Clinical characteristics of stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Japan: A prospective nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Japan. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter observational study of stroke in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection involving 563 primary stroke centers across Japan was conducted between July 2020, and May 2022. We included 159 stroke cases (131 ischemic stroke, 2 transient ischemic attack (TIA), 21 intracranial hemorrhage, and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage) and collected their clinical characteristics. Ischemic stroke and TIA (n = 133) were analyzed separately. RESULTS: The mean age of the 159 patients was 70.6 years, with 66% being men. Poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 5-6) occurred in 40% (63/159) at discharge. Among patients with ischemic stroke and TIA, 30%, 18%, 10%, and 42% had cardioembolism, large-artery atherosclerosis, small-vessel occlusion, and cryptogenic stroke or embolic stroke of undetermined source, respectively. One-third (34%) presented with large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the internal carotid, middle cerebral M1, or basilar arteries. Poor outcomes included age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.12), ischemic heart disease (IHD) history (aOR: 13.00, 95%CI: 1.51-111.70), moderate to severe pneumonia (aOR: 7.78, 95%CI: 1.18-51.42), an National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at baseline (aOR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17), LVO (aOR: 14.88, 95%CI: 2.33-94.97), and log10 D-dimer (aOR: 3.38, 95%CI: 1.01-11.26). CONCLUSION: Upon discharge, 40% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with ischemic stroke and TIA had poor outcomes. Poor outcomes were associated with older age, IHD history, moderate to severe pneumonia, higher NIHSS scores, LVO, and higher log10 D-dimer. REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier: UMIN000041226.

The Effect of Japanese Herbal Medicines (Kampo) Goreisan and Saireito on the Prevention of Recurrent Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) sometimes recurs after surgical treatment and requires reoperation. In Japan, Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo), such as Goreisan and Saireito, have been used as adjunctive therapies to prevent the recurrence of CSDH. However, no prospective randomized study has proven the efficacy of Kampo medicine in all patients. To investigate whether Goreisan and Saireito reduce the postoperative recurrence of CSDH in a prospective randomized study. METHODS: Between April 2017 and July 2019, a total of 118 patients who underwent initial burr hole surgery for CSDH were randomly assigned to the following 3 groups: (1) Goreisan for 3 months (Group G), (2) Saireito for 3 months (Group S), and (3) no medication (Group N). The primary end point was symptomatic recurrence within 3 months postoperatively, and the secondary end point was complications associated with the administration of Kampo medicine. RESULTS: Among 118 patients, 114 (Group N, n = 39; Group G, n = 37; and Group S, n = 38) were included in our analysis. In this study, byakujutsu (containing Atractylodes rhizome ) Goreisan and Saireito were used, unlike other prospective randomized studies in which sojutsu (containing Atractylodes lancea rhizome) Goreisan was used. The overall recurrence rate was 11