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.

Solitary Osteochondroma Presenting as a Dumbbell Tumor Compressing the Cervical Spinal Cord

We report a case of a solitary osteochondroma as a dumbbell tumor compressing the spinal cord and its surgical strategy. The patient is a 16-year-old female with longstanding posterior neck pain and left arm abduction weakness. She was examined by plain X-ray, three-dimensional-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and vertebral angiography. The analyses indicated a calcified extradural mass compressing the cord in the C3–4 portion extending into the neural and vertebral foramen with eroded vertebral body. The tumor was successfully excised using a modified combined anterior and posterior approach. Histopathologic study of the resected material confirmed the diagnosis. The postoperative assessment was followed by clinical and radiologically therapy for 5 years after surgery. Osteochondroma arises from enchondral bone but it rarely involves the spine, especially not as s dumbbell type. In this patient, the tumor may have arisen from the neural arch and extended into the extradural and extraforaminal space over a long period. We successfully removed the dumbbell tumor with a combined anterior oblique and posterior approach. However, further observation is essential because of the possibility of recurrence and sarcomatous change.

Surgical Outcome of a Zero-profile Device Comparing with Stand-alone Cage and Anterior Cervical Plate with Iliac Bone Graft in the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

OBJECTIVE: A Zero-profile device is a cervical stand-alone cage with integrated segmental fixation device. We characteristically evaluated the radiological changes as well as clinical outcomes in the application of Zero-profile devices compared with stand-alone cages and anterior cervical plates with iliac bone grafts for the cervical disease. METHODS: Retrospectively, total 60 patients at least more than one year follow-up were enrolled. Twenty patients were treated with Zero-profile devices (Group A), twenty patients with stand-alone cages (Group B) and twenty patients with anterior cervical plates and iliac bone grafts (Group C) for a single level cervical disease. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by Odom's criteria and Bazaz-Yoo dysphagia index. The radiologic parameters were by subsidence and the changes of the midpoint interbody height (IBH), the segmental kyphotic angle (SKA), the overall kyphotic angle (OKA) in index level. RESULTS: Although there was no significant clinical difference according to the Odom's criteria among them(p=0.766), post-operative dysphagia was significantly decreased in the Group A and B compared with the Group C (p=0.04). From the immediate postoperative to the last follow-up time, the mean change of IBH decrement and SKA increment were significant in the Group B compared with the Group A (p=0.025, p=0.033) and the Group C (p=0.001, p=0.000). The subsidence rate was not significant among all groups (p=0.338). CONCLUSION: This Zero-profile device is a valuable alternative to the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a low incidence of postoperative dysphagia and without segmental kyphotic change.

Paraplegia in a Patient With IgG4-Related Sclerosing Disease: A Case Report

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing disease is a systemic disease, characterized by mass forming inflammatory lesions which respond well to steroid therapy. Pancreas is the most common site of involvement, and other organ involvements are also common. However, there are only a few reports about central nervous system involvement. We report a case of IgG4-related sclerosing disease which involves spinal cord causing paraplegia. A middle-aged female presented with sudden lower limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft tissue mass which was diffusely compressing spinal cord along the C7 to T5 levels. Intravenous steroid pulse therapy and emergent operation was performed. The immunopathologic findings revealed IgG4-related sclerosing pachymeningitis postoperatively. There was no evidence of other organ involvement. Her neurologic deficit remained unchanged after two months of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy.

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 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.

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.

Prognostic Factors for Mortality in Emergency Department Patients with Hypotension / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to analyze the effects of differences between initial and follow up amounts of central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2), lactate, anion gap (AG), and corrected anion gap (CAG). METHODS: Patients with systolic blood pressure that was lower than 90 mmHg participated in this study. Along with Arterial Blood Gas Analysis (ABGA), the amounts of electrolytes, albumin, and Scvo2 were initially checked and then re-checked four hours later. The patients were divided into two groups, which were survived and expired, and the differences in initial and final values were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Out of a total of 36 patients, 29 patients survived and 7 patients died. The data showed almost no difference in mean age, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature between two groups. Comparing the initial amount, there was a statistically significant variation in lactate. Comparing the final values, lactate, AG, and CAG varied significantly. However, for both groups, the differences between the initial and final values were not significant. The area under curve (AUC) of follow up lactate and follow up CAG was 0.89 and 0.88. AUC of ED-APACHEII and original ICU APACHEII was 0.74 and 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: There was no prognostic effect of Scvo2, lactate, AG, and CAG in hypotensive patients. The initial and final values of lactate and CAG were good prognostic factors for the expired group.

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.

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.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Plasma Cell Tumors

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to review the cases of spinal plasma cell tumors treated in our department with regard to presenting symptoms and signs, diagnostic investigations, extent of surgical interventions, complications, survival time and influence on the quality of life. METHODS: In a retrospective study, twelve spinal plasma cell tumor patients who underwent surgery were evaluated between Oct. 1991 and Dec. 2000. Clinical staging system was evaluated by Durie-Salmon Staging System. RESULTS: There were multiple myeloma in nine and solitary plasmacytoma in three patients, six men and six women and aged 38 to 69 years(mean 56.8 years). The locations of the lesions were two cervical, two cervico-thoracic, three thoracic, one thoraco-lumbar, three lumbar and one sacral. The most common initial presenting symptom and sign were local pain and motor weakness. Radiographs showed pathologic compression fracture in six and the MRI finding were cortical infolding, focal to diffuse patterns of low-signal on T1WI, high signal intensity on T2WI, and variable of enhancement on Gadolinium enhanced T1W1. Sixteen operations were performed. and the adjuvant theraphy included radiotheraphy, chemotheraphy(combined oral melphalan and predinisone), and autologous PBST(peripheral blood stem cell transplantation). The follow-up period was three to sixty months(mean 27.0 months). The mean Karnofsky scale score was changed from 54.5 to 73.3 after follow up. One patient died of pulmonary metastasis and sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that treatment of spinal plasma cell tumor may be rewarding.

Surgical Results according to the Interbody Fusion Methods in 360 degree Fusion for the Degenerative Lumbar Diseases

OBJECTIVE: We report the clinical and radiologic difference of interbody fusion materials between autograft bones(laminar chip bones or iliac bone) and cages with pedicle screw in 360 degree fusion for various lumbar diseases. METHODS: Total 199 patients who underwent 360 degree fusion since April 1998 were analyzed. All patients have been followed more than 12 months. Postoperative clinical results were evaluated by Prolo's economic and functional scales, and radiographic fusion by Brantigan and Steffee classification. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences according to the fusion methods. But, in the radiological evaluation of 124 patients(62.3%) after 1 year, the best result was seen in using autologous iliac bone as a interbody fusion material. CONCLUSION: In the 360 degree fusion of the degenerative lumbar disease, autologous iliac bone might be the first choice with regards to the economical and fusion aspects, but factors such as operation time, amount of blood loss, and immediate postoperative pelvic discomfort should be considered.