Isolated cortical vein thrombosis with hemorrhagic infarction during the application of a transdermal estradiol patch: A case report.

Isolated cortical vein thrombosis (ICVT) is a rarer subtype of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) that involves only the cortical veins without any thrombosis in the major cerebral veins or sinuses. Among the known causes of CVST are factors, such as being a young female or the use of hormonal preparations. This study presents a case of a 35-year-old female who underwent endometrial polyp removal 5 days before symptom onset and started using a transdermal estradiol patch. After 4 days of using the transdermal estradiol patch, the patient developed recurrent seizures and sustained sensory aphasia. The head computed tomography revealed hemorrhagic infarction. Given her young age and the use of hormonal therapy, CVST was suspected. However, the initial diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was inconclusive, and no venous sinus thrombosis could be identified on additional cerebral angiography. Instead, stasis of venous flow in the temporal vein was noted. It was difficult to determine whether these findings were due to hemorrhage or ICVT. Upon re-evaluation with MRI, signal changes suggestive of thrombosis in a cortical vein in the parietal region, which is different from the stasis observed in cerebral angiography, led to the diagnosis of ICVT. This is the first study to link the use of transdermal estradiol patches to ICVT. In cases where ICVT leads to cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral angiography may not be useful. Instead, a comprehensive diagnosis should be made based on imaging findings from various MRI sequences and the patient's medical history.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Double Stent Retriever Technique for Acute Ischemic Stroke Following Embolism From the Pulmonary Vein Stump After Left Upper Lobectomy: A Case Report.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following pulmonary lobectomy, which is traditionally attributed to air embolism and atrial fibrillation (AF), may occur after thrombus formation in the pulmonary vein stump (PVS). Herein, we document the mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of a carotid bifurcation occlusion post-left upper lobectomy (LUL) to manage AIS. A 76-year-old male with a history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and a treated dural arteriovenous fistula at the transverse sigmoid junction, with no history of AF, successfully underwent LUL for a pulmonary tumor. The patient independently walked on postoperative day 1. He developed right hemiparesis and total aphasia on the morning of the second day after surgery, which was discovered by the nursing staff. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an occlusion of the left common carotid artery (CCA). Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was not administered owing to recent surgery. An urgent MT using multiple MT techniques carried out 90 minutes after the discovery of symptoms only achieved partial recanalization. Subsequently, a double stent retriever technique (DSRT) addressed the occlusion in the common and cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). Following this, a T occlusion was encountered, which was addressed with a combined approach using a single stent retriever (SR), achieving a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b result. However, postoperative aphasia and severe right hemiparesis remained. Postoperative imaging showed a significant left cerebral hemisphere infarction and a thrombus in the PVS. Oral edoxaban was administered, and PVS thrombosis did not recur. The patient was transferred to a rehabilitation facility 190 days post-embolization with a modified Rankin Scale score of 4. In this report, we demonstrate the challenging case of the DSRT in addressing AIS after LUL, which led to the formation of a massive thrombus and occlusion of the carotid artery, as revealed by the PVS. This case emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between thoracic surgeons and all staff involved in stroke care in managing such complex scenarios.

Impact of Cilostazol Pharmacokinetics on the Development of Cardiovascular Side Effects in Patients with Cerebral Infarction.

This study investigated the impact of polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes on plasma concentrations of cilostazol and its metabolites, and the influence of the plasma concentrations and polymorphisms on the cardiovascular side effects in 30 patients with cerebral infarction. Plasma concentrations of cilostazol and its active metabolites, and CYP3A5*3 and CYP2C19*2 and *3 genotypes were determined. The median plasma concentration/dose ratio of OPC-13213, an active metabolite by CYP3A5 and CYP2C19, was slightly higher and the median plasma concentration rate of cilostazol to OPC-13015, another active metabolite by CYP3A4, was significantly lower in CYP3A5*1 carriers than in *1 non-carriers (p = 0.082 and p = 0.002, respectively). The CYP2C19 genotype did not affect the pharmacokinetics of cilostazol. A correlation was observed between changes in pulse rate from the baseline and plasma concentrations of cilostazol (R = 0.539, p = 0.002), OPC-13015 (R = 0.396, p = 0.030) and OPC-13213 (R = 0.383, p = 0.037). A multiple regression model, consisting of factors of the plasma concentration of OPC-13015, levels of blood urea nitrogen, and pulse rate at the start of the therapy explained 55.5% of the interindividual variability of the changes in pulse rate. These results suggest that plasma concentrations of cilostazol and its metabolites are affected by CYP3A5 genotypes, and plasma concentration of OPC-13015, blood urea nitrogen, and pulse rate at the start of therapy may be predictive markers of cardiovascular side effects of cilostazol in patients with cerebral infarction.

