Intrawound Vancomycin Powder Application for Preventing Surgical Site Infection Following Cranioplasty

Objective@#: Surgical site infection is the most detrimental complication following cranioplasty. In other surgical fields, intrawound vancomycin powder application has been introduced to prevent surgical site infection and is widely used based on results in multiple studies. This study evaluated the effect of intrawound vancomycin powder in cranioplasty compared with the conventional method without topical antibiotics. @*Methods@#: This retrospective study included 580 patients with skull defects who underwent cranioplasty between August 1, 1998 and December 31, 2021. The conventional method was used in 475 (81.9%; conventional group) and vancomycin powder (1 g) was applied on the dura mater and bone flap in 105 patients (18.1%; vancomycin powder group). Surgical site infection was defined as infection of the incision, organ, or space that occurred after cranioplasty. Surgical site infection within 1-year surveillance period was compared between the conventional and vancomycin powder groups with logistic regression analysis. Penalized likelihood estimation method was used in logistic regression to deal with zero events. All local and systemic adverse events associated with topical vancomycin application were also evaluated. @*Results@#: Surgical site infection occurred in 31 patients (5.3%) and all were observed in the conventional group. The median time between cranioplasty and detection of surgical site infection was 13 days (range, 4–333). Staphylococci were the most common organisms and identified in 25 (80.6%) of 31 cases with surgical site infections. The surgical site infection rate in the vancomycin powder group (0/105, 0.0%) was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (31/475, 6.5%; crude odds ratio [OR], 0.067; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.006–0.762; adjusted OR, 0.068; 95% CI, 0.006–0.731; p=0.026). No adverse events associated with intrawound vancomycin powder were observed during the follow-up. @*Conclusion@#: Intrawound vancomycin powder effectively prevented surgical site infections following cranioplasty without local or systemic adverse events. Our results suggest that intrawound vancomycin powder is an effective and safe strategy for patients undergoing cranioplasty.

Impact of Time Interval between Index Event and Stenting on Periprocedural Risk in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

Objective@#: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of time interval between index event and stenting on the periprocedural risk of stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis and to determine the optimal timing of stenting. @*Methods@#: This retrospective study included 491 (322 symptomatic [65.6%] and 169 asymptomatic [34.4%]) patients undergoing carotid stenting. The symptomatic patients were categorized into Day 0–3, 4–7, 8–10, 11–14, 15–21, and >21 groups according to the time interval between index event and stenting. Periprocedural (≤30 days) risk for clinical (any neurological deterioration) and radiological (new infarction on postprocedural diffusion-weighted imaging) events of stenting in each time interval versus asymptomatic stenosis was calculated with logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders, and provided as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). @*Results@#: Overall clinical event rate (4.3%) of stenting for symptomatic carotid stenosis was higher than that for asymptomatic stenosis (1.2%; OR, 3.979 [95% CI, 1.093–14.489]; p=0.036). Stenting in Day 0–3 (13.2%; OR, 10.997 [95% CI, 2.333–51.826]; p=0.002) and Day 4–7 (8.3%; OR, 6.775 [95% CI, 1.382–33.227]; p=0.018) was associated with high risk for clinical events. However, the clinical event rates in stenting after 7 days from index event (Day 8–10, 1.8%; Day 11–14, 2.5%; Day 15–21, 0%; Day >21, 2.9%) were not different from that in stenting for asymptomatic stenosis. Overall radiological event rate (55.6%) in symptomatic stenosis was also higher than that in asymptomatic stenosis (35.5%; OR, 2.274 [95% CI, 1.553–3.352]; p21 : 54.8%; OR, 2.203 [95% CI, 1.342–3.641]; p=0.002). @*Conclusion@#: This study showed that as stenting was delayed, the periprocedural risk for clinical events decreased. The clinical event risk was high only in stenting within 7 days and comparable with that for asymptomatic stenosis in stenting after 7 days from index event, although the radiological event risk was not affected by stenting timing. Therefore, our results suggest that delayed stenting after 7 days from symptom onset is a safe strategy for symptomatic stenosis.

