Application and Advantages of the Trans-Unco-Discal (TUD) Approach for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy: Classification and Modification of Surgical Technique Based on the Location of Spinal Cord and/or Nerve Root Compression.

Purpose: We assess the application and advantages of modifying the trans-unco-discal (TUD) approach which we underwent for cervical myelo-radiculopathy. We present the surgical techniques of the modified TUD approach. Materials and Methods: The material was 180 cases where anterior cervical decompression (ACD) was performed by the modified TUD approach. We classified the material into four groups based on the location of the nerve root and/or spinal cord compression: I, compression of the root at intervertebral foramen (IVF); II, compression of the posterior margin of the vertebral body; III, compression of the IVF and posterior margin of the vertebral body; IV, compression of the bilateral IVF and posterior margin of the vertebral body. We applied the modified TUD approach to these four types. We present the surgical procedures and techniques for the modified TUD approach. The Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score and neuroradiological alignment were examined. Results: The improvement rate of the JOA score was 78.4% at 6 months post-surgery and 77.5% in the most recent examinations. By the modified TUD approach, compressive lesions of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots were removed, and good alignment was acquired and sustained. Conclusions: ACD by the modified TUD approach safely achieved appropriate decompression for the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, and the patients had a high improvement rate and good alignment. Complications were less common than with other surgical procedures. If the TUD approach and endoscopic approaches can be combined, their application to new area is anticipated.

Parent Artery Occlusion for a Dissecting Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in the P4 Segment Presenting with Ischemic Stroke and Rapid Growth: A Case Report.

A dissecting aneurysm in the P4 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) is extremely rare, and its treatment is sometimes challenging. Endovascular parent artery occlusion (PAO) was performed for an unruptured P4 segment dissecting PCA aneurysm presenting with ischemic stroke and rapid growth. A 70-year-old man was rushed to our emergency department due to a right-sided headache and a visual field defect. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed a right occipital lobe ischemic stroke, with right PCA occlusion and aneurysm formation in the P4 segment. The diagnosis was PCA dissection in the calcarine artery, and oral aspirin was started. Within a week, the dissecting aneurysm had enlarged progressively to 6.2 mm in diameter. Thus, PAO with coils was performed as a preventive measure against aneurysm rupture, assuming that complication risks were low because the tributary area of the dissecting PCA had already infarcted. A 6-Fr guiding sheath was introduced from the right brachial artery to the right vertebral artery, and a microcatheter/microguidewire was placed into the true lumen of the calcarine artery distal to the aneurysm. PAO with coils was performed, and the blood flow to the aneurysm was completely obliterated. After the treatment, the known infarction in the right occipital lobe was enlarged, but no new neurological symptoms developed. The patient was discharged independently on postoperative day 3. Treatment for a distal PCA dissecting aneurysm is challenging. PAO with coils is one of the reasonable choices, especially when a visual field defect has already developed.

Spinal Cord Subependymoma: A Subanalysis of the Neurospinal Society of Japan's Multicenter Study of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and surgical outcomes of subependymoma patients from the 2022 Neurospinal Society of Japan multicenter intramedullary spinal cord tumor study. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with spinal cord subependymoma who were included in the index study of 1,033 patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 49.4 years. Seventeen patients were men and 9 were women. Sensory disturbance was reported in 22 patients and motor weakness in 18. Median duration of symptoms was 24 months. The tumor was eccentrically located in 19 patients (73.1%) and unilateral in 17 (65.4%). Gross total resection was achieved in 6 patients (23.1%). The same rate for ependymoma patients in the index study was significantly higher (74.8%). Median follow-up was 40.5 months (interquartile range, 18-68 months). In 2 patients who underwent only partial resection, reoperation was required owing to progression 68 and 90 months after surgery, respectively. No recurrence occurred in patients who underwent gross total resection. Five patients experienced neurological worsening after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although spinal cord subependymoma can be difficult to distinguish from other intramedullary spinal cord lesions before surgery, it is characterized by an indolent clinical course and eccentric location. Surgical treatment should prioritize functional preservation because the prognosis is good even after subtotal resection.

