Relationship between vertebral instability caused by intravertebral clefts and neurologic injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The details of clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with intravertebral clefts are poorly understood at present. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between clinical symptoms and imaging features of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with intravertebral clefts. METHODS: Clinical data of 168 patients with single-level osteoporotic vertebral fracture with intravertebral clefts were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical symptoms were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale score and Oswestry Disability Index. The incidence of delayed neurologic deficit was recorded. X-ray was used to measure the local kyphosis angle and vertebral instability, and CT was used to diagnose the posterior wall fracture of the vertebral body. The relationship between clinical symptoms and imaging features of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with intravertebral clefts was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The Visual Analogue Scale score and Oswestry Disability Index were 7.7±1.6 and (62.9±19.2)%, respectively. Delayed neurologic deficit occurred in 37 patients (22.0%). Local kyphosis angle and vertebral instability was (16.8±7.7)° and (7.9±4.4)°, respectively. The incidence of posterior wall fracture was 89.8%. (2) The Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index were significantly correlated with vertebral instability (r=0.33, P < 0.001; r=0.53, P < 0.001), but had weak correlation with local kyphosis angle (r=-0.16, P=0.03; r=-0.16, P=0.03). (3) The incidence of vertebral instability in patients with delayed neurologic deficit was significantly higher than that in patients without delayed neurologic deficit (P < 0.001), but there was no difference in local kyphosis angle between two groups (P=0.18). All patients with delayed neurologic deficit had posterior wall fracture, but only 2/3 patients with posterior wall fracture had delayed neurologic deficit. (4) In summary, vertebral instability is one of the factors leading to clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients with intravertebral clefts. The vertebral instability may be the main cause of delayed neurologic deficit. In order to treat back pain and delayed neurologic deficit effectively, it is important to control vertebral instability of osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients with intravertebral clefts.

Factors Affecting Early and 1-Year Motor Recovery Following Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Cohort Review

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PURPOSE: The study was aimed at evaluating clinicoradiological factors affecting recovery of neurological deficits in cases of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) treated by lumbar microdiscectomy. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The majority of the available literature on neurological recovery following neurodeficit is limited to retrospective series. The literature is currently limited regarding variables that can help predict the recovery of neurodeficits following LDH. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed on 70 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy (L1–2 to L5–S1) owing to neurological deficits due to LDH. Patients with motor power ≤3/5 in L2–S1 myotomes were considered for analysis. Follow-up was performed at 2, 6, and 12 months to note recovery of motor deficits. Clinicoradiological parameters were compared between the recovered and nonrecovered groups. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were available at the final follow-up: 41 (63%) had completely recovered by 2 months; four showed delayed recovery at the 6-month follow-up; and 20 (30.7%) showed no recovery at 1 year. Clinicoradiological factors, including diabetes, complete initial deficit, areflexia, multilevel disc prolapse, longer duration since initial symptoms, and ≥2 previous symptomatic episodes were associated with a significant risk of poorer recovery (p 0.05 for all). Diabetes mellitus (p=0.033) and complete initial motor deficit (p=0.028) were significantly associated with delayed recovery in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The overall neurological recovery rate in our study was 69%. Diabetes mellitus (p=0.033) and complete initial motor deficit were associated with delayed motor recovery.

Frequency and Characteristics of Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study in Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia / 대한연하장애학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the frequency of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and characteristics of VFSS findings in the patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,885 patients who has been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia either clinically or radiographically. Overall, 811 patients could not be examined because of medical problems. The rest of the subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of neurologic deficit. The findings of VFSS were scored using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Pharyngeal Residue Grade (PRG), and data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics, the χ² test, t-test, ANCOVA and logistic regression. RESULT: A total of 1,267 subjects (43.9%) underwent VFSS. Among patients who could be examined, 61.1% were tested. Only 26.7% of subjects without neurologic deficit underwent VFSS, while 56.5% of the subjects in the other group underwent the procedure. The PAS and PRG scores did not differ significantly between groups. About 32.7% of the findings showed silent aspiration (PAS 8), which difficult to detect by bedside screening tests. CONCLUSION: Subjects with neurologic deficit showed significantly higher test rates than the others. There were no significant differences in VFSS findings between groups. Dysphagia should be evaluated in patients with aspiration pneumonia using precise tools, such as VFSS and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), regardless of presence of neurological deficit.