Remote hemorrhage after burr-hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma: A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: The standard neurosurgical procedure for chronic subdural hematoma is a burr-hole surgery. Postoperative hemorrhage is one of the complications after burr-hole surgery. The hemorrhage generally occurs at the surgical site; however, remote hemorrhage is rare. Here, we report two cases of remote hemorrhage after burr-hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma and discuss the possible mechanism underlying this rare complication. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients presented remote hemorrhages after burrhole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma. In the first case, hemorrhage occurred in the interhemispheric fissure and contralateral subdural space. In the second case, hemorrhage occurred in the subdural space of the posterior fossa. CONCLUSION: Postoperative remote hemorrhage is a rare complication, and it can occur after both craniotomy surgery and burr-hole surgery. Neurosurgeons should consider the possibility of this rare complication, and sufficient care should be taken to select the most appropriate surgical procedure to prevent remote hemorrhage.

A novel technique to visualize true lumen in endovascular treatment of the occlusive carotid dissection and the usefulness of external-internal carotid collateral channel.

Background Dissection of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can cause occlusion or severe stenosis and is known to be one of the major causes of ischemic stroke in the young. Endovascular treatment is one of the useful options for carotid dissections, but passing the guidewire through the occlusion (lesion-cross) and confirmation of the true lumen are sometimes difficult. Case presentation A 40-year-old right-handed man complaining of dysarthria and gait disturbance consulted our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed right ICA dissection. Because of worsening symptoms with conservative treatment, we performed endovascular treatment. Prior to the lesion-cross, a microcatheter was navigated to the third segment of the internal maxillary artery and a balloon-guiding catheter was navigated to the proximal ICA. Under balloon occlusion of the ICA, superselective angiography via the ipsilateral maxillary artery and slow evacuation from the balloon-guiding catheter were performed. Thereafter, the course of the true lumen was clearly visualized, and we were able to navigate another microcatheter without difficulty. Subsequently, angioplasty and stent placement were successfully accomplished. Conclusion We presented a case of ICA dissection and demonstrated a novel technique for a safe lesion-cross for occlusive ICA dissection.

Choroid plexus AVM with anomalous origin of the capsulothalamic artery: A case report.

Background and importance Traditionally, it has been believed that the plexal segment of the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) can be sacrificed safely. Here, we present a case of choroid plexus arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in which the capsulothalamic artery originated from distal plexal segment of the AChoA. Clinical presentation A 45-year-old man was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation involving the left inferior horn in screening MRI. Preceding stereotactic radiosurgery, transarterial target embolization was performed. In this procedure, 20% n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was successfully injected from the lateral plexal branch of the AChoA. After embolization, right homonymous hemianopsia developed due to cerebral infarction on the left optic radiation. This infarction was considered to be within the territory of the capsulothalamic artery. Conclusion This anomalous capsulothalamic artery might be formed by hemodynamic compromise of the brain surrounding AVM in early gestation. We must be aware of this unusual anatomical variation to avoid ischemic complication in embolization of the AChoA.

