Impact of Neurointensivist Co-Management in a Semiclosed Neurocritical-Care Unit

Background@#and Purpose: The importance of the specialized management of neurocritical patients is being increasingly recognized. We evaluated the impact of neurointensivist comanagement on the clinical outcomes (particularly the mortality rate) of neurocritical patients admitted to a semiclosed neurocritical-care unit (NCU). @*Methods@#We retrospectively included neurocritical patients admitted to the NCU between March 2015 and February 2018. We analyzed the clinical data and compared the outcomes between patients admitted before and after the initiation of neurointensivist co-management in March 2016. @*Results@#There were 1,785 patients admitted to the NCU during the study period. Patients younger than 18 years (n=28) or discharged within 48 hours (n=200) were excluded. The 1,557 remaining patients comprised 590 and 967 who were admitted to the NCU before and after the initiation of co-management, respectively. Patients admitted under neurointensivist co-management were older and had higher Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores. The 30-day mortality rate was significantly lower after neurointensivist co-management (p=0.042). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that neurointensivist co-management significantly reduced mortality rates in the NCU and in the hospital overall [odds ratio=0.590 (p=0.002) and 0.585 (p=0.001), respectively]. @*Conclusions@#Despite the higher severity of the condition during neurointensivist co-management, co-management significantly improved clinical outcomes (including the mortality rate) in neurocritical patients.

Efficacy of Combining Proximal Balloon Guiding Catheter and Distal Access Catheter in Thrombectomy with Stent Retriever for Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated efficacy of combining proximal balloon guiding catheter (antegrade flow arrest) and distal access catheter (aspiration at the site of occlusion) in thrombectomy for anterior circulation ischemic stroke.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 116 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with stent retriever. The patients were divided by the techniques adopted, the combined technique (proximal balloon guiding catheter and large bore distal access catheter) group (n=57, 49.1%) and the conventional (guiding catheter with stent retriever) technique group (n=59, 50.9%). We evaluated baseline characteristics (epidemiologic data, clinical and imaging characteristics) and procedure details (the number of retrieval attempts, procedure time), as well as angiographic (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score, distal thrombus migration) and clinical outcome (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, modified Rankin Scale [mRS] at 3 months) of them.RESULTS: The number of retrieval attempts was lower (p=0.002) and the first-pass successful reperfusion rate was higher (56.1% vs. 28.8%; p=0.003) in the combined technique group. And the rate of final result of TICI score 3 was higher (68.4% vs. 28.8%; p<0.01) and distal thrombus migration rate was also lower (15.8% vs. 40.7%; p=0.021) in the combined technique group. Early strong neurologic improvement (improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥11 or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤1 at discharge) rate (57.9% vs. 36.2%; p=0.02) and favorable clinical outcome (mRS at 3 months ≤2) rate (59.6% vs. 33.9%; p=0.005) were also better in the combined technique group.CONCLUSION: The combined technique needs lesser attempts, decreases distal migration, increases TICI 3 reperfusion and achieves better clinical outcomes.

Efficacy of Combining Proximal Balloon Guiding Catheter and Distal Access Catheter in Thrombectomy with Stent Retriever for Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated efficacy of combining proximal balloon guiding catheter (antegrade flow arrest) and distal access catheter (aspiration at the site of occlusion) in thrombectomy for anterior circulation ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 116 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with stent retriever. The patients were divided by the techniques adopted, the combined technique (proximal balloon guiding catheter and large bore distal access catheter) group (n=57, 49.1%) and the conventional (guiding catheter with stent retriever) technique group (n=59, 50.9%). We evaluated baseline characteristics (epidemiologic data, clinical and imaging characteristics) and procedure details (the number of retrieval attempts, procedure time), as well as angiographic (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score, distal thrombus migration) and clinical outcome (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge, modified Rankin Scale [mRS] at 3 months) of them. RESULTS: The number of retrieval attempts was lower (p=0.002) and the first-pass successful reperfusion rate was higher (56.1% vs. 28.8%; p=0.003) in the combined technique group. And the rate of final result of TICI score 3 was higher (68.4% vs. 28.8%; p<0.01) and distal thrombus migration rate was also lower (15.8% vs. 40.7%; p=0.021) in the combined technique group. Early strong neurologic improvement (improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥11 or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤1 at discharge) rate (57.9% vs. 36.2%; p=0.02) and favorable clinical outcome (mRS at 3 months ≤2) rate (59.6% vs. 33.9%; p=0.005) were also better in the combined technique group. CONCLUSION: The combined technique needs lesser attempts, decreases distal migration, increases TICI 3 reperfusion and achieves better clinical outcomes.