The Symptomatic Calcification and Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum in the Spine: Our Experience and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience regarding the clinical features and pathological findings of the calcification of the ligamentum flavum (CLF) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the spine. In addition, we reviewed the previous studies on CLF and OLF to enhance the understanding of these conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of CLF and OLF. RESULTS: In CLF, a computed tomography (CT) scan showed egg-shaped or speck-like calcification in the ligamentum flavum. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated spinal cord compression due to a thickened ligamentum flavum, which appeared as a low-intensity mass. Pathological findings demonstrated fused islands of calcification resembling sand-like calcification. In OLF, CT showed beak-like ossification extending into the intervertebral foramen. MR imaging demonstrated spinal cord compression by a low-intensity mass. Pathological findings revealed laminar ossification of LF with chondrocytes near the calcification and laminar hyaline cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: CLF and OLF appear to be distinct entities based on their clinical, neuroradiological, histopathological, and pathogenetic features. We suggest that the causes of CLF include both metabolic and dystrophic factors, while the pathogenesis of OLF is characterized by enchondral ossification induced by a genetic cascade triggered by shearing/tension stress.

Surgical Management of Chiari Malformation Type I and Instability of the Craniocervical Junction Based on Its Pathogenesis and Classification.

We investigated the mechanism underlying Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and classified it according to the morphometric analyses of posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and craniocervical junction (CCJ). Three independent subtypes of CM-I were confirmed (CM-I types A, B, and C) for 484 cases and 150 normal volunteers by multiple analyses. CM-I type A had normal volume of PCF (VPCF) and occipital bone size. Type B had normal VPCF and small volume of the area surrounding the foramen magnum (VAFM) and occipital bone size. Type C had small VPCF, VAFM, and occipital bone size. Morphometric analyses during craniocervical traction test demonstrated instability of CCJ. Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) was performed in 302 cases. Expansive suboccipital cranioplasty (ESCP) was performed in 102 cases. Craniocervical posterolateral fixation (CCF) was performed for CCJ instability in 70 cases. Both ESCP and FMD showed a high improvement rate of neurological symptoms and signs (84.4%) and a high recovery rate of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score (58.5%). CCF also showed a high recovery rate of the JOA score (69.7%), with successful joint stabilization (84.3%). CM-I type A was associated with other mechanisms that caused ptosis of the brainstem and cerebellum (CCJ instability and traction and pressure dissociation between the intracranial cavity and spinal canal cavity), whereas CM-I types B and C demonstrated underdevelopment of the occipital bone. For CM-I types B and C, PCF decompression should be performed, whereas for small VPCF, ESCP should be performed. CCF for CCJ instability (including CM-I type A) was safe and effective.

Surgical Management of Chiari Malformation Type I Associated with Syringomyelia: Outcome of Surgeries Based on the New Classification and Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics.

Introduction: The mainstay of treatment of syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) is the management of CM-I to normalize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the foramen magnum. CM-I is classified into three independent types. Surgical treatment was selected based on the mechanism of hindbrain ptosis in each CM-I type. Materials and Methods: Foramen magnum decompression (FMD: 213 cases), expansive suboccipital cranioplasty (ESCP: 87 cases), and craniocervical fixation (CCF: 30 cases) were performed. CSF flow dynamics were assessed pre- and post-surgery using cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging. During surgery, CSF flow dynamics were examined using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). Results: ESCP and FMD demonstrated high rates of improvement in neurological symptoms and signs (82.7%), whereas CCF demonstrated a high rate of improvement in neurological symptoms (89%). The pre-operative maximum flow velocity (cm/s) was significantly lower in patients than in controls and increased post-operatively. During surgery, CDU indicated that the volume of the major cistern was 8 mL, and the maximum flow velocity was >3 mL/s. Conclusions: An appropriate surgical treatment should be selected for CM-I to correct hindbrain ptosis. In addition, it is necessary to confirm the normalization of CSF flow at the foramen of Magendie.

