Intracranial Involvement of Systemic Hodgkin Lymphoma:A Case Report and Literature Review

A 27-year-old male patient, previously diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), presented with gait disturbance. Brain MRI showed a 4.5 cm mass lesion in the right occipital lobe, suggesting either intracranial involvement of HL or a potential meningioma. Despite high-dose methotrexate and steroid treatment, the patient’s symptoms persisted, and imaging showed an enlarging mass, leading to surgical intervention. Histopathological examination confirmed central nervous system (CNS) involvement of HL. Postoperatively, the patient underwent whole-brain radiotherapy and demonstrated marked clinical improvement. Our literature review from 1980 to 2023 identified only 46 cases of intracranial HL (IC-HL), underscoring its rarity. Lymphomas represent 2.2% of brain tumors, with 90%–95% being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In contrast, the incidence of CNS-HL patients is a mere 0.02%. Notably, IC-HL and intracranial DLBCL have differences in their typical locations and treatment strategies. Unlike DLBCL, which predominantly appears in the supratentorial region (87%), IC-HL is found there in 61.5% of cases. Additionally, 33.3% of IC-HL cases occur in the cerebellum, with 43.5% associated with posterior circulation regions. Furthermore, while biopsy followed by chemotherapy induction is a common strategy for DLBCL, 81.8% of IC-HL cases underwent surgical resection, and only 18.1% had a biopsy alone. The distinct characteristics of IC-HL tumors, including their larger size, attachment to the dura, and fibrotic nature with clear boundaries, might account for the preference for surgical intervention. The unique features of IC-HL compared to DLBCL highlight the need for distinct considerations in diagnosis and management.

Wire perforation of the missed tiny aneurysm originating from the fenestrated A1 segment during the endovascular approach

Vascular anomaly and aneurysmal formation of an anterior communicating artery (ACOM) complex has often been reported. Because of such a complicated relationship between the vascular structure and aneurysms, ACOM aneurysm is one of the most difficult aneurysms to treat among other common anterior circulation aneurysms. We herein report a case of wire perforation of a missed tiny aneurysm arising from the fenestrated A1 segment during the endovascular approach to ACOM aneurysm. Although the fenestration of A1 segment is a rare vascular anomaly, it is likely to accompany saccular type aneurysms in the vicinity of the vascular anomaly. Endovascular treatment for ACOM aneurysm requires more detailed evaluations of the accompanying vascular anomaly and hemodynamics around ACOM to avoid complications.

Antibacterial effect of mouthwash containing CPC against dental caries caused bacteria / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate and report the antibacterial efficacy in relation to oral disease-causing bacteria using a mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC in an in vitro test. @*Methods@#The sterilization test and susceptibility assay of mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC were investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus;Streptococcus sanguinis as oral bacteria related to dental caries; Enterococcus faecalis as apical periodontitis-related bacteria; and Actinomyces israelii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescence, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Filifactor alocis as periodontal disease-related bacteria. @*Results@#In the sterilization test, most of the bacteria had more than 99.99% sterilizing power for all samples but compared to other bacteria, the sterilizing power of these samples was not successful for L. acidophilus and E. faecalis bacteria. When comparing the sterilization power between the samples, sample 3 (0.05% CPC+20% ethanol) was the strongest. @*Conclusions@#In the antimicrobial activity test, sample 3 inhibited growth at the lowest concentration overall.

Unusual Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Contrast-induced Encephalopathy following Cerebral Angiography / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) following cerebral angiography has similar clinical presentations to ischemic complications of cerebral angiography. Neurologic deficits in CIE are mostly transient, but those caused by acute cerebral infarction (ACI) as ischemic complications of cerebral angiography may be permanent. Therefore, distinguishing CIE from ACI is important. Diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) implies ACI, while hyperintensity on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) without correlation on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map implies CIE. We reported a rare case of CIE with diffusion restriction on MRI following cerebral angiography that mimicked MRI findings of ACI. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown and requires further investigation.