Scalp-acupuncture Improves Neurological Function by Regulating Expression of NF-κB p 65 mRNA, IκB mRNA and IL-1 β and TNF-α in Parahippocampal Gyrus of Cerebral Ischemia Rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of scalp-acupuncture intervention on the expression of parahippocampal factor-κB p 65 mRNA (NF-κB p 65 mRNA), IκB mRNA, interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats with cerebral ischemia (CI), so as to investigate its molecular mechanisms underlying improving CI by reducing inflammatory response. METHODS: A total of 64 SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, medication and scalp-acupuncture groups, with 16 rats in each group. The focal CI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Intraperitoneal injection of Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate (100 mg•kg－1•d－1) was administrated for rats in the medication group, once a day for 7 days. For rats of the scalp-acupuncture group, the acupuncture needles were rapidly inserted into bilateral Dingnieqianxiexian (MS 6) and Dingniehouxiexian (MS 7), followed by twirling the needles at 200 cycles/min for 1 min, once again every 10 min during 30 min's needle retention. The treatment was conducted once a day for 7 days. The neurologic deficit score (0－5 points, impaired consciousness, death, etc.) and neurological function score (motor, sensory and sensory tests, 0－10 points) were assessed according to Longa's (1989) and Schäbitz's (2004) methods, respectively. The expression levels of NF-κB p 65 mRNA and IκB mRNA in the parahippocampus gyrus tissue were detected by fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and IL-1 β and TNF-α proteins in the parahippocampus gyrus tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After modeling, the neurologic deficit and neurological function scores and the expression levels of NF-κB p 65 mRNA, IL-1 β and TNF-α in the parahip-pocampus were significantly increased in the model group than in the normal group (P<0.01), while the expression of IκB mRNA was considerably down-regulated (P<0.01). Following treatment intervention, the neurologic deficit and neurological function scores as well as NF-κB p 65 mRNA, and IL-1 β and TNF-α protein expression were significantly decreased in both scalp-acupuncture and medication groups compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the decreased expression of IκB mRNA was obviously increased (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Scalp-acupuncture can improve neurologic function in cerebral ischemic rats, which is related with its effects in up-regulating the expression of IκB to inhibit the dissociation of NF-κB, then decreasing the expression of IL-1 β and TNF-α (reducing inflammatory response) in the parahippocampal gyrus tissue.

Neurologic Deficits after Surgical Enucleation of Schwannoma in the Upper Extremity

PURPOSE: Neurologic deficits after enucleation of schwannoma are not rare. To evaluate the neurologic deficits after surgical enucleation of schwannoma in the upper extremity, we performed a retrospective review of patients with surgically treated schwannoma over a 14-year period at a single institution. METHODS: Between March 2001 and September 2014, 103 patients underwent surgical enucleation for schwannomas; 36 patients of them had lesions in the upper extremity, and 2 out of 36 patients had multiple schwannomas. Each operation was performed by a single surgeon under loupe magnification. The postoperative neurological deficits were graded as major and minor in both immediate postoperatively and at last follow-up. The major deficit was defined as anesthesia or marked hypoesthesia, motor weakness of grade 3 or less and neuropathic pain. Minor deficit was defined as mild symptoms of mild hypoesthesia, paresthesia and motor weakness of grade 4 or more. RESULTS: There were 2 major (2 mixed nerve) and 12 minor (4 motor, 7 sensory, 1 mixed nerve) neurologic deficits after surgery. At the last follow-up, one major mixed neurologic deficit remained as major motor and minor sensory, and other major ones changed to mixed minor. And all minor deficits except 1 sensory deficit were recovered spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Even though high incidence rate of neurologic deficit after enucleation of schwannoma in the upper extremity (38.9%), about three fourths of them were recovered spontaneously. There were 3 permanent neurologic deficits, and one of them was major one. In some cases, surgeon cannot avoid to encounter a neurological deficit. So we recommend more delicate microscopic surgical procedure and preoperative planning and counseling. And surgery is indicated for only symptomatic lesions.