Two-stage posterior decompression and fusion for tuberculous spondylitis after intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin instillation.

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) instillation is an effective treatment for nonmuscle invasive superficial bladder cancer. BCG induces a massive influx of inflammatory cells and production of cytokines in the bladder mucosa and lumen that leads to an immune response against tumor cells, acting as an immunotherapy. Cystitis, bladder ulceration, and bladder contracture are known local genitourinary complications, whereas systemic complications such as miliary pulmonary tuberculosis, mycotic aneurysms, tuberculous spondylodiscitis, and granulomatous hepatitis are very rare. A case of tuberculous spondylodiscitis at the T8 and T9 levels following intravesical BCG instillation for bladder carcinoma is reported. The patient initially underwent decompressive laminectomy for spastic paraparesis. After reporting improvement for few weeks, the patient again presented with similar complaints and was found to have an increased kyphotic deformity, for which he underwent fixation surgery.

Pathogenesis and Classification of Chiari Malformation Type I Based on the Mechanism of Ptosis of the Brain Stem and Cerebellum: A Morphometric Study of the Posterior Cranial Fossa and Craniovertebral Junction.

Introduction We investigated the mechanism of ptosis of the brain stem and cerebellum (hindbrain) in Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and classified CM-I according to pathogenesis, based on a morphometric study of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and craniovertebral junction (CVJ). We discuss the appropriate surgical treatment for hindbrain ptosis. Materials and Methods We examined 500 patients with CM-I and 100 healthy control individuals. We calculated the volume of the PCF (VPCF) and measured the axial length of the enchondral parts of the occipital bone and hindbrain. As statistical analyses, for the multiple analyses, heavy palindromic tests were used. Using three independent objective parameters, we tried to classify CM-I. Results Three independent subtypes were confirmed (CM-I types A, B, and C). CM-I type A (167 cases): normal VPCF, normal volume of the area surrounding the foramen magnum (VSFM), and normal occipital bone size; CM-I type B (178 cases): normal VPCF, small VSFM, and small occipital bone size; and CM-I type C (155 cases): small VPCF, small VSFM, and small occipital bone size. Conclusions Morphometric analyses of PCF and CVJ were very useful for the investigation of the mechanism of hindbrain ptosis and classifying CM-I according to pathogenesis. CM-I type A included mechanisms other than hindbrain ptosis, for example, CVJ instability, tethered cord, and increased intracranial pressure. CM-I types B and C demonstrated underdevelopment of the occipital bone. For CM-I types B and C, posterior decompression should be performed. For CM-I type A, appropriate surgical management should be selected.

Surgical Management of Chiari Malformations: Preliminary Results of Surgery According to the Mechanisms of Ptosis of the Brain Stem and Cerebellum.

Introduction We classified Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) according to the mechanism of ptosis of the brain stem and cerebellum, based on a morphometric study of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and craniovertebral junction (CVJ). Surgery was performed to manage the mechanism of the hindbrain ptosis. Materials and Methods We calculated the volume of the PCF (VPCF) and the area surrounding the foramen magnum (VSFM) and measured the axial length of the enchondral parts of the occipital bone (occipital bone size) and the hindbrain. According to these measures, we classified CM-I into type A (normal VPCF, normal VSFM, and normal occipital bone size), type B (normal VPCF, small VSFM, and small occipital bone size), and type C (small VPCF, small VSFM, and small occipital bone size). Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) (280 cases) was performed on CM-I types A and B. Expansive suboccipital cranioplasty (ESCP) was performed on CM-I type C. Posterior craniocervical fixation (CCF) was performed in cases with CVJ instability. Lysis of the adhesion and/or sectioning of the filum terminale were performed on cases with tethered cord syndrome. Results Both ESCP and FMD had a high rate of improvement of neurological symptoms (87%) and recovery rate. There was only small number of complications. CCF had a high rate of improvement of neurological symptoms (88%) and joint stabilization. Conclusion In the management of Chiari malformation, appropriate surgical methods that address ptosis of the hindbrain should be chosen. Each surgical approach resulted in a good improvement of neurological symptoms.

