Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor in the Cerebellum: Case Report

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor(DNT) is described by Daumas-Duport in 1988 and it was interpreted as low grade astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and mixed oligoastrocytoma previously. In recently revised World Health Organization classification of brain tumors, DNT is classified under 'neuronal and mixed neuronalglial tumor'. DNT is clinicopathologically unique tumor and commonly located in the temporal lobe associated with intractable complex partial seizure in young patients. We report a rare case of DNT located in the cerebellum.

A Case of Turcot's Syndrome Combined with Colon Cancer in a 15-year-old Girl

Turcot's syndrome is a rare hereditary disease marked by the association of central nervous system neuroepithelial tumor with colonic polyposis. Authors report herein a case of a 15-year-old girl diagnosed as having Turcot's syndrome, otherwise known as brain tumor-polyposis syndrome, combined with sigmoid colon cancer. The patient was carried out craniostomy and brain tumor removal. The tumor was confirmed histologically to be oligodendroglioma. The patient visited the department of internal medicine for bloody diarrhea during 6 months. Colonoscopy and biopsy was done. The patient was diagnosed as having Turcot's syndrome combined with sigmoid colon cancer, and was then transferred to the department of surgery for treatment of sigmoid colon cancer. Total proctocolectomy and IPAA (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) was carried out. Multiple polyps were found in the colon, two large masses were confirmed histologically to be adenocarcinoma. The remaining polyps were adenomas. This case report describes the characteristic features of Turcot's syndrome presented by this patient.

Intradural Lipoma in the Lower Thoracic Spinal Cord

Intradural spinal lipoma is a rare benign tumor in the spinal cord and a case of intradural lipoma in the lower thoracic region is presented. In our case, subtotal resection was done due to the severe fibrous adhesion to surrounding neural tissue. We conclude that the role of surgery in intradural spinal lipoma should be a decompressive procedure to stop the progression of neurological deficit.

Comparative Study of Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Image in Verifying Obliteration of Arteriovenous Malformation after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is that magnetic resonance(MR) imaging can substitute for conventional angiography in verifying obliteration of arteriovenous malformation(AVM) after Gamma Knife radiosurgery. METHODS: Among the patients of AVM treated with Gamma Knife between 1992 and 1997, all of 40 patients who had been followed up more than 2 years(range 24-101 months) had no AVM on follow-up MR images. Follow-up imaging was performed every 6 months or when clinically warranted. Conventional angiography was performed when the AVM was no longer seen on MR images. RESULTS: Among 40 patients who had shown total obliteration on MR images, thirty one patients(77.5%) showed complete obliteration of the lesion on angiography. However, subtotal obliteration was shown in five patients(12.5%) and partial obliteration in four patients(10.0%). CONCLUSION: The conventional angiography is absolutely needed for verifying obliteration of AVMs and to eliminate the misunderstanding of follow-up MR images.

Long-term Complications of Arteriovenous Malformation Treated by Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A 10-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE: The authors conduct a retrospective study to analyze long-term complications of Gamma knife radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformation(AVM). METHODS: We performed a detailed long-term follow-up study of 100 patients, who could be followed more than 2 years, with AVMs treated by Gamma knife radiosurgery during the last 10 years. At the time of radiosurgery, the mean age was 31.6 years(range : 7-65). The mean follow-up period after radiosurgery was 63.7 months(range : 24-116) except one mortality related with rebleeding. Mean target volume was 5039.2mm3(range : 105-38400). In all of the patients, AVMs were completely covered with a 40-80% isodose profile. The selected target dose delivered by the Gamma Knife was 7.2 to 33 Gy(mean : 22.2 Gy) at the periphery. RESULTS: Angiographic complete obliteration rate was 80% at 2 years after radiosurgery. Rebleeding occur in 4 cases at 4, 8, 44, 98 months after radiosurgery, respectively. Annual bleeding rate was 0.6%. Among them, one patient died. Postradiosurgical complications consisted of adverse radiation effects (ARE) in 19 patients, cyst formation in three, and asymptomatic vascular stenosis in one. Symptomatic ARE was 8% and the mean time from the last radiosurgery to ARE was 12.4 months(1-29) on follow-up images. Three patients, who have been verified angiographically complete obliteration, developed cyst formation within previous irradiated area at 48, 102, 115 months after radiosurgery respectively. Two of them underwent cystic aspiration with catheter drainage. CONCLUSION: The individual incidence of postradiosurgical complication was approximately from 3 to 19%, which is higher than expected. Long-term follow-up is mandatory even after complete nidus obliteration.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Geriatric Patients / 대한뇌혈관학회지