A Case of Widespread Cavernous Malformations of the Central Nervous System Associated with Acute Neurologic Deficit

A 45-year-old female visited our clinic due to sudden right leg weakness and sensory loss. Brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging showed widespread cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformation in L1 spine area was accompanied by a subacute stage hematoma with perilesional edema. Sensory loss subsided after corticosteroid therapy. Usually, neurologic deficit by spinal cavernous malformation appears more chronically in the adults compared to children. Treatment options are difficult to establish in a case with multiple cavernous malformations. Identifying hemorrhagic lesions by extensive neuroimaging evaluation could be helpful to select the treatment target for cavernous malformation.

Posterior Fusion for Thoracolumbar Fractures with a Neurologic Deficit: A Comparison of Fusion and Additional Decompression

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional posterior decompression when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional posterior decompression is still controversial when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic a deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients who underwent posterior fusion surgery for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit were evaluated. The posterior fusion group (Group 1) included 23 patients (M:F=14:9), and the posterior decompression with laminectomy and posterolateral fusion group (Group 2) included 17 patients (M:F=9:8). According to the Frankel grade, the most common neurologic deficit was grade D in both groups. Unstable burst fractures were the most commonly observed fractures in both groups according to the McAfee classification. A radiographic evaluation was carried out along with a comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and the kyphotic angle. We evaluated neurologic improvement as the clinical criterion. RESULTS: The l-kyphotic angle at last follow-up was smaller than the preoperative kyphotic angle in both groups. The preoperative canal encroachment was 53.4% (Group 1) and 59.8% (Group 2). Further, neurologic improvement was observed in 19 cases (Group 1) and 14 cases (Group 2). There was no significant difference in the proportion of cases with neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 19 cases in Group 1 and in 14 cases in Group 2) (p0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that additional posterior decompression in the case of thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic deficit is not required for neurologic improvement.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Children with Neurological Impairment versus Neurologically Normal Children / 소아외과

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the long-term clinical outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in children according to their neurologic status. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed the data of 82 children (62 neurologically impaired and 20 neurologically normal children with primary gastroesophageal reflux disease) who had undergone LNF between 2003 and 2012. The main outcome measures were the occurrence of recurrence that required reoperation and post-procedure complications such as infections, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal complications including ileus, dysphagia, and delayed gastric emptying. RESULTS: The median age at the time of the LNF was 25 months (range, 1-192 months), and the median of body weight was 10.0 kg (range, 2.8-37.0 kg). The average weight gain was 1.55±1.68 kg at 6 months, 3.32±2.30 kg at 1 year, and 5.63±4.22 kg at 2 years after surgery. Six (9.7%) of the 62 neurologically impaired patients and two (10.0%) of neurologically normal lost their body weight or had no weight changes. Eight (12.9%) of the 62 neurologically impaired children had required redo surgery because of gastroesophageal reflux disease recurrences, while 2 (10.0%) of the 20 neurologically normal children had experienced recurrences. In the neurologically impaired children, the postoperative complications included pneumonia (n=1), wound infection (n=1), urinary tract infection (n=1), dysphagia (n=1), delayed gastric emptying (n=1), and ileus (n=2). All of these complications were not found in the neurologically normal group, except for only one case of infectious colitis. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication were similar in the neurologically impaired children and in the neurologically normal children.

