Comparison of Long-Term Angiographic Results of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms : Endovascular Treatment with Single-Microcatheter Coiling, Double-Microcatheter Coiling, and Stent-Assisted Coiling

Objective@#: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is challenging in case of wide-necked aneurysms because coils are prone to herniate into the parent artery, causing thromboembolic events or vessel occlusion. This study aims to compare long-term angiographic results of wide-necked aneurysms treated by stent-assisted, double-microcatheter, or single-microcatheter groups. @*Methods@#: Between January 2003 and October 2016, 108 aneurysms that were treated with endovascular coil embolization with a neck size wider than 4 mm and a follow-up period of more than 3 years were selected. We performed coil embolization with singlemicrocatheter, double-microcatheter, and stent-assisted techniques. Angiographic results were evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). All medical and angiographic records were reviewed retrospectively. @*Results@#: Clinical and angiographic analyses were conducted in 108 wide-necked aneurysms. The immediate post-procedural results revealed RROC class I (complete occlusion) in 66 cases (61.1%), class II (residual neck) in 36 cases (33.3%), and class III (residual sac) in six cases (5.6%). The final follow-up results revealed class I in 48 cases (44.4%), class II in 49 cases (45.4%), and class III in 11 cases (10.2%). Of a total of 45 (41.6%) radiologic recurrences, there were 21 cases (19.4%) of major recurrence that required additional treatment, and 24 cases (22.2%) of minor recurrence. The final follow-up angiographic results showed statistically significant differences between the stent-assisted group and the others (p<0.01). @*Conclusion@#: Long-term follow-up angiography demonstrated that the stent-assisted technique had a better complete occlusion rate than the other two techniques.

Comparison of Long-Term Angiographic Results of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms : Endovascular Treatment with Single-Microcatheter Coiling, Double-Microcatheter Coiling, and Stent-Assisted Coiling

Objective@#: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is challenging in case of wide-necked aneurysms because coils are prone to herniate into the parent artery, causing thromboembolic events or vessel occlusion. This study aims to compare long-term angiographic results of wide-necked aneurysms treated by stent-assisted, double-microcatheter, or single-microcatheter groups. @*Methods@#: Between January 2003 and October 2016, 108 aneurysms that were treated with endovascular coil embolization with a neck size wider than 4 mm and a follow-up period of more than 3 years were selected. We performed coil embolization with singlemicrocatheter, double-microcatheter, and stent-assisted techniques. Angiographic results were evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). All medical and angiographic records were reviewed retrospectively. @*Results@#: Clinical and angiographic analyses were conducted in 108 wide-necked aneurysms. The immediate post-procedural results revealed RROC class I (complete occlusion) in 66 cases (61.1%), class II (residual neck) in 36 cases (33.3%), and class III (residual sac) in six cases (5.6%). The final follow-up results revealed class I in 48 cases (44.4%), class II in 49 cases (45.4%), and class III in 11 cases (10.2%). Of a total of 45 (41.6%) radiologic recurrences, there were 21 cases (19.4%) of major recurrence that required additional treatment, and 24 cases (22.2%) of minor recurrence. The final follow-up angiographic results showed statistically significant differences between the stent-assisted group and the others (p<0.01). @*Conclusion@#: Long-term follow-up angiography demonstrated that the stent-assisted technique had a better complete occlusion rate than the other two techniques.

Current Status of Neurosurgical and Neurointensive Care Units in Korea : A Brief Report on Nationwide Survey Results

