Neuroprotective Effect Of Citrullus Lanatus Seed Extracts On Cerebral Ischemic Reperfusion Injury Induced Cognitive Impairment And Oxidative Stress

Objective: Oxidative stress appears to be an early event involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of citrullus lanatus on bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Cognitive impairment and oxidative stress were induced by BCCAO for 30 min, followed by 7 d reperfusion of male wistar rats. Morris water maze and rectangular maze performance tests and locomotor activity were used to assess memory performance tasks. To study the activity, rats weighing 250-300g were pre-treated with successive extracts of n-hexane fraction (HF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), ethanol fraction (EF) and aqueous fraction (AF) of 400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, p. o of each for 10 d and the treatment was continued for another 7 d after cerebral ischemia. Various biochemical parameters like lipid peroxidation, Catalase, DPPH and AchE were also estimated in the brain after the treatment. Results: There was significantly increased oxidative stress and cholinesterase activity with cognitive decline in the hippocampus in rats of BCCAO group as compared to sham-operated (p<0.05). The animals treated with Donepezil, HF and EF prevented the biochemical changes significantly (p<0.001) and there was significant (p<0.001) improvement in cognitive parameters compared to BCCAO treated rats. Conclusion: Thus present study indicates the neuroprotective effect of citrulus lanatus seed extract (HF and EF) against BCCAO induced cognitive impairment and associative oxidative damage.

Determination of Clamp Site with Reference to a Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring System in a Patient with a Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm Complicated by Right Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 66-year-old man was referred to our hospital for the treatment of a right subclavian artery aneurysm. Computed tomography showed a 35-mm aneurysm in the right subclavian artery, and occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. A surgical approach with maintenance of intracranial blood flow was required. During anastomosis of the graft to the native vessel, we clamped the distal and proximal portions of the right subclavian artery, to maintain the blood flow of the right common carotid artery. The INVOS® cerebral oximeter (Somanetics Corp., Troy, MI, USA) was useful in determining the clamping site and surgical strategy. The procedure was completed without complications, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 8 following a good clinical course.

Visual Loss with Ophthalmoplegia after Prone Position Spinal Surgery

PURPOSE: We report a case of acute visual loss with ophthalmoplegia after prone position spinal surgery who had blood supply dependence on collateral circulation due to occlusion of the Internal carotid artery. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old man was referred to the department of ophthalmology for acute visual loss and ophthalmoplegia after lumbar spine surgery performed in prone position. On the initial visit, his right visual acuity was 0.8 and the left visual acuity was negative light perception. Intraocular pressure was normal. There was a relative afferent pupillary defect and ophthalmoplegia of all directions in the left eye. Because of the ptosis of the upper eyelid in the left eye, it was impossible to tune the eye voluntarily. The cherry red spot and pale retina were observed on the fundus examination. On brain magnetic resonance imaging angiography, we found complete obstruction of the left internal carotid artery. He had intravenous injection of 1 g methylprednisolone for 3 days, and discharged with per oral medicine. After 1 month of treatment, the ophthalmoplegia was slightly improved, but visual acuity was not recovered. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, unlike previous reports, acute visual loss and ophthalmoplegia occurred after spinal surgery the patient who had collateral circulation for ocular blood supply because of complete obstruction of the left internal carotid artery. This report highlights the importance of being aware of the anatomical variant in possible complications of external ocular compression after non-ocular surgery.