Effects of Prescription of Nourishing Blood and Stretching of Stoke on TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αof Patients with Acute Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of prescription of nourishing blood and stretching of stoke (PNBSS) on the levels of TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αin serum of patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease (AICD);To discuss its action mechanism in AICD treatment. Methods Ninety patients with AICD were randomly divided into trial group and control group, 45 cases in each group. The control group received western routine treatment, while the trail group received the western routine treatment plus PNBSS, one dose per day, for one week. Rating scale of neurologic deficit was employed to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Venous blood was collected before the treatment and on the 3rd and 7th days of treatment. Levels of TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αin serum were detected respectively. Results The score of neurologic deficit of post-treatment in two groups apparently decreased compared with baseline (P<0.01), and score of neurologic deficit in trial group on 7th day was lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in trial group was 93.3%, which was apparently higher than that of control group (84.4%). The level of TXB2 in serum and ratio of TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1α (T/P) in two groups on 3rd and 7th days remarkably decreased compared with baseline (P<0.01), while the level of 6-Keto-PGF1α in two groups on 3rd and 7th days was higher than that of baseline (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the level of TXB2 and ratio of T/P in two groups on 7th day were apparently lower than that of 3rd day (P<0.01), and the level of 6-Keto-PGF1αon 7th day was higher than that of 3rd day (P<0.01). The level of TXB2 in serum and ratio of T/P on 3rd and 7th days in trial group were apparently lower than that of control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the level of 6-Keto-PGF1α on 3rd and 7th days in trial group was apparently higher than that of control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion One of the mechanisms of PNBSS for AICD appears to inhibit overavtivity of thrombocyte, and regulate the misadjustment of ratio of T/P.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Fracture-dislocation of the Lumbar Spine with Neurologic Deficit and Hemodynamic Instability: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: In patients with fracture-dislocation of the lumbar spine with neurologic deficit and hemodynamic instability, minimally invasive surgery made/produced good clinical results. So the authors have reported the results with literature review. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In patients with unstable lumbar spine fracture-dislocation, early surgical treatment has been preferred due to its many advantages of anatomical reduction, nerve decompression, recovery of nerve function, and early rehabilitation, etc. But for patients with unstable lumbar spine fracture-dislocation and who are hemodynamically unstable, the surgical treatment is generally delayed, so there are many cases that cannot fulfill the expectation of neurologic recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In patients with unstable lumbar 2-3 spine fracture-dislocation and who are hemodynamically unstable, applying the concept of stage operation, postural reduction and minimal invasive percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were conducted as soon as possible. Then after recover of general condition, decompression and posterior fusion were conducted as a second stage operation. RESULTS: After the first stage operation, motor grade was improved from 3 to 4 below the L3 spine level in postoperative physical examination. The second stage operation was conducted two weeks later and neurologic symptom was more improved after the second stage operation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lumbar spine fracture-dislocation having hemodynamic instability and neurologic deficit, early minimally invasive fixation for reducing complications of open reduction and internal fixation may contribute to improving general conditions and recovery of neurologic deficits.

Is It Necessary to Add Anterior Decompression after Posterior Decompression for Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Fractures with Neurologic Deficit?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional anterior decompression when treating with posterior decompression for thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures, with neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional anterior decompression is still a controversy after a posterior decompression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 38 patients who were treated with a decompression surgery for thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures with neurologic deficit. In the posterior decompression group, there were 26 patients, and there were 12 patients in the posterior and anterior decompression group. According to the Frankel grade, neurologic deficit was grade A 3, B 1, C 3, D 31, respectively. Unstable burst fractures were 22, flexion-distraction injuries 12, Chance fractures 2 and translational injuries 2 by the McAfee classification. Radiographic evaluation was carried out with comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and kyphotic angle. We evaluated the improvement of neurology, and compared with that of the preoperative canal encroachment. RESULTS: During the posterior decompression, 5 neural injuries were found in the post. decompression group, and 4 in the post. and ant. decompression group. There was no significant difference of neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 18(69%) and 8(67%), respectively) (p>0.05). Preoperative canal encroachment was 62% and 76%, respectively. But, preoperative canal encroachment and final neurologic improvement showed no significant correlations between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We could not find the difference of neurologic improvement between the post. decompression group and post. and ant. decompression group. We suggest that an additional ant. decompression for the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures treated with post. decompression is not necessary.