Safety of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using titanium-coated polyetheretherketone stand-alone cages: Multicenter prospective study of incidence of cage subsidence.

This multicenter prospective study investigated cage subsidence in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) stand-alone cages. This study recruited patients who underwent 1- or 2-level ACDF using titanium-coated PEEK stand-alone cages for cervical disc disease. Patients with acute trauma or past cervical spine operations were excluded. Sixty-two cages in 42 patients were eligible for analysis. Minimum follow-up was 6 months after ACDF. Significant cage subsidence was recognized in 11 of 62 cages (17.7%). Cage subsidence was predominantly moderate (14.5%), with severe subsidence found in only 2 cages (3.2%). The slowest occurrence of cage subsidence was 6 months after surgery, in 4 of 11 cages. Frequency of cage subsidence did not differ significantly between patients <65 and ≥65 years old. Patients with and without cage subsidence both demonstrated significant improvement of neurological function. Cage subsidence resulted in aggravation of local angle, but finally did not affect C2-7 angle or cervical tilt angle. Severe cage subsidence was found in only 3.2% of patients within 6 months after ACDF. Cage subsidence aggravated local angle, but finally did not affect C2-7 angle or cervical tilt angle. One- or 2-level ACDF using titanium-coated PEEK stand-alone cages appears safe and justified, even in elderly patients.

Mechanisms of cerebellar tonsil herniation in patients with Chiari malformations as guide to clinical management.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Chiari malformations is incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that different etiologies have different mechanisms of cerebellar tonsil herniation (CTH), as revealed by posterior cranial fossa (PCF) morphology. METHODS: In 741 patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and 11 patients with Chiari malformation type II (CM-II), the size of the occipital enchondrium and volume of the PCF (PCFV) were measured on reconstructed 2D-CT and MR images of the skull. Measurements were compared with those in 80 age- and sex-matched healthy control individuals, and the results were correlated with clinical findings. RESULTS: Significant reductions of PCF size and volume were present in 388 patients with classical CM-I, 11 patients with CM-II, and five patients with CM-I and craniosynostosis. Occipital bone size and PCFV were normal in 225 patients with CM-I and occipitoatlantoaxial joint instability, 55 patients with CM-I and tethered cord syndrome (TCS), 30 patients with CM-I and intracranial mass lesions, and 28 patients with CM-I and lumboperitoneal shunts. Ten patients had miscellaneous etiologies. The size and area of the foramen magnum were significantly smaller in patients with classical CM-I and CM-I occurring with craniosynostosis and significantly larger in patients with CM-II and CM-I occurring with TCS. CONCLUSIONS: Important clues concerning the pathogenesis of CTH were provided by morphometric measurements of the PCF. When these assessments were correlated with etiological factors, the following causal mechanisms were suggested: (1) cranial constriction; (2) cranial settling; (3) spinal cord tethering; (4) intracranial hypertension; and (5) intraspinal hypotension.