Upper Arm Contouring with Brachioplasty after Massive Weight Loss

BACKGROUND: As the obese population increases in Korea, the number of patients who are trying to lose weight has been increasing steadily. In these patients, skin laxity and deformation of the body contour occurs, which could possibly be corrected by various body contouring surgeries. Here, we introduce the brachioplasty method and our experience of various body contouring surgeries performed in our center. METHODS: From November 2009 to August 2011, five cases of brachioplasty were performed. When the patient presented with sagging of the lateral inframammary crease and bat wing deformity in the axilla, extended brachioplasty was performed; in this case, the deformation of the axilla and lateral chest was corrected at the same time. A traditional brachioplasty was performed when contouring was needed only for skin laxity in the upper arm. RESULTS: Complications, such as hematomas or nerve injuries, were not evident. Some patients experienced partial wound dehiscence due to tension or hypertrophic scars found during the follow-up. In general, all of the patients were satisfied with the improvement in their upper arm contour. CONCLUSIONS: Given the demands for body contouring surgery, the number of brachioplasty surgical procedures is expected to increase significantly, with abdominoplasty comprising a large portion of these surgeries. For the brachioplasty procedure, preparation and preoperative consultation regarding design of the surgery by experienced surgeons was important to prevent complications such as nerve damage or hematoma formation.

Surgical Outcome of Tetralogy of Fallot in Adolt: Implication of Preoperative Cyanosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We analysed differences in operative methods and postoperative outcome according to the severity of preoperative cyanosis in adult ToF (Tetralogy of Fallot) patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1989 to June 2001, thirty three adult patients, 18 females and 15 males, underwent total correction for ToF. Their age ranged from 15 years to 54 years (median: 34). Patients were divided into 2 groups by preoperative SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation): group I (n=cyanotic, SaO2 or =95%). Preoperative median hemoglobin level was higher in group I compared to group II (17.5 g/dl vs 15 g/dl). Postoperative follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 94 months (670 patient-month, median: 14 months), and 63 two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were done during this period. RESULT: There were no early or late mortality. With regard to RVOT (right ventricular outflow tract) reconstruction, trans-annular patch and RV-PA extracardiac conduit were used in 7 and 3 patients respectively, and all of them belonged to group I. In group I, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time, ICU day, hospital day were significantly longer than in group II, and postoperative inotropic support was significantly greater than in group II. There was no ventricular arrhythmia in both groups, and one patient in group I suffered from atrial arrhythmia, which was resolved spontaneously after tricuspid and pulmonary valve replacement. During follow-up periods, functional class, residual RVOT stenosis and pulmonary regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, occurrence of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias were comparable between two groups. CONCLUSION: In adult ToF patients with severe preoperative cyanosis, more aggressive RVOT reconstruction and careful postoperative care are mandatory. However intermediate-term outcome of this group of patients is comparable to the patients with minimal or no preoperative cyanosis.

Family Resiliency Facto for the Adaptation of Family who have a Congenital Heart Disease / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of family strain, perceived social support, family hardiness, and family adaptation and identify the family resiliency factors for the adaptation of families who have a child with congenital heart disease. METHOD: The sample consisted of 90 families who had a child diagnosed with congenital heart disease and completed surgical treatment. Data was collected from parents using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Results from path analyses revealed that family strain had a direct effect on both perceived social support and family hardiness, and an indirect effect on family adaptation. Also, the findings revealed that perceived social support had a direct effect on both family hardiness and family adaptation, and family hardiness had a direct effect on family adaptation. Thus, these results indicated that perceived social support and family hardiness had a mediating effect on family strain. CONCLUSION: Findings provide the evidence for the theoretical and empirical significance of perceived social support and family hardiness as family resiliency factors for family adaptation. Clinical implications of these findings might be discussed in terms of family-centered nursing interventions for the families who have a child with congenital heart disease based on an understanding of family resiliency for adaptation.