Early Diagnosis of Perinatal Ischemic Stroke Based on Clinical and Radiological Characteristics

PURPOSE: Perinatal ischemic stroke (PIS) has been increasingly recognized and regarded as one of the major causes of neurological disability occurring in the neonatal period. Due to its vague presenting symptoms, the clinical diagnosis of PIS can be delayed. The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical and radiological characteristics of PIS in order to establish its early diagnosis. METHODS: From January 2002 to October 2010, 24 neonates with evidence of ischemic cerebral infarction on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. Perinatal and neonatal clinical characteristics, electroencephalogram (EEG), and brain MRI findings were retrospectively reviewed. Using those data, analysis was done to elicit clues for early diagnosis and prognostic factors of PIS. RESULTS: Sixteen males and eight females were diagnosed with PIS. Twelve cases presented with apnea and ten patients with seizures. The diagnosis of PIS was confirmed by brain MRI. Sixteen patients (66.7%) had infarction in the territory of the middle cerebral artery, and fifteen neonates had infarction in the left hemisphere. Of 11 infants who presented with a focal lesion on brain MRI, three patients were diagnosed by diffusion weighted images (DWI). Their T2- and FLAIR sequences showed subtle signal changes, whereas DWI revealed bright signal intensity. Thirteen patients were included in the delayed diagnostic group (diagnostic interval >24 hours). In those patients, apnea (69.2%) was more likely than seizures (15.4%) to be the initial symptom. The extent of the lesion on brain MRI was likely to be a better predictor of the neurologic outcome. Hemiplegia or hemiparesis was found in seven patients who had extensive lesions involving the gray and white matter, internal capsule, and basal ganglia. CONCLUSION: PIS should be considered as a differential diagnosis for neonates who present with apnea, lethargy or subtle seizures. DWI of brain MRI is very useful for early diagnosis of PIS. The extent of the lesion was also found to be significantly associated with poor outcome.

Depresiones corticales propagadas y su posible rol en la fisiopatología del daño neuronal subsecuente a la hemorragia subaracnoidea / Cortical spreading depressions and their role in the pathophysiology of neuronal damage subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

El vasoespasmo cerebral es la principal causa potencialmente tratable de mortalidad e incapacidad en pacientes que sufren hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSA). Sin embargo, a la fecha no existe un tratamiento eficaz para el mismo. La reciente demostración de la falta de respuesta clínica a la reversión farmacológica del espasmo arterial a consecuencia de HSA ha obligado un replanteo de los fundamentos fisiopatológicos de los déficits neurológicos isquémicos tardíos (“delayed ischemic neurologic déficit”, DIND) a consecuencia de HSA, los cuales se creían en relación al espasmo arterial observado en pacientes con HSA. Desde la demostración de hallazgos electrocorticográficos de depresión cortical propagada (“cortical spreading depression”, CSD) en pacientes con HSA, un interés creciente se ha despertado respecto del rol de estos fenómenos en la fisiopatología de los DIND observados en pacientes con HSA. Cuando inducidas en un cerebro saludable, las CSD se asocian con un aumento del flujo sanguíneo cerebral, facilitando la entrega del cerebro de los sustratos energéticos necesarios. En un cerebro que ha sido lesionado, sin embargo, la CSD se asocia con una reducción en flujo sanguíneo cerebral, lo cual, en el contexto de un aumento de las necesidades de energía, conduce a la insuficiencia energética y la hipoxia, empeorando así el daño cerebral. Estas observaciones sugieren que el déficit de energía producida por la CSD es un factor clave en la patogénesis de los DIND observados a consecuencia de HSA. Este resumen detalla características sobresalientes de las CSD y su potencial relevancia en la fisiopatología del vasoespasmo.