Fatal cerebral swelling immediately after cranioplasty: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty is a standard neurosurgical procedure which is performed after decompressive craniotomy. Fatal complications associated with this procedure are not well documented. Here, we report a case of fatal cerebral swelling after cranioplasty and discuss the possible mechanism of this complication. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old man was admitted with the diagnosis of cerebral hemorrhage, and emergency surgery for hemorrhage removal and decompressive craniotomy were performed. One month after surgery, cranioplasty was performed using a titanium mesh plate. Sixteen hours after the surgery, the patient became comatose with bilateral dilated pupils followed by blood pressure lowering. Computed tomography of the brain showed bilateral massive cerebral edema. The titanium mesh plate was immediately removed, however, the patient's neurological condition did not recover and he died 7 days after the surgery. We speculated that the negative pressure difference and increase in cerebral blood flow after cranioplasty may have attributed to the fatal cerebral swelling. CONCLUSION: Fatal cerebral swelling after cranioplasty is a rare but devastating complication. Although it is rare, neurosurgeons should keep in mind that this fatal complication can follow cranioplasty.

Riles type 1A common carotid artery occlusion diagnosed by specific external carotid artery Doppler waveform pattern in carotid ultrasonography. Case report.

A 67-year-old man was admitted for evaluation of left homonymous hemianopsia. Carotid ultrasonography showed that the right common carotid artery (CCA) was occluded up to just proximal to the carotid bifurcation, and the patent external carotid artery showed retrograde flow to the patent internal carotid artery via the carotid bifurcation. The Doppler waveform pattern of the external carotid artery showed high end-diastolic flow velocity and low pulsatility index. The diagnosis was Riles type 1A CCA occlusion. Digital subtraction angiography and iodine-123 N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography were performed to confirm the collateral circulation and adequate intracranial hemodynamic sufficiency. Nonsurgical treatment with antiplatelet therapy was performed for the CCA occlusion. No stroke events have occurred within the 2-year follow-up period.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for stenosis of the posterior cerebral artery in progressive stroke. Case report.

A 59-year-old male presented with repeated transient hemianopsia and hemiparesis on the left. Emergency magnetic resonance angiography showed stenosis of the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Endovascular recanalization with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed immediately after the diagnosis. Patency of the PCA was successfully restored. The patient was discharged without neurological deficits. Progressive stroke in the PCA territory is rare. However, emergency endovascular recanalization is possible after prompt clinical diagnosis based on repeated diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and angiography after a 24-hour interval.

[Usefulness of the goose neck snare for holding the guiding catheter for carotid artery stenting].

A goose neck snare is a useful device not only for the retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies, such as detachable coils and catheter fragments, but also for holding a guiding catheter. In carotid artery stenting, the guiding catheter should be kept stable in the proximal of the stenotic lesion, but it is sometimes difficult because of the tortuousity of the proximal common carotid artery. We present a case of carotid artery stenting for proximal part common carotid artery stenosis and discuss the usefulness of the goose neck snare from the brachial artery for holding the guiding catheter.

[The surgical treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas in the ninth decade].

There are no reports of surgical treatment for non-functioning pituitary adenomas in the 9th decade of life, and it is thought that these patients often select conservative treatment and observation, because of their worry about deterioration of their general condition due to invasive surgery and because hypopituitarism and other medical problems are often present. However, it is also true that there is necessity for considering surgical treatment for the pituitary adenomas even in the 9th decade when there is a complaint of visual disturbance. We carried out the palliative surgical removal of three non-functioning pituitary adenomas with visual disturbance in the 9th decade and report these surgical treatments and outcomes. The improvement of visual disturbance was obtained in all three cases. The only perioperative complication was pneumothorax caused by barotrauma. The palliative transsphenoidal surgical removal of non-functioning pituitary adenomas for the purpose of improvement of visual disturbance is a safe procedure in the 9th decade of life.

[Effectiveness of antiadhesion barriers in preventing adhesion for external decompression and subsequent cranioplasty].

Cranioplasty performed after external decompression for brain swelling due to cerebral infarction, injury and hemorrhage may be difficult because of the development of adhesions between the dura and the temporal muscle, subcutaneous layer. Preventing such adhesions, we have used Seprafilm instead of Gore-Tex membranes which had been used in neurosurgery. Seprafilm were placed between the temporal muscle and the dura with dural plasty using periostium or temporal fascia. Insertion of Seprafilm makes it easy for subsequent cranioplasty, to decrease operating time and blood loss, and avoids injury to the temporal muscle and dura. In addition, the price of Seprafilm is lower than Gore-Tex. Seprafilm is a safe and inexpensive material for preventing the adhesions after external decompression.