Objective@#: The purpose of this study is identify the operation status of the neurosurgical care units (NCUs) in neurosurgical residency training hospitals nationwide and determine needed changes by comparing findings with those obtained from the Korean Neurosurgical Society (KNS) and Korean Society of Neurointensive Care Medicine (KNIC) survey of 2010.Method : This survey was conducted over 1 year in 86 neurosurgical residency training hospitals and two neurosurgery specialist hospitals and focused on the following areas : 1) the current status of the infrastructure and operating systems of NCUs in Korea, 2) barriers to installing neurointensivist team systems, 3) future roles of the KNS and KNIC, and 4) a handbook for physicians and practitioners in NCUs. We compared and analyzed the results of this survey with those from a KNIC survey of 2010. @*Results@#: Seventy seven hospitals (87.5%) participated in the survey. Nineteen hospitals (24.7%) employed a neurointensivist or faculty member; Thirty seven hospitals (48.1%) reported high demand for neurointensivists, and 62 hospitals (80.5%) stated that the mandatory deployment of a neurointensivist improved the quality of patient care. Forty four hospitals (57.1%) believed that hiring neurointensivist would increase hospital costs, and in response to a question on potential earnings declines. In terms of potential solutions to these problems, 70 respondents (90.9%) maintained that additional fees were necessary for neurointensivists’ work, and 64 (83.1%) answered that direct support was needed of the personnel expenses for neurointensivists. @*Conclusion@#: We hope the results of this survey will guide successful implementation of neurointensivist systems across Korea.

Four-Year Experience Using an Advanced Interdisciplinary Hybrid Operating Room : Potentials in Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experiences with a fully equipped high-end digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system within a hybrid operating room (OR).METHODS: A single-plane DSA system with 3-dimensional rotational angiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and real-time navigation software was used in our hybrid OR. Between April 2014 and January 2018, 191 sessions of cerebrovascular procedures were performed in our hybrid OR. After the retrospective review of all cases, the procedures were categorized into three subcategorical procedures : combined endovascular and surgical procedure, complementary rescue procedure during intervention and surgery, and frameless stereotaxic operation.RESULTS: Forty-nine of 191 procedures were performed using hybrid techniques. Four cases of blood blister aneurysms and a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm were treated using bypass surgery and endovascular trapping. Eight cases of ruptured aneurysm with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were treated by partial embolization and surgical clipping. Six cases of ruptured arteriovenous malformation with ICH were treated by Onyx embolization of nidus and subsequent surgical removal of nidus and ICH. Two (5.4%) of the 37 cases of pre-mature rupture during clipping were secured by endovascular coil embolization. In one (0.8%) complicated case of 103 intra-arterial thrombectomy procedures, emergency surgical embolectomy with bypass surgery was performed. In 27 cases of ICH, frameless stereotaxic hematoma aspiration was performed using XperGuide® system (Philips Medical Systems, Best, the Netherlands). All procedures were performed in single sessions without any procedural complications.CONCLUSION: Hybrid OR with a fully equipped DSA system could provide precise and safe treatment strategies for cerebrovascular diseases. Especially, we could suggest a strategy to cope flexibly in complex lesions or unexpected situations in hybrid OR. CBCT with real-time navigation software could augment the usefulness of hybrid OR.

Four-Year Experience Using an Advanced Interdisciplinary Hybrid Operating Room : Potentials in Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experiences with a fully equipped high-end digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system within a hybrid operating room (OR). METHODS: A single-plane DSA system with 3-dimensional rotational angiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and real-time navigation software was used in our hybrid OR. Between April 2014 and January 2018, 191 sessions of cerebrovascular procedures were performed in our hybrid OR. After the retrospective review of all cases, the procedures were categorized into three subcategorical procedures : combined endovascular and surgical procedure, complementary rescue procedure during intervention and surgery, and frameless stereotaxic operation. RESULTS: Forty-nine of 191 procedures were performed using hybrid techniques. Four cases of blood blister aneurysms and a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm were treated using bypass surgery and endovascular trapping. Eight cases of ruptured aneurysm with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were treated by partial embolization and surgical clipping. Six cases of ruptured arteriovenous malformation with ICH were treated by Onyx embolization of nidus and subsequent surgical removal of nidus and ICH. Two (5.4%) of the 37 cases of pre-mature rupture during clipping were secured by endovascular coil embolization. In one (0.8%) complicated case of 103 intra-arterial thrombectomy procedures, emergency surgical embolectomy with bypass surgery was performed. In 27 cases of ICH, frameless stereotaxic hematoma aspiration was performed using XperGuide® system (Philips Medical Systems, Best, the Netherlands). All procedures were performed in single sessions without any procedural complications. CONCLUSION: Hybrid OR with a fully equipped DSA system could provide precise and safe treatment strategies for cerebrovascular diseases. Especially, we could suggest a strategy to cope flexibly in complex lesions or unexpected situations in hybrid OR. CBCT with real-time navigation software could augment the usefulness of hybrid OR.

