Advanced T and Natural Killer Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma

Although immunotherapy has been broadly successful in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and a subset of solid tumors, its clinical outcomes for glioblastoma are still inadequate. The results could be due to neuroanatomical structures such as the bloodbrain- barrier, antigenic heterogeneity, and the highly immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioblastomas. The antitumor efficacy of endogenously activated effector cells induced by peptide or dendritic cell vaccines in particular has been insufficient to control tumors. Effector cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells can be expanded rapidly ex vivo and transferred to patients. The identification of neoantigens derived from tumor-specific mutations is expanding the list of tumor-specific antigens for glioblastoma. Moreover, recent advances in gene-editing technologies enable the effector cells to not only have multiple biological functionalities, such as cytokine production, multiple antigen recognition, and increased cell trafficking, but also relieve the immunosuppressive nature of the glioblastoma microenvironment by blocking immune inhibitory molecules, which together improve their cytotoxicity, persistence, and safety. Allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells edited to reduce graft-versushost disease and allorejection, or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells expressing CARs that use NK-specific signaling domain can be a good candidate for off-the-shelf products of glioblastoma immunotherapy. We here discuss current progress and future directions for T cell and NK cell therapy in glioblastoma.

Utilizing a Novel Pituitary Retractor for Early Descent of the Diaphragma Sellae during Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Objective@#: Early descent of the diaphragm sellae (DS) during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary macroadenoma surgery is occasionally a troublesome event by blocking the surgical field. Here we introduce an alternative technique with the new pituitary retractor and present our clinical experiences. @*Methods@#: We designed a simple and rigid pituitary retractor with the least space occupation in the nasal cavity to be compatible in EETS. The pituitary retractor was held by external holder system to support the herniated DS stably. We retrospectively reviewed a clinical 22 cases of pituitary macroadenomas underwent EETS using the pituitary retractor. @*Results@#: The pituitary retractor stably pushed up the herniated DS in all cases, and the surgeon proceeded the procedure with bimanual maneuver. The pituitary retractor was helpful to remove tumors around the medial cavernous sinus and behind the DS in 16 and seven cases, respectively. In four cases, the meticulous hemostasis was completed with the direct visualization by the DS elevation with this retractor. Gross total tumor resection was performed in 20/22 patients (91%). The impaired visual function and hypopituitarism were improved in 18/20 (90%) and 7/14 (50%) patients after surgery, respectively. There was no complication related with the pituitary retractor. @*Conclusion@#: During EETS for pituitary macroadenomas, the novel pituitary retractor reported in this study is a very useful technique when the herniated DS block the surgical field and bimanual maneuver. This pituitary retractor can help to result in the excellent surgical outcomes with minimal morbidity.

Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Exoscopes in Brain Tumor Surgery

Objective@#: Though the operating microscope (OM) has been the standard optical system in neurosurgery, a new technology called three-dimensional (3D) exoscope has emerged as an alternative. Herein, two types of 3D exoscopes for brain tumor surgery are presented. In addition, the advantages and limitations compared with the OM are discussed. @*Methods@#: In the present study, 3D exoscope VOMS-100 or VITOM 3D was used in 11 patients with brain tumor who underwent surgical resection; the Kinevo 900 OM was used only in emergency. After completion of all surgeries, the participants were surveyed with a questionnaire regarding video image quality on the display monitor, handling of equipment, ergonomics, educational usefulness, 3D glasses, and expectation as a substitute for the OM. @*Results@#: Among 11 patients, nine patients underwent neurosurgical resection with only 3D exoscope; however, two patients required additional aid with the OM due to difficulty in hemostasis. Regarding video image quality, VITOM 3D was mostly equivalent to the OM, but VOMS-100 was not. However, both 3D exoscopes showed advantages in accessibility of instruments in the surgical field and occupied less space in the operating theater. Differences in ergonomics and educational usefulness between the exoscopes were not reported. Respondents did not experience discomfort in wearing 3D glasses and thought the exoscopes could be currently, and in the future, used as a substitute for the OM. @*Conclusion@#: Although many neurosurgeons are not familiar with 3D exoscopes, they have advantages compared with the OM and similar image quality. Exoscopes could be a substitute for OM in the future if some limitations are overcome.

The Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO) Guideline for Glioblastomas: Version 2018.01

BACKGROUND: There has been no practical guidelines for the management of patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Korea for many years. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, started to prepare guidelines for CNS tumors from February 2018. METHODS: The Working Group was composed of 35 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea. References were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of keywords. RESULTS: First, the maximal safe resection if feasible is recommended. After the diagnosis of a glioblastoma with neurosurgical intervention, patients aged ≤70 years with good performance should be treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide followed by adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy (Stupp's protocol) or standard brain radiotherapy alone. However, those with poor performance should be treated by hypofractionated brain radiotherapy (preferred)±concurrent or adjuvant temozolomide, temozolomide alone (Level III), or supportive treatment. Alternatively, patients aged >70 years with good performance should be treated by hypofractionated brain radiotherapy+concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide or Stupp's protocol or hypofractionated brain radiotherapy alone, while those with poor performance should be treated by hypofractionated brain radiotherapy alone or temozolomide chemotherapy if the patient has methylated MGMT gene promoter (Level III), or supportive treatment. CONCLUSION: The KSNO's guideline recommends that glioblastomas should be treated by maximal safe resection, if feasible, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy according to the individual comprehensive condition of the patient.

The Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO) Guideline for WHO Grade III Cerebral Gliomas in Adults: Version 2019.01

BACKGROUND: There was no practical guideline for the management of patients with central nervous system tumor in Korea in the past. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, developed the guideline for glioblastoma successfully and published it in Brain Tumor Research and Treatment, the official journal of KSNO, in April 2019. Recently, the KSNO guideline for World Health Organization (WHO) grade III cerebral glioma in adults has been established. METHODS: The Working Group was composed of 35 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea. References were identified by searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of keywords. Scope of the disease was confined to cerebral anaplastic astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma in adults. RESULTS: Whenever radiological feature suggests high grade glioma, maximal safe resection if feasible is globally recommended. After molecular and histological examinations, patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant should be primary treated by standard brain radiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy whereas those with anaplastic astrocytoma, NOS, and anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH-wildtype should be treated following the protocol for glioblastomas. In terms of anaplastic oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p19q-codeletion, and anaplastic oligodendroglioma, NOS should be primary treated by standard brain radiotherapy and neoadjuvant or adjuvant PCV (procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine) combination chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The KSNO's guideline recommends that WHO grade III cerebral glioma of adults should be treated by maximal safe resection if feasible, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy according to molecular and histological features of tumors.

The Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO) Guideline for WHO Grade II Cerebral Gliomas in Adults: Version 2019.01

BACKGROUND: There was no practical guideline for the management of patients with central nervous system tumor in Korea for many years. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, has developed the guideline for glioblastoma. Subsequently, the KSNO guideline for World Health Organization (WHO) grade II cerebral glioma in adults is established. METHODS: The Working Group was composed of 35 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea. References were identified by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of keywords regarding diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma of brain in adults. RESULTS: Whenever radiological feature suggests lower grade glioma, the maximal safe resection if feasible is recommended globally. After molecular and histological examinations, patients with diffuse astrocytoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype without molecular feature of glioblastoma should be primarily treated by standard brain radiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy (Level III) while those with molecular feature of glioblastoma should be treated following the protocol for glioblastomas. In terms of patients with diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-mutant and oligodendroglioma (IDH-mutant and 1p19q codeletion), standard brain radiotherapy and adjuvant PCV (procarbazine+lomustine+vincristine) combination chemotherapy should be considered primarily for the high-risk group while observation with regular follow up should be considered for the low-risk group. CONCLUSION: The KSNO's guideline recommends that WHO grade II gliomas should be treated by maximal safe resection, if feasible, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy according to molecular and histological features of tumors and clinical characteristics of patients.

Procarbazine and CCNU Chemotherapy for Recurrent Glioblastoma with MGMT Promoter Methylation

BACKGROUND: While procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine (PCV) has been an alternative chemotherapy option for malignant gliomas, it is worth investigating whether the combination of only procarbazine and CCNU is comparable because vincristine adds toxicity with uncertain benefit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of procarbazine and CCNU chemotherapy for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation. METHODS: Eight patients with recurrent GBM following concurrent chemoradiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) adjuvant therapy were enrolled in this trial; they received no other chemotherapeutic agents or target therapy. They received CCNU (75 mg/m²) on day 1 and procarbazine (60 mg/m²) through days 11 and 24 every 4 weeks. The median cycle of CCNU and procarbazine was 3.5 (range: 2–6). RESULTS: One patient achieved stable disease. The median progression-free survival (PFS) with procarbazine and CCNU chemotherapy was eight weeks (range: 5–73), and the PFS rates were 25% and 12.5% at 16 and 30 weeks, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) from the initial diagnosis to death was 40 months, and the median OS from the administration of procarbazine and CCNU chemotherapy to death was 9.7 months (95% confidence interval: 6.7–12.7). Serious adverse events were found at six visits, and two cases were considered to be grade 3 toxicities. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of procarbazine and CCNU chemotherapy is not satisfactory. This study suggests the need to develop other treatment strategies for recurrent and TMZ-refractory GBM. Trial registry at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT017337346.

Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Temozolomide Followed by Adjuvant Temozolomide for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients: A Retrospective Multicenter Observation Study in Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and survival benefits of combined treatment with radiotherapy and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) in a Korean sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 750 Korean patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma multiforme, who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TMZ (CCRT) and adjuvant TMZ from January 2006 until June 2011, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: After the first operation, a gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), partial resection (PR), biopsy alone were achieved in 388 (51.7%), 159 (21.2%), 96 (12.8%), and 107 (14.3%) patients, respectively. The methylation status of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was reviewed retrospectively in 217 patients. The median follow-up period was 16.3 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 17.5 months. The actuarial survival rates at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 72.1%, 21.0%, and 9.0%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.1 months, and the actuarial PFS at 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS were 42.2%, 13.0%, and 7.8%, respectively. The patients who received GTR showed a significantly longer OS and PFS than those who received STR, PR, or biopsy alone, regardless of the methylation status of the MGMT promoter. Patients with a methylated MGMT promoter also showed a significantly longer OS and PFS than those with an unmethylated MGMT promoter. Patients who received more than six cycles of adjuvant TMZ had a longer OS and PFS than those who received six or fewer cycles. Hematologic toxicity of grade 3 or 4 was observed in 8.4% of patients during the CCRT period and in 10.2% during the adjuvant TMZ period. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with CCRT followed by adjuvant TMZ had more favorable survival rates and tolerable toxicity than those who did not undergo this treatment.

Memantine Induces NMDAR1-Mediated Autophagic Cell Death in Malignant Glioma Cells

OBJECTIVE: Autophagy is one of the key responses of cells to programmed cell death. Memantine, an approved anti-dementia drug, has an antiproliferative effect on cancer cells but the mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to test the possibility of induction of autophagic cell death by memantine in glioma cell lines. METHODS: Glioma cell lines (T-98 G and U-251 MG) were used for this study. RESULTS: The antiproliferative effect of memantine was shown on T-98 G cells, which expressed N-methyl-D-aspartate 1 receptor (NMDAR1). Memantine increased the autophagic-related proteins as the conversion ratio of light chain protein 3-II (LC3-II)-/LC3-I and the expression of beclin-1. Memantine also increased formation of autophagic vacuoles observed under a transmission electron microscope. Transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down NMDAR1 in the glioma cells induced resistance to memantine and decreased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in T-98 G cells. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that in glioma cells, memantine inhibits proliferation and induces autophagy mediated by NMDAR1.

Unusual Radiologic Finding of Intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Presenting a Cyst with Mural Nodule

An intracranial cyst tumor with a mural nodule can be representative of some types of brain tumors, but is a rare presentation of intracranial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). Herein, we report the case of an intracranial IMT in a 48-year-old woman presenting with the extremely unusual radiologic findings of a cyst with a mural nodule.

Long-Term Incidence and Predicting Factors of Cranioplasty Infection after Decompressive Craniectomy

OBJECTIVE: The predictors of cranioplasty infection after decompressive craniectomy have not yet been fully characterized. The objective of the current study was to compare the long-term incidences of surgical site infection according to the graft material and cranioplasty timing after craniectomy, and to determine the associated factors of cranioplasty infection. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess graft infection in patients who underwent cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy between 2001 and 2011 at a single-center. From a total of 197 eligible patients, 131 patients undergoing 134 cranioplasties were assessed for event-free survival according to graft material and cranioplasty timing after craniectomy. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression methods were employed, with cranioplasty infection identified as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were also evaluated, including autogenous bone resorption, epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma and brain contusion. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 454 days (range 10 to 3900 days), during which 14 (10.7%) patients suffered cranioplasty infection. There was no significant difference between the two groups for event-free survival rate for cranioplasty infection with either a cryopreserved or artificial bone graft (p=0.074). Intergroup differences according to cranioplasty time after craniectomy were also not observed (p=0.083). Poor neurologic outcome at cranioplasty significantly affected the development of cranioplasty infection (hazard ratio 5.203, 95% CI 1.075 to 25.193, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Neurologic status may influence cranioplasty infection after decompressive craniectomy. A further prospective study about predictors of cranioplasty infection including graft material and cranioplasty timing is necessary.

