnetic resonance three dimensional sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution sequence for obstructive hydrocephalus: impact on diagnosis and surgical strategy modification / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of magnetic resonance three dimensional sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (3D-SPACE) sequences in diagnosis and surgical strategy modification for obstructive hydrocephalus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2013 to July 2014, there were 152 cases admitted in People's Liberation Army General Hospital suffered from hydrocephalus, including 88 male patients and 64 female patients aging from 8 months to 79 years. All patients were performed magnetic resonance T2WI and 3D-SPACE sequence scanning before operation. Surgical strategy was made after evaluation of 3D-SPACE sequence. Non-communicating hydrocephalus was treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and communicating hydrocephalus was treated with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. According to MR images of direct observation to site of obstruction to determine the detection rate. MRI 3D-SPACE and cranial CT examination were performed in regular follow-up studies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The relevance ratio of 3D-SPACE for the diagnosis of non-communicating hydrocephalus was 98.3% (114/116), while the relevance ratio of conventional T2-weighted MRI was 72.4% (84/116). Among the 152 patients, there were 36 cases with cerebral aqueduct film obstruction, 22 cases with space-occupying lesions in pineal region, posterior part of the third ventricle, or space-occupying lesions in quadrigeminal bodies area, 10 cases with Dandy-Walker symptom, 18 cases with cyst of the anterior pool of the bridge, 16 cases with cysticercosis, 4 cases with cyst of lateral ventricle, 2 cases with cyst of fourth ventricle, 2 cases with space-occupying lesion in foramen ofmonro, 2 cases with foramen ofmonro atresia, 4 cases with craniopharyngioma, 36 cases with communicating hydrocephalus. There were 112 hydrocephalus cases (73.7%) were treated with ETV, without shunt catheter insertion in follow-up study from 1 to 18 months (average (14±9) months).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For obstructive hydrocephalus, MRI 3D-SPACE sequence image has high diagnostic yield rate for providing more detailed anatomical information than conventional MRI. Hence, the advanced imaging methods are helpful for surgical treatment strategy decision making.</p>

Treatment for giant pituitary adenomas through transcranial approach in a series of 112 consecutive patients / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features, surgical transcranial approaches and outcomes of giant pituitary adenomas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A series of 112 consecutive cases of giant pituitary adenomas underwent microsurgery through transcranial approaches at People' s Liberation Army General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 112 patients, 58 were male and 54 were female, with age ranging from 3 to 72 years(mean age 44. 3 years). There were 91 non-functioning adenomas and 21 hormone-secreting adenomas. The maximum tumor diameter varied from 4. 0 to 7. 2 cm, with mean diameter of 4. 8 cm. Unilateral subfrontal approach was chosen in 16 cases, pterional approach in 41 cases, anterior interhemispheric approach in 34 cases, transcallosal-interforniceal approach in 6 cases, transcortical- transventricular approach in 5 cases, combined approach in 6 cases and other approaches in 4 cases. Postoperative MRI and endocrine function were re-examined routinely to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Staged operation through transsphenoidal approach or adjuvant treatments including medical and radiation therapies were administered in patients with hormone-secreting adenomas when hormonal excess persisted after surgery and in patients with non-functioning adenomas who had postoperative MRI evidence of residual tumor.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total removal of the lesion was achieved in 57 cases (50. 9%) , 26 patients (23. 2%) underwent subtotal resection, and 29 patients (25. 9%) underwent partial removal. Postoperative mortality occurred in 3 patients (2. 7%). Major surgical morbidity occurred in 38 patients (33. 9%). Vision was preserved or improved in 98 patients (87. 5%). The postsurgical follow-up period varied from 3 to 64 months (mean 19. 5 months) . Nineteen of the 21 patients with hormone-secreting adenomas were considered to be in hormonal remission, and 87. 2% of the cases were capable of normal work and life and 8 patients suffered recurrence during the followed-up period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Selection of appropriate transcranial approaches is the key to successful microsurgery for giant pituitary adenomas according to the morphological characteristics presented in image examinations and clinical symptoms. Staged transsphenoidal operation and/or adjuvant therapies including medical and radiation therapies offer the best chances to control the residual tumors after the maximal surgical removal of giant adenomas through transcranial approaches.</p>