Endovascular Coiling for a Wide-neck Bifurcated Aneurysm with Anterograde Horizontal Stenting via Microcatheter Looping: A Technical Case Report

Technical advances with devices such as catheters, balloons, and stents have widened the indications for endovascular coiling for unfavorable aneurysms. The authors report two cases of coil embolization for a wide-neck bifurcated aneurysm with anterograde horizontal stenting via microcatheter looping. Two women, aged 56 and 38 years, respectively, had an undertall- and overwide-neck aneurysm with bifurcated branches at the basilar bifurcation and middle cerebral bifurcation, respectively. The delivery microcatheter was steamed so that it could be looped deliberately to the opposite vessel. The enterprise stent was first anchored to the vessel of the posterior cerebral artery on one side. The remaining portion was spanned into a looped microcatheter to the opposite branch while pushing the stent. The Neuroform Atlas stent was passed directly through the looped segment of the microcatheter at the M2 branch and spanned horizontally by unsheathing. Under horizontal stenting, complete coil embolization was achieved without immediate or delayed complications in both cases. This novel technique presents a viable option for stent-assisted coiling within an optimal anatomy.

Kümmell's Disease Treated with Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: Minimum 1 Year Follow-Up / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with Kümmell's disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for 19 vertebrae in 18 patients, between January 2012 and June 2016. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to determine each patient's subjective level of pain (0=no pain to 10=severe pain) preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the last follow-up (at least 12 months after PVP). Radiographic parameters such as regional and global kyphotic angle, lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) angle, vertebral height, cement leakage, refracture, and adjacent level fracture were evaluated by the clinician preoperative, immediate postoperative and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean VAS score significantly decreased after PVP and the decrease was maintained through to the final follow-up (p<0.05). However, the regional and global kyphotic angle, LL, and TLJ angle were not improved. Cement leakage was observed in 5 cases (26.3%): however, there were no cases of cement leakage into the spinal canal. No neurological deterioration was observed, even among patients with cement leakage. Adjacent level fractures were detected in 3 cases (15.8%). CONCLUSION: PVP can be considered as an effective treatment option for pain relief and maintenance of sagittal balance in patients with Kümmell's disease.

Clinical Aspects of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Experiences in Two Institutions

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare condition for which few clinical reviews have been conducted in Korea. Our aim was to investigate, risk factors, clinical presentations/courses, and outcomes of 22 patients treated for CVT at two centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted, selecting 22 patients diagnosed with and treated for CVT at two patient care centers over a 10-year period (January 1, 2004 to August 31, 2015). Patient data, pathogenetic concerns (laboratory findings), risk factors, locations, symptoms, treatments, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean patient age at diagnosis was 54.41 ± 16.19. Patients most often presented with headache (40%), followed by seizure (27%) and altered mental status (18%). Focal motor deficits (5%), visual symptoms (5%), and dysarthria (5%) were less common. Important predisposing factors in CVT included prothrombotic conditions (35%), infections (14%), hyperthyroidism (18%), trauma (14%), and malignancy (4%). By location, 9 patients (40%) experienced thrombosis of superior sagittal sinus predominantly, with involvement of transverse sinus in 20 (90%), sigmoid sinus in 12 (40%), and the deep venous system in 5 (23%). Treatment generally consisted of anticoagulants (63%) or antiplatelet (23%) drugs, but surgical decompression was considered if warranted (14%). Medical therapy in CVT yields good functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mean age of patients with CVT in our study exceeded that reported in Europe or in America and had difference in risk factors. Functional outcomes are good with use of antithrombotic medication, whether or not hemorrhagic infarction is evident.