Pseudomonas Meningitis in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during Induction Chemotherapy / 임상소아혈액종양

Pseudomonas species have been a cause of important infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Pseudomonas meningitis is very rare, although bacteremia with Pseudomonas is common amongst cancer patients. We encountered a case of Pseudomonas meningitis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction chemotherapy. Pseudomonas meningitis may spread from skin and mucosal infection during the leukopenic nadir period. Ancillary manifestations associated with main signs, such as fever, may prompt us to consider Pseudomonas infection in hospitalized immunocompromised patients due to increased bacterial colonization.

Pseudomonas Meningitis in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during Induction Chemotherapy / 임상소아혈액종양

Pseudomonas species have been a cause of important infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Pseudomonas meningitis is very rare, although bacteremia with Pseudomonas is common amongst cancer patients. We encountered a case of Pseudomonas meningitis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction chemotherapy. Pseudomonas meningitis may spread from skin and mucosal infection during the leukopenic nadir period. Ancillary manifestations associated with main signs, such as fever, may prompt us to consider Pseudomonas infection in hospitalized immunocompromised patients due to increased bacterial colonization.

Analysis of Incomplete Occlusion of Cerebral Aneurysm by Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Videoangiography / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with incomplete occlusion of a cerebral aneurysm detected by indocyanine green videonangiography (ICG-VA) following aneurysm clipping. METHODS: We performed surgery on 135 patients with 151 intracranial aneurysms over a 1-year period. Included was an aneurysm more than 3 mm in size, the dome of which was sufficiently exposed and clipped permanently with one clip. Following ICG-VA, aneurysms were divided into a delayed-filling group and a no-filling group. Retrospective comparisons of the clip force, blade length and width, neck and dome size of the aneurysm, diameter of the parent artery, presence of atherosclerosis in the aneurysm neck, and systolic blood pressure during ICG-VA were made between the two groups. RESULTS: Eight of 31 aneurysms in 29 patients showed delayed filling of contrast. The clip force in the delayed-filling group was lower than in the no-filling group and the atherosclerosis of the aneurysm neck differed between the two groups (P<0.05). Blade width in the delayed-filling group was also significantly lower than in the no-filling group (P<0.05). Following adjustment for atherosclerosis of the aneurysm neck, clip force and blade width in the delayed-filling group was even lower. Incomplete passage of the clip tip was observed in four aneurysms, weak clip force in three, and a slit between clip blades in one. After booster clipping or clip reposition, neither aneurysm regrowth nor recanalization was observed during 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Closing force, blade width, tip position, and remnant slit are important for incomplete occlusion of an aneurysm.

Cervical Disc Herniation Producing Acute Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Brown-Sequard syndrome may be the result of penetrating injury to the spine, but many other etiologies have been described. This syndrome is most commonly seen with spinal trauma and extramedullary spinal neoplasm. A herniated cervical disc has been rarely reported as a cause of this syndrome. We present a case of a 28-year-old male patient diagnosed as large C3-C4 disc herniation with spinal cord compression. He presented with left hemiparesis and diminished sensation to pain and temperature in the right side below the C4 dermatome. Microdiscectomy and anterior cervical fusion with carbon fiber cage containing a core of granulated coralline hydroxyapatite was performed. After the surgery, rapid improvement of the neurologic deficits was noticed. We present a case of cervical disc herniation producing acute Brown-Sequard syndrome with review of pertinent literature.

Endoscopic Versus Mini.open Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine any differences in outcome and patient satisfaction between endoscopic release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome who underwent both techniques. METHODS: Seven patients with confirmed bilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to undergo endoscopic release using a single portal Agee technique to one hand and a minimal open release to the other. Subsequent assessments were made at 0, 3, and 12 months after operation using a modified Levin scale. We also analyzed subjective and objective outcomes retrospectively, including the time to return to full activity, patient preference, cosmetic satisfaction, scar tenderness, and pillar pain. The pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale from 1 to 10. RESULTS: Based on the Levin scale, there were no significant differences between hands at any follow-up interval. At the three-month follow up, mean scale scores were lower in the ECTR group; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Cosmetically, all patients were satisfied with their scar irrespective of the technique. There were no statistical differences in terms of scar tenderness and pillar pain. CONCLUSION:ECTR did not show any significant advantage over short-incision OCTR. Therefore, the operator's experience and skill in using a certain method is important, regardless of which technique is used.