Association of Chiari malformation type I and tethered cord syndrome: preliminary results of sectioning filum terminale.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of CM-I is incompletely understood. We describe an association of CM-I and TCS that occurs in a subset of patients with normal size of the PCF. METHODS: The prevalence of TCS was determined in a consecutively accrued cohort of 2987 patients with CM-I and 289 patients with low-lying cerebellar tonsils (LLCT). Findings in 74 children and 244 adults undergoing SFT were reviewed retrospectively. Posterior cranial fossa size and volume were measured using reconstructed 2D computed tomographic scans and MR images. Results were compared to those in 155 age- and sex-matched healthy control individuals and 280 patients with generic CM-I. The relationships of neural and osseus structures at the CCJ and TLJ were investigated morphometrically on MR images. Intraoperative CDU was used to measure anatomical structures and CSF flow in the lumbar theca. RESULTS: Tethered cord syndrome was present in 408 patients with CM-I (14%) and 182 patients with LLCT (63%). In 318 patients undergoing SFT, there were no significant differences in the size or volume of the PCF as compared to healthy control individuals. Morphometric measurements demonstrated elongation of the brain stem (mean, 8.3 mm; P < .001), downward displacement of the medulla (mean, 4.6 mm; P < .001), and normal position of the CMD except in very young patients. Compared to patients with generic CM-I, the FM was significantly enlarged (P < .001). The FT was typically thin and taut (mean transverse diameter, 0.8 mm). After SFT, the cut ends of the FT distracted widely (mean, 41.7 mm) and CSF flow in the lumbar theca increased from a mean of 0.7 cm/s to a mean of 3.7 cm/s (P < .001). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 69 children (93%) and 203 adults (83%) and unchanged in 5 children (7%) and 39 adults (16%) and, worse, in 2 adults (1%) over a follow-up period of 6 to 27 months (mean, 16.1 months +/- 4.6 SD). Magnetic resonance imaging 1 to 18 months after surgery (mean, 5.7 months +/- 3.8 SD) revealed upward migration of the CMD (mean, 5.1 mm, P < .001), ascent of the cerebellar tonsils (mean, 3.8 mm, P < .001), reduction of brain stem length (mean, 3.9 mm, P < .001), and improvement of scoliosis or syringomyelia in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: Chiari malformation type I/TCS appears to be a unique clinical entity that occurs as a continuum with LLCT/TCS and is distinguished from generic CM-I by enlargement of the FM and the absence of a small PCF. Distinctive features include elongation and downward displacement of the hindbrain, normal position of the CMD, tight FT, and reduced CSF flow in the lumbar theca. There is preliminary evidence that SFT can reverse moderate degrees of tonsillar ectopia and is appropriate treatment for cerebellar ptosis after Chiari surgery in this cohort.

Syndrome of occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility, cranial settling, and chiari malformation type I in patients with hereditary disorders of connective tissue.

OBJECT: Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is generally regarded as a disorder of the paraxial mesoderm. The authors report an association between CM-I and hereditary disorders of connective tissue (HDCT) that can present with lower brainstem symptoms attributable to occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility and cranial settling. METHODS: The prevalence of HDCT was determined in a prospectively accrued cohort of 2813 patients with CM-I. All patients underwent a detailed medical and neuroradiological workup that included an assessment of articular mobility. Osseous structures composing the craniocervical junction were investigated morphometrically using reconstructed 3D computed tomography and plain x-ray images in 114 patients with HDCT/CM-I, and the results were compared with those obtained in patients with CM-I (55 cases) and healthy control individuals (55 cases). RESULTS: The diagnostic criteria for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and related HDCT were met in 357 (12.7%) of the 2813 cases. Hereditability was generally compatible with a pattern of autosomal dominant transmission with variable expressivity. The diagnostic features of HDCT/CM-I were distinguished from those of CM-I by clinical stigmata of connective tissue disease, a greater female preponderance (8:1 compared with 3:1, p < 0.001), and a greater incidence of lower brainstem symptoms (0.41 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), retroodontoid pannus formation (0.71 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), and hypoplasia of the oropharynx (0.44 compared with 0.02, p < 0.001). Measurements of the basion-dens interval, basion-atlas interval, atlas-dens interval, dens-atlas interval, clivus-atlas angle, clivus-axis angle, and atlas-axis angle were the same in the supine and upright positions in healthy control individuals and patients with CM-I. In patients with HDCT/CM-I, there was a reduction of the basion-dens interval (3.6 mm, p < 0.001), an enlargement of the basion-atlas interval (3.0 mm, p < 0.001), and a reduction of the clivus-axis angle (10.8 degrees, p < 0.001), clivus-atlas angle (5.8 degrees, p < 0.001), and atlas-axis angle (5.3 degrees, p < 0.001) on assumption of the upright position. These changes were reducible by cervical traction or returning to the supine position. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of HDCT in 357 patients with CM-I establishes an association between two presumably unrelated mesodermal disorders. Morphometric evidence in this cohort-cranial settling, posterior gliding of the occipital condyles, and reduction of the clivus-axis angle, clivus-atlas angle, and atlas-axis angle in the upright position-suggests that hypermobility of the occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial joints contributes to retroodontoid pannus formation and symptoms referable to basilar impression.

