Bilateral Infarction of the Recurrent Arteries of Heubner Following Clipping of an Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm

A 50-year-old woman reported to the emergency department with thunderclap headache and vomiting. Non-enhanced brain computed tomography (CT) showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage of Hunt-Hess Grade II and Fisher Grade III. Brain angiography CT and transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) revealed an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery. A direct neck clipping was performed using the pterional approach. The post-operation CT was uneventful. Six days postoperatively, the patient became lethargic. The mean velocity (cm/s) of the middle cerebral artery peaked at 173 cm/s on the right side and 167 cm/s on the left. A TFCA revealed decreased perfusion in both recurrent arteries of Heubner (RAH), but no occlusion in either. Intra-arterial nimodipine injection was administered. On the 7th postoperative day, CT demonstrated a newly developed low-density lesion in the RAH territory bilaterally. The cause of the infarction was attributed to decreased perfusion caused by cerebral vasospasm. The patient was discharged with no definite neurologic deficit except for mild cognitive disorder.

Endovascular Treatments for Ruptured Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms: Experience in 16 Patients

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms are rare lesions that are considered an important cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. We report our decade-long experience in treating ruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included 21 consecutive patients between February 2005 and March 2015. Their clinical features included radiologic finding at the initial examination, treatment modality, functional outcome at the last follow-up, mortality, and radiologic outcome at more than 6 months after the initial treatment. RESULTS: All 16 aneurysms were treated endovascularly; aneurysm trapping was performed in 9 patients and vascular reconstruction was performed in 7 patients. For 6 aneurysms involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), the modalities of treatment were aneurysm trapping in 3 patients and vascular reconstruction in 3 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 29 months (range, 6–70 months). Five patients expired, indicating a mortality rate of 31%. In surviving patients, the unfavorable outcome rate (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] > 2) was 36%. The overall mean mRS for survivors was 1.8. Angiographic follow-up in 11 survivors at 13 months, (range, 6–46 months) revealed recanalization of the aneurysm in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm is associated with poor functional outcome and high mortality. More immediate treatments are needed due to the high rebleeding rate in this disease condition. Endovascular treatment may be a useful option for ruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

Analysis of the Risk Factors Affecting the Surgical Site Infection after Cranioplasty Following Decompressive Craniectomy / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: The risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) after cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy remain unclear. The goal of this study was to analyze the risk factors related to developing SSIs after cranioplasty and to suggest valuable predictors. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy at our institution from January 2011 to December 2014, a total of 78 patients who underwent 78 cranioplasties. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine possible risk factors related to developing SSIs. We analyzed both patient-specific and surgery-specific factors. RESULTS: The overall rate of SSIs was 9.0% (7/78). SSIs after cranioplasty were significantly related to being female, having the primary etiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and having had a bilateral cranioplasty in the univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female [odds ratio (OR) 5.98, p=0.000] and having had a bilateral cranioplasty (OR 4.00, p=0.001) significantly increased the risk of SSIs. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy is associated with a high incidence of SSI. Being female, having a primary etiology of TBI and having had a bilateral cranioplasty may be risk factors for surgical site infections after cranioplasty.

An Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm at the Origin of the Duplicated Middle Cerebral Artery

A variety of cerebral vascular anomalies are widely applied, however anomalies of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are relatively infrequent. The duplicated MCA (DMCA) is a MCA anomaly. Aneurysm arising from the origin of the DMCA is rare. Cerebral angiography in a 61-year-old female demonstrated a small (about 3 mm) saccular aneurysm located at the origin of the DMCA in the anterior direction. Considering the unusual location, the lesion was treated, regardless of the size. Aneurysmal characteristics of a broad neck and small size limited the endovascular approach, necessitating open surgery. Her postoperative course was uneventful and postoperative angiography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. The patient was discharged without neurologic deficit.