Proximal flow arrest with temporary subclavian steal for internal trapping of a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm.

A 48-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage originating from a dissecting aneurysm of the left vertebral artery (VA). Internal trapping with proximal flow arrest was planned. The origin of the left VA was too tortuous to allow positioning of an occlusion balloon catheter and a microcatheter in the left VA via the femoral artery. Therefore, the temporary subclavian steal technique was used for proximal flow arrest, by placing an occlusion balloon catheter in the subclavian artery proximal to the VA origin via the femoral artery. Thereafter, coil embolization was achieved through the left axillary artery. The patient recovered well after the procedure.

[Endovascular treatment for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm: effectiveness of internal trapping with proximal flow arrest].

Ruptured vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms are associated with a higher incidence of rebleeding than saccular aneurysms, so, it is encouraged that diagnosis be followed by early treatment. The standard treatment for VA dissecting aneurysms is internal trapping using an endovascular technique. In this procedure, a proximal flow arrest is sometimes used to ensure safety. In this report, we demonstrated the usefulness of proximal flow arrest. The subjects consisted of seven patients treated with endovascular treatment for ruptured VA dissecting aneurysms from 1997 to 2005. Two of the seven patients were treated without proximal flow arrest and one of the two encountered rerupture of the aneurysm at coil embolization. Five patients were treated with proximal flow arrest. Internal trapping was safely completed in these patients. Overall outcomes measurment by Glasgow Outcome Scale were good recovery in three, moderate disability in one, vegetative state in one and dead in two. Proximal flow arrest is considered to be useful for the following four reasons: 1) for the prevention of distal embolism; 2) for the prevention of distal coil migration; and 3) to block blood flow upon rerupture; 4) for the balloon occlusion test, but the necessity of this technique is now controversial. However it is difficult to prove the necessity, we believe it is an effective optional technique for safety embolization.

[Traumatic panhypopituitarism: case report].

We describe a case of traumatic panhypopituitarism following head injury. Generally considered, posttraumatic hypopituitarism occurs in patients who have suffered from severe head injury. However there were a few case reports of panhypopituitarism due to mild and moderate head injury. A 51-year-old male presented with a history of blunt head injury caused by a concrete block hitting his head directly during work. On admission, initial Glasgow Coma Scale was 14. Open depressed skull fracture was suspected. Emergency craniectomy and debridement were performed. Ten days after surgery, hypothermia, lethargy and appetite loss were manifested. Endocrinological examination showed panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus. MRI revealed ruptured pituitary stalk and pituitary gland hemorrhage. Coronal and sagittal MRI was helpful for the diagnosis of traumatic panhypopituitarism. General condition was recovered by hormone replacement therapy. It is important for medical staff carefully to observe vital signs and clinical symptoms, even if mild brain injury. Pituitary function test should also be undergone, if panhypopituitarism was suspected from clinical condition.

[A spontaneous bilateral subdural effusion in an 11-year-old boy with middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst].

An 11-year-old boy gradually developed headache, vomiting and diplopia over a period of 1 month. Repeated examinations of head CT scan revealed an arachnoid cyst in the right middle cranial fossa and bilateral subdural effusion of enlarging size. Papilledema was absent on admission, but it became evident after 1 week, and lumbar puncture disclosed very high pressure (800 mmH2O) of the cerebrospinal fluid. Fenestration of the cyst to the basal cisterms quickly alleviated his symptoms of intracranial hypertension as well as the bilateral subdural effusion on CT. Macroscopically, there was a small tear on the wall of the arachnoid cyst, and it probably served as a communication valve with the subdural space. Since he had no history of head trauma in the past few months, the reason of the tear formation was unclear. Intracranial arachnoid cyst is a relatively common congenital malformation of usually benign and non-pathogenic nature. However, it may occasionally cause non-traumatic subdural effusion and intracranial hypertension.