Intermediate-term Result of Tricuspid Annuloplasty for Tricuspid Regurgitation Associated with Congenital Heart Disease in Adult / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We assessed the intermediate-term result of tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) for tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) associated with congenital heart disease in adults. Risk factors for residual TR were also analysed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From August 1989 to June 2001, seventy three adult patients, 51 females and 22 males, underwent TAP for TR associated with various congenital heart disease. Their age ranged from 16 years to 73 years (mean:43). Associated heart anomalies were atrial septal defect (55), ventricular septal defect (6), partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (4) and others (8). Preoperative and postoperative TR velocities were 3.25 m/sec and 2.56 m/sec respectively, and the types of TAP were De Vega in 43, Kay in 18 and Ring annuloplasty in 12. Postoperative follow-up duration was 2,347 patient-month (mean: 32.6 months), and 134 two-dimensional echocardiographic examinations were done during this period. Residual TR greater than III/IV was considered as TAP failure. RESULT: TAP failure was observed in 7 patients (9.6%), and one patient among them underwent tricuspid valve replacement. Risk factors for TAP failure were diagnosis other than atrial septal defect (p=0.001), preoperative (p=0.038) and postoperative (p=0.028) high TR velocity. There was no statistical significance in terms of TAP methods. CONCLUSION:Careful evaluation of valve morphology and aggressive surgical intervention are mandatory for the repair of TR with preoperative or residual RV pressure overload.

The Combined Pituitary Stimulation Test in Patients Suffered from Massive Postpartum Hemorrhage / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: ackground: Sheehan's syndrome secondary to severe postpartum hemorrhage is one of the major causes of pituitary insufficiency in Korea. Most of these patients do not manifest symptoms or signs of gross endocrinopathies. Earlier detection of pituitary insufficiency is of clinical importance. The combined pituitary stimulation test that uses the four hypothalamic releasing hormones is a rapid, safe, and effective way to evaluate anterior pituitary function. However, the criteria for a normal response has not been established in Korea. METHODS: Combined anterior pituitary stimulation tests were performed on fourteen healthy women who had no history of endocrine disease. Combined tests of anterior pituitary reserve were done no forty-five patients who suffered from massive postpartum hemorrhage which required transfusing, along with subsequent shock or changing consciousness and in thirty-nine patients who experienced mild postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS: 1) In the severe hemorrhage group, thirty-three of forty-five women (73.3%) showed blunted responses in more than one of the anterior pituitary hormones in the combined pituitary stimulation tests. However, in the mild hemorrhage group, only eighteen of thirty-nine women (46.2%) demonstrated blunted responses of more than one of the anterior pituitary hormones. 2) In the severe hemorrhage group, the TSH response was blunted in twenty-five patients (55.6%), prolactin in eleven patients (24.4%), ACTH in ten patients (22.2%), LH in ten patients (22.2%), GH in nine patients (20%), and FSH in five patients (11.1%). 3) The results of combined pituitary stimulation tests in the normal control group were different from the results of other studies. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the women who experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage should be evaluated by using the combined pituitary stimulation test. Moreover, criteria for a normal response to the combined pituitary stimulation test should be established in Korea.

A Case of Hemobilia Associated with Spontaneous Gallbladder Hemorrhage / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Hemobilia is a hemorrhage into the biliary tract that may follow trauma (including surgical and percutaneous techniques in hepatobiliary system), aneurysms of the hepatic artery (and its branch), tumors of the biliary tract, hepatoma, inflammation, liver abscess, and gallstone disease. But, a case has not been reported involving of hemobilia associated with gallbladder hemorrhage without obvious predisposing factors or causes. A 62-year-old woman was admitted to Kyunghee Medical Center due to intermittent nausea, and right upper quadrant pain for 2 days before admission. She had no history of abdominal trauma. On the second and third day of her stay, she experienced melena of which the amount was about 300 ml. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a gallbladder with a 8 mm sized cystic lesion attached to the fundus. Computed tomographic (CT) evaluation of the abdomen demonstrated a highly enhanced 7~8 mm sized nodular mass in the lumen of the gallbladder. The gallbladder, cystic duct, and CBD were dilated due to the filling of blood clots or sludge material. An ERCP was performed and bleeding from the papilla of Vater was confirmed. Subsequently, emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was conducted. Pathologic evaluation revealed a grayish-red gallbladder that had a ruptured vessel. The ruptured vessel showed a severe hypertrophic state but there was no evidence of vasculitis, aneurysm, arterio-venous malformation, or malignancy. The case is here in reported of hemobilia associated with spontaneous gallbladder hemorrhage.