Combined application of neuroendoscope and laparoscope in ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for treatment of communicating hydrocephalus / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical efficacy of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) assisted by neuroendoscopy and laparoscopy for treatment of communicating hydrocephalus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2010 to January 2014, 209 cases (male 93, female 116) who suffered communicating hydrocephalus performed VPS with neuroendoscopy and laparoscopy in Department of Neurosurgery of People's Liberation Army General Hospital. The age of the patients were from 7 months to 79 years (mean 38.1 years), average duration were 20 days to 4 years (mean (2.4 ± 0.7) months). Neuroendoscopy and laparoscopy were used to help respectively to place shunt catheter to better position, both in the ventricle and peritoneal cavity. The effect of subsequent shunt system survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 209 patients received 255 times of VPS. All operations were successfully completed. No craniotomy or open operation were needed for technical-related complications. Forty-six revisions were performed in all patients. After the operation, 203 patients with hydrocephalus improved at different level after surgery. Thirteen cases occurred intracranial hypotension syndrome and improved after the pressure adjusted. All patients were followed up for 1 month to 4 years, with a median follow-up time of 2.1 years, while the shunt system efficiencies were 91.0%, 86.7%, 83.9% and 82.0% respectively from the end of the 1st year to the end of the 4th year.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For VPS, neuroendoscopy and laparoscopy can respectively help to place shunt catheter to better position, both in the ventricle and peritoneal cavity. Hence, the combination of these two modalities can reduce the failure rate of shunt catheter insertion and has significant impact on shunt system survival.</p>

The clinical diagnosis and treatment of blood-blister-like cerebral aneurysms in supra-clinoid segment of internal carotid artery / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical characteristics, surgical principles and treatment options of blood-blister-like cerebral aneurysms in supra-clinoid segment of internal carotid artery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve blood-blister-like aneurysms were retrospectively studied including 4 open-surgery cases and 8 endovascular-treated cases from November 2008 to December 2012. Patients comprised 8 female and 4 male patients, whose mean age was 46.6 (range 38-56) years. Eleven patients presented with severe headache as the primary symptom, and 1 patient was found with aneurysm incidentally. Preoperative Hunt-Hess graded 0 in 1 patient, graded I in 5 patients, graded II in 4 patients, and graded III in 2 patients. By DSA examinations, 4 blood-blister-like aneurysms located in anterior wall and 8 in medial-anterior wall of supra-clinoid segment of internal carotid artery. Open surgical treatment included direct clipping, trapping, or wrapping and interventional treatment included stent-assisted coiling or simple stent placement. Intra-operative electroencephalogram and somatosensory evoked potentials monitoring was regularly used. Microvascular Doppler ultrasonography and indocyanine green videoangiography were used to assess blood flow in parent and branch vessels. The patients were followed up at 6 months by CT angiography (CTA) examination in outpatient clinic.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For 4 open surgeries, 2 aneurysms were directly clipped, 1 was trapped and 1 was wrapped. The patient underwent trapping paralyzed postoperatively. For endovascular treatment, 6 patients were coiled assisted with stents and 2 patients were treated with simple stent placement. All the patients were followed with a mean follow-up time of 16 months (range, 6-61 months). At 6 months follow-up, 3 out of 4 surgical treated patients had good outcome and 1 was moderately severe disabled by modified Rankin scale; 1 patient underwent wrapping recurred and was transferred to endovascular treatment. Of the 6 patients treated with stent-assisted coiling, 4 patients were recurrent and coil replacements were performed. Two patients with simple stent placement had no recurrences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Blood-blister-like aneurysm is a special type of complex cerebral aneurysm. Comprehensive understanding of blood-blister-like aneurysm is the key to successful treatment.Open surgery is difficult procedure with high risk and complications while stent-assisted coiling has a high recurrent rate. To date, neither is the safe and effective treatment option.</p>