Endovascular Coil Embolization After Clipping: Endovascular Treatment of Incompletely Clipped or Recurred Cerebral Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The presence of a cerebral aneurysm remnant after surgical clipping is associated with a risk of regrowth or rupture. For these recurred aneurysms, coil embolization can be considered as a treatment option. We retrospectively reviewed cases of ruptured or regrown aneurysms after clipping treated by endovascular coil embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with ruptured or recurred aneurysm after clipping, who underwent coil embolization between January 1995 and December 2013. We evaluated clinical information and the outcomes of these cases. RESULTS: Eight patients were treated by endovascular coil embolization after surgical clipping. Six aneurysms were located in the anterior communicating artery, one in the posterior communicating artery, and one in the middle cerebral artery bifurcation. All patients were initially treated by surgical clipping because of a ruptured aneurysm. Aneurysm recurrence at the initial clipping site was detected in all cases. The median interval from initial to second presentation was 42 months. In four patients, aneurysms were detected before rupture and the four remaining patients presented with recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage. All patients were treated by coil embolization and showed successful occlusion of aneurysms without complications. CONCLUSION: Endovascular coil embolization can be a safe and successful treatment option for recurred aneurysms after clipping.

Acute Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma with Vague Symptoms

Spinal subdural hematoma is a rarely reported disease and spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas (SSDH) without underlying pathological changes are even rarer. The patients usually show typical symtoms such as back pain, quadriplegia, paraplegia or sensory change. But rarely, patients may show atypical symptoms such as hemiparesis and misdiagnosed to cerebrovascular accident. We recently experienced a case of SSDH, where the patient initially showed vague symptoms, such as the sudden onset of headache which we initially misdiagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this case, the headache of patient improved but the neck pain persisted until hospital day 5. Therefre, we conducted the MRI of cervical spine and finally confirmed SSDH. The patient was managed conservatively and improved without recurrence. In this case report, we discuss the clinical features of SSDH with emphasis on the importance of an early diagnosis.

Acute Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma with Vague Symptoms

Spinal subdural hematoma is a rarely reported disease and spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas (SSDH) without underlying pathological changes are even rarer. The patients usually show typical symtoms such as back pain, quadriplegia, paraplegia or sensory change. But rarely, patients may show atypical symptoms such as hemiparesis and misdiagnosed to cerebrovascular accident. We recently experienced a case of SSDH, where the patient initially showed vague symptoms, such as the sudden onset of headache which we initially misdiagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this case, the headache of patient improved but the neck pain persisted until hospital day 5. Therefre, we conducted the MRI of cervical spine and finally confirmed SSDH. The patient was managed conservatively and improved without recurrence. In this case report, we discuss the clinical features of SSDH with emphasis on the importance of an early diagnosis.

Short-Term Clinical and Angiographic Outcome in Child with Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm in A2 Segment of Anterior Cerebral Artery after Endovascular Treatment: Case Report / 대한신경손상학회지

Intracranial traumatic pseudoaneurysms are rare, and their vessel structures are immature and easy to disrupt, especially in children. Furthermore, it is difficult to diagnose and treat, which is a characteristic of traumatic pseudoaneurysm. In this study, the authors described a traumatic pseudoaneurysm in A2 segment of anterior cerebral artery, and the treatment with stent for structural stability of vessel.

The Outcomes of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Young Adults - A Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in young adults is rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate causes, sites and other factors affecting the prognosis of ICH in young adults aged < or = 40 years. METHODS: We reviewed 39 consecutive patients diagnosed with spontaneous ICH between January 2001 and June 2012. Patients with primary subarachnoid hemorrhage, previously diagnosed brain tumor bleeding, or vascular malformation were excluded. We analyzed the differences in prognostic factors such as hemorrhage location and vascular structural etiology. The outcome was measured using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and a good outcome was defined as a score of 4 or more. RESULTS: We retrospectively evaluated 39 patients (mean age, 33 years; SD = 6.4, range 17 to 40 years). The most common structural etiology was arteriovenous malformation. A statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with good outcomes had a lower initial systolic blood pressure (SBP < or = 160 mmHg, p = 0.036), a higher initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (9 or more, p = 0.034), lower cholesterol levels (< 200 mg/dl, p = 0.036), and smoking history (at discharge, p = 0.008; 6 months after discharge, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: In this study, cryptogenic ICH was the leading cause of spontaneous ICH. A GCS score of 9 or more on admission, a lower serum cholesterol level (< 200 mg/dl), and a lower SBP (< 160 mmHg) predicted a good outcome.