Cerebral vasospasm is the leading potentially treatable cause of mortality and disability in patients with aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, to date there is no effective treatment for this entity. The recently demonstrated lack of clinical response to pharmacologic reversal of arterial spasm as a result of SAH has spurred a reassessment of the pathophysiological concepts on delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DIND) that follow SAH, which were long believed the effect of the arterial spasm observed in patients with SAH. Since the discovery of electrocorticographic cortical spreading depressions (CSD) in patients with SAH, increasing interest has been shown on the role of these phenomena in the pathophysiology of DIND observed in patients with HSA. When induced in a healthy brain, CSD are associated with an increase in cerebral blood flow by facilitating the delivery of the necessary energy substrates. In a brain that has been injured, however, CSD are associated with a reduction in cerebral blood flow, which, in the context of increased energy requirements leads to energy shortage and hypoxia, thus worsening brain damage. These observations suggest that the energetic deficit produced by the CSD is a key factor in the pathogenesis of DIND observed as a result of HSA. This review details striking characteristics of CSD and their potential relevance in the pathophysiology of vasospasm.

Hemorragia subaracnoídea por aneurisma cerebral roto: guías de manejo clínico actualizadas 2010: una propuesta al capítulo vascular de la FLANC / Cortical spreading depressions and their role in the pathophysiology of neuronal damage subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

El vasoespasmo cerebral es la principal causa potencialmente tratable de mortalidad e incapacidad en pacientes que sufren hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSA). Sin embargo, a la fecha no existe un tratamiento eficaz para el mismo. La reciente demostración de la falta de respuesta clínica a la reversión farmacológica del espasmo arterial a consecuencia de HSA ha obligado un replanteo de los fundamentos fisiopatológicos de los déficits neurológicos isquémicos tardíos (“delayed ischemic neurologic déficit”, DIND) a consecuencia de HSA, los cuales se creían en relación al espasmo arterial observado en pacientes con HSA. Desde la demostración de hallazgos electrocorticográficos de depresión cortical propagada (“cortical spreading depression”, CSD) en pacientes con HSA, un interés creciente se ha despertado respecto del rol de estos fenómenos en la fisiopatologíade los DIND observados en pacientes con HSA. Cuando inducidas en un cerebro saludable, las CSD se asocian con un aumento del flujo sanguíneo cerebral, facilitando la entrega del cerebro de los sustratos energéticos necesarios. En un cerebro que ha sido lesionado, sin embargo, la CSD se asocia con una reducción en flujo sanguíneo cerebral, lo cual, en el contexto deun aumento de las necesidades de energía, conduce a la insuficiencia energética y la hipoxia, empeorando así el daño cerebral. Estas observaciones sugieren que el déficit de energía producida por la CSD es un factor clave en la patogénesis de los DINDobservados a consecuencia de HSA. Este resumen detalla características sobresalientes de las CSD y su potencial relevancia en la fisiopatología del vasoespasmo.

Cerebral vasospasm is the leading potentially treatable cause of mortality and disability in patients with aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, to date there is no effective treatment for this entity. The recently demonstrated lack of clinical response to pharmacologic reversal of arterial spasm as a result of SAH has spurred a reassessment of the pathophysiological concepts on delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DIND) that follow SAH, which were long believed the effect of the arterial spasm observed in patients with SAH. Since the discovery of electrocorticographic cortical spreading depressions (CSD) in patients with SAH, increasing interest has been shown on the role of these phenomena in the pathophysiology of DIND observed in patients with HSA. When induced in a healthy brain, CSD are associated with an increase in cerebral blood flow by facilitating the delivery of the necessary energy substrates. In a brain that has been injured, however, CSD are associated with a reduction in cerebral blood flow, which, in the context of increased energy requirements leads to energy shortage and hypoxia, thus worsening brain damage. These observations suggest that the energetic deficit produced by the CSD is a key factor inthe pathogenesis of DIND observed as a result of HSA. This review details striking characteristics of CSD and their potential relevance in the pathophysiology of vasospasm.