Posterior C1-2 Fixation with cancellous screw and rod system for retro-odontoid pseudotumor associated with chronic atlantoaxial subluxation. Technical note.

Posterior C1-2 fixation with individual screw placement in C-1 and C-2 was performed in three patients presenting with progressive myelopathy caused by retro-odontoid pseudotumor associated with chronic atlantoaxial subluxation. Postoperatively, all patients demonstrated neurological recovery with gradually diminishing pseudotumor. Posterior C1-2 fixation with the cancellous screw and rod system is a safe and reliable method, and can be used to treat retro-odontoid pseudotumor associated with chronic atlantoaxial subluxation.

The anterolateral partial vertebrectomy approach for ventrally located cervical intramedullary cavernous angiomas.

OBJECTIVE: We report three cases with ventral cervical intramedullary cavernous angiomas. An anterolateral partial vertebrectomy was performed to surgically approach and successfully resect these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All three patients presented with numbness in the upper extremities and investigation revealed a cavernous angioma on the ventral aspect of the spinal cord in each case. The lesion was exposed by an anterolateral partial vertebrectomy in all cases. Postoperative stabilization was achieved by using autografted iliac bone in all patients. In two patients, locking screws and plates were also used. RESULTS: Complete resection of the cavernous angioma was performed in all patients. There was symptomatic relief in all cases, and there was no postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Anterolateral partial vertebrectomy provides direct exposure and is probably an ideal approach for selected cases with ventrally located intramedullary cavernous angiomas.

Microsurgical interruption of dural arteriovenous fistula at the foramen magnum.

We report two rare cases of progressive congestive myelopathy caused by dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) at the foramen magnum. The first, a 69-year-old male with a 2-year history of progressive myelopathy, had symptoms unrecognized due to a past history that included spinal caries and congenital dislocation of the hip. The second, a 60-year-old male, had a recurrence of the myelopathy three months after endovascular occlusion of the DAVF feeding artery. Both patients were successfully treated by direct microsurgical interruption of the arterialized medullary vein with functional and radiological improvement. The clinical manifestations of DAVF at the foramen magnum are nonspecific, mimicking those of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical neoplasm. Accurate and early diagnosis followed by complete obliteration of the fistula is mandatory to avoid permanent neurological deficit.

Methionine positron emission tomography for differentiation of recurrent brain tumor and radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiosurgery--in malignant glioma.

OBJECT: Following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), we examined how to differentiate radiation necrosis from recurrent malignant glioma using positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine (Met). METHODS: Met-PET scans were obtained from 11 adult cases of recurrent malignant glioma or radiation injury, suspected on the basis of magnetic resonance images (MRI). Patients had previously been treated with SRS after primary treatment. PET images were obtained as a static scan of 10 minutes performed 20 minutes after injection of Met. We defined two visual grades (e.g., positive or negative Met accumulation). On Met-PET scans, the portion of the tumor with the highest accumulation was selected as the region of interest (ROI), tumor-versus-normal ratio (TN) was defined as the ratio of average radioisotope counts per pixel in the tumor (T), divided by average counts per pixel in normal gray matter (N). The standardized uptake value (SUV) was calculated over the same tumor ROI. Met-PET scan accuracy was evaluated by correlating findings with subsequent histological analysis (8 cases) or, in cases without surgery or biopsy, by the subsequent clinical course and MR findings (3 cases). RESULTS: Histological examinations in 8 cases showed viable glioma cells with necrosis in 6 cases, and necrosis without viable tumor cells in 2 cases. Three other cases were considered to have radiation necrosis because they exhibited stable neurological symptoms with no sign of massive enlargement of the lesion on follow-up MR after 5 months. Mean TN was 1.31 in the radiation necrosis group (5 cases) and 1.87 in the tumor recurrence group (6 cases). Mean SUV was 1.81 in the necrosis group and 2.44 in the recurrence group. There were no statistically significant differences between the recurrence and necrosis groups in TN or SUV. Furthermore, we made a 2 x 2 factorial cross table (accumulation or no accumulation, recurrence or necrosis). From this result, the Met-PET sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting tumor recurrence were determined to be 100%, 60%, and 82% respectively. In a false positive-case, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining showed a positive finding. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between recurrent malignant glioma and radiation necrosis following SRS in Met-PET. However, this study shows Met-PET has a sensitivity and accuracy for differentiating between recurrent glioma and necrosis, and presents important information for developing treatment strategies against post radiation reactions.