Antibacterial effect of mouthwash containing CPC against dental caries caused bacteria / 대한구강보건학회지

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate and report the antibacterial efficacy in relation to oral disease-causing bacteria using a mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC in an in vitro test. @*Methods@#The sterilization test and susceptibility assay of mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC were investigated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus;Streptococcus sanguinis as oral bacteria related to dental caries; Enterococcus faecalis as apical periodontitis-related bacteria; and Actinomyces israelii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescence, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Filifactor alocis as periodontal disease-related bacteria. @*Results@#In the sterilization test, most of the bacteria had more than 99.99% sterilizing power for all samples but compared to other bacteria, the sterilizing power of these samples was not successful for L. acidophilus and E. faecalis bacteria. When comparing the sterilization power between the samples, sample 3 (0.05% CPC+20% ethanol) was the strongest. @*Conclusions@#In the antimicrobial activity test, sample 3 inhibited growth at the lowest concentration overall.

Contralateral Interhemispheric Transcallosal Approach for Thalamic Cystic Cavernous Malformation

A 42-year-old man presented with a headache and right hemiparesis and was found to have a cystic mass with a calcified mural nodule in the left thalamus. Because the thalamus is surrounded by vital neurovascular structures, the surgical approach to thalamic lesions can be challenging. We decided to remove the mass for decompression and pathological diagnosis. The mass was removed through a contralateral interhemispheric transcallosal transchoroidal approach with less retraction and parenchymal injury than other approaches to avoid brain retraction and cortical injury. The pathological diagnosis was cavernous malformation. Temporary worsening of the preoperative hemiparesis was recovered over two months following surgery. Tolerable thalamic pain syndrome remained. Here, we report a rare case of thalamic cavernous malformation with a favorable outcome through a contralateral surgical approach.

Unusual Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Contrast-induced Encephalopathy following Cerebral Angiography / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) following cerebral angiography has similar clinical presentations to ischemic complications of cerebral angiography. Neurologic deficits in CIE are mostly transient, but those caused by acute cerebral infarction (ACI) as ischemic complications of cerebral angiography may be permanent. Therefore, distinguishing CIE from ACI is important. Diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) implies ACI, while hyperintensity on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) without correlation on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map implies CIE. We reported a rare case of CIE with diffusion restriction on MRI following cerebral angiography that mimicked MRI findings of ACI. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown and requires further investigation.

Bone Flap Changes after Cranioplasty Using Frozen Autologous Bone Flaps: A Three-Dimensional Volumetric Reconstruction Study

PURPOSE: Bone flap resorption (BFR) after cranioplasty with an autologous bone flap (ABF) is well known. However, the prevalences and degrees of BFR remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate changes in ABFs following cranioplasty and to investigate factors related with BFR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 97 patients who underwent cranioplasty with frozen ABF between January 2007 and December 2016. Brain CT images of these patients were reconstructed to form three-dimensional (3D) images, and 3D images of ABF were separated using medical image editing software. ABF volumes on images were measured using 3D image editing software and were compared between images in the immediate postoperative period and at postoperative 12 months. Risk factors related with BFR were also analyzed. RESULTS: The volumes of bone flaps calculated from CT images immediately after cranioplasty ranged from 55.3 cm³ to 175 cm³. Remnant bone flap volumes at postoperative 12 months ranged from 14.2% to 102.5% of the original volume. Seventy-five patients (77.3%) had a BFR rate exceeding 10% at 12 months after cranioplasty, and 26 patients (26.8%) presented severe BFR over 40%. Ten patients (10.3%) underwent repeated cranioplasty due to severe BFR. The use of a 5-mm burr for central tack-up sutures was significantly associated with BFR (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Most ABFs after cranioplasty are absorbed. Thus, when using frozen ABF, patients should be adequately informed. To prevent BFR, making holes must be kept to a minimum during ABF grafting.

Lateral Ventricular Meningioma Presenting with Intraventricular Hemorrhage

A 35-year-old female visited emergency department for a sudden onset of headache with vomiting after management for abortion at local department. Neurological examination revealed drowsy mentality without focal neurological deficits. CT showed 3.2×3.4 cm hyperdense intraventricular mass with intraventricular hemorrhage. The intraventricular hemorrhage was found in lateral, 3rd, and 4th ventricles. MRI showed well enhancing intraventricular mass abutting choroid plexus in the trigone of the right lateral ventricle. CT angiography showed tortuous prominent arteries from choroidal artery in tumor. Her neurological status deteriorated to stupor and contralateral hemiparesis during planned preoperative workup. Urgent transtemporal and transcortical approach with decompressive craniectomy for removal of intraventricular meningioma with hemorrhage was done. Grossly total removal of ventricular mass was achieved. Pathological finding was meningotheliomatous meningioma of World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. The patient recovered to alert mentality and no motor deficit after intensive care for increased intracranial pressure. However, visual field defect was developed due to posterior cerebral artery territory infarction. The visual deficit did not resolve during follow up period. Lateral ventricular meningioma with spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage in pregnant woman is very uncommon. We report a surgical case of lateral ventricular meningioma with rapid neurological deterioration for intraventricular hemorrhage.