Clinical analysis of the technique of puncture and drainage guided by neuronavigation in treatment of brain abscesses / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the techniques and efficacy of neuronavigation-guided puncture and drainage in the treatment of brain abscesses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2006 to December 2012, 31 patients with brain abscesses treated by the technique of neuronavigation-guided puncture and drainage were retrospectively analyzed. There were 27 male and 4 female patients, age ranged from 10 months to 69 years, average (34 ± 19) years.Single brain abscesses were found in 26 patients, multiple abscesses in 5 patients. The abscesses were located in eloquent regions in 19 patients. The mean diameter of the abscess was 4.1 cm (2.5-6.7 cm). The first follow-up visit was on the first month after surgery, and if residual was observed on enhanced MRI, then the patient was followed up every 3 months until the abscess disappeared completely. After residual absorbed, the patient was followed up every year.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Incisions of all patients were healed well and no infection. The length of hospital stay after surgery was 6-42 days, mean (14 ± 9) days. Bacterial culture of pus was performed regularly including aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture after surgery. Thirteen patients had positive culture whereas the other 18 patients had negative culture. The duration of antibiotic use was 18-42 days, mean (22 ± 5) days. All the patients were followed up for 3 months to 3 years. Twenty-nine patients recovered well postoperatively, 1 case died 2 months after operation.One case was performed the second drainage after 10 days from the first surgery.Eighteen patients showed the improvement of neurological status within the first day following surgery, 4 patients got improvement in the next day, 1 patient with hemiplegia showed improvement in 10 days postoperatively, 1 patient with aphasia recovered gradually after 1 month, 1 patient with hemiplegia showed deterioration temporarily after surgery, and recovered gradually after 15 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The technique of puncture and drainage guided by neuronavigation has many advantages to treat brain abscesses, such as small trauma, short operation time, high accuracy and safety, simple surgical procedures and good prognosis.</p>

Individualized surgical treatment of complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize individualized surgical treatment strategies for complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty patients with complex MCA aneurysms treated by microsurgery in Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between December 2009 and November 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 male and 8 female patients, with a mean age of 43 years (range: 14-58 years). Giant aneurysms (size > 2.5 cm) were found in 6 cases, wide-neck aneurysms in 7 cases and serpentine ones in 3 patients. Important perforators were involved in aneurysm neck in 2 cases. Important branches originated from aneurysms in 6 patients. Two patients harbored recurrent aneurysms after coiling. Individualized surgical strategies were planned according to preoperative imaging. A frontotemporal approach was routinely used. Intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential monitoring, indocyanine green videoangiography and microvascular Doppler ultrasonography were regularly used. A postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed to verify the efficacy of treatment and patency of bypass vessels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 20 cases, 7 aneurysms were clipped with clipping and reconstruction of parent artery with multiple clips, 3 M1 segment aneurysms were proximally occluded with extra-intracranial high-flow revascularization, 2 aneurysms were treated with aneurysmectomy with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery low-flow revascularization, 1 aneurysm was treated with aneurysmectomy with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery low-flow revascularization and branch side-to-side anastomosis, 2 aneurysms were treated with aneurysmectomy and re-anastomosis of parent artery, 1 aneurysm was treated with aneurysmectomy and re-anastomosis of parent artery and reinplantation of lenticulostriate artery, 3 bilateral MCA aneurysms were clipped by unilateral approach, and 1 was trapped. Nineteen patients were favorable with Glasgow Outcome Scale score 4-5 at discharge, and 1 patient died of cardiac infarction one week after surgery. The mean clinical follow-up was 20 months (range: 6-39 months). During follow-up, no bleeding occurred. DSA or CTA confirmed absence of aneurysm in 14 cases and residual neck in 2 patients. The other 3 patients were lost to follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Individualized, multi-modality surgical treatment strategies are effective and safe solution for treatment of complex MCA aneurysms. Revascularization remains imperative surgical technique.</p>

