Telemedicine Protocols for the Management of Patients with Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rural and Medically Underserved Areas in Gangwon State : Recommendations for Doctors with Less Expertise at Local Emergency Rooms

Previously, we reported the concept of a cloud-based telemedicine platform for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at local emergency rooms in rural and medically underserved areas in Gangwon state by combining artificial intelligence and remote consultation with a neurosurgeon. Developing a telemedicine ICH treatment protocol exclusively for doctors with less ICH expertise working in emergency rooms should be part of establishing this system. Difficulties arise in providing appropriate early treatment for ICH in rural and underserved areas before the patient is transferred to a nearby hub hospital with stroke specialists. This has been an unmet medical need for decade. The available reporting ICH guidelines are realistically possible in university hospitals with a well-equipped infrastructure. However, it is very difficult for doctors inexperienced with ICH treatment to appropriately select and deliver ICH treatment based on the guidelines. To address these issues, we developed an ICH telemedicine protocol. Neurosurgeons from four university hospitals in Gangwon state first wrote the guidelines, and professors with extensive ICH expertise across the country revised them. Guidelines and recommendations for ICH management were described as simply as possible to allow more doctors to use them easily. We hope that our effort in developing the telemedicine protocols will ultimately improve the quality of ICH treatment in local emergency rooms in rural and underserved areas in Gangwon state.

Development of Cloud-Based Telemedicine Platform for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Gangwon-do : Concept and Protocol

We aimed to develop a cloud-based telemedicine platform for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at local hospitals in rural and underserved areas in Gangwon-do using artificial intelligence and non-face-to-face collaboration treatment technology. This is a prospective and multi-center development project in which neurosurgeons from four university hospitals in Gangwondo will participate. Information technology experts will verify and improve the performance of the cloud-based telemedicine collaboration platform while treating ICH patients in the actual medical field. Problems identified will be resolved, and the function, performance, security, and safety of the telemedicine platform will be checked through an accredited certification authority. The project will be carried out over 4 years and consists of two phases. The first phase will be from April 2022 to December 2023, and the second phase will be from April 2024 to December 2025. The platform will be developed by dividing the work of the neurosurgeons and information technology experts by setting the order of items through mutual feedback. This article provides information on a project to develop a cloud-based telemedicine platform for acute ICH patients in Gangwon-do.

Rescue endovascular treatment for rapid regrowth of aneurysm remnant on middle cerebral artery trunk after unsuccessful surgical clipping in patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm: A report of two cases

We report two rare cases treated with coiling after rapid regrowth (within a month) of an aneurysm remnant on the middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk after incomplete surgical clipping. The first case, a 47-year-old man with subarachonoid hemorrhage (SAH) (Hunt-Hess grade II, Fisher grade III) underwent clipping of a ruptured saccular aneurysm with a wide neck on the right early frontal branch arising from the MCA trunk. Incomplete clipping with a 1 mm sized remnant neck was performed to avoid sacrificing the lenticulostriate artery. In a follow-up cerebral angiogram on postoperative day 30, a rapid regrowth of the aneurysm remnant was observed, and on that day, complete obliteration was obtained by rescue endovascular treatment. The second case, a 48-year-old healthy woman with SAH (Hunt-Hess grade II, Fisher grade III) underwent clipping of an anteroposteriorly projecting bilobulated aneurysm on the left M1. Incomplete clipping with a minimal remnant neck was performed. In follow-up digital subtraction angiogram on postoperative day 30, a rapid regrowth of an aneurysm remnant involving only a part of the initial aneurysm near the neck was observed, and on that day, complete obliteration was obtained by rescue coiling. These patients were both discharged without any neurological deficits.