Intraoperative Endovascular Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery and a Pseudoaneurysm by Using N-Butyl 2-Cyanoacrylate for Hemostasis during Operation of Acute Epidural Hemorrhage / 대한신경손상학회지

A 21-year-old female presented with acute epidural hemorrhage (EDH) on the left temporal region associated with skull fracture after traffic accident. She was neurologically deteriorated at four-hour after an admission, and follow-up computed tomography revealed increased amount of EDH. Under the general anesthesia, emergency craniotomy was performed. During the surgery, massive bleeding from the base of middle cranial fossa was observed. However, we could not identify an origin of bleeding and foramen spinosum due to brain swelling and obscured surgical field. Consequently, her systolic blood pressure was dropped to 60 mm Hg with >110 beat/min of heart rate. Therefore, we decided to perform an intraoperative angiography after gauze packing into the middle cranial fossa. Intraoperative angiography showed a large pseudoaneurysm with massive contrast leakage of the middle meningeal artery (MMA). Intraoperative endovascular embolization of the pseudoaneurysm and MMA by using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was done. After that, her vital sign became stable, and we could complete the operation after the achievement of adequate hemostasis. Intraoperative angiography and endovascular embolization of MMA was effective in achieving adequate hemostasis in case with brisk bleeding from the middle cranial fossa could not be controlled in an open surgical field.

Angiographic Results of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms Treated with Coil Embolization : A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is a challenge and the durability and the safety of these treated aneurysms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and long-term angiographic results of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, 53 wide-necked aneurysms treated with coil embolization were selected. Forty were female, and 13 were male. Twenty eight (52.8%) were ruptured aneurysms, and 25 (47.2%) were unruptured aneurysms. The patents' medical and radiological records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 53 aneurysms, coiling alone was employed in 45 (84.9%) and stent-assisted coiling was done in 8 (15.1%). The initial angiographic results revealed Raymond class 1 (complete occlusion) in 30 (56.6%) cases, Raymond class 2 (residual neck) in 18 (34.0%) cases, and Raymond class 3 (residual sac) in 5 (9.4%) cases. The mean angiographic follow-up period was 37.9 months (12-120 months). At the last angiographies, Raymond class 1 was seen in 26 (49.1%) cases, Raymond class 2 in 16 (30.2%), and Raymond class 3 in 11 (20.8%). Angiographic recurrence occurred in 22 (41.5%) patients, with minor recurrence in 7 (13.2%) cases and major recurrence in 15 (28.3%). Retreatment was performed in 8 cases (15.1%). A suboptimal result on the initial angiography was a significant predictor of recurrence in this study (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The predictor of recurrence in wide-necked aneurysms is a suboptimal result on the initial angiography. Long-term angiographic follow-up is recommended in wide-necked aneurysms.

Delayed Improvement after Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

OBJECTIVE: In most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), pain and/or paresthesia disappeared or decreased in a month after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). However, subpopulation of patients showed delayed improvement following ECTR. We analyzed the delayed improvement hands to investigate the characteristics of those patients and to determine the predictable factors of delayed improvement. METHODS: Single-portal ECTRs were performed in 1194 hands of 793 CTS patients from 2002 to 2011. Five-hundred seventy hands with minimal 1-year postoperative follow-up were included. We divided the 545 satisfied hands into early (group A) and delayed (group B) groups according to improvement period of 1 month. Demographic data, clinical severity and electrodiagnostic abnormality were compared between groups. RESULTS: Group A included 510 hands and group B included 35 hands. In group B, 11 hands improved in 2 months, 15 hands in 3 months and 9 hands in 6 months, respectively. In group A/B, according to clinical severity, 60/1 hands were graded to I, 345/24 hands to II, 105/10 hands to III. In group A/B, based on electrodiagnostic abnormality, 57/3 hands were classified to mild, 221/11 hands to moderate and 222/21 hands to severe group. Statistical analysis between groups did not reach significance but electrodiagnostic or clinical severity had a tendency to affect the delayed response. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to predict the factors contributing to postoperatively-delayed response in subpopulation of CTS patients. However, we recommend that postoperative observation for at least 6 months is necessary in patients without symptomatic improvement.