Application of Dextroscope operation planning workstation in intracranial lesion operations Preoperative images reconstruction, simulation and dissection / 中国组织工程研究

The data of 30 patients simulated before surgery were analyzed using Dextroscope operation planning system in Department of Neuresurgery,General Hospital of Chinese PLA between August 2004 and September 2005,including 2 patients with basilar artery aneurysm,1 with posterior cerebral artery aneurysm,3 with ophthalmic aneurysm,2 with middle cerebral artery aneurysms,1 with anterior cerebral artery aneurysm,7 atlas-occipital malformation,4 meningioma,5 schwannomas,and 5 deep gliomas. The primary CT and MRI data of 30 patients were input to the workstation of Dextroscope system for 3D reconstruction,reunion,segmentation and simulation the entire process of the operation. The relationship of the cranial nerves,vessels and skull base bone with lesions during operations were similar with that of the preoperative simulation on the workstation. The time of clipping aneurysms was reduced from (37.60±13.43) minutes to (23.51±7.62) minutes following application of Dextroscope system,and time of resections of odontoid processes was shortened from 81 minutes to 50 minutes. The ratios of complications were decreased and the patients' Karnofsky scales were 88.7 scores 3 months after operation. Dextroscope operation planning system can help doctors to analyze the patients' image data on a 3-D view and video outlook. The system can raise a precise and detailed operation plan before operation based on the simulation of the operation process,to well know the difficulty and shorten operation duration.

Application of External Orthosis for Surgical Treatment of Congenital Craniovertebral Malformation / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the effect of several types of cervical braces used for external immobilization on craniovertebral junction malformation. Methods 48 patients with craniovertebral junction malformation applied several types of cervical braces, including Philadelphia collar, sterno-occipito-mandibular immobilizer (SOMI) and Halo-vest, for the surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Results The primary applications of external cervical brace after posterior internal craniovertebral fixation in this series were 20 cases of Philadelphia collar, 16 cases of SOMI and 12 cases of Halo-vest, with excellent or good results in 80%, 87.5% and 91.7%. The applications of external brace for post-hospital recovery were 16 cases of collar, 15 cases of SOMI and 17 cases of Halo-vest. 35 (72.9%) patients were followed-up for at least 4 months, with satisfying immobilization and duration which fulfilled the requirements for post-operative recovery. Conclusion The applications of the all of 3 kinds of external brace, including collar, SOMI and Halo-vest, have their important clinical value for peri-operational and post-operational recovery in the treatment of patients with craniovertebral junction malformation. To have a reasonable choice of these brace in different patients, the characteristics of pathology as well as the surgical stages should be taken into account.