Assessment of perineural infiltration and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A clinicohistopathologic study.

Background : As the tumor spreads through the pathway of least resistance, the present study was carried out to evaluate the presence of perineural infiltration and spread of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) along the perineural spaces in gingivobuccal sulcus tumors infiltrating into the mandible. AIMS and objectives : (1) To investigate the incidence of perineural invasion of OSCC along the inferior alveolar nerve and (2) to investigate the neurovascular bundle as a potential route of spread of OSCC. Materials and Methods : Twenty-six patients with histopathologically proven OSCC of the gingivobuccal sulcus with radiographic infiltration of the mandible were included. The surgical specimens were decalcified and serially sectioned. Each section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and was screened for the presence of perineural invasion and spread. Results : Twenty-five specimens showed perineural infiltration but none of the cases showed perineural spread along the inferior alveolar canal. Also, not all cases showed any neurologic deficit. Follow-up of these cases showed early recurrence (6-8 months) in the study group. Conclusion : Perineural infiltration is present in OSCC but perineural spread along the inferior alveolar canal is absent. It is a bad prognostic indicator.

Functional Outcomes and Characteristics of Patients with Brain Tumors after Inpatient Rehabilitation: Comparison with Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: To compare and discuss functional outcome and neurologic deficits of patients with either brain tumor or ischemic stroke after inpatient rehabilitation. METHOD: Sixty-two, brain tumor patients (32 benign and 30 malignant) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation during a five-year period and 70 acute ischemic stroke patients were enrolled. We retrospectively investigated their functional status at admission and discharge, the functional gain as measured by the Korean version of modified Bathel index (K-MBI) instrument, and their common neurologic deficits. RESULTS: The K-MBI score at discharge was significantly improved in both groups (70.2 vs. 61.5). However, the K-MBI score at admission was found to be higher in the brain tumor group (45.3 vs. 35.5), whereas no significant differences were found in the K-MBI score at discharge or in the gain or efficiency of the K-MBI score. In the tumor group, the K-MBI score at discharge and the gain of the K-MBI score were significantly higher in the benign brain tumor patients. The most common neurologic deficit was motor weakness, followed by impaired cognition and cranial nerve palsy. The frequency of these deficits was more common in the ischemic stroke patients, although there were no differences between benign and malignant brain tumor groups. Brain tumor patients not receiving radiation therapy and having higher K-MBI scores at admission showed greater functional improvement (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Brain tumor patients can achieve comparable functional outcomes to ischemic stroke patients, and our study supports the benefits of comprehensive rehabilitation irregardless of a patient's tumor type.

Reliability, validity and sensitivity of Chinese scale for clinical neurological deficit of stroke patients / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the reliability, validity and sensitivity of Chinese scale of clinical neurological deficit of stroke patients (China Stroke Scale, CSS) , so as to assess its clinical application value. Methods: A total of 126 consecutive inpatients with acute stroke onset were included in our study and they were scored by CSS and the United States National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score separately; the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of CSS were evaluated. Reliability was evaluated by correlation coefficient r and Cronbach's α coefficient; construct validity was analyzed by factor analysis method of appraisal; criterion validity was analyzed by the correlation coefficient analysis with NIHSS scale as the criterion. Sensitivity in various fields was assessed through standardization of effect (SES). Results: Totally 123 valid questionnaires were collected. CSS showed high intrarater reliability, interrater reliability (0.911-1.000) and good internal consistency, with the Cronbach's α>0.8. There was concurrent validity between CSS and NIHSS (r = 0.86). The prognosis prediction accuracy of CSS was 92.4%, slightly lower than that of NIHSS (94.1%). Logistic regression showed that CSS's "gaze function" and "facial paralysis" were not included in the prediction equation. The facial paralysis had a SES of 0.38, all others had a SES higher than 0.5. Most fields showed a good sensitivity. Conclusion: CSS shows an acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in patients with stroke, but the predicative validity of CSS is inferior to that of NIHSS, which needs be further revised.

