Primary intracranial aggressive fibromatosis arising in sella turcica: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare histologically benign but locally infiltrative myofibroblastic tumor. Primary intracranial aggressive fibromatosis (IAF) can exhibit a clinically malignant course. OBSERVATIONS: A 22-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with left painful ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left sellar tumor with cavernous sinus invasion. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The lesion could not be totally resected. An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor was suspected, so steroid pulse therapy was introduced, but it was ineffective. The tumor recurred after a few months, and she complained of visual acuity loss, abducens nerve palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and panhypopituitarism. The lesion was diagnosed as primary IAF by a pathological review. Gamma Knife radiosurgery was performed, and chemotherapies were introduced but ineffective. Her consciousness was disturbed, and MRI showed hypothalamic invasion of the tumor, occlusion and stenosis of carotid arteries, and cerebral stroke. Palliative care was introduced, and she died 32 months after the onset. The autopsy revealed tumor invasion to the cavernous sinus, optic nerve, hypothalamus, pituitary, and tonsillar herniation due to massive cerebral stroke. LESSONS: Radical resection can be impossible in patients with IAF. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not always effective for residual lesions. Adjuvant therapy for IAF remains to be explored.

Characteristics of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with rheumatic disease.

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs due to intracranial aneurysm rupture in most cases. Rheumatic disease may cause vessel wall inflammation, which can increase the risk of rupture. However, the characteristics of SAH with rheumatic disease are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate SAH features in patients with rheumatic disease. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 5066 patients from the Nagasaki SAH Registry Study who had been diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH between 2001 and 2018. We evaluated the SAH characteristics in patients with rheumatic disease using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In total, 102 patients (2.0%, 11 men and 91 women, median age 69.0 [57.0-75.5]) had rheumatic disease. In these patients, univariate logistic regression analysis showed that sex, hypertension, family history of SAH, smoking history, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade on admission, aneurysm size, multiple aneurysms, treatment, and symptomatic spasms were associated with SAH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that characteristics independently associated with SAH in rheumatic disease were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81-6.93, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40-0.90, P = 0.012), family history of SAH (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.01-0.80, P = 0.020), small ruptured aneurysms (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.02-2.24, P = 0.048), and multiple aneurysms (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09-2.58, P = 0.021) in comparison with SAH without rheumatic disease. In conclusion, SAH in patients with rheumatic disease was characterized by small multiple aneurysms, regardless of the low incidence of hypertension and family history of SAH.

A Case of Cerebral Hyperperfusion Showing Unique Characteristics on Susceptibility-weighted MR Imaging after Carotid Endarterectomy.

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a potentially devastating complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Early detection and treatment of hyperperfusion are important before the condition develops into CHS. We herein present a case involving a 65-year-old female with severe right internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, who experienced hyperperfusion after right CEA. During the postoperative course, changes in the resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were evaluated using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and were found to correlate with the changes in the signal intensity of cortical arteries, cortical veins, and perilateral ventricular veins of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). SWI showed a prominent hyperintensity of cortical arteries in the right MCA territory at postoperative day 1 (POD1), but the hyperintensity gradually decreased over time and became indistinct by POD48. As for cortical veins and perilateral ventricular veins, SWI showed an increased signal intensity of these veins during the peak of rCBF on POD1, but later, the signal intensity decreased as rCBF decreased on POD5. The signal intensity of cortical veins and perilateral ventricular veins finally returned to normal on POD9. Those SWI findings could be related to an impairment of cerebral autoregulation and the resulting hyperperfusion. SWI could be potentially useful as an additional tool in the evaluation of hyperperfusion.

Hypointensity of draining veins on susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance images might indicate normal venous flow and a lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with intracranial arteriovenous shunt(s).