Effect of family support nursing system on continuous nursing of home recuperation after symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion intervention / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To observe the role of family support nursing system in the continuous care of patients with home rest and recuperation after symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion (SICAO) intervention.@*Methods@#Selecting patients with SICAO interventional procedures from August 2015 to July 2017, According to the continuous nursing method during the rest period, they were divided into the control group and the research group, with 45 cases in each group. The control group underwent routine continuous nursing intervention, and the study group implemented continuous nursing intervention based on the family support nursing system. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, Barthel Index (BI) score, and Comprehension Social Support Scale (PSSS) scores were compared between the 2 groups at discharge and at 6 months of care intervention. The compliance of the two groups was compared at 2 weeks and 6 months, and the complications of the 2 groups were compared between 2 weeks and 6 months.@*Results@#There were no significant differences in the scores of mRS, BI and PSSS between the two groups at the time of discharge (P>0.05).When the nursing intervention is 6 months,mRS, BI score and PSSS scores, the research team is(1.54±0.23), (68.36±7.15), (23.75±2.36), (45.34±5.63), (69.09±7.12), the control group was(1.96±0.25), (61.33±6.70), (21.33±2.62), (41.15±4.71), (62.48±6.12), the study group was superior to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-8.294-5.182, P<0.05).The treatment adherence rate of the study group at 2 and 6 months was82.22%(37/45), 93.33%(42/45). Higher than the control group 57.78%(26/45), 64.44%(29/45). The difference was statistically significant(χ2=6.402, 11.275, P<0.05). The complication rate of the study group intervention from 2 weeks to 6 months2.22%(1/45). Lower than the control group13.33% (6/45). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=87.333, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Continuing nursing intervention based on family support nursing system can significantly improve the neurological function of patients after SICAO intervention, comprehend family and social support, improve daily living ability and treatment compliance, and reduce complications.

Hybrid recanalization for occluded internal carotied artery followed by mechanical thrombectomy for distal artery: A case report and literature review / 中国脑血管病杂志

The clinical characteristics of a patient who received hybrid racanalizaion for chronic occlusion of right internal carotid artery was retrospectively analyzed in this report The advantages of hybrid operation for such lesion was discussed and reviewed. This patient was a 59 years old man, who suffered from numbness and weakness at right extremities accompanied with clumsy response. DSA revealed ulcerative plaque in the left internal carotid artery and occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. The hybrid operation to racanalize the occluded right internal carotid artery was performed. Firsdy, right carotid endarlerectomy was perfomed. Intraoperative DSA confirmed right internal carotid artery was recanalized, but the ipsilatcral M2 segment became invisible. It was occluded by a detached embolus which was retrieved by a stent to recover the patency of the artery. This case suggested that hybrid recanalization of occluded internal carotid artery could make use of merits of both endarterectomy and interventional techniques, thus increasing the opportunity of recanalization. Besides, control radiological imaging can be performed at any time during operation to better assure patients' safety.

Hemodynamic changes of cerebral arteries in patients with chronic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion / 中国综合临床

Objective To analyze the hemodynamic changes of cerebral arteries in patients with chronic extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion (EICAO).Methods Ninety-six patients with chronic unilateral EICAO who were admitted to Kailuan General Hospital from September 2012 to December 2015 were selected as the case group (EICAO group),and 30 volunteers were selected as the control group.Color transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect the anterior communicating artery (ACOA) of the grade Ⅰ collateral circulation,the posterior communicating artery (PCOA),the ocular artery of the grade Ⅱ collateral circulation,and the pial collateral branch.Circulation rate and cerebral hemodynamic parameters:(Mean blood flow velocity (Vm) and pulsatility index).Results In the left and right EICAO groups,the opening rates of collateral circulation at grade Ⅰ were 86.96％ (40/46),96.00％ (48/50) and 78.26％ (36/46) and 88.00％ (44/50) respectively.There were significant differences in the opening rates of collateral circulation at grade Ⅰ between the two groups (x2 =4.114,P =0.043).There was no significant difference in the opening rates of collateral circulation at grade Ⅱ between the two groups (x2 =3.544,P =0.060).The left and right sides of EICAO group were compared with the same side of control group.The Vm of the common carotid artery (left side of the EICAO group (24.08 ± 9.25) cm/s),left side of the control group (32.52±3.28) cm/s,P＜0.01);right side of the EICAO group (22.20±5.51) cm/s),right side of the control group(31.58±3.35) cm/s,P＜0.01)) and the end-carotid artery end stage (TICA) The pulsation index (left side of left EICAO group (0.78 ±0.17),left side of control group (0.92±0.08),P ＜0.01);right side of right EICAO group (0.75 ± 0.19),right side of control group (0.91 ± 0.10),P ＜0.01),Vm of middle cerebral artery (MCA) (left side of left EICAO group(40.29 ±20.61) cm/s,left side of control group(55.72 ±5.60) cm/s,right side of EICAO;The right side of group (37.10±19.70) cm/s),the right side of control group (53.70±6.28) cm/s,P＜0.01),the pulsation index of MCA (left side of left EICAO group(0.74±0.19),left side of control group(0.87±0.10),P＜0.01;right side of right EICAO group (0.69±0.23),right side of control group:(0.90 ± 0.08),P ＜ 0.01).There were significant differences.NIHSS score of neurological impairment:normal 17.39％ (8/46),mild 39.13％ (18/46),moderate 30.44％ (14/46),moderate severe 13.04％ (6/46) in left EICAO group,and normal 18.00％ (9/50),mild 54.00％ (27/50),moderate 24.00％ (12/50),moderate severe 4.00％ (2/50) in right EICAO group.There was no significant difference between the two groups (P =0.178).Conclusion The ipsilateral common carotid artery and its distal middle cerebral artery in patients with chronic unilateral internal carotid artery occlusionshow hypoperfusion of hemodynamics,accompanied by neurological impairment.