There are so many differences between the elderly patients and the younger patients in the aspects of a causes and the clinical course of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrage (ICH). As the mean life-time of a general population goes longer, the incidence of spontaneous ICH increases but the aggressive support in ICH is withdrawn more commonly and a prognosis of ICH becomes poor. Therefore, a prevention of ICH and a strict control of hypertension is very very important.

Meningioma with Intratumoral Hemorrhage

Meningioma associated with intratumoral hemorrhage is rarely reported. We present two patients with intratumoral hemorrhage. One 70-year-old man was admitted to our department with a decreased level of consciousness and left hemiparesis. CT scan and MRI scan revealed huge tumor with intratumoral hemorrhage in the frontal lobe. After surgical removal of the tumor, histopathological diagnosis was a meningotheliomatous meningioma. The other seemed patients was 56-year-old woman with headache and vomiting. She showed no specific neurological deficit. CT and MRI scan revealed large size tumor with intratumoral hemorrhage that looks like meningioma. The patient died suddenly before surgery. We reviewed the relevant literature and discussed the possible mechanism of hemorrhage in the meningioma.

Management Outcome and Clinical Manifestation of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms VS. Anterior Circulation Aneurysm

OBJECT: With the recent variable treatment modalities and the development of microsurgical techniques, outcomes of surgical and medical management of aneurysm have shown much progress in the last 10 years. However, the management of posterior circulation aneurysm is still a debatable due to its difficulty in limited surgical approach, complicated anatomical structure and many small perforators to vital structure. The purpose of this study is to compare the results of clinical manifestation and outcome of surgery with respect to anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the 33 patients with PCAs(posterior circulation aneurysm) and 359 patients with ACAs(anterior circulation aneurysm) treated between 1994 and 1999, retrospectively. RESULTS: Posterior circulation aneurysms showed higher tendency(5 cases, 14.7%) to have unusual shapes, such as dissecting or fusiform compared with anterior circulation aneurysm(15 cases, 4.2%). There were more multiple aneurysms in posterior circulation aneurysm(8 cases, 26.5%) than anterior circulation aneurysm(59 cases, 16.2%). The number of patients with Hunt-Hess grade III or IV on admission were 91(25.3%) in anterior circulation aneurysms, and 14(42.4%) in posterior circulation aneurysms. There were higher incidences of vasospasm and acute hydrocephalus in patients with posterior circulation aneurysm. In cases of anterior circulation aneurysm, neck clipping was possible in 97%. But, in posterior circulation aneurysm, neck clipping was possible only in 67.7% of each. Two hundred forty four cases(85.0%) of all anterior circulation aneurysms and 22 cases(78.6%) of all posterior circulation aneurysms showed good recovery(GR) or moderate disability(MD). The postoperative mortality rates of anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms were 4.9% and 10.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that there exist substantial differences with respect to that there were few difference in the aspect of surgery and management outcome between posterior circulation aneurysms and anterior circulation aneurysms.

Treatment Outcome of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for GH-Secreting Pituitary Tumors