The Outcomes of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Young Adults - A Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in young adults is rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate causes, sites and other factors affecting the prognosis of ICH in young adults aged < or = 40 years. METHODS: We reviewed 39 consecutive patients diagnosed with spontaneous ICH between January 2001 and June 2012. Patients with primary subarachnoid hemorrhage, previously diagnosed brain tumor bleeding, or vascular malformation were excluded. We analyzed the differences in prognostic factors such as hemorrhage location and vascular structural etiology. The outcome was measured using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and a good outcome was defined as a score of 4 or more. RESULTS: We retrospectively evaluated 39 patients (mean age, 33 years; SD = 6.4, range 17 to 40 years). The most common structural etiology was arteriovenous malformation. A statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with good outcomes had a lower initial systolic blood pressure (SBP < or = 160 mmHg, p = 0.036), a higher initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (9 or more, p = 0.034), lower cholesterol levels (< 200 mg/dl, p = 0.036), and smoking history (at discharge, p = 0.008; 6 months after discharge, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: In this study, cryptogenic ICH was the leading cause of spontaneous ICH. A GCS score of 9 or more on admission, a lower serum cholesterol level (< 200 mg/dl), and a lower SBP (< 160 mmHg) predicted a good outcome.

Tophaceous Gout of the Spine Causing Neural Compression

Gout is a common metabolic disease in which monosodium urate crystals called tophi develop. Spinal involvement in gout resulting in neural compression is unusual. We describe a case of a 64-year-old man with a history of gouty arthritis of the knee. The patient presented with thoracic myelopathy and radiculopathy. Imaging of the spine revealed an extradural mass lesion with bony erosion of the thoracic spine. A decompressive operation was performed, and a chalky white material was found. Histopathological examination confirmed a gouty tophus. The symptoms of spinal gout vary and its radiological features are not sufficiently specific to provide a definite diagnosis. Therefore, in patients with a history of gouty arthritis who present with neural compressive symptoms of the spine, spinal gout should be strongly suspected.

A Study of the Progression from Acute Subdural Hematoma to Chronic Stage Requiring Surgical Treatment / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: The conscious patients with a small amount of acute subdural hematoma had no neurological deterioration are managed conservatively. Most of them are resolved spontaneously in several weeks without surgery. In our experience, however, some progressed to chronic stage requiring surgical treatment in a few days, unlike chronic subdural hematoma derived from acute hematoma following several weeks or months after head trauma. We aimed to analyse this phenomenon and associated the risk factor comparing with the chronic subdural hematomas. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 175 alert patients with unilateral acute subdural hematoma identified among 661 patients diagnosed the acute subdural hematoma from October 2009 to September 2012 was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to describe the relationships between progression to chronic stage requiring surgery from small amount of acute subdural hematoma and clinical characteristics and radiologic features. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (10.3%) showed neurological deterioration due to progression to chronic stage of acute subdural hematoma and underwent a surgical treatment. The mean time interval between the head trauma and development of neurological symptoms was 12.7 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses found that depth of hematoma and degree of brain swelling were a risk factor for progression to chronic stage requiring surgery from the acute subdural hematoma. CONCLUSION: In spite of the conscious patients with acute subdural hematoma not requiring surgical decompression, the more amount of hematoma and the severer brain swelling, there is higher probability of neurological deterioration caused by the progression to chronic stage in a few days.

Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome after Craniectomy in a Patient Who Previously Underwent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / 대한신경손상학회지

Sinking skin flap syndrome, resulting from decompressive craniectomy, is defined as a series of neurologic symptoms with skin depression at the site of cranial defect. A 61-year-old male was hospitalized with high fever and operative site swelling. He underwent decompressive craniectomy on his left side for treatment for acute subdural hematoma and traumatic intracerebral hematoma 5 years ago. Four months later, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed for treatment for hydrocephalus and cranioplasty was also performed. We suspected infection at the previous operative site and proceeded with craniectomy and epidural abscess removal. Following the procedure, the depression of the sinking flap became significant, and he has suffered from right hemiparesis. We performed a shunt catheter tie at the level of the right clavicle under local anesthesia, and the patient recovered his health to his baseline. We present a patient who was successfully managed with a tie of the shunt catheter for sinking skin flap syndrome.