Rescue endovascular treatment for rapid regrowth of aneurysm remnant on middle cerebral artery trunk after unsuccessful surgical clipping in patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm: A report of two cases

We report two rare cases treated with coiling after rapid regrowth (within a month) of an aneurysm remnant on the middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk after incomplete surgical clipping. The first case, a 47-year-old man with subarachonoid hemorrhage (SAH) (Hunt-Hess grade II, Fisher grade III) underwent clipping of a ruptured saccular aneurysm with a wide neck on the right early frontal branch arising from the MCA trunk. Incomplete clipping with a 1 mm sized remnant neck was performed to avoid sacrificing the lenticulostriate artery. In a follow-up cerebral angiogram on postoperative day 30, a rapid regrowth of the aneurysm remnant was observed, and on that day, complete obliteration was obtained by rescue endovascular treatment. The second case, a 48-year-old healthy woman with SAH (Hunt-Hess grade II, Fisher grade III) underwent clipping of an anteroposteriorly projecting bilobulated aneurysm on the left M1. Incomplete clipping with a minimal remnant neck was performed. In follow-up digital subtraction angiogram on postoperative day 30, a rapid regrowth of an aneurysm remnant involving only a part of the initial aneurysm near the neck was observed, and on that day, complete obliteration was obtained by rescue coiling. These patients were both discharged without any neurological deficits.

Spontaneous Regression of Aneurysm Remnant after Incomplete Surgical Clipping in a Patient with Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm

Cases of spontaneous regression of cerebral aneurysm remnant after incomplete surgical clipping have been rarely reported. This paper reports the regression of an aneurysm remnant after incomplete surgical clipping during postsurgical follow-up. A 50-year-old male presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage because of rupture of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. An emergency clipping of the aneurysm was performed. A cerebral angiography, which was performed two weeks postoperatively, revealed an aneurysm remnant. The patient refused additional treatment and was discharged without apparent neurological deficit. One-year follow up cerebral angiography demonstrated a partially regressed aneurysm remnant.

Analysis of Risk Factor for the Development of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Traumatic Subdural Hygroma

OBJECTIVE: Although a high incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following traumatic subdural hygroma (SDG) has been reported, no study has evaluated risk factors for the development of CSDH. Therefore, we analyzed the risk factors contributing to formation of CSDH in patients with traumatic SDG. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to Hallym University Hospital with traumatic head injury from January 2004 through December 2013. A total of 45 patients with these injuries in which traumatic SDG developed during the follow-up period were analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups based on the development of CSDH, and the associations between the development of CSDH and independent variables were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients suffered from bilateral SDG, whereas 14 had unilateral SDG. Follow-up computed tomography scans revealed regression of SDG in 25 of 45 patients (55.6%), but the remaining 20 patients (44.4%) suffered from transition to CSDH. Eight patients developed bilateral CSDH, and 12 patients developed unilateral CSDH. Hemorrhage-free survival rates were significantly lower in the male and bilateral SDG group (log-rank test; p=0.043 and p=0.013, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed male (OR, 7.68; 95% CI 1.18–49.78; p=0.033) and bilateral SDG (OR, 8.04; 95% CI 1.41–45.7; p=0.019) were significant risk factors for development of CSDH. CONCLUSION: The potential to evolve into CSDH should be considered in patients with traumatic SDG, particularly male patients with bilateral SDG.

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.

The Effect of the Pedicle-Facet Angle on Degenerative Cervical Spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVE: To measure the orientation of the facet joints of cervical spine (C-spine) segments in the sagittal plane, known as the pedicle-facet (P-F) angle, and to use these measurements to evaluate the relationship between the P-F angle and the amount of vertebral anterolisthesis in patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed including 30 age- and sex-matched patients with DCS and 30 control participants. Anterior-posterior and lateral view radiographs of the C-spine were obtained in a standing position. The P-F angle at all cervical levels and the amount of anterolisthesis at C4-5 were measured from lateral view plain radiographs. RESULTS: The P-F angles at C4-5 were 141.14+/-7.14degrees for the DCS group and 130.53+/-13.50degrees (p=0.012) for the control group, and at C5-6 were 137.46+/-8.53degrees for the DCS group and 128.53+/-16.01degrees for the control group (p=0.001). The mean P-F angle at C4-5 did not correlate with the amount of anterolisthesis (p=0.483). The amount of anterior slippage did correlate with age (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The P-F angle was intrinsically higher at C4-5, compared to C5-6, in both the DCS and control groups, which might explain the increased likelihood for anterolisthesis of C4. Higher P-F angles in the DCS group may be a predisposing factor to slippage. The P-F angle may interact with age to increase incidence of anterolisthesis with increasing age.