The Effect of Pain Reduction during Headframe Fixation for Stereotactic Radiosurgery by the Preceded Local Anesthesia under the Needle Cap Guidance

BACKGROUND: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become a major alternative in the neurosurgical field. However, many patients complained of considerable discomfort during the fixation of rigid headframe. This study investigated whether our modified procedure could reduce fixation-related pain. METHODS: Sixty-six patients who underwent GKRS were enrolled in this study. Thirty-one patients (Group A) underwent the conventional subcutaneous infiltration technique, and 35 patients (Group B) did the modified procedure. In group A, the headframe was held in position by an assistant, and local anesthetics were injected subcutaneously using a 23-gauge spinal needle at pinning sites. Subsequently, pins were applied according to measurements based on spinal needle depth. In group B, with the frame held in position by an assistant, pin sites were marked with a surgical pen under the guidance of needle cap placed on the pin holes. The head frame was then removed, and local anesthetics were injected subcutaneously and periosteally at each marked pin site using a 26-gauge needle. The headframe was then repositioned 5 minutes after local infiltration, and pins were applied according to measurements based on spinal needle depth. To evaluate pain severity during procedures, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded during local infiltration and frame placement with pins. The pain scores of the two groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Group B had a significantly lower VAS score during frame placement than group A (7.26 vs. 3.61; p<0.001), and mean VAS score at local infiltration was also significantly lower in group B (4.74 vs. 3.74; p=0.008). CONCLUSION: Patients in group B experienced significantly less pain than those in group A during pin placement. Pre-fixation time advanced local anesthesia might reduce pain during stereotactic procedures, and the use of a 26-gauge needle appeared in less pain during local infiltration.

Laryngeal granulomas in patients after two-jaw surgery: Four cases report

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation can cause focal ischemia, damage or edema to the laryngeal mucosa, and may be followed by serious complications such as vocal cord paralysis, ulcers, and granulation tissue formation. Laryngeal granuloma is rare but also a significant late complication of endotracheal intubation, and anesthesiologists should be concerned about it.CASE: We experienced four cases of laryngeal granuloma that developed after two-jaw surgery January 2017–December 2018 in our hospital and would like to report these cases with brief review of literature.CONCLUSIONS: There are frequent movements on the head and neck in maxillofacial surgery and the nasotracheal intubation should be prolonged after bimaxillary osteotomy surgery because of post-operative airway problems. This may be why two-jaw surgery may have higher occurrence of laryngeal granuloma than others.

Pituicytoma with Significant Tumor Vascularity Mimicking Pituitary Macroadenoma

A 19-year-old man presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and was found to have a large sellar and suprasellar tumor, resembling a pituitary macroadenoma. Emergency transsphenoidal approach was attempted because of rapid visual deterioration with headache. However, the approach was complicated and stopped by uncontrolled hemorrhage from the tumor. After conventional cerebral angiography and recognition of an unusual pathology, transcranial approach was achieved to prevent permanent visual loss. The final pathological diagnosis was pituicytoma with epithelioid features. Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade tumor (WHO Grade I) of pituicytes involving the sellar and suprasellar region, and originating from special glial cells of the neurohypophysis. Because of the high vascularity, the firm consistency, and invasion to surrounding neurovascular structures, a pituicytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the sellar and suprasellar area if the tumor shows high enhancement with vascular components. We report a case of rare pituicytoma mimicking a pituitary macroadenoma with massive hemorrhage to disturb surgery.