OBJECTIVE: As for growth hormone(GH) secreting pituitary adenoma, it's remission should be declared on the basis of satisfactory controlling of the tumor, normalization of hormonal level, and symptomatic improvement of the patient. Several modalities of treatment have been applied and administered, and yet, this disease still remains as inveterate one to be fully treated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery(GKRS) for GH secreting pituitary adenoma, and to identify various factors affecting the outcome of the treatment. METHOD: A group of 24 out of 35 patients, treated by Leksell gamma knife unit during the period of March of 1992 through October of 1997, had been observed for more than two years. The mean target volume of microadenoma was 449.3mm3(range 216-880mm3), and that of macroadenoma was 3183.1mm3(range 1456-13125mm3). The tumor margin was covered with 50% isodose profile, and mean marginal dose was 25.2Gy(range 15-32.4Gy). The mean number of isocenter was 4.3(range 1-6). The exposed dose to the optic apparatus was less than 8Gy. The mean follow-up period was 37.8months(range 24-102months). RESULT: No patients showed any increase in the tumor volume during the follow-up period. And definite shrinkage of tumor volume(tumor volume reduction rate, TVRR: more than 50%) was obtained in 10 patients(41.7%). Twenty one patients(87.5%) had reduced hormonal level compared than pre-treatment level. Among them, normalization of the hormonal level was achieved in 12 patients(50%). Clinicoendocrinological remission was seen in 3 patients (12.5%). According to the results of statistical analysis, tumor volume(p=0.016),duration of symptoms(p=0.046), initial GH level(p=0.017), and the invasion of cavernous sinus(p=0.036) were significantly favorable to post-radiosurgical outcome. The TVRR was significantly related to post-radiosurgical reduction of serum GH level. Permanent complication was not seen. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that GKRS is a safe and effective treatment modality for acromegaly. To otain the better outcome of GKRS in GH secreting pituitary adenoma, more careful and sophisticated treatment-planning is recommended.

A Vestibular Schwannoma Associated with Massive Intratumoral Hemorrhage

The report of massive intratumoral hemorrhage from vestibular schwannoma is rare. A 66-year-old female who had suffered from disturbance of hearing for one year developed severe headache and dizziness. Brain MRI showed crescent shaped mass in the left cerebellopontine angle. A left suboccipital approach revealed an 3X3cm-sized encapsulated mass. The tumor was totally extirpated together with clot. Histologically the tumor was schwannoma with massive hemorrhage. Postoperative course was uneventful. The authors report the rare case of vestibular schwannoma presenting with intratumoral hemorrhage with review of possible pathophysiology and associated factor.

Correlation of Neuropeptide Y Neuron and its Size with Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cerebral Cortex of Aged Rats

No abstract available.

The Role of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Essential and Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia: vs Microsurgery

No abstract available.

Prognosis of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Elderly Patients / 대한뇌혈관학회지

The purpose of this study is to investigate the overall management outcome and surgical outcome for the elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as compared with that of younger patients. To address the question of managing SAH in the elderly patients, 52 consecutive patients aged 65 or older (elderly patients group: EPG) and 312 patients aged 64 or younger (younger patients group: YPG) who admitted to Kyung-Hee university medical center during recent three years (from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 1998) were analyzed and compared with each other. The managemnet mortality was 17.0% in YPG and 44.2% in EPG, and favorable management outcome (including good recovery: GR and moderate disability: MD in the grade of Grascow outcome scale) was achieved in 65.0% in YPG and 38.5% in EPG (p0.05). The surgical outcomes according to the preoperative clinical grade (Hunt-Hess grade: HHG) were recorded as follows; 1) In the patients with good preoperative clinical grade (HHG I or II), favorable surgical outcome (including GR and MD) was achieved in 86.5% in YPG and 79.7% in EPG, and the surgical mortality was 2.9% in YPG and 6.7% in EPG (p>0.05). 2) In the patients with poor preoperative clinical grade (HHG III or IV), favorable surgical outcome was achieved in 62.8% in YPG and 57.2% in EPG, and the surgical mortality was 11.8% in YPG and 28.6% in EPG (p>0.05). 3) The favorable outcome achieved in patients with good preoperative clinical grade (86.5% in YPG, 79.7% in EPG) was superior to that of patients with poor preoperative grade (62.8% in YPG, 57.2% in EPG)(p<0.05). We conclude that the surgical treatment of an intracranial aneurysms are advisable not only in younger patients but also in patients aged 65 years or more with good neurological grade following SAH.

A Clinical Analysis of Chronic Subdural Hematoma according to Age Factor

No abstract available.

The Role of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Prolactin Secreting Pituitary Adenomas

No abstract available.