The Effect of Different Pillow Heights on the Parameters of Cervicothoracic Spine Segments

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different pillow heights on the slope of the cervicothoracic spine segments. METHODS: A prospective analysis of data from 16 asymptomatic adults (aged 20 to 30 years) was carried out. Exclusion criteria were history of injury or accident to the cervicothoracic spine, cervicothoracic spine surgery, or treatment for neck symptoms. We used three different pillow heights: flat (0 cm), 10-cm, and 20-cm pillows. Cervical sagittal parameters, measured with radiography, included; C2-7 Cobb's angle, T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), and neck tilt (NT). Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS: As the height of the pillow increased, the T1S & C2-7 Cobb's angle increased while the NT values tended to decrease. The TIA values, however, remained constant. Additionally, there was a statistically significant sex difference in T1S with the 0-cm pillow (p=0.01), and in NT with the 20-cm pillow (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: From the data obtained in this study, we recommend that the most suitable pillow height is 10 cm, considering the normal cervical lordosis.

Spinal Subdural Hematoma Following Meningioma Removal Operation

Although blood contamination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after an intracranial operation can occur, the development of a symptomatic spinal hematoma after craniotomy has been anecdotally reported and it is uncommon reported after a supratentorial meningioma removal operation. We report a case of spinal subdural hematoma following a supratentorial meningioma removal operation and discuss the mechanism of spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) development. A 54-year-old woman presented with lumbago and radicular pain on both legs 4 days after a right parietooccipital craniotomy for meningioma removal. Only the straight leg raising sign was positive on neurologic examination but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a lumbosacral spinal subdural hematoma. The patient received serial lumbar tapping, after which her symptoms showed improvement.

Immunohistochemical Study on the Expression of Thymidine Phosphorylase and Ki-67 in the Uterine Cervical Neoplasia / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship between the expression of Ki-67 and thymidine-phosphorylase (TP) according to the cancerous progression of uterine cervical cancer with immunohistochemical method. METHODS: The material was obtained from hysterectomized uterus and punched cervical specimen for two years from 1998 to 1999 at the Soonchunhyang Chunan hospital. The material included 15 normal epithelium, 13 CIN I/II, 21 CIN III, 15 microinvasive carcinoma and 13 invasive carcinoma. Monoclonal antibodies of Ki-67 and TP were used for immunohistochemical determination of cellular proliferation and angiogenic activity. RESULTS: 1. The positive rate of thymidine phosphorylase in each group of normal epithelium, CIN I/II, CIN III, microinvasive carcinoma and invasive carcinoma were 6.7%, 23.1%, 38.0%, 73.3%, 84.6% respectively. 2. The labeling indexes of Ki-67 in each group of normal epithelium. CIN I/II, CIN III, microinvasive carcinoma and invasive carcinoma were 2.0+/-0.7, 26+/-5.4, 41.2+/-10.1, 74.7+/-9.3 respectively. 3. There was statistically significant relationship between TP and Ki-67 expression. CONCLUSION: The above results indicates that the angiogenic activities and cellular proliferation indices increase according to the invasiveness of cervical cancer. We were able to reveal the expression of TP and Ki-67 and their relationship in cervical carcinoma.

A roentgenocephalometric study on the displacement of glenoid fossa and mandible / 대한치과교정학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine the displacement of glenoid fossa during growth, and to investigate the relationship between the displacement of glenoid fossa and mandible. Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograrns of 41 patients (male:13, female: 28) were obtained from the orthodontic clinics of WonKwang university hospital and were analized in terms of the position of articulare and mandible and statistically. The obtained results were as follows; 1. Aritculare was displaced posteriorly and inferioly during craniofacial growth and development. 2. The more posteriorly articulare displaced, the less anteriorly pogonion displaced, but the more inferiorly menton displancd. 3. The more posteriorly or inferiorly articulare was located, the more inferiorly menton displaced, and the more posteriorly articulare was located posteriorly, the less cant of the mandibular plane.