Clinical Assessment in Stroke Patients: Introduction of Neurologic Stroke Scales / 신경중재치료의학

Neurologic stroke scales have been developed for quantification of neurologic deficits, functional outcomes, and global outcomes in stroke patients. Neurologic deficit scales are scoring systems for severities of specific neurologic symptoms or signs. These scales are used to assess initial severity and deterioration in acute stroke phase, and to follow-up. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale is widely used neurologic deficit scale. Functional outcome scales are evaluation tools used to measure stroke related disability. Modified Rankin scale, and Barthel index are most frequently used outcome scales. Because there is no scale that appears to satisfy all of the requirements of an ideal neurologic scale, it is helpful to use a neurologic deficit scale along with a functional outcome scale.

Hypervolemic Versus Normovolemic Therapy in Patients with Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm

BACKGROUND: Postoperative triple H therapy is regarded as a mainstay for prophylaxis and treatment of delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, there are doubts about its effectiveness. This study was performed to assess hypervolemic dynamic fluid therapy in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied a total of 393 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms, consisting of early surgery with or without intraoperative ventriculostomy during a recent 5 year period (July 1998~June 2003). Hypervolemic dynamic fluid therapy was initiated postoperatively in patients with DIND. Since January 2001, however, patients were maintained in normovolemia and normotension, and when DIND had manifested, low molecular weight dextran was only added. The incidence of DIND and outcome according to Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months of the normovolemic group were compared with the hypervolemic group. All patients were followed for at least 14 days after the admission including clinical assessment, TCD recording, CT scanning, CVP measurements, and nimodipine infusion. RESULTS: Subjects in the two treatment groups were similar with regard to age, sex, Fisher grade, Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm location, and aneurysm size. No differences were found between the two groups regarding the incidence of DIND (29/182: 15.9% vs 29/211: 13.7%). Surgical outcome in the normovolemic group (good, 171/211: 81.0%) was comparable to the hypervolemic group (good, 154/182: 84.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Although careful fluid management to avoid hypovolemia may reduce the risk of DIND after SAH, prophylactic hypervolemic dynamic fluid therapy is unlikely to confer an additional benefit.

Diagnosis in Extension Injuries of the Lower Cervical Spine / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate diagnostic criteria using plain lateral radiography, the incidence of traumatic disc herniation and the degree of neurologic deficit in extension injury of the lower cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 28 patients with extension injury of the lower cervical spine, by measuring the retropharyngeal, retrotracheal space and the intervertebral space at the injured level in plain lateral radiography. We selected 40 patients as a control group for the prevertebral soft tissue space measurement. RESULTS: Widening was found in the retropharyngeal space (6.8 +/-2.9 mm) and in the retrotracheal space (15.2 +/-3.8 mm) compared with the control group (4.2 +/-0.7 mm, 12.6 +/-1.9 mm, p<0.05). No significant increase in the injured intervertebral space was observed with respect to the normal upper and lower disc space. Neurologic deficit occurred in 25 cases (89%); with root injury in 11 cases and cord injury in 14 cases. There were 19 posterior disc herniations (68%), which were associated with neurologic deficits in all cases. CONCLUSION: Extension injuries should be suspected in the presence of soft tissue injury of the anterior column without fracture or dislocation by the radiologic study of the lower cervical spine. Magnetic resonance imaging study is believed to be an essential diagnostic modality for the accurate evaluation and proper management of the lower cervical spine injuries.