Oxiracetam ameliorates cognitive deficits in vascular dementia rats by regulating the expression of neuronal apoptosis/autophagy-related genes associated with the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Oxiracetam (ORC) is a commonly used nootropic drug for improving cognition and memory impairments. The therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of ORC in vascular dementia (VaD) treatment remain unknown. In this study, 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-induced VaD were treated orally with low (100 mg/kg) or high (200 mg/kg) dose ORC once a day for 4 weeks. The results of the Morris water maze test and Nissl staining showed that ORC treatment significantly alleviated learning and memory deficits and neuronal damage in rats with VaD. Mechanistically, the protein levels of a panel of genes associated with neuronal apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax) and autophagy (microtubule-associated protein 1 chain 3, Beclin1, p62) were significantly altered by ORC treatment compared with VaD, suggesting a protective role of ORC against VaD-induced neuronal apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, the Akt/mTOR pathway, which is known to be the upstream signaling governing apoptosis and autophagy, was found to be activated in ORC-treated rats, suggesting an involvement of Akt/mTOR activation in ORC-rendered protection in VaD rats. Taken together, this study demonstrated that ORC may alleviate learning and memory impairments and neuronal damage in VaD rats by altering the expression of apoptosis/autophagy-related genes and activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in neurons.

Study on the optimization of nursing mode for interventional open operation of symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion guided by Joint Commission International concept / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore the influence of perioperative nursing for interventional open operation of patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion under the guidance of the Joint Commission International(JCI) concept. Methods The clinical data of 90 patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion treated by elective interventional open operation from January 2016 to February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, of which 40 patients receiving routine nursing from January 2016 to January 2017 were set as control group, of which 50 patients receiving nursing guided by JCI concept from February 2017 to February 2018 were set as observation group. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the anxiety of patients at preoperative 1 h and postoperative 48 h, and the extubation time and hospitalization time were compared, as well as the incidence of complications and the patient's coordination degree. Results The HAMD scores of preoperative 1 h and postoperative 48 h of the observation group respectively was (26.58 ± 5.79) and (17.41 ± 4.18) points, of which the control group respectively was (29.75 ± 5.21) points and (22.26 ± 4.64) points, and the HAMD scores between the postoperative 48 h and preoperative 1 h in the 2 groups were statistically significant differences (t=9.080, 6.790, all P < 0.01), of which between the 2 groups were statistically significant differences (t=2.697, 5.208, all P < 0.01). The extubation time and hospitalization time of the observation group respectively was (3.81 ± 0.62) and (12.97 ± 3.65) d, of which the control group respectively was (4.39 ± 0.71) and (16.18±3.54) d, with statistically significant differences (t=4.134, 4.201, all P<0.01). The total incidence rate of complications of the observation group was 18.00％(9/50), of which the control group was 40.00％(16/40), with statistically significant differences (χ2=5.361, P<0.05). The good rate of coordination of the observation group was 76.00％(38/50), of which the control group was 55.00％(22/40), with statistically significant differences (χ2=4.410, P < 0.05). Conclusions The perioperative nursing based on the JCI concept guidance can relieve the anxiety of patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion treated by elective interventional open operation, shorten the postoperative recovery time, reduce the incidence of complications and improve the nursing coordination.

Neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin on rat retinas subjected to oligemia

OBJECTIVES: Erythropoietin may have neuroprotective potential after ischemia of the central nervous system. Here, we conducted a study to characterize the protective effects of erythropoietin on retinal ganglion cells and gliotic reactions in an experimentally induced oligemia model. METHODS: Rats were subjected to global oligemia by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and then received either vehicle or erythropoietin via intravitreal injection after 48 h; they were euthanized one week after the injection. The densities of retinal ganglion cells and contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes/Müller cells) and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1 (microglia/macrophages), assessed by fluorescence intensity, were evaluated in frozen retinal sections by immunofluorescence and epifluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Retinal ganglion cells were nearly undetectable one week after oligemia compared with the sham controls; however, these cells were partially preserved in erythropoietin-treated retinas. The contents of glial fibrillary acidic protein and cluster of differentiation 68 clone ED1, markers for reactive gliosis, were significantly higher in retinas after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion than those in both sham and erythropoietin-treated retinas. CONCLUSIONS: The number of partially preserved retinal ganglion cells in the erythropoietin-treated group suggests that erythropoietin exerts a neuroprotective effect on oligemic/ischemic retinas. This effect could be related to the down-modulation of glial reactivity, usually observed in hypoxic conditions, clinically observed during glaucoma or retinal artery occlusion conditions. Therefore, glial reactivity may enhance neurodegeneration in hypoxic conditions, like normal-tension glaucoma and retinal ischemia, and erythropoietin is thus a candidate to be clinically applied after the detection of decreased retinal blood flow.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and plasticity of the posterior cerebral artery following permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a group of heterogeneous diseases with the common feature of cerebral hypoperfusion. To identify key factors contributing to VaD pathophysiology, we performed a detailed comparison of Wistar and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats subjected to permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo). Eight-week old male Wistar and SD rats underwent BCCAo, followed by a reference memory test using a five-radial arm maze with tactile cues. Continuous monitoring of cerebral blood flow (CBF) was performed with a laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) system. A separate cohort of animals was sacrificed for evaluation of the brain vasculature and white matter damage after BCCAo. We found reference memory impairment in Wistar rats, but not in SD rats. Moreover, our LDPI system revealed that Wistar rats had significant hypoperfusion in the brain region supplied by the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Furthermore, Wistar rats showed more profound CBF reduction in the forebrain region than did SD rats. Post-mortem analysis of brain vasculature demonstrated greater PCA plasticity at all time points after BCCAo in Wistar rats. Finally, we confirmed white matter rarefaction that was only observed in Wistar rats. Our studies show a comprehensive and dynamic CBF status after BCCAo in Wistar rats in addition to severe PCA dolichoectasia, which correlated well with white matter lesion and memory decline.

Clinical application of intravascular ultrasound in the interventional treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion: initial experience of one case / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in treatinginternal carotid arteries occlusion.Methods The patient was diagnosed with internal carotid artery occlusionthat was confirmed by CTA.Cerebral perfusion imaging showed that low perfusion area was consistent withischemic symptoms.Guided by IVUS,percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed.By usingmicro-catheter coaxial technology,the micro guide wire was inserted in the carotid artery until it passedthrough the obstructed segment;After IVUS examination proved that the micro guide wire was in the truelumen of carotid artery,angiography through micro-catheter was carried out to confirm that the distal arterywas unobstructed;after adjusting the device position the embolism protector was placed.The plaque andlumen condition were assessed with IVUS,which was reevaluated after pre-expansion of balloon.After normaldirection blood flow was regained,the plaque stability was assessed with IVUS virtual organization sequence.Simple balloon dilatation therapy was adopted as the fibrous cap of plaque was in stable condition and thelumen stenosis rate was ＜40％.Results After balloon dilatation,the obstructed artery was reopened and theblood flow regained normal direction.IVUS examination showed that during the whole operation process thefibrous cap of plaque at the narrowed segment remained in stable condition,the lumen stenosis rate was ＜40％.Cerebral perfusion imaging revealed that after the treatment the low perfusion state was markedlyimproved.Conclusion IVUS plays an important guiding role in performing PTA for internal carotid arteryocclusion.This technique can increase the success rate of vascular recanalization and reduce the incidence ofcomplications.