Patients with intracranial arteriovenous shunt(s) have a risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated the signal intensity of draining veins on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and the status of venous drainage shown by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We then evaluated whether the signal intensity of draining veins on SWI is related to normal venous flow (NVF) and/or ICH. We analyzed SWI and DSA in 10 consecutive patients with intracranial arteriovenous shunt(s). Opacification of draining veins in the normal venous phase by DSA was judged as NVF. We evaluated the relationship between the intensity of draining veins on SWI and the presence of NVF before and after treatment. The relationship between the intensity of draining veins on SWI and the presence of ICH surrounding the draining veins was also evaluated. Of 10 patients with untreated arteriovenous shunt(s), two had arteriovenous malformation and eight had a dural arteriovenous fistula with cortical venous reflux. We analyzed 26 draining veins before treatment. In preoperative analysis, draining veins with hypointensity were significantly more likely to show NVF than were draining veins with isointensity or hyperintensity (45.5% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.007). While 69.2% of the areas surrounding draining veins with isointensity or hyperintensity showed ICH, no veins with hypointensity showed ICH (P = 0.011, odds ratio 0.036; 95% confidence interval 0.0017-0.80). In conclusion, draining veins with hypointensity on SWI may contain NVF, despite arteriovenous shunting. The areas surrounding these veins might have a lower risk of ICH because of less venous hypertension.

Surgical Venous Drainage Disconnection from Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and Ruptured Varix.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS dAVFs) occasionally behave aggressively (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, venous infarction, seizures) depending on the drainage flow and presence of a collateral route of cortical or basal cerebral venous drainage. When a CS dAVF with aggressive behavior is encountered, a radical cure is required to avoid catastrophic deficits. However, conventional transvenous cavernous sinus (CS) embolization via the inferior petrosal sinus does not always achieve shunt obliteration. We herein report a case of surgical venous drainage disconnection in an 83-year-old woman with a CS dAVF. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient presented with coma and anisocoria due to intracranial hemorrhage. Because of the patient's critical condition, we had no choice but to perform emergency decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation without detailed preoperative hemodynamic information obtained by digital subtraction angiography. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography showed a CS dAVF with retrograde venous drainage of the deep middle cerebral vein (DMCV) and varix formation in the affected DMCV, causing hemorrhagic episodes. Five days after admission, the patient's neurologic state worsened because of rebleeding from the varix, which had increased in size. The percutaneous transvenous approach failed because of compartmentalization within the CS. Open surgery was performed; the deep vasculature was exposed by the transsylvian approach, and the arterialized DMCV was permanently clipped at its proximal segment with disconnection from the venous varix and fistulous point. Shunt obliteration was successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical venous drainage disconnection from the fistulous point may be an alternative radical therapy for CS dAVFs with aggressive behaviors.

Rare Case of Floating Intimal Flap Associated with Atheromatous Carotid Plaque.

BACKGROUND: A mobile carotid plaque can be detected by duplex ultrasonography and is a high-risk factor for embolic stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION: We herein present a case involving an 80-year-old man with an asymptomatic carotid floating flap diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography and treated with carotid endarterectomy. Intraoperatively, an ulceration was found immediately proximal to the neck of the floating flap, and the shape and size of the ulceration were quite similar to those of the floating flap. In a histopathologic examination of the specimen resected by carotid endarterectomy, the plaque lacked the internal elastic lamina (IEL) at the ulceration, calcification was observed in the plaque and medial layer at the ulceration, and the floating flap consisted of the IEL accompanied by calcification, fibrin, and foamy cells. CONCLUSIONS: Progression of the atheroma and Mönckeberg sclerosis might have affected disruption of the IEL, causing the IEL to finally peel off. A floating intimal flap accompanied by an atheroma without intraplaque hemorrhage is a rare cause of mobile plaque formation. This type of mobile plaque might not be dissolved by medical treatment alone. In such cases, surgical treatment is a suitable therapeutic choice to prevent stroke.