Effect of Isoproterenol on the Glucose-induced Hypothalamin Somatostatin Release / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute hypoglycemia stimulates somatostatin (SRIH) release from the hypothalamus, and which in turn suppress growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. However, the exact mechanism of glucose increases the hypothalamic SRIH secretion is not well known. Beta-adrenergic pathway is known to stimulate the hypothalamus SRIH release. We, therefore, hypothesized that the glucose-induced SRIH release may be mediated by the stimulation of the central beta-adrenergic system, and investigated to determine whether a beta-adrermgic aganist, isoproterenol, contribute the suppressive effect of glucose on the GHRH-induced GH secretian. METHODS: Ten healthy young men, aged 23 to 26 years, were studied. Four endocrinological tests were carried out. (Test 1) GHRH (Bachem, CA, U.S.A.), 100pg bolus, was given intravenously at 0 minute. (Test 2) Glucose 100 gm dissolved in water, was given orally at -30 minute and GHRH was administered as Test 1. (Test 3) Isoproterenol (Isuprel, Sanofi Winthrop, USA), 0.012 mg/kg, wasinfused continuously between 0 minute and 120 minute, and GHRH was administered as Test 1. (Test 4) Isoproterenol, 0.012 mg kg was infused continuously between 0 minute and 120 minute, and glucose and GHRH were administered as Test 2. RESULTS: Oral glucose ingestion significantly suppressed the GHRH-induced GH secretion. The acute hyperglycemia significantly suppressed GHRH-induced GH secretion. The pretreatments with isoproterenol significantly suppressed the GHRH-induced GH levels. The pretreatment with glucose and isoproterenol suppressed the GHRH-induced GH levels more compared to those induced by glucose in Test 2. The GH levels in Test 4 did not significantly differ from those in Test 3. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggests that the hypothalamic somatostatinergic activity induced by the oral glucose administeration is not mediated by the beta-adrenergic pathway in normal men. (J Kor Soc Endocrinool 14:255-264, 1999)

The Effect of Slow Release Lanreotide in Korean Acromegalic Ratients / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that somatostatin analogues such as octreotide are effective in suppressing GH and IGF-I levels in acromegaly. The recent availability of slow release lanreotide could avoid the inconveniences associated with either repeated subcutaneous injections or continuous infusions. We investigated the effects of the SR-lanreotide on clinical, biochemical and safety responses in five patients with acromegaly. And we investigated whether the response of the GH level to acute adrninistration of octreotide predicts the response after 12 weeks of treatment with the SR-lanreotide and whether the identification of gsp oncogene could be used as a therapeutic and prognostic clue in treatment with the SR-lanreotide. METHODS: We studied the effects of SR-lanreotide 30 mg administered intramuscularly biweekly for 12 weeks in five Korean acromegalic patients. Subjective improvements in the clinical symptoms of acromegaly and adverse reactions were recorded. During SR-lanreotide treatment, serum GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were evaluated just before the next injection of the SR-lanreotide. Before the start of SR-lanreotide therapy the sensitivity of GH secretion to the octreotide was tested by measuring the effect of the acute response to 0.1 mg intravenously on plasma GH levels followed until 6 hours after administration of octreotide. Direct polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the gsp oncogene were performed. We compared the responses to SR-lanreotide in patients harboring gsp-positive and gsp-negative somatotroph adenomas. RESULTS: The treatment with SR-lanreotide for 12 weeks could suppress the GH level by more than 50% in four of five patients and normalize the IGF-I in two patients. No correlation was found between the GH level and IGF-I level at the end of the study. The IGFBP-3 level correlated with the IGF-I level in three of five patients. Although the initial GH response to octreotide tended to correlate with the IGF-I response after SR-lanreotide treatment, the results were statistically insignificant. The patients with gsp-positive tumor tended to show a better response to SR-lanreotide. During treatment, there was a reduction in the percentage of patients complaining of joint pain, fatigue, digital paresthesia, and hyperhydrosis. Changes in soft tissue swelling were documented by decreases in finger circumference. The common adverse events were abdominal discomfort, loose stool, and diarrhea. These events were decreased progressively. No patients discontinued the treatment of SR-lanreotide due to adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study showed that SR-lanreotide is effective in controlling acromegalic symptoms as well as GH and IGF-I hypersecretion. This treatment was well tolerated and more convenient for the patients. Further studies are required for clinical outcome of long-term SR-lanreotide treatment and cost-effective analysis.