Holmes' Tremor Associated with Bilateral Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Following Brain Stem Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Holmes' tremor is a condition characterized by a mixture of postural, rest, and action tremors due to midbrain lesions in the vicinity of the red nucleus. Hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is a rare type of neuronal degeneration involving the dento-rubro-olivary pathway and may present clinically as Holmes tremor. We report on a 59-year-old female patient who developed Holmes tremor in association with bilateral HOD, following brain stem hemorrhage.

Clinical and Radiological Spectrum of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) include headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Typical radiological features include edema of the parieto-occipital lobes. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical and radiological findings in patients diagnosed with PRES. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PRES between January 2006 and December 2012 were retrospectively included in this study. We reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics, and radiological findings. RESULTS: We identified 16 patients with PRES. The most common clinical presentation was seizure (n = 12, 75%). Clinical recovery occurred in all patients within days (mean, 5.7 +/- 4.6 days). Comorbid conditions included hypertension (n = 4, 25%), cytotoxic medications (n = 3, 18.8%), sepsis (n = 4, 25%), malignancy (n = 4, 25%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 1, 6.3%), autoimmune disorders (n = 1, 6.3%) and eclampsia (n = 1, 6.3%). The most commonly involved location was the parieto-occipital lobe (n = 13, 81.3%). Atypical radiological findings included significant basal ganglia involvement in 4 episodes; brainstem in 3, cerebellum in 2, and thalamus in 3. Eleven patients (68.8%) underwent diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping. Of those, 9 patients (81.8%) had hypo- or isointensity on diffusion-weighted imaging. On the apparent diffusion coefficient map, 10 patients (90.9%) had hyperintensity, and the other had normal values. CONCLUSION: We suggest that PRES may occur in patients with complex systemic conditions. The prognosis of PRES is usually benign. Physicians should be aware of certain atypical radiological findings to avoid a delayed diagnosis of PRES, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent neurological sequlae.

Clinical and Radiological Spectrum of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) include headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Typical radiological features include edema of the parieto-occipital lobes. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical and radiological findings in patients diagnosed with PRES. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PRES between January 2006 and December 2012 were retrospectively included in this study. We reviewed demographic and clinical characteristics, and radiological findings. RESULTS: We identified 16 patients with PRES. The most common clinical presentation was seizure (n = 12, 75%). Clinical recovery occurred in all patients within days (mean, 5.7 +/- 4.6 days). Comorbid conditions included hypertension (n = 4, 25%), cytotoxic medications (n = 3, 18.8%), sepsis (n = 4, 25%), malignancy (n = 4, 25%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 1, 6.3%), autoimmune disorders (n = 1, 6.3%) and eclampsia (n = 1, 6.3%). The most commonly involved location was the parieto-occipital lobe (n = 13, 81.3%). Atypical radiological findings included significant basal ganglia involvement in 4 episodes; brainstem in 3, cerebellum in 2, and thalamus in 3. Eleven patients (68.8%) underwent diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping. Of those, 9 patients (81.8%) had hypo- or isointensity on diffusion-weighted imaging. On the apparent diffusion coefficient map, 10 patients (90.9%) had hyperintensity, and the other had normal values. CONCLUSION: We suggest that PRES may occur in patients with complex systemic conditions. The prognosis of PRES is usually benign. Physicians should be aware of certain atypical radiological findings to avoid a delayed diagnosis of PRES, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent neurological sequlae.