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Third and Fourth Decades of Life

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics of ruptured aneurysms in young adults, of the third and fourth decades of life, and to compare several clinical characteristics affecting the outcome of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 1459 patients who underwent surgery and endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms from June 1992 to December 2010 and compared clinical characteristics. We also reviewed pre-existing medical conditions and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Among 1459 patients, there were 21 patients (1.44%) in the third decade and 104 patients (7.13%) in the fourth decade of life. Within two age groups, 88 (70.4%) were male and 37 (29.6%) were female, a ratio of 2.37 : 1. In both groups, we observed the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm with the most frequency (p=0.028). In general, favorable outcome was achieved in both age groups (90.5% and 81.7%, respectively). An initial univariate analysis showed Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, location of aneurysm, and rebleeding significantly associated with outcome after aneurysm rupture. Further, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only Hunt-Hess grade (grade 4-5) was a risk factor for the outcome (odds ratio=9.730, 95% confidence interval 2.069-45.756, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was higher in the male population of the third and fourth decades of life. Aneurysms on the ACA were most frequently occurred in both age groups and the outcome of aneurysmal SAH among the third and fourth decades was favorable. Multivariate analysis revealed that high Hunt-Hess grade was a risk factor for patient's outcome.

Surgical Management of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of The Anterior Cranial Fossa: Case Report / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: A dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) of the anterior cranial fossa is rare. We report a case of a DAVF of the anterior cranial fossa which was treated surgically, following endovascular treatment failure. METHODS & RESULTS: The subject was a 53-year-old male with a headache caused by a hematoma in the right frontal lobe. A vascular abnormality of the anterior cranial fossa was suspected on brain computed tomographic angiography. The subsequent transfemoral cerebral angiography revealed that the AVF of the anterior cranial fossa was mainly fed by the left anterior ethmoidal artery. Endovascular therapy using N-butyl cyanoacrylate was attempted. However, the procedure failed to occlude the fistula due to the existing feeding artery (the right anterior ethmoidal artery). Consequently, a surgical approach was undertaken and the lesion was successfully obliterated. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of an intracerebral hematoma caused by a DAVF, which was successfully managed surgically following, endovascular treatment failure.

Is Titanium Mesh Cage Safe in Surgical Management of Pyogenic Spondylitis?

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with pyogenic spondylitis treated with anterior radical debridement and insertion of a titanium mesh cage and to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of the use of a titanium mesh cage in the surgical management of pyogenic spondylitis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 19 patients who underwent surgical treatment in our department between January 2004 and December 2008. The average follow-up period was 11.16 months (range, 6-64 months). We evaluated risk factors, cultured organisms, lab data, clinical outcomes, and radiographic results. Surgical techniques for patients with pyogenic spondylitis were anterior radical debridement and reconstruction with titanium mesh cage insertion and screw fixation. All patients received intravenous antibiotics for at least 6 weeks postoperatively, and some patients received oral antibiotics. RESULTS: The infections resolved in all of the patients as noted by normalization of their erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. The mean pain score on a Visual Analog Scale was 7.8 (range, 4-10) before surgery and 2.4 (range, 1-5) after surgery. The Frankel grade was improved by one grade in seven patients. After surgery, the average difference of the angle was improved about 6.96degrees in all patients. At the last follow-up, the mean loss of correction was 4.86degrees. CONCLUSION: Anterior radical debridement followed by the placement of instrumentation with a titanium mesh cage may be a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with pyogenic spondylitis. This surgical therapy does not lead to recurrent pyogenic spondylitis.

Effects of Concomitant Intracerebral Hemorrhage on Patient Outcomes in Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analyzed the results of treating ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms surgically and reported the DACA aneurysms' characteristics and the influence of concomitant intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on the outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with DACA aneurysms from among 430 patients who had received a diagnosis of, and undergone operations for, intracranial aneurysms in our hospital, from January 2003 to December 2008. We analyzed their age, gender, initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) on admission, Hunt and Hess grading scale, and past medical history of hypertension or diabetes. We used computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans to investigate the location, size, multiplicity, ICH, and volume of each aneurysm and scored its surgical outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). RESULTS: The 24 patients (8 men and 16 women) with DACA aneurysms were aged 5-73 years (mean, 52 years), and 6 had multiple aneurysms. Eleven patients had concomitant ICH, and these patients' mean hematoma volume was 15.2 cc. There were 4 patients with GCS scores from 14 to 15 and 7 patients with GCS scores below 13. Nine patients had GOS scores from 4 to 5, 1 patient had a GOS score of 3, and 1 patient, a GOS score of 1. Fisher's exact test revealed that initial GCS (P=0.03) and Hunt and Hess grade affected surgical outcomes. Concomitant ICH was not a statistically significant factor (P=0.7). CONCLUSIONS: We found DACA aneurysms were more common in women, multiple cerebral aneurysms were frequent, and these aneurysms were not large. Clinical outcomes were associated with initial GCS and Hunt and Hess grades. ICH was more frequent in DACA aneurysms, and ICH showed no correlation with either the clinical course or the final surgical outcome.