T-reflex Changes in Asymptomatic Diabetics

BACKGROUND: The loss or depression of ankle jerk has been considered one of the earliest physical findings of diabetic polyneuropathy, even in asymptomatic cases. Therefore, the electronic ankle T-reflex test (ATR) could be a sensitive, objective test for the early detection of polyneuropathy among diabetics. METHOD: In order to verify the sensitivity and usefulness of the ATR, the ankle jerk and ATR were studied in 99 legs of 50 patients with diabetes who did not have any symptoms related to neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease at the time of the study. A sensory nerve conduction study (SNCS) of sural and superficial peroneal nerves was also performed and the results were compared with the ATR. RESULTS: The ATR response was abnormal in 42.4% of the legs tested and was more sensitive than the sural SNCS (18.2%) or superficial peroneal SNCS (30.3%) in revealing subclinical abnormalities. Our results confirm that ATR abnormalities in asymptomatic diabetics are more frequent than conventional SNCS abnormalities and are a reliable indicator of peripheral nerve dysfunction in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ATR seems to be a sensitive test in detecting subclinical abnormalities in diabetics and would be useful especially in early or equivocal cases of

Paraoxonase Genotypes of Korean Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease or Ischemic Stroke / 대한내과학회지

OBJECTIVES: Paraoxonase is a high-density-lipoprotein- associated enzyme capable of hydrolysing lipid peroxides. Thus it might protect lipoproteins from oxidation. It has two isoforms, which arise from a glutamine (A isoform) to arginine (B isoform) interchange at position 192. More recently, Ruiz et al. investigated the relationship between the paraoxonase genetic polymorphism and coronary heart disease in a case-control study of NIDDM in France. We investigated the correlation between the polymorphism of paraoxonase gene and cardiovascular disease in Korean diabetic patients. METHODS: Of 106 patients with NIDDM, 50 had confirmed cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease or ischemic stroke). The other 56 patients had no history of such disease and ECG abnormality. An additional control group of non-diabetic, healthy subjects (N=55) was selected. The polymorphism of paraoxonase gene was assessed by PCR-RFLP in their blood leukocytes DNA. RESULTS: The healthy control revealed paraoxonase genotype frequencies of 18.1% AA, 36.4% AB and 45.5% BB. The NIDDM group revealed paraoxonase genotype frequencies of 11.3% AA, 39.6% AB, 49.1% BB. The genotype frequencies did not differ between healthy control with diabetic group. The genotype frequencies did not differ between diabetic group with coronary heart disease and diabetic control group (AA ; 8.4% vs 12.5%, AB ; 45.8% vs 37.5%, BB ; 45.8% vs 50.0%). There was also no difference in genotype frequencies between diabetic group with ischemic stroke and diabetic control (AA ; 11.5% vs 12.5%, AB ; 38.5% vs 37.5%, BB ; 50.0% vs 50.0%). In multiple logistic regression analysis with other risk factors, hypertension emerged as the most related factors for cardiovascular disease, but paraoxonase genotype was not associated with the presence of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: In Korean diabetic patients, the polymorphism of paraoxonase gene might not be associated with the presence of coronary heart disease or ischemic stroke.