Role of balloon occlusion test in the treatment of permanent internal carotid artery occlusion / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the relation between the balloon occlusion test ( BOT) and the anatomy of the circle of Willis ( CW) , and to explore the role of balloon occlusion test in the treatment of internal carotid artery permanent occlusion. Methods Selected the clinical data of 49 patients (52 sides) who had BOT in our hospital from October 2009 to June 2015,and analyzed the relationship be-tween the occurrence rate of anterior communicating artery ( AcoA) / posterior communicating artery ( PcoA) and the positive rate of BOT retrospectively. Results The occurrence rate of the AcoA was 97. 9%, and the occurrence rate of PcoA in one side was 82. 7%. Negative rate BOT accounted for 92. 3% and AcoA occurred in all, while the positive rate accounted for 7. 7%, including 2 cases of right superior ar-teria cerebri anterior combined with ipsilateral PcoAs absence, 1 case of left superior arteria cerebri anterior combined with ipsilateral PcoAs absence, and 1 case of AcoA and PcoAs absence. Conclusion Before the permanent occlusion of the internal carotid artery, it’ s necessary to clarify the redistribution of the compensatory way of blood flow in the AcoA-absent cases. Implementing permanent occlusion for cases with complete circle of Willis would cause less ischemic risk.

Preliminary Experience with Vascular Plugs for Parent Artery Occlusion of the Carotid or Vertebral Arteries

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the authors' preliminary experience using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) (St. Jude Medical, Plymouth, MN, USA) for parent artery occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery (VA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2008 and December 2015, we performed 52 therapeutic parent artery occlusions (PAOs) by an endovascular technique. Among them, 10 patients underwent PAO of the carotid or vertebral arteries using AVPs. Clinical and radiographic data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The devices were used for VA dissection that presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in five patients, traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in two patients, spontaneous AVF in one patient, recurrence of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) in one patient, and symptomatic unruptured giant ICA aneurysm in one patient. The devices were used in conjunction with detachable and/or pushable coils and in the extracranial segments of the ICA or VA. Complete occlusion of the parent artery was achieved in all patients. There was one intra-procedural rupture of the VA dissection during coiling prior to using the device. CONCLUSION: Results from the current series suggest that the AVP might be used for therapeutic PAO in the extracranial segments of the ICA or VA.

Coil Embolization of a Ruptured Basilar Tip Aneurysm Associated with Bilateral Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report here on a rare case of a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm that was successfully treated with coil embolization in the bilateral cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions with abnormal vascular networks from the posterior circulation. A 43-year old man with a familial history of moyamoya disease presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the bilateral ICAs at the proximal portion and a ruptured aneurysm at the basilar artery bifurcation. Each meningeal artery supplied the anterior cranial base, but most of both hemispheres were supplied with blood from the basilar artery and the posterior cerebral arteries through a large number of collateral vessels to the ICA bifurcation as well as the anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries. The perfusion computed tomography (CT) scans with acetazolamide (ACZ) injection revealed no reduction of cerebral blood flow and normal cerebrovascular reactivity to ACZ. An abdominal CT aortogram showed no other extracranial vessel abnormalities. A ruptured basilar tip aneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization without complications. Endovascular embolization may be a good treatment option with excellent safety for a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm that accompanies proximal ICA occlusion with vulnerable collateral flow.

Emergency Operation for an Unconscious Patient Caused by Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection with Occlusion of the Right Common Carotid Artery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 65-year old unconscious man with left hemiplegia was found to have acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) and occlusion of the brachiocephalic and right carotid artery. He underwent emergency surgery. Before midline sternotomy, arterial cannulas were inserted into the femoral artery and the true lumen of the right carotid artery and were connected thorough a Y-shaped extracorporeal circulation circuit to restore the cerebral perfusion. During the aortic procedure, both arteries were used as arterial inflow sites.The patient regained consciousness 6 h later and was extubated on the next day. He suffered infarction of the right cerebral hemisphere, but neurologic deficits were totally resolved. He was given an ambulatory discharged 46 days later and has been reinstated in his former job 6 months after the operation. The indications for emergency surgery for AAD complicated by stroke or coma remains controversial. Especially soon after the onset, surgery may be applicable for such AAD patients if neurological deficits are not obviously irreversible.