Chiari I malformation associated with ventral compression and instability: one-stage posterior decompression and fusion with a new instrumentation technique.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We describe an alternative surgical technique for treatment of Chiari I malformation associated with ventral compression and instability of the region. An expansive suboccipital cranioplasty and a rigid occipitocervical fixation are performed in one stage. METHODS: The occipitocervical fixation is performed by use of metal rods fixed on the cranial side by screws inserted into the diploic layer of occipital bone and on the caudal side by screws inserted into the pedicle of the axis or in a transarticular fashion into the lateral masses of axis and atlas vertebra. A large piece of autologous bone is placed in the region between the rostral edge of cranial decompression and the axis, with the aim of achieving both expansive suboccipital cranioplasty and occipitocervical fusion. RESULTS: We performed this procedure in two patients with Chiari I malformation associated with basilar invagination and occipitalization of the atlas. Postoperatively, decompression of the brainstem and restoration of normal cerebrospinal fluid flow at the craniovertebral junction were confirmed radiologically, and the patients were relieved of their symptoms. At 1 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively, solid bone fusion was observed between the occipital bone and axis in both patients. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous posterior decompression and occipitocervical fixation with an alternative instrumentation technique is discussed. The procedure can be performed regardless of the size of suboccipital craniectomy. Screw insertion into the diploic layer of the occipital bone has not been described previously.

Prevention of postoperative posterior tethering of spinal cord after resection of ependymoma.

OBJECT: The authors evaluated an alternative method to avoid postoperative posterior tethering of the spinal cord following resection of spinal ependymomas. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with spinal ependymoma underwent surgery between 1978 and 2002. There were 16 male and nine female patients whose ages at the time of surgery ranged from 14 to 64 years (mean 41.8 years). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 279 months (mean 112.4 months). In the initial 17 patients (Group A), the procedure to prevent arachnoidal adhesion consisted of the layer-to-layer closure of three meninges and laminoplasty. In the subsequently treated eight patients (Group B), the authors performed an alternative technique that included pial suturing, dural closure with Gore-Tex membrane-assisted patch grafting, and expansive laminoplasty. In Group A, postoperative adhesion was radiologically detected in eight cases (47%), and delayed neurological deterioration secondary to posterior tethering of the cord was found in five cases. In Group B, there was no evidence of adhesive posterior tethering or delayed neurological deterioration. A significant intergroup statistical difference was demonstrated for radiologically documented posterior tethering (p < 0.05, Fisher exact test). Moreover, patients with radiologically demonstrated posterior tethering suffered a significant delayed neurological functional deterioration (p < 0.01, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: This new technique for closure of the surgical wound is effective in preventing of postoperative posterior spinal cord tethering after excision of spinal ependymoma.

Transposition of the oculomotor nerve for resection of a midbrain cavernoma. Technical note.

The authors discuss the utility of anterior transposition of the oculomotor nerve from the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus to widen the corridor posterior to the cisternal segment of the oculomotor nerve; this allows exposure of the anterolateral surface of the midbrain. This additional exposure was successfully used for the resection of a large calcified cavernoma in the upper brainstem of a 67-year-old woman who had presented with sudden onset of left hemiparesis and oculomotor palsy. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and she displayed symptomatic improvement.