Spontaneous and evoked facial muscle electromyogram in monitoring nervous function in acoustic neuroma surgery and nervous prognosis: A character analysis in 120 cases / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The anatomical position of facial nerve is often abnormal because of the acoustical neuroma growth, so sometimes, the facial nerve injury is inevitable in the surgery treatment for acoustic neuroma.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the technology, veracity and practicality as well as the relationship between intraoperative monitorning and prognosis of facial nerve, and the clinical experiment was summed up of facial nerve function monitoring in 120 cases of acoustic neuroma surgery.DESIGN: Self-control observation.SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 120 patients with acoustic neuroma who received treatment in the Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA from May 1996 to February 2000 were recruited. Among them, 3 cases suffered from small-type acoustic neuroma (＜ 2 cm in diameter), 9 cases from middle-type acoustic neuroma (＞ 2 cm in diameter) and 108 from large-type acoustic neuroma (＞ 3 cm in diameter), including 1 case of bilateral acoustic neuroma and 1 cases of recrudescent acoustic neuroma; Suboccipital retromastoid approach was used in 119 cases and transretrolabyrinthine approach in 1 case.METHODS: American Viking-Ⅳ type monitor was used to monitor facial nervous function. When facial nervous function was monitored, recording electrode was put on orbicular muscle of eye, orbicular muscle of mouth or quadrate muscle of upper lip. When trigeminal motor branch was monitored, recording electrode was put on masseter muscle; When accessory nerve was monitored, recording electrode was put on trapezius muscle.Measurement of evoked auditory brainstem potential: recording electrode was positive electrode and was put at the midline in the frontal region (electroencephalogram 10-20 classification system). The recorded waveshape presented upward deflection. Reference electrode A1 or A2 and ground electrode were put in the midline of frontal pole (relevant to root of nose); Recording electrodes were all needle electrodes and were fixed with adhesive tape. Common stimulus intensity was 80 to 90 nHL, and 40 nHL noise was used in contralateral ear. Facial nerve was reserved following intraoperative monitoring. CT (enhancement scanning was necessary) or MRI was rechecked after operation to investigate the cutting degree of tumor; Facial nerve function was evaluated by H-B scoring (at 2 weeks, or 6 to 9 months following operation).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Facial nerve function by H-B scoring before and after acoustic neuroma surgery.RESULTS: Totally 120 patients were enrolled, and no one dropped out.① Facial nerve anatomy was reserved in 117 cases; One case was failure to reserve facial nerve anatomy because pinnate facial nerve lay behind of acoustic neuroma, and electrical stimulation was not given at the beginning of neuroma resecting, then he received anastomosis of hypoglossal and facial nerve. Nerve of 2 cases was pulled and broken carelessly, and its two stumps were long enough that end-to-end anastomosis of facial nerve was performed with 7-0 absorbable suture following trimming. H-B score was Ⅳ to Ⅴ in the 6th month after surgery. ②Grade Ⅰ of facial nervous function at postoperative 2 weeks was found in 10 cases, grade Ⅱ in 57 cases,grade Ⅲ in 44 eases, grade Ⅳ in 4 cases, grade Ⅴ in 2 cases and gradeⅥ in 3 cases. ③Grade Ⅰ of facial nervous function at postoperative 9 weeks was found in 94 cases, grade Ⅱ in 18 cases, grade Ⅲ in 4 cases,grade Ⅳ in 1 case and grade Ⅵ in 2 cases.CONCLUSION: Spontaneous and evoked facial muscle electromyogram may be helpful to make sure the facial nervous position exactly and estimate the prognosis of facial nerve.

Diagnosis and treatment of diffuse cerebral arteriovenous malformations / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To describe the clinical features, radiological and pathological characteristic and the treatment of the cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) which were appeared diffuse on angiography. Methods The related clinical information of 8 cases with AVM which were diagnosed by cerebral angiogram were reviewed and analyzed. Results 8 cases were found to be diffuse AVM. They were mostly presented with intracerebral hemorrhage. On angiography, the AVM included multiple small arterial feeders, a diffuse, wedge-shaped and puddling appearance of the contrast dye, without an identifiable compact nidus. Multiple draining veins were noted. 4 cases were underwent craniotomy, the AVM were completely removed in 2 cases, 1 case who was pretreated with embolization had residual nidus after operation, and the nidus of the other one case was not removed completely because the nidus located in the eloquent area of the brain. On histological examination, normal brain tissue were found in the abnormal AVM vessels. In the rest 4 cases, 2 patients died of repeated intracerebral hemorrhage, and the other 2 cases received no special treatment. Conclusion The diffuse cerebral AVM is different from the typical AVM on angiography and histopathology. Because of its' diffuse character, it should be treated individually. If the lesion locates in the silent areas of the brain, craniotomy should be taken, but it is difficult to remove the nidus completely.