1 case of imported Plasmodium vivax malaria with delayed manifestations due to inadequate chemoprophylaxis / 대한내과학회지

Malaria is the world's most important parasitic infec tion. Although it has been eradicated from temperate zones including Korea , increasing numbers of travellers visit tropical malarious countries and imported malaria becomes important medical problem in the developed countries. In Korea with increasing travellers to malaria endemic area, the incidence of imported malaria shows rising tendency same as the developed countries. It beco mes important to provide general personal protective me asures and chemoprophylaxis to trevellers, when employed in appropriate manner, that can be highly effective in preventing malaria . We recently experienced a case of imported Plasmodium vivax malaria with delayed mani festations due to inadequate chemoprophylaxis. A 53- year-old woman with history of trevel to East Africa 4 months ago and chief complaint of fever was diagnosed as tertian malaria. She had irregularly taken prophylatic antimalarial during travel and had not taken it after return but should have taken it at least 4 weeks after return.

Familial Occurrence of Moyamoya Disease: Report of Two Families

BACKGROUND: Whether the changes of risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol) can precipitate stroke remains unknown, and antecedent infection and psychologic stress are described inss case-control study, 113 consecutive patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (38 small vessel disease, 43 large vessel disease, 11 cardiogenic infarction, 4 infarction of undetermined cause, and 17 intracerebral hemorrhage) and 23 control subjects were evaluated. Changes of the risk factors (and their management) were interviewed. A sign/symptom based questionnaire was used to characterize the prevalence of recent prior infection and exposure to coldness. Psychologic stress was measured with the use of Social Readjustment Rating Scale. RESULTS: The negative change of alcohol drinking was significantly higher in the stroke group. However, there was no significant difference between stroke and control groups in the changes of thether risk factors. The prevalence of previous (within 1 month) infection was significantly higher in the stroke group compared with control subjects (p=0.03). However, there were no significant differences among the stroke subtypes in the prevalence of infection(p=0.08). Upper respiratory tract infections constituted the most common type of infection. The exposure to coldness was significantly higher in the stroke group compared with control subjects (p=0.002). The level of stress within the prior 1 month/1 year was significantly higher in the stroke group than control group (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that preceding infection, exposure to coldness, psychologic stress, and the negative change of alcohol drinking may be comm.

Pseudoinfections Due to Benzalconium-chloride Solution Contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia / 감염

No abstract available.

Tc-99m HM-PAO SPECT in migraine between attacks

Technetium 99m hexamethylene-propyleneamine oxime(Tc 99m HM-PAO) SPECT brain imaging was performed in patients with migraine without aura(n=32) and migraine with aura(n-29) during the headache-free period. A regional alteration of tracer uptake into brain was observed in 21 cases of migraine without aura (65.6%, 18 cases : reduction, 3 cases : increment) and in 20 cases of migraine with aura(69%, all cases reduction, including 10 cases : hemiplegic or hemisensory aura, 10 cases only visual aura). In most cases(73.3%) of migraine with aura, the areas of decreased tracer uptake was exclusively concordant with the areas of unilateral aura. The concordance between the area of associated focal neurological symptom(aura) and the area of regional hypoperfmion was observed in 9 cases(69.2%) of hemiplegic or hemisensory aura(13 cases). The concordance between the site of headache and the areas of regional hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion was observed in 30 cases(49.2%) of migraine with or without aura. Therefore an impaired regional cerebral vascular autoregulation may exist even during headache free intervals in patients suffering migraine with or without aura. It may be concluded that migraine attacks occur in association with exacerbation of preexisting change of cerebral autoregulation.

A case of pure word deafness

Pure word deafness refers to an inability to understand spoken language with relatively normal reading, writing and speaking as well as comprehension of nonverbal sounds. We report a case of 36 year-old right-handed man with a mitral valve prolapse who presented with a pure word deafness following bilateral primary auditory cortical infarction. The auditory deficit was specific for spoken language, while recognition of non-verbal sounds was normal. Pure tone threshold audiometry revealed mild sensorineural loss up to 2000 Hz and a moderate high frequency loss. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials were normal. Brain MRI showed that the infarction was confined to bilateral superior temporal gyri including primary auditory cortex.