ABSTRACT
Background: Numerous studies have reported about good tumor control with both stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for residual and recurrent craniopharyngiomas, but no studies have reported on the appropriate use of different types of radiation modalities. This study aimed to report the outcomes of SRS/stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) or FSRT and compare tumor control in a single center. Methods: From 2014 when TrueBeamTM STx with Novalis was introduced in our hospital to 2021, 21 patients underwent SRS/SRT or FSRT with gamma knife surgery (GKS) and Novalis. We have selected the radiation modalities considering mainly the distance of the optic nerve and chiasm. Imaging and clinical follow-up data were sent and reviewed. Results: The mean age was 52 years and there were 11 men. Of the 21 total patients, three experienced SRS (GKS, 50% isodose 12-15 Gy), five underwent SRT (GKS or Novalis, 19.5-24 Gy 3 fractions), and 13 patients underwent FSRT (Novalis, 54 Gy 30 fractions). The median follow-up was 32.6 (range 17-44) months after SRS/SRT and 34.0 (range 4-61) months after FSRT. In the SRS/SRT group, the mean tumor volume decreased from 1.103 to 0.131 cm3 (P < 0.01), and in the FSRT group, from 3.015 to 1.012 cm3 (P < 0.01). No radiation-induced optic neuropathy and other acute toxicity occurred. Conclusion: Craniopharyngioma can be expected to have very good tumor control by selecting SRS/SRT or FSRT depending on the distance between the optic nerve and the tumor.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is induced by common neurosurgical conditions, for example, trauma, stroke, tumors, and surgical interventions in the brain. The aggressiveness of the treatment for NCSE depends on its neurological prognosis. Aphasic status epilepticus (ASE) is a subtype of focal NCSE without consciousness impairment. The impact of ASE on neurological prognosis is poorly documented. We describe a case of postoperative ASE resulting in verbal and memory deficits. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old, right-handed man with focal impaired awareness seizures underwent partial resection for a left temporal lobe tumor. No neurological deficits were observed immediately after surgery. Three days later, however, a focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure (FBTCS) occurred, followed by aphasia. Electroencephalography revealed 1.5 Hz left-sided periodic discharges. He was diagnosed with ASE. Multiple anti-seizure drugs were ineffective for the resolution of the patient's verbal disturbance. Nine days after the FBTCS, deep sedation with intravenous anesthetics was performed and the ASE stopped. Thereafter, his symptoms gradually improved. However, the prolonged ASE resulted in verbal and memory deficits. Automated hippocampal volumetry revealed an approximate decrease of 20% on the diseased side on magnetic resonance imaging 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Prolonged ASE can induce verbal and memory deficits. Early intervention with intravenous anesthetics is required to obtain a favorable neurological prognosis.
ABSTRACT
Complete spontaneous thrombosis of intracranial aneurysms is uncommon. Although this type of thrombosis is largely asymptomatic, in rare cases it can be accompanied by parent artery occlusion and ischemic stroke. There are limited reports of complete thrombosis of an unruptured aneurysm of the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery. Furthermore, there are no reports of occlusion of the vertebral artery caused by thrombosis of an aneurysm. The mechanisms of spontaneous thrombosis are not established. However, aneurysm morphology, arteriosclerosis, and stagnation of aneurysm flow have been suggested. Herein, we present a novel case of Wallenberg's syndrome caused by a fusiform aneurysm in which complete thrombosis of the proximal vertebral artery occurred. We discuss the mechanisms of thrombosis caused by an unruptured aneurysm, which may be useful for managing such patients who present with transient ischemic attacks.