Inhibitory Effect of IFN-beta, on the Antitumor Activity of Celecoxib in U87 Glioma Model

OBJECTIVE: Interferon-beta, (IFN-beta) has been used in the treatment of cancers. Inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) with celecoxib had a significantly suppressive effect on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in a variety of tumors. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antiglioma effect of combined treatment with IFN-beta and celecoxib in U87 glioma model. METHODS: The in vitro effects of IFN-beta (50-1,000 IU/mL) and celecoxib (50-250 micrometer) alone or combination of both on the proliferation and apoptosis of U87 cells were tested using MTT assay, FACS analysis and DNA condensation. To determine the in vivo effect, nude mice bearing intracerebral U87 xenograft inoculation were treated with IFN-beta intraperitoneally (2x10(5) IU/day for 15 days), celecoxib orally (5, 10 mg/kg) or their combination. RESULTS: IFN-beta or celecoxib showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of U87 cells. When U87 cells were treated with IFN-beta and celecoxib combination, it seemed that IFN-beta interrupted the antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of celecoxib. No additive effect was observed on the survival of the tumor bearing mice by the combination of IFN-beta and celecoxib. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IFN-beta seems to inhibit the antiglioma effect of celecoxib, therefore combination of IFN-beta and celecoxib may be undesirable in the treatment of glioma.

Surgical Treatments for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Associated with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of the patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with athetoid cerebral palsy. METHODS: The authors reviewed the clinical and neurodiagnostic findings, surgical managements and outcomes in six consecutive patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with athetoid cerebral palsy who had been treated with surgical decompression and fusion procedures between January 1999 and December 2005. The mean age of the 6 patients (four women and two men) at the time of surgery was 42.8 years (range, 31-55 years). The mean follow-up period was 56.5 months (range, 17-112 months). The neurological outcome was evaluated before and after operations (immediately, 6 months after and final follow-up) using grading systems of the walking ability, brachialgia and deltoid power. RESULTS: At immediate postoperative period, after 6 months, and at final follow-up, all patients showed apparent clinical improvements in walking ability, upper extremity pain and deltoid muscle strength. Late neurological deterioration was not seen during follow-up periods. There were no serious complications related to surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical decompression and stabilization in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with athetoid cerebral palsy have been challenging procedure up to now. Our results indicate that early diagnosis and appropriate surgical procedure can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and neurological function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and athetoid cerebral palsy, even in those with severe involuntary movements.

Sacral Insufficiency Fracture, Usually Overlooked Cause of Lumbosacral Pain

Sacral insufficiency fractures are usually known to develop in elderly patients with osteoporosis without definite trauma history. It is difficult to diagnose the sacral insufficiency fracture at an early stage because lower lumbar diseases, concurrently or not, may also be presented with similar symptoms and signs. We report a rare case of sacral insufficiency fracture who was not diagnosed initially but, instead, showed progressively worsening of clinical symptoms and radiological findings after decompression surgery for upper level lumbar stenosis.

Analysis of Anterior Cerebralarteriesin Patients with Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysmby Computed Tomography Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has recently been used for detecting cerebral aneurysm because of the accuracy of the images and the large supply of high-resolution CT scanners, and there is no need to perform cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) when performing CTA. In contrast with DSA, CTA is unable to show the realtime cerebral blood flow. The aim of the present study is to find an appropriate aneurysm clipping method to reduce the risk during operation, and we did this by comparing the performance of CTA for detecting ruptured cerebral aneurysm with that of DSA. METHODS: We performed a systemic review of patients suffering from ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm. We report here on the results obtained from November 2002 to March 2006. We reviewed a total of 37 patients who had undergone both CTA and DSA before surgery. RESULTS: With performing CTA, 15 patients (40.5%) were observed to have the same thickness of both sides of the A1 (group A); there were 2 patients with right dominance (group B), and 20 patients with left dominance (group C). The total numbers of patients with an anomalous artery was 3 (12.5%). Two of them were in Group A and one of them was in Group B. Two of them (one in Group A and the other in Group B) were accessory A2 patients and the other was an azygous A2 patient. Also, there was no difference between CTA and DSA for the patients with an abnormal artery. CONCLUSION: In the case of observing a severe hypoplastic A1 or an anomalous artery in the patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysm seen on the CTA, it is expected that checking the accurate structure and status of their aneurysm and the surrounding artery through performing DSA and also checking the contralateral carotid artery compression may help prepare the strategy for the operation and reduce the risk during operation.