The Limitations of Thrombectomy with Solitaire(TM) AB as First-line Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE: A self-expanding retrievable intracranial stent, such as Solitaire AB, is useful for mechanical thrombectomy, producing novel results in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. On the other hand, difficult situations can arise after a thrombectomy when using as in first-line treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study of 23 patients with an acute ischemic stroke attributable to a large artery occlusion within the first eight hours from symptom onset. The occlusion sites were the T segment in five patients, proximal middle cerebral artery in six patients, distal middle cerebral artery in three patients, vertebral and/or basilar artery in five patients, proximal internal cerebral artery in one patient and tandem in three patients. All patients underwent a mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire(TM) stent system as the first-line treatment but required additional procedures due to the unsatisfactory results of a thrombectomy. RESULTS: Only six patients achieved complete recanalization by a thrombectomy using the Solitaire. Permanent stent deployment after the thrombectomy was performed in ten patients. Stent and balloon angioplasty was performed after a stent-based thrombectomy in six patients. Balloon angioplasty after thrombectomy was performed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire(TM) stent as a first-line treatment can produce unfortunate results that will require additional procedures.

Cavernous Hemangioma Occurred Between the Trapezius and Splenius Capitis Muscle

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of soft tissue. They are frequently seen on the trunk and extremities. In addition, most of them exist at the skin and subcutaneous layer, but fewer than 1% does in the intramuscular layer. For the diagnostic images of the intramuscular cavernous hemangioma, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used currently. Multiple therapeutic methods are used, but surgical excision is considered as the most ideal treatment. We describe the recurred cavernous hemangioma occurred between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscle. The mass was well demarcated but scattered and infiltrated into the adjacent muscle layer, therefore, extensive resection was unavoidable. When determining a treatment regime for the hemangioma, it is essential to consider the size of the mass, cosmetic and functional aspects of the patient.

Cavernous Hemangioma Occurred Between the Trapezius and Splenius Capitis Muscle

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of soft tissue. They are frequently seen on the trunk and extremities. In addition, most of them exist at the skin and subcutaneous layer, but fewer than 1% does in the intramuscular layer. For the diagnostic images of the intramuscular cavernous hemangioma, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used currently. Multiple therapeutic methods are used, but surgical excision is considered as the most ideal treatment. We describe the recurred cavernous hemangioma occurred between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscle. The mass was well demarcated but scattered and infiltrated into the adjacent muscle layer, therefore, extensive resection was unavoidable. When determining a treatment regime for the hemangioma, it is essential to consider the size of the mass, cosmetic and functional aspects of the patient.

Usefulness of SPAIR Image, Fracture Line and the Adjacent Discs Change on Magnetic Resonance Image in the Acute Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporotic compression fracture is an increasing issue in this community and its diagnosis depends on the magnetic resonance images (MRI). Although T1- and T2-weighted images (T1WI and T2WI) have high sensitivity and specificity, the fat suppression technique gives more clear delineation of this abnormalities. Accordingly, we re-evaluated its exact sensitivity and specificity for the imaging diagnosis of osteoporotic compression fractures in our cases. For additional information about the osteoporotic compression fractures, we evaluate the fracture lines, fluid sign and adjacent discs change on the MRI. METHODS: Retrospectively, total 85 patients who had been diagnosed with acute osteoporotic compression fracture were enrolled. They all had been underwent MRI including T1WI, T2WI and T2- Spectral Adiabatic Inversion Recovery (SPAIR) sequence. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of high signal intensity on T2-SPAIR image was very high (0.9917). The fluid sign was seen in 56.7% on the SPAIR image. The fracture lines were more observed on the T2WI than T1WI (p=0.0062). The adjacent discs change on T2WI and T2-SPAIR image were higher than T1WI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: For the acute osteoporotic compression fracture, T2-SPAIR image is the most specific sequence of the all sequences. The fluid sign is another suggestive finding when considered other studies. T2WI is more useful to find the fracture line than T1WI. Abnormal signal intensity on the adjacent discs may provide additional information for the acute osteoporotic compression fractures.