Laparotomy versus Laparoscopic Placement of Distal Catheter in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Procedure

OBJECTIVE: Traditionally, peritoneal catheter is inserted with midline laparotomy incision in ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt procedures. Complications of V-P shunt is not uncommon and have been reported to occur in 5-37% of cases. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and the operation time between laparotomy and laparoscopic groups. METHODS: A total of 155 V-P shunt procedures were performed to treat hydrocephalic patients of various origins in our institute between June 2006 to January 2010; 95 of which were laparoscopically guided and 65 were not. We reviewed the operation time, surgery-related complications, and intraoperative and postoperative problems. RESULTS: In the laparoscopy group, the mean duration of the procedure (52 minutes) was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) than the laparotomy group (109 minutes). There were two cases of malfunctions and one incidence of diaphragm injury in the laparotomy group. In contrast, there were neither malfunction nor any internal organ injuries in the laparoscopy group (p = 0.034). There were total of two cases of infections from both groups (p = 0.7). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically guided insertions of distal shunt catheter is considered a fast and safe method in contrast to the laparotomy technique. This method allows the exact localization of the peritoneal catheter and a confirmation of its patency.

Spontaneous Rapid Reduction of a Large Acute Subdural Hematoma

The majority of acute post-traumatic subdural hematomas (ASDH) require urgent surgical evacuation. Spontaneous resolution of ASDH has been reported in some cases. We report here on a case of a patient with a large amount of ASDH that was rapidly reduced. A 61-yr-old man was found unconscious following a high speed motor vehicle accident. On initial examination, his Glasgow Coma Score scale was 4/15. His pupils were fully dilated and non-reactive to bright light. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed a massive right-sided ASDH. The decision was made to treat him conservatively because of his poor clinical condition. Another brain CT approximately 14 hr after the initial scan demonstrated a remarkable reduction of the previous ASDH and there was the new appearance of high density in the subdural space adjacent to the falx and the tentorium. Thirty days after his admission, brain CT revealed chronic SDH and the patient underwent surgery. The patient is currently able to obey simple commands. In conclusion, spontaneous rapid resolution/reduction of ASDH may occur in some patients. The mechanisms are most likely the result of dilution by cerebrospinal fluid and the redistribution of hematoma especially in patients with brain atrophy.

Stereotactic Multiplanar Reformatted Computed Tomography-Guided Catheter Placement and Thrombolysis of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematomas

OBJECTIVE: The authors present their experiences with stereotactic multiplanar reformatted (MPR) computed tomography (CT)-guided catheter placement for thrombolysis of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (sICH) and their clinical results. METHODS: In 23 patients with sICH, MPR CT-guided catheter placement was used to select the trajectory and target point of hematoma drainage. This group was comprised of 11 men and 12 women, and the mean age was 57.5 years (range, 31-79 years). The patients' initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores ranged from 7 to 15 with a median of 11. The volume of the hematoma ranged from 24 mL to 86 mL (mean 44.5 mL). A trajectory along the main axis of the hematoma was considered to be optimal for thrombolytic therapy. The trajectory was calculated from the point of entry through the target point of the hematoma using reformatted images. RESULTS: The hematoma catheter was left in place for a median duration of 48.9 hours (range 34 to 62 hours). In an average of two days, the average residual hematoma volume was 6.2 mL (range 1.4 mL to 10.2 mL) and was reduced by an average of 84.7% (range 71.6% to 96.3%). The residual hematoma at postoperative seven days was less than 5 mL in all patients. There was no treatment-related death during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that stereotactic MPR CT-guided catheter placement for thrombolysis is an accurate and safe procedure. We suggest that this procedure for stereotactic removal of sICH should be considered for the optimization of the trajectory selection in the future.