Possible nitric oxide mechanism in the protective effect of hesperidin against ischemic reperfusion cerebral injury in rats.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability around the globe. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the protective effect of hesperidin and its nitric oxide mechanism against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 30 min followed by 24 h reperfusion was given to induce ischemia in rats. Animals were pretreated with hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg, po) for 7 days. Various behavioural tests, oxidative stress parameters, endogenous antioxidant system, antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial enzyme complex (I, II, III and IV) dysfunctions in cortex and striatum were assessed subsequently. Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly improved neurobehavioral alterations (neurological score, locomotor activity, resistance to lateral push and hanging wire latency), attenuated oxidative damage, restored antioxidant and mitochondrial complex enzyme activities in cortex and in striatum regions of the brain as compared to their respective controls. L-arginine (100 mg/kg) or L-NAME (10 mg/kg) pretreatment with lower dose of hesperidin (50 mg/kg) significantly reversed or potentiated its protective effect, respectively which was significant as compared to hesperidin (50 mg/kg). The results highlight the involvement of nitric oxide mechanism in the protective effect of hesperidin against ischemia reperfusion injury induced alterations.

Acute Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Territory Infarction Associated with a Variant of Aortic Arch Branching

Acute bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) is a rare form of ischemic stroke. The possible role of variants of the aortic arch in bilateral ICAO has never been reported. Two patients presented with abrupt coma with quadriplegia. Magnetic resonance images revealed acute ischemic lesions on both hemispheres, except the area supplied by the vertebrobasilar artery. Both patients showed variation of the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery. This variation might explain simultaneous bilateral carotid territory infarctions.

Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery due to Intracranial Fungal Infection

In recent years the immunocompromised population has increased rapidly to include people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), drug abusers, and transplant patients. Accordingly, the incidence of intracranial fungal infection has increased. Our institution experienced 2 cases of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion due to invasion of the cavernous sinus by an intracranial fungal infection. The first case was a 60-year-old man who presented with headache, eye pain, conjunctival injection, right-sided diplopia, and blurred vision. Infected tissues within the frontal and ethmoid sinuses were removed via bifrontal craniotomy and endoscopic sinus surgery through the Caldwell Luc approach. The second case was a 63-year-old woman who developed right-sided facial pain after a tooth extraction. The infection was not controlled despite continuous use of antifungal agents, resulting in death from sepsis. We believe that when intracranial fungal infection is suspected in a patient with orbital symptoms and a focal neurologic deficit, immediate angiographic investigation of possible ICA occlusion is warranted. Aggressive treatment with antifungal agents is the only way to improve prognosis.

Patent Internal Carotid Artery with Collateral Circulation from Contralateral External Carotid Artery after Common Carotid Artery Occlusion

No abstract available.

Serial Expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha and Neuronal Apoptosis in Hippocampus of Rats with Chronic Ischemic Brain

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate serial changes of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha), as a key regulator of hypoxic ischemia, and apoptosis of hippocampus induced by bilateral carotid arteries occlusion (BCAO) in rats. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to the permanent BCAO. The time points studied were 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after occlusions, with n=6 animals subjected to BCAO, and n=2 to sham operation at each time point, and brains were fixed by intracardiac perfusion fixation with 4% neutral-buffered praraformaldehyde for brain section preparation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot and terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed to evaluate HIF-1alpha expression and apoptosis. RESULTS: In IHC and western blot, HIF-1alpha levels were found to reach the peak at the 2nd week in the hippocampus, while apoptotic neurons, in TUNEL assay, were maximal at the 4th week in the hippocampus, especially in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region. HIF-1alpha levels and apoptosis were found to fluctuate during the time course. CONCLUSION: This study showed that BCAO induces acute ischemic responses for about 4 weeks then chronic ischemia in the hippocampus. These in vivo data are the first to show the temporal sequence of apoptosis and HIF-1alpha expression.