Semi-Jailing Technique Using a Neuroform3 Stent for Coiling of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The semi-jailing technique (SJT) provides stent-assisted remodeling of the aneurysm neck during coil embolization without grasping the coil delivery microcatheter. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of SJT using a Neuroform3 stent for coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We collected the clinical and radiological data between January 2009 and June 2015 of the wide-necked aneurysms treated with SJT using a Neuroform3 stent. RESULTS: SJT using a Neuroform3 stent was attempted in 70 wide-necked aneurysms (68 patients). There were 56 unruptured and 14 ruptured aneurysms. The size of aneurysm ranged from 1.7 to 28.1 mm (mean 6.1 mm). The immediate angiographic results were complete occlusion in 55 aneurysms (78.6%), neck remnant in 7 (10.0%), and aneurysm remnant in 8 (11.4%). Overall, periprocedural complications occurred in 13 patients (19.1%), including asymptomatic thromboembolism in 7 (10.3%), symptomatic thromboembolism in 4 (5.9%), and symptomatic hemorrhagic complications in 2 (2.9%). Conventional angiography follow-up was obtained in 55 (78.6%) of 70 aneurysms (mean, 10.9 months). The result showed progressive occlusion in 7 aneurysms (12.7%) and recanalization in 1 aneurysm (1.8%). At the end of the observation period (mean, 17.5 months), all 54 patients without subarachnoid hemorrhage showed excellent clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0), except two (mRS 1 or 2) and seven of 14 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage remained symptom-free (mRS 0). CONCLUSION: In this report of 70 aneurysms, SJT using a Neuroform3 stent for coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms showed good technical safety, as well as favorable clinical and angiographic outcomes.

Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor without Atlantoaxial Subluxation or Rheumatic Arthritis / 대한신경손상학회지

We present a case of retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). A 76-year-old woman presented with paresthesia and weakness of both lower and upper extremities. She had no laboratory or physical findings of RA. Dynamic X-ray showed no AAS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a retro-odontoid mass compressing the spinal cord. Transdural mass debulking and biopsy were performed via minimal left suboccipital craniectomy and C1 hemilaminectomy. Two months after surgery, her symptoms were aggravated. Follow-up MRI visualized mass re-growth and spinal cord compression due to the mass and AAS. Posterior C1-2 fixation was performed without further decompression. Twelve months after posterior fixation, no symptoms were apparent and follow-up MRI showed complete resolution of the ROP with C1-2 bony fusion. The ROP with C1-2 instability might be completely resolved only C1-2 fusion without decompression. Furthermore, we speculated that osteoarthritis of C1-2 itself causes a partial tear or degradation of the transverse ligament, that induced formation of ROP.

The Impact of Engorged Vein within Traumatic Posterior Neck Muscle Identified in Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography to Estimated Blood Loss during Posterior Upper Cervical Spine Surgery / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Injuries of upper cervical spine are potentially fatal. Thus, appropriate diagnosis and treatment is essential. In our institute, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been performed for evaluation of injuries of bony and vascular structure. The authors confirmed the engorged venous plexus within injured posterior neck muscle. We have this research to clarify the relationship between the engorged venous plexus and engorged vein. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 23 adult patients who underwent 23 posterior cervical spine surgeries for treatment of upper cervical injury between 2013 and 2015. Preoperative CTA was used to identify of venous engorgement within posterior neck muscle. The male to female ratio was 18:5 and the mean age was 53.5 years (range, 25-78 years). Presence of venous engorgement and estimated blood loss (EBL) were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The EBL of group with venous engorgement was 454.55 mL. The EBL of group without venous engorgement was 291.67 mL. The EBL of group with venous engorgement was larger than control group in significant. CONCLUSION: The presence of engorged venous plexus is important factor of intraoperative bleeding. Preoperative CTA for identifying of presence of engorged venous plexus and fine operative techniques is important to decrease of blood loss during posterior cervical spine surgery.

Addition of Resection of Temporal Muscle and Fascia in Decompressive Craniectomy in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a widely used surgical procedure for control of severely increased intracranial pressure in various conditions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the addition of resection of temporalis muscle and fascia in DC particularly in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. METHODS: Twenty patients underwent temporalis muscle and fascia resection in addition to conventional DC and duroplasty due to massive brain swelling in a single tertiary hospital from 2013 to 2015 were enrolled. Twenty other patients who received the standard techniques by other neurosurgeons in the same period were gathered for the control group. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) as well as functional outcome in both groups were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: CT volumetry showed a significant increase of 85.19 mL (p<0.001) of extracranial herniation volume in the research group compared with the control group. Using modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale, there was no statistically significant difference in functional outcome between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, the procedure appears to show a meaningful increase in extracranial herniation volume with minimal masticatory and cosmetic impairment.