The Clinical Analysis of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Underwent Surgery: Comparison Between Conventional and Endoscopic Surgery

No abstract available.

Distal Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: Case Report

No abstract available.

Intraoperative SSEP Monitoring during Aneurysm Surgery

Somatosensory evoked potential(SSEP) has been recorded during 31 operations for intracranial aneurysm. We had monitored the SSEP in each stage of aneurysm surgery(preoperative, anesthetic induction, dura opening, temporary vascular occlusion, aneurysm neck clipping and 30 minute after aneurysm neck clipping). Temporary occlusion of intracranial arteries have performed in 21 cases. In cortical amplitude of more than 50% as compared with induction was considered to be "significant" SSEP change. Eleven out of 21 cases of temporary vascular occlusion showed significant decrease of amplitude. Three out of 4 cases with flat wave had new neurologic deficits postoperatively. We studied the relationship between SSEP changes and postoperative neurologic deficit and concluded as follows: 1) The monitoring of amplitude of SSEP may help control the duration and number of application in temporary clipping during aneurysm surgery. 2) Decreased in amplitude with temporary clipping, especially flat wave, is a strong suggestion of the postoperative neurologic deficit. These results indicate that monitoring of SSEP during aneurysm surgery would be helpful to reduce the incidence of postoperative neurologic deficits.

Useful of Three-dimensional Magnetic Rsonance Angiography and Constructive Interference in Steady State(CISS) Sequences in Patients with Hemifacial Spasm

We prospectively studied 100 patients to assess the usefulness of three-dimensional(3D) magnetic resonance(MR) angiography and constructive interference in steady state(CISS) sequences in patients with hemifacial spasm. Hemifacial spasm caused by tumors in the cerebellopontine angle was not included. 3D-short range MR angiography was performed in 50 patients, using FISP sequence. Compressive vessels were predicted in all 50 patients: anterior inferior cerebellar artery(AICA) in 23 cases, posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) in 17 cases, vertebral artery(VA) and PICA in 5 cases, AICA and PICA in 3cases, VA in 1case, AICA and VA in 1case. In operative findings, offending vessels were identified in all cases : AICA in 22 cases, PICA in 17 cases, VA and PICA in 7 cases, AICA and PICA in 3 cases, VA & AICA in 1 case. Related degree of 3D-short range MR angiographic and operative findings was complete matching in 47(94.0%) cases, partial matching 2(4.0%) cases, and miss-matching 1(2.0%) case. MRI using CISS sequence was also performed in 50 patients. With this method, compressive vessels were also predicted in all 50 patients : AICA in 15 cases, PICA in 8 cases, VA in 6 cases, VA and PICA in 4 cases, AICA and PICA in 3 cases, VA and AICA in 2 cases. But, unknown compressive vessels were 12cases. In operative findings, vascular contact with the facial nerve root-exit zone(REZ) was present in all 50 cases. The vessels responsible were AICA in 20 cases, PICA in 14 cases, VA and PICA in 8 cases, VA in 3 cases, VA and AICA in 3 cases, AICA and PICA in 2 cases. Related degree of CISS images and operative findings was complete matching in 32(64.0%) cases, partial matching 5(10.0%) cases, and miss-matching 13(26.0%) cases. In conclusion, 3D-short range MR angiography and CISS are excellent and very useful for the preoperative evaluation of patients with hemifacial spasm, detection of not only the cause of hemifacial spasm but also identification of the compressive vessels and the relationship between compressive vessels and facial nerve REZ

Hemifacial Spasm Associated with Benign Cyst

Hemifacial spasm associated with benign cyst of cerebellopontine angle masses have very rarely been reported from 0.4% to 4.3% in the literature. We report two cases with benign choroid plexal cyst of cerebellopontine angle which believed to be causes of hemifacial spasm. Operating findings and results revealed that one cyst produced deviation of the ipsilateral PICA and the other cyst produced deviation of the AICA and internal auditory artery, which we re secondarily in contact with the REZ of the facial nerve. Cyst removal along with microvascular decompressions were done in these patients. Postoperatively, they were completely relieved of symptom.