Cervical Pedicle Screw Placement in Sawbone Models and Unstable Cervical Traumatic Lesions by Using Para-Articular Mini-Laminotomy: A Novice Neurosurgeon's Experience / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the novice neurosurgeon's experience of cervical pedicle screw placement by using the technique with direct exposure of pedicle via para-articular mini-laminotomy. METHODS: Fifteen sawbone models of subaxial spine were used (124 pedicles) to evaluate efficacy of repetitive training improving accuracy of cervical pedicle screw insertion. After that, we retrospectively reviewed 9 consecutive patients presented with traumatic cervical lesion. A total 38 cervical pedicle screws had been inserted. We analyzed the direction and grade of pedicle perforation on the postoperative computed tomography scan, and learning curve by using sawbone model. RESULTS: In sawbone model group, the correct position was found in 102 (82.3%) screws, and the incorrect position in 22 (17.7%) screws. The incidence of incorrect screw position was 26.9% in the initial 9 sawbone model, and 0% after that. Among the 38 screws inserted in 9 patients, the correct position was found in 36 (94.7%) screws, and the incorrect position in a 2 (5.3%) screw. There was no neurovascular complications related with cervical pedicle screw insertion. CONCLUSION: In vitro training to insert pedicle screw by using sawbone models could improve an accuracy of cervical pedicle screw placement by using this technique. Preliminary result revealed that cervical pedicle screw placement would be feasible and provide good clinical results in traumatic cervical lesions.

Efficacy of Short-Term versus Long-Term Post-Operative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Preventing Surgical Site Infection after Clean Neurosurgical Operations / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a problem constantly uppermost in the minds of all surgeons, although the actual rate of occurrence is only 1-5% in general surgery. In neurosurgical fields, there have been a few papers published about efficacy of post-operative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAMP) to prevent SSI, compared to well known effectiveness of pre-operative antibiotics. Thus, infection rates of short-term PAMP groups and those of long-term PAMP groups were investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of PAMP and the efficacy of short-term PAMP compared to long-term PAMP for prevention of SSI. METHODS: Between April 2010 and April 2012, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 35 patients in the aneurysmal neck clipping groups (short-term PAMP group: PAMP for 3 days and fewer, long-term PAMP group: PAMP for 10 days and more) and 79 patients in the microdiscectomy groups (short-term PAMP group: 3 days and fewer, long-term PAMP group: PAMP for 6 days and more). RESULTS: In aneurysmal neck clipping groups, SSI occurred 23.1% of short-term PAMP group and 9.1% of long-term PAMP group (p=0.3370). And in microdiscectomy groups, SSI occurred 6.7% of short-term PAMP group and 4.1% of long-term PAMP group (p=0.9840). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between the short-term PAMP group and the long-term PAMP group in terms of SSI, regardless of operation type. We therefore suggest that short-term PAMP usage could be an appropriate therapy for preventing SSI in clean neurosurgical operations.

Pitfalls in the use of Multidetector Row CT Angiography for Identification of Intracranial Vascular Abnormalities : Focus on the Various Radiological Findings / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Multidetector-Row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) is a promising method for detection and surgical planning of intracranial vascular abnormalities. However, there are several problems, such as image degradation due to inevitable patients movement, venous contamination, kissing vessel artifact, demonstration of venous structures mimicking aneurysm and bone artifacts. The purpose of our study is to review our recent experience with false negative or positive cases on MDCTA. METHODS: Between May 2007 and May 2010, 259 consecutive patients, who were diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms or other vascular abnormalities by MDCTA, were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 259 patients, 172 patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which was considered as the standard of reference, were included in the study. Two neuroradiologists and two neurosurgeons evaluated independently and separately all of the MDCTA images. RESULTS: A total 26 cases (15.3%) were revealed abnormal vascular findings on MDCTA. There were 11 false negatives on MDCTA including incomplete scanning range of lesion site (n=3), a blood blister aneurysm (n=1), severe vasospasm (n=4) and bone artifacts (n=3). Also there were 15 false positives on MDCTA; venous contamination over the lesion site (n=6), focal dilation of the bifurcation or branching site of major vessels (n=6) and poor quality of the images due to inevitable patients movement (n=3). CONCLUSIONS: MDCTA is clearly not the total answer for aneurysm diagnosis. We recommend that MDCTA scanning range is planned to encompass the whole intracerebral vasculature. Close attention to image acquisition and interpretation are required to reduce errors in MDCTA of intracranial aneurysms.