Retrospective analysis of intraspinal enterogenous cyst / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurenteric cyst. Methods The clinical manifestations, MRI characteristics and surgical results of 11 cases of intraspinal neurenteric cysts were analyzed. Results Positive pathological signs and paresis appeared in all cases, and radicular pain in 9 cases. The symptoms were episodic in 2 cases whose courses were more than 3 years. MRI could clearly demonstrate the exact extension of the cyst and the surrounding structures. These cysts showed as slightly long T 1, long T 2 homogeneous signal on MRI. Their neurological functions improved steadily after complete resection in 8 cases, subtotal resection in 3 cases. Conclusion Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions, often associated with vertebral anomalies and occurred at subdural cervical location, anterior to the cord. MRI is a more effective and convenient method for neurenteric cyst image investigation. Total or subtotal resection of neurenteric cysts with subsequent recovery in neurological function is usually possible.

Vision deterioration after transsphenoidal surgery for removal of pituitary adenoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism and strategies of prevention and treatment of vision deterioration after transsphenoidal surgery for removal of pituitary adenoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 1980 to February 2001, 1 412 patients were operated on by transsphenoidal surgery to remove pituitary adenoma. Fourteen patients experienced vision deterioration after operation. Clinical data from the 14 patients with vision deterioration were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In this group, the incidence of vision deterioration was 0.99%. Over packing of the adenoma bed was seen in 5 patients, apoplexy of residual tumor in 3, high intracranial pressure in 2, vascular spasm in 2, injury of the optic nerve in the cannel in 1 and unknown reason in 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vision deterioration is a severe complication after transsphenoidal surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the vision.</p>

DISTRIBUTION OF NEUROGLOBIN IN SPINAL CORD OF ADULT RAT / 解剖学报

Objective In order to explore the localization of NGB protein in spinal cord of adult rat. Methods Spinal cord of adult rat was used to make frozen section. The localization of NGB protein in the spinal cord of adult rat was examined by immunohistochemistry method. Results NGB protein immunoreactive cells were mainly distributed in the gray matter of spinal cord, including in the ventral horn, intermediate zone and dorsal horn. NGB-immunoreactive product located in the plasm of neurons.Conclusion The results indicated that NGB widely expressed in the neurons of spinal cord, suggested that NGB might play an important role in the physiological function of the spinal cord.

DEVOTE MUCH ATTENTION TO THE STUDY ON DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CAROTID ATHEROSCLEOROTIC STENOSIS / 解放军医学杂志

Carotid atheroscleorotic stenosis is one of the most common causes of cerebral ischemic stroke. In China, unfortunately, Its importance has not been fully stressed,and carotid endarterectomy hasn't been used widely so far. Therefore, noninvasive studies on carotid atheroscleorotic stenosis are introduced. The surgical and intravascular interventional therapies are emphasized again.

EXPOSURE OF THE DISTAL INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY IN CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY / 解放军医学杂志

Exposure of the distal internal carotid artery is very important and difficult in carotid endarterectomy for patients with high bifurcations or extension of the atherosclerotic plaque into the distal internal carotid artery. Exposure techniques are introduced based on the surgical experiences of 28 cases.

CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH CONTRALATERAL CAROTID OCCLUSION / 解放军医学杂志

To assess the indication, intraoperative monitoring with selective shunting and surgical outcomes of carotid endarterectomy for patients with contralateral carotid occlusion, the clinical manifestations, imaging data, surgical methods and results of 16 patients were analysed retrospectively. It was verified that the surgical risk of these patients was not as high as prediction,satisfactory results coold be achieved with intraoperative monitoring, selective shunting and skilled surgical techniques. It is reasonable to offer the following typical treatment examples: Carotid endarterectomy should be performed for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis irrespective of the contralateral carotid occlusion, while medical therapy should be maintained for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion. maintained. If the asymptomatic stenosis is found to be progressing in noninvasive testing, then a prophylactic endarterectomy should be considered.