Preventable and Potentially Preventable Traumatic Death Rates in Neurosurgery Department: A Single Center Experience / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates is a method to evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in emergency medical department. To evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in patients who were admitted to neurosurgery department, we performed this study. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 52 patients who admitted to neurosurgery department with severe traumatic brain injuries between 2013 and 2014. Based on radiologic and clinical state at emergency room, each preventability of death was estimated by professional panel discussion. And the final death rates were calculated. RESULTS: The preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates was 19.2% in this study. This result is lower than that of the research of 2012, Korean preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates. The rate of preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death of operation group is lower than that of conservative treatment group. Also, we confirmed that direct transfer and the time to operation are important to reduce the preventability. CONCLUSION: We report the preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates of our institute for evaluation of preventability in severe traumatic brain injuries during the last 2 years. For decrease of preventable death, we suggest that continuous survey of the death rate of traumatic brain injury patients is required.

Paradoxical Exacerbation of Symptoms with Obstruction of the Venous Outflow after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Treatment of a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Cavernous Sinus

A 59-year-old female presented with progressive right proptosis, chemosis and ocular pain. An imaging work-up including conventional catheter angiography showed a right-sided dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus, which drained into the right superior petrosal sinus, right superior ophthalmic vein, and right inferior ophthalmic vein, and cortical venous reflux was seen via the right petrosal vein in the right posterior fossa. After failure of transvenous embolization, the patient underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). At one month after GKRS, she developed increasing ocular pain and occipital headache. Repeat angiography showed partial obliteration of the fistula and loss of drainage via the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins with severe congestion, resulting in slow flow around the right cerebellar hemisphere. Prompt transarterial embolization relieved the patient's ocular symptoms and headache. We report on a case of paradoxical exacerbation of symptoms resulting from obstruction of the venous outflow after GKRS for treatment of a dural arteriovenous fistula of the cavernous sinus.

Applicability of Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score to Criteria of Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Treatment Decision of Thoracolumbar Injury

OBJECTIVE: For improving the drawbacks of previous thoracolumbar spine trauma classification, the Spine Trauma Study Group was developed new classification, Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS). The simplicity of this scoring system makes it useful clinical application. However, considering criteria of Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the usefulness of TLICS system is still controversial in the treatment decision of thoracolumbar spine injury. METHODS: Total 100 patients, who admitted to our hospital due to acute traumatic thoracolumbar injury, were enrolled. In 45, surgical treatment was performed and surgical treatment was decided following the criteria of HIRA in all patients. With assessing of TLICS score and Denis's classification, the treatment guidelines of TLICS and Denis's classification were applied to the criteria of Korean HIRA. RESULTS: According to the Denis's three-column spine system, numbers of patients with 2 or 3 column injuries were 94. Only 45 of 94 patients (47.9%) with middle column injury fulfilled the criteria of HIRA. According to TLICS system, operation required fractures (score>4) were 31 and all patients except one fulfilled the criteria of HIRA. Conservative treatment required fractures (score<4) were 52 and borderline fracture (score=4) were 17. CONCLUSION: The TLICS system is very useful system for decision of surgical indication in acute traumatic thoracolumbar injury. However, the decision of treatment in TLICS score 4 should be carefully considered. Furthermore, definite criteria of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury may be necessary because the differentiation of PLC injury between TLICS score 2 and 3 is very difficult.

Contrast Extravasation on Computed Tomography Angiography Imitating a Basilar Artery Trunk Aneurysm in Subsequent Conventional Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Report of Two Cases with Different Clinical Courses

Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) is rare but becoming more common, with increasing use of CTA for various cerebral vascular diseases. We report on two cases of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in which the CTA showed a saccular lesion of the upper basilar trunk suggesting a ruptured aneurysm. However, no vascular lesion was observed on immediate subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In one case, repeated follow up DSA was also negative. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged with no neurologic deficit. In the other case, the patient showed sudden mental deterioration on the third hospital day and her brain CT showed rebleeding. The immediate follow up DSA showed contrast stagnation in the vicinity of the upper basilar artery, suggestive of pseudoaneurysm. Double stent deployment at the disease segment was performed. Due to the frequent use of CTA, contrast extravasation is an increasingly common observation. Physicians should be aware that basilar artery extravasation can mimic the appearance of an aneurysm.