The Comparison of Outcome between Thromboaspiration and Aggressive Mechanical Clot Disruption in Treating Hyperacute Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the Republic of Korea. Time is the most important factor in hyperacute stroke. Yet, there had been no protocol for mechanical thrombolysis. We have treated patients with hyperacute stroke by mechanical thrombolysis for 3 years. In current study, we analyzed the outcome of mechanical thrombolysis. METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2011, 36 patients were treated with mechanical thrombolysis. Initially we treated the patients by aggressive mechanical clot disruption (AMCD) who were admitted within 6 hours after the symptom onset. If revascularization was not achieved, balloon angioplasty was performed, followed by stenting or temporary endovascular bypass was performed. The result in 15 cases was not so successful. Since then, we started using the thromboaspiration method as the first line treatment of the mechanical thrombolysis. RESULTS: After using the thromboaspiration, we had better results in recanalization rate, modified Rankin Score (mRS) and reperfusion injury compared to AMCD. The recanalization rate was 80.85%, mRS is 2.85, and there was only 0.09% hemorrhagic formation. CONCLUSION: Even though thromboaspiration is not statistically significant due to the limited numbers of patients enrolled in this study, we think it is a good way in mechanical thronbolysis for hyperacute stroke.

Surgical Outcome of the Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECT: The surgical management of patients with intracranial aneurysm continues to be controversial, but the best results of treating an aneurysm can be achieved with treating it before it ruptures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical risk of treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Between January 2000 to December 2007, 46 unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated with aneurismal neck clipping. The clinical outcome was retrospectively evaluated according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale about one month after surgery. RESULTS: The patients consisted of 24 females and 22 males. The mean age was 56.6 years (range: 37-80). For the aneurysm location, 27 (58.8%) were at the middle cerebral artery, 10 (21.7%) were at the anterior communicating artery, three (6.5%) were at the posterior communication artery, two (4.3%) were at the internal carotid artery, two (4.3%) were at the anterior choroidal artery, one (2.2%) was at the anterior cerebral artery and one (2.2%) was at the vertebral artery. The size of the aneurysm was below 5mm for 6 patients (13%), 6 to 10mm for 30 patients (65.2%), 11 to 25mm for 9 patients (19.6%) and > or =25mm for 1 patient (2.2%). The clinical outcome was good for 39 patients (84.8%), moderate disability was noted for 5 patients (10.9%) and severe disability was noted for 2 patients (4.3%). CONCLUSION: In this study, the morbidity and mortality rates were favorable compared with those of the previous reports. Our results suggest that aneurysms associated with a ruptured lesion or those larger than 10mm could be considered for treatment. These results will be very helpful to determine whether or not to proceed with surgery.

Delayed Spinal Cord Injury Following Low Voltage Electrical Accident

Although the prediction of a delayed spinal cord injury after a low voltage electrical accident is difficult, we present a young paraplegic man who had delayed spinal cord injury after a low voltage electrical accident while working. Because the passage of an electric current is variable, the tissues far distant from the point of entry may be damaged, including the spinal cord. Low voltage itself is not a safe.

Extradural Cervical Disc Herniation Causing Sudden Brown-se'quard Syndrome: A Case Report

This is a report on the sudden onset of the Brown-Se`quard Syndrome on a patient following extradural cervical disc herniation. Earlier diagnosis and prompt surgical decompression in the lateral cord syndrome yielded a good outcome.

Desmoplastic Fibroma of the Skull

Desmoplastic fibromas are rare intraosseous bone tumors. They are benign but locally aggressive and frequently found in the long bones and mandible. We report radiographic and histopathologic finding of a case desmoplastic fibroma involving right temporal skull bone. A 53-year-old woman presented at our hospital complaining of continuous right side headaches for a year. Simple skull X-ray film showed 3 x 2.5 cm lytic lesion with mild sclerotic margin on right temporal area. A large craniectomy 1cm lateral to margin was fashioned. The resected mass showed encapsulated mass colored white gray. Histologic diagnosis was compatible with that of a the desmoplastic fibroma. There was no evidence of recurrence during the 15months of follow-up period.

Dorsal Short-Segment Fixation for Unstable Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures

OBJECTIVE: This study is to evaluate the efficacy of dorsal short-segment fixation in unstable thoracolumbar junction fractures. METHODS: The cases of 20 patients who underwent dorsal short-segment fixation were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcomes were analysed using Sonntag's pain level, work status, and neurological scale according to the modified Frankel classification. Radiological outcomes were analysed using Mumford's anterior body compression(%), canal compromise ratio, and Cobb's kyphotic angle. RESULTS: At the latest clinical follow-up (average=14.6 months), there were 19 (95.0%) in group I and 1 patient (5.0%) in II in pain level35). The postoperative work status were 17 (85.0%) in group I, 2 patients (10.0%) in II, and 1 patient (5.0%) in V. Surgery brought to improve the neurologic status. In success group (19 cases, 95%), the average canal compromise ratio was reduced from 0.57 (+/-0.07) to 0.05 (+/-0.08) (P<0.05), the average anterior body compression (%) was reduced from 41% (+/-17) to 18% (+/-14) (P<0.05), and the average preoperative kyphotic angle was 20.0 degrees (+/-9.0), and corrected to 5.7 degrees (+/-7.1) postoperatively, and progressed to 7.8 degrees (+/-6.2) at the latest follow-up. There was a case of implantation failure in an elderly osteoporotic patient. CONCLUSION: Although there are limitations in the patient number and follow-up period, the present study favors dorsal short-segment fixation for selective cases in unstable thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Sacral Nerve Root ; Presenting as a Polyradiculoneuropathy

Primary spinal cord lymphomas are rare, and are either extra-/intradural masses with leptomeningeal infiltration or intramedullary in nature. The authors present a patient with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the sacral nerve root, extension to extradural space, and the cranial nerve.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Sacral Nerve Root ; Presenting as a Polyradiculoneuropathy

Primary spinal cord lymphomas are rare, and are either extra-/intradural masses with leptomeningeal infiltration or intramedullary in nature. The authors present a patient with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the sacral nerve root, extension to extradural space, and the cranial nerve.

Aneurysm of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Clinical Features and Surgical Results

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms arising from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) are uncommon. We review literature on that and surgical results on aneurysmal treatment by choice of surgical approach. METHODS: On the basis of radiologic findings & charts, we review retrospectively the surgical results of 12 cases from Mar 1999 to Dec 2003. RESULTS: The mean age of the 12 patients was 55.8(ranged from 36 to 71) and female was predominant (female: male=8: 4). Locations of PICA aneurysms revealed variously(vertebral artery-PICA junction: 8, lateral medullary segment: 2, PICA-anterior inferior cerebellar artery common trunk: 1, telovelomedullary: 1). Surgical approaches & treatments were attempted in 11 cases and embolization was done in 1 case(Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach & clipping: 9, Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach and trapping: 2, suboccipital approach & clipping: 1). The surgical result were 8 of 12 patients were good outcome, 1 of 12 was severely disabled and 3 of 12 were died. CONCLUSION: First, we choose surgical approach by the laterality of aneurysms and surgical or interventional treatment is attempted as soon as possible. The PICA aneurysm is regarded as having a relatively good surgical outcome without drilling of the posterior arch of the atlas.

Pulmonary Metastasis of Malignant Meningioma

We report a case of 41-year-old male with pulmonary metastasis from a recurrent intracranial malignant meningioma, which had two more recurrence, multiple intracranial metastasis. Pulmonary metastasis was developed five years after resection of primary lesion. The metastatic routes and treatment of pulmonary metastatic malignant meningiomas were described.

Coincidental Arteriovenous Malformation with Pituitary Tumor

Coincidental Arteriovenous malformation with pituitary tumor is very rare. Only two cases previously have been published in the world literature. A 63-year-old man was suffered from sudden loss of vision, vomiting and gait disturbance. Initial magnetic resonance image and cerebral angiography revealed a mass contained hemorrhage on pituitary fossa and arteriovenous malformation on the left frontal lobe. The tumor removed partially via transsphenoidal approach, and then embolization was performed for the arteriovenous malformation. Histological diagnosis of the mass was pituitary adenoma.

Coincidental Arteriovenous Malformation with Pituitary Tumor

Coincidental Arteriovenous malformation with pituitary tumor is very rare. Only two cases previously have been published in the world literature. A 63-year-old man was suffered from sudden loss of vision, vomiting and gait disturbance. Initial magnetic resonance image and cerebral angiography revealed a mass contained hemorrhage on pituitary fossa and arteriovenous malformation on the left frontal lobe. The tumor removed partially via transsphenoidal approach, and then embolization was performed for the arteriovenous malformation. Histological diagnosis of the mass was pituitary adenoma.

Aneurysms Presenting with Neural Compression:Response to Treatment with Guglielmi Detachable Coils Embolization

No abstract available.

Pain Control with Continuous Infusion of Epidural Morphine and Bupivacaine after Lumbar Spinal Surgery(A Prospective Study)

No abstract available.