DISTRIBUTION OF MAST CELLS IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS OF HUMAN CAROTID ARTERIES / 解放军医学杂志

To study the distribution of two different phenotype mast cells in atherosclerotic lesions of human carotid arteries, 32 samples of endarterectomy and 10 autopsies of normal carotid specimens were fixed and embeded in paraffin, sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue,monoclonal antibodies against the two major proteases of mast cells(tryptase and chymase) and monoclonal antibodies against CD-3 of T lymphocytes and CD-68 of macrophages. The quantity,distribution and degranule of two different phenotype mast cells in atherosclerotic lesions of human carotid arteries were investigated,and the ratio of mast cells to T lymphocytes and macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions was calculated. The density(cells/mm 2 ) of mast cells in shoulder region of plaque(6 3?4 0) was much higher than that in normal intima,cap and core region(1 3?2 3,2 3?2 6,2 2?3 7) .The proportion of chymase-containing mast cells to tryptase-containing mast cells was 0 36,0 51,0 47 and 0 39 respectively in normal intima,cap,core and shoulder region of plaque.The propotion of degranulated mast cells was the highest in shoulder region of plaque(65%).The ratios of mast cells to T lymphocytes and to macrophages were 0 25 and 0 14 respectively in shoulder region of plaques.Light microscopic studies of mast cells revealed that mast cells were more commonly observed in thrombus and around calcification and blood vessels of plaque.Mast cells play a role in the formation of plaque,and participate in the destabilization of plaque.

ULTRASOUND AND MRI ANALYSIS OF HUMAN CAROTID PLAQUE COMPOSITIONS / 解放军医学杂志

To correlate the ultrasound and MR imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaque with its histologic compositions,20 patients(22 lesions) scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were examined by B mode ultrasound and MRI preoperatively. The specimens were also examined postoperatively and the images of carotid plaque were recorded. The transverse pathological sections of plaques were made and matched with images of ultrasound and MRI. 256 gray scale ultrasound densitometric analysis of carotid plaque compositions was performed. Ultrasonic density of calcium, fibrous tissue, hemorrage/thrombus and lipid deposits was (89?12), (53?8), (37?6) and (39?3) respectively in vivo , and was (168?11), (136?12), (85?12) and (89?10) respectively in vitro . In vivo relative signal intensities of calcium, fibrous tissue, old hemorrhage/thrombus and lipid deposits were low, equal, equal and very high respectively on T 1 W MR image, and very low, equal, high and high respectively on PDW MR image, and low, equal or slightly high, high and high respectively on T 2 W MR image. Signal intensities of plaque contents ex vivo were correlated to signal intensities in vivo. Densitometric analysis of ultrasound images of carotid plaques can quantify possible components of plaque, and MRI has the feasibility to identify the components of plaque.

THE METHOD FOR CULTURE AND PURIFICATION OF NEWBORN RAT SCHWANN CELLS IN VITRO / 解放军医学杂志

The aim was to look for the method for getting highly purified population and large amount of Schwann cells from the newborn rats. Sciatic nerves from 1～3 days old SD rats were taken out . The Schwann cells were cultured and purified by modified repeated explanation, and fibroblastic cells were removed by rapid trysinization , differential adhesion and anti mitosis methods. The Schwann cells were identified by indirect immunocytochemistry with mouse anti S 100 protein McAb. The result showed that the purity of Schwann cells was more than 95%, and the cells were in a good state. It is considered that the methods are simple and convenient , and a great number of highly purified Schwann cells can be acquired by them.

Changes in neuroglobin expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To observe the dynamic changes in neuroglobin (NGB) expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in gerbils. Methods The global cerebral ischemia of gerbils was induced by clamping bilateral carotid arteries for 20 minutes, then they were released to allow reperfusion for 2h, 8h, 16h, 24h, 48h and 72h. The NGB expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus was measured with immunohistochemical methods coupled with computer-assisted image analysis. Results The changes in NGB expression were different in cerebral cortex and in the hippocampus. NGB protein was up-regulated from 16h to 48h after ischemia-reperfusion insult to cerebral cortex, whereas it was down-regulated hippocampus. Conclusion The different expressions of NGB in cerebral cortex and hippocampus are suggestive of compensatory and repair mechanisms in ischemia-damaged neurons after transient global cerebral ischemia. The increased expression of endogenous NGB in the brain after ischemia-reperfusion may be associated with the protective response to ischemic damage.