Unilateral Extrapedicular Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in Lumbar Compression Fractures : Technique, Anatomy and Preliminary Results

OBJECTIVE: A single balloon extrapedicular kyphoplasty has been introduced as one of the unilateral approaches for thoracic compression fractures; however, the unilateral extrapedicular technique in the lumbar area needs a further understanding of structures in the lumbar area. The purpose of the present study is to describe methods and pitfalls of this procedure based on the anatomy of the lumbar area and to analyze clinical outcome and complications. METHODS: Anatomical evaluation was performed with 2 human cadavers. A retrospective review of unilateral extrapedicular approaches yielded 74 vertebral levels in 55 patients that were treated with unilateral extrapedicular vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Radiographic assessment included the restoration rate of vertebral height and correction of kyphosis. RESULTS: Anatomical evaluation indicates that the safe needle entry zone of bone for the extrapedicular approach was located in the supero-lateral aspect of the junction between the pedicle and vertebral body. The unilateral extrapedicular procedure achieved adequate pain relief with a mean decreases in pain severity of 7.25+/-1.5 and 2.0+/-1.4, respectively. Complications were 1 retroperitoneal hematoma, 6 unilateral fillings and 3 epidural leak of the polymethylmethacrylate. CONCLUSION: The method of a unilateral extrapedicular approach in kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the lumbar area might be similar to that in thoracic approach using a route via the extrapedicular space. However, different anatomical characteristics of the lumbar area should be considered.

Efficacy of Low Dose Barbiturate Coma Therapy for the Patients with Intractable Intracranial Hypertension Using the Bispectral(TM) Index Monitoring

OBJECTIVE: Barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) is a useful method to control increased intracranial pressure (IICP) patients. However, the complications such as hypotension and hypokalemia have caused conditions that stopped BCT early. The complications of low dose BCT with Bispectral(TM) index (BIS) monitoring and those of high dose BCT without BIS monitoring have been compared to evaluate the efficacy of low dose BCT with BIS monitoring. METHODS: We analyzed 39 patients with high dose BCT group (21 patients) and low dose BCT group (18 patients). Because BIS value of 40-60 is general anesthesia score, we have adjusted the target dose of thiopental to maintain the BIS score of 40-60. Therefore, dose of thiopental was kept 1.3 to 2.6 mg/kg/hour during low dose BCT. However, high dose BCT consisted of 5 mg/kg/hour without BIS monitoing. RESULTS: The protocol of BCT was successful in 72.2% and 38.1% of low dose and high dose BCT groups, respectively. The complications such as QT prolongation, hypotension and cardiac arrest have caused conditions that stopped BCT early. Hypokalemia showed the highest incidence rate in complications of both BCT. The descent in potassium level were 0.63 +/- 0.26 in low dose group, and 1.31 +/- 0.48 in high dose group. The treatment durations were 4.89 +/- 1.68 days and 3.38 +/- 1.24 days in low dose BCT and high dose BCT, respectively. CONCLUSION: It was proved that low dose BCT showed less severe complications than high dose BCT. Low dose BCT with BIS monitoring provided enough duration of BCT possible to control ICP.

Loss of Heterozygosity at 1p, 7q, 17p, and 22q in Meningiomas

OBJECTIVE: Allelic losses or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at many chromosomal loci have been found in the cells of meningiomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate LOH at several loci of different chromosomes (1p32, 17p13, 7q21, 7q31, and 22q13) in different grades of meningiomas. METHODS: Forty surgical specimens were obtained and classified as benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas. After DNA extraction, ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to detect LOH. Medical and surgical records, as well as pathologic findings, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: LOH at 1p32 was detected in 24%, 60%, and 60% in benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas, respectively. Whereas LOH at 7q21 was found in only one atypical meningioma. LOH at 7q31 was found in one benign meningioma and one atypical meningioma. LOH at 17p13 was detected in 4%, 40%, and 80% in benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas, respectively. LOH at 22q13 was seen in 48%, 60%, and 60% in benign, atypical, and anaplastic meningiomas, respectively. LOH results at 1p32 and 17p13 showed statistically significant differences between benign and non-benign meningiomas. CONCLUSION: LOH at 1p32 and 17p13 showed a strong correlation with tumor progression. On the other hand, LOH at 7q21 and 7q31 may not contribute to the development of the meningiomas.