A Case of Rapid Malignant Brain Swelling Subacutely After Reperfusion Therapy for Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Severe complications after reperfusion therapy for acute major vessel occlusion are not well described. We present an extremely rare case of a patient with rapid malignant brain swelling subacutely after acute ischemic stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 84-year-old man underwent reperfusion therapy for acute left internal carotid artery occlusion; complete reperfusion was achieved. Although magnetic resonance imaging on postoperative day 1 revealed a small hemorrhagic infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage unrelated to a left middle cerebral artery aneurysm in the left frontal lobe, neurologic deficits resolved completely. On postoperative day 5, the patient developed a fever and sudden disorder of consciousness with right hemiparesis. Urosepsis was diagnosed, and computed tomography revealed massive hemorrhagic infarction in the left frontal lobe and diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Emergent hematoma evacuation and clipping were performed. Although the aneurysm was unruptured, brain swelling was severe despite a patent middle cerebral artery. Computed tomography performed immediately postoperatively (within 6 hours after preoperative computed tomography) showed severe left brain swelling with midline shift. The patient died on postoperative day 15. CONCLUSIONS: This case has similarities to both second-impact syndrome after head trauma and perfusion breakthrough phenomenon. Initial ischemic damage following reperfusion therapy and damage secondary to sepsis and subarachnoid hemorrhage may have led to rapid malignant brain swelling in this patient. Careful management is important for patients receiving reperfusion therapy.

Iatrogenic Removal of the Intima in the Middle Cerebral Artery by a Stent Retriever: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy improves functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, stent retrievers have the risk of vascular damage. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present 2 cases of patients with acute internal carotid artery occlusion who experienced removal of the intima by a stent retriever. In both patients, a 6 × 30-mm Solitaire stent was fully deployed from the M2 portion and slowly withdrawn. White membranes were retrieved outside the strut in both patients. Histopathologic examination showed that one membrane consisted of thickened intima and internal elastic lamina and the other consisted of calcified intima and internal elastic lamina. One patient who suffered embolic stroke experienced recurrent infarction within 24 hours after operation, and the damaged vessel was occluded on magnetic resonance angiography 21 days after stroke. In another patient with carotid artery dissection, the damaged vessel showed asymptomatic stenosis on magnetic resonance angiography 90 days after stroke. Arteries with both atherosclerosis and vessel dissection may be vulnerable to high radial expansion force. CONCLUSIONS: Full deployment of a relatively large-sized stent into a vulnerable vessel may cause vessel dissection after removal of the intima. Appropriate material selection and treatment strategy while considering stroke etiology and the occlusion site are important to prevent vessel damage.

[A Case of Cerebellum Abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum that Developed Because of Poor Dental Hygiene].

We report a case of cerebellum abscess due to Fusobacterium nucleatum(F. nucleatum) in a 60-year-old man. He was admitted to our hospital complaining of headache and dizziness. On admission, he was lucid with the following vital data:blood pressure, 136/89 mmHg;heart rate, 65 beats/min;body temperature, 37.0℃;and oxygen saturation, 100%. He had a moderate headache and could not walk straight. In general, there were no abnormal findings except for his poor dental hygiene. Laboratory findings revealed elevated white blood cell counts(10,900/mm3)and brain MRI revealed a mass shadow that was suspected to be an abscess in the left side of his cerebellum. Elective surgery was scheduled. However, consciousness of disorder was observed on the second hospital day and the size of mass shadow extended;hence, emergent drainage under craniotomy was performed. The diagnosis was cerebellum abscess, and F. nucleatum, which is a normal flora in the oral cavity, was isolated in his cerebellum abscess. After the surgery, his hospital course was positive under the treatment of antibiotics for F. nucleatum. The route of bacterial infection entry was unclear;however, it will be considered that abscesses in the central nervous system occur because of poor dental hygiene.

Rapid Recanalization Using TrevoProVue through a 4.2 Fr Catheter without a Guiding Catheter via Transbrachial Approach: A Case Report.

Mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever has been reported to achieve high rates of successful recanalization, and reduce disability and mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to proximal vessel occlusion. However, in a few cases, the treatment is difficult due to artery tortuosity or other factors. The authors present a case of a 94-year-old man presenting with acute right middle cerebral artery occlusion. We attempted to treat using a stent retriever via transfemoral approach, but failed to advance the guiding catheter into the right internal carotid artery due to femoral artery tortuosity and a type III arch. By changing approaches from transfemoral to transbrachial and by using TrevoProVue through a 4.2 Fr Simmons-type catheter without a guiding catheter, we were able to achieve rapid recanalization in only 26 minutes from brachial artery puncture to reperfusion. In conclusion, rapid reperfusion in an AIS patient was successfully achieved by combining a stent retriever with a 4.2 Fr catheter (without a guiding catheter) and a transbrachial approach (as opposed to a transfemoral approach). When the transfemoral approach is not feasible, we recommend consideration of this strategy as an alternative.

Candesartan improves ischemia-induced impairment of the blood-brain barrier in vitro.

Candesartan has been reported to have a protective effect on cerebral ischemia in vivo and in human ischemic stroke. We studied the direct effects of candesartan on blood-brain barrier (BBB) function with our in vitro monolayer model generated using rat brain capillary endothelial cells (RBECs). The in vitro BBB model was subjected to normoxia or 6-h oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)/24-h reoxygenation, with or without candesartan. 6-h OGD/24-h reoxygenation decreased transendothelial electrical resistance and increased the endothelial permeability for sodium fluorescein in RBEC monolayers. Candesartan (10 nM) improved RBEC barrier dysfunction induced by 6-h OGD/24-h reoxygenation. Immunostaining and immunoblotting analysis indicated that the effect of candesartan on barrier function under 6-h OGD/24-h reoxygenation was not related to the expression levels of tight junction proteins. However, candesartan affected RBEC morphological changes induced by 6-h OGD/24-h reoxygenation. We analyzed oxidative stress and cell viability using chemical reagents. Candesartan improved cell viability following 6-h OGD/24-h reoxygenation, whereas candesartan had no effect on oxidative stress. These results show that candesartan directly improves cell function and viability of brain capillary endothelial cells under OGD/reoxygenation, suggesting that the protective effects of candesartan on ischemic stroke are related to protection of the BBB.

A Ruptured Basilar Tip Aneurysm Showing Repeated Perianeurysmal Edema after Endovascular Coil Embolization: Case Report.

The authors present an extremely rare case of a 48-year-old female who developed repeated perianeurysmal edema at 2, 9, and 16 weeks after endovascular coil embolization for the ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Interestingly, the mechanism for this edema could be different at each time point in this case; acute thrombosis formation, chemical inflammation, and aneurysm recanalization. We have to be aware of this potential complication in the long term after endovascular coil embolization for the intracranial aneurysm, especially with large size or buried into the brain parenchyma. The clinical implications of this case are discussed with a review of the literature.

Nationwide survey of decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction has been shown to reduce mortality and improve functional outcomes in young adults; however, there is currently debate regarding how routinely such surgery should be performed in the clinical setting, considering the very high rate of disability and functional dependence among survivors. We herein report the current status of the frequency of and indications for DHC for malignant MCA infarction in Japan. METHODS: We retrospectively studied of cohort cases of DHC for malignant MCA infarction treated at pivotal teaching neurosurgical departments in Japan between January 2011 and December 2011. Information was obtained regarding patient characteristics, radiologic features, and outcomes during follow-up. The end points included 30-day mortality rate and functional outcomes, as measured according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 3 months. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-five patients underwent DHC at 259 neurosurgical departments who replied to the survey, corresponding to a rate of 8.7% of the 4092 candidates with malignant MCA infarction, the latter being equivalent to 8.5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke identified during the same period. Among the patients undergoing DHC, the mean age was 67.0 years, and those ≥60 years of age comprised 80.2% of all DHC patients. The most frequently used modality for vascular imaging was magnetic resonance angiography (77.2%). DHC generally was performed between 24 and 48 hours after onset (38.9%), with 36.9% of patients undergoing surgery at ≥48 hours. At the time of surgery, 26.1% of the patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤6. Presurgical midbrain compression was noted in 52.1% of the patients. The 30-day mortality after DHC was 18.6%, and factors affecting death were a Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤6 (odds ratio [OR] 1.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.05-3.32, P = 0.03) and midbrain compression (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.31-4.09, P = 0.005). According to the multivariate analysis, only midbrain compression was an independent risk factor (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.16-3.95, P = 0.01) for 30-day mortality. Modified Rankin scale scores at 3 months were available in 175 patients (49.3%), only 5.2% of whom exhibited a favorable functional outcome (mRS score ≤3). Meanwhile, 22.9% of the patients had an mRS score of 4, 26.9% had an mRS score of 5, and 45.1% were found to have died. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, less than one-tenth of candidates with malignant MCA infarction in Japan underwent decompressive surgery, and the vast majority of patients were elderly. Age was not found to be an independent factor for immediate mortality in this study, and performing surgery in the elderly may be justified based on additional evidence of functional improvements.

[Carotid blowout syndrome treated by parent artery occlusion using pushable coils: a case report].

OBJECTIVE: Here we report a case of carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) treated with parent artery occlusion using pushable coils. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man with a history of surgery and chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer 9 years prior presented with a massive hemorrhage from a skin defect in the neck. Angiography revealed encasement of the right common carotid artery by radiation necrosis, and CBS was diagnosed. We performed emergent endovascular treatment, and the right common carotid artery was occluded using pushable coils and a detachable coil. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. However, he died of esophageal cancer recurrence 6 months later. CONCLUSION: Pushable coils were useful for occluding the parent artery in this case of CBS.

Indocyanine green videoangiography for assessment of postoperative hyperperfusion in moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion (HP) is a notable complication that occurs more frequently in moyamoya disease (MMD) than in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography in MMD and atherosclerotic disease in terms of postoperative HP. METHODS: This prospective study included 47 patients with 60 sides that underwent superior temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) single bypass. ICG videoangiography was performed after revascularization. The ICG time intensity curve was recorded in the STA, proximal MCA, distal MCA, and superficial Sylvian vein, and the angiographic differences among adult MMD, pediatric MMD, and atherosclerosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (27 sides) had adult MMD, 14 patients (22 sides) had pediatric MMD, and 11 patients (11 sides) had atherosclerosis. Postoperative HP was significantly higher in adult MMD (40.7 %) than in pediatric MMD (18.2 %) and atherosclerosis (0 %). Adult MMD with HP was associated with a longer ICG peak time (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between the ICG peak time and preoperative cerebral blood flow or vascular reserve. The ratio of the vessel caliber was also higher in adult MMD with HP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ICG videoangiography provides different characteristics of bypass flow among adult MMD, pediatric MMD, and atherosclerosis. Poor run-off and stagnation of blood flow from the STA might contribute to postoperative HP in MMD. The occurrence of postoperative HP in MMD could depend on two factors: donor STA size and poor run-off and integrity of the blood brain barrier in the recipient MCA.

"Snake fang" sign without carotid stenosis on duplex ultrasonography indicates high risk of artery-to-artery embolic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Artery-to-artery embolism generally occurs in patients with not only moderate to severe arterial stenosis but also plaque vulnerability. Two unique cases with free-floating thrombi at the distal side of the small plaque in the internal carotid artery without stenosis are presented and its clinical implications are discussed. RESULTS: Two middle-aged men suffered embolic stroke. Initial duplex ultrasonography revealed small plaques and vortex flow without significant stenosis or plaque vulnerability in their internal carotid arteries. Continuous examination by duplex ultrasonography showed that free-floating thrombi developed and regressed at the distal side of the small plaques. Histological examination disclosed plaque erosion at the distal side of the plaques without lipid core rupture. CONCLUSIONS: In these two cases, duplex ultrasonography revealed free-floating thrombi developed at the distal region of small plaques. Aggressive treatment should be considered in a patient with thromboembolic stroke who has the small plaque presenting "snake fang" sign even if there is no stenosis or plaque vulnerability.

An epidemiological survey of moyamoya disease, unilateral moyamoya disease and quasi-moyamoya disease in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a unique occlusive disease of the bilateral internal carotid arteries in which, compensation for occlusion results in an enrichment of collateral arteries at the base of the brain. However, the epidemiology of unilateral MMD (typical angiographic evidence of MMD unilaterally with equivocal contralateral findings), and quasi-MMD (MMD present with inherited or acquired disorders) is poorly known. Here, a nationwide epidemiological survey was conducted to estimate the total numbers of patients, the annual incidence rates and prevalences of MMD, unilateral MMD and quasi-MMD in Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The neurosurgery, neurology and pediatrics departments that were listed in Japanese resident training programs were recruited to participate in this survey. Questionnaires were directly mailed to 2998 departments in February 2006. RESULTS: A total of 1183 departments replied to the questionnaire (39.5% response rate). It was estimated that there were 6670.9 MMD patients, 840.5 unilateral MMD patients and 430.4 quasi-MMD patients in Japan. The annual incidence rates of MMD, unilateral MMD and quasi-MMD are 1.13, 0.23 and 0.11/100,000, respectively, and the prevalences are 5.22, 0.66 and 0.34/100,000, respectively. These patients were mainly treated by neurosurgeons. An estimated total of 929.1 surgical interventions are performed in Japan annually. CONCLUSION: This nationwide study reports the current epidemiologic status of MMD, unilateral MMD and quasi-MMD in Japan.

Repeated delayed onset cerebellar radiation injuries after linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: case report.

A 63-year-old woman presented with right hearing disturbance and vertigo. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed the presence of right vestibular schwannoma (VS). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was performed with a tumor marginal dose of 14 Gy using two isocenters. She was followed up clinically and neuroradiologically using three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo MR imaging. She experienced temporal neurological deterioration due to peritumoral edema in her right cerebellar peduncle and pons for a few months beginning 1.5 years after SRS, when she experienced transient right facial dysesthesia and hearing deterioration. Ten years after SRS, the patient presented with sudden onset of vertigo, gait disturbance, diplopia, dysarthria, and nausea. MR imaging demonstrated a new lesion in the right cerebellar peduncle, which was diagnosed as radiation-induced stroke. The patient was followed up conservatively and her symptoms disappeared within a few months. Multiple delayed onset radiation injuries are possible sequelae of SRS for VS.

Syringomyelia and arachnoid cysts associated with spinal arachnoiditis following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A 66-year-old woman with primary Sjogren syndrome developed syringomyelia following two episodes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to the rupture of basilar artery aneurysms. Gait disturbance and abnormal sensation with pain over the foot and abdomen appeared 3 years after the last SAH. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a syringomyelia throughout the thoracic cord, from the T2 to T11 levels. In addition, the thoracic cord was compressed by multiple arachnoid cysts in the ventral side of spinal cord. Computed tomography myelography revealed complete block of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the T7 level. Surgery for microlysis of the adhesions and restoration of the CSF flow pathway was performed. Postoperatively, leg motor function slowly improved and she could walk unaided. However, abdominal paresthesia was persisted. Postoperative MR imaging revealed diminished size of the syrinxes. We should recognize syringomyelia and arachnoid cysts due to adhesive arachnoiditis as a late complication of SAH. Microlysis of the adhesions focusing on the lesion thought to be the cause of the symptoms is one of the choices to treat massive syringomyelia and arachnoid cysts associated with arachnoiditis following SAH.

New variant of persistent primitive olfactory artery associated with a ruptured aneurysm.

The authors present the case of a 78-year-old man who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of an aneurysm at the origin of the persistent primitive olfactory artery (PPOA). Interestingly, the PPOA was originating from the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery and coursed anteromedially along the olfactory tract. Moreover, the PPOA in this case had 2 branches: the branch making a hairpin turn and supplying the distal part of the anterior cerebral artery territory (Type 1), and the branch extending to the cribriform plate to supply the nasal cavity (Type 2). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a new variant (Type 3) of PPOA associated with a ruptured aneurysm. The clinical implications of this case are discussed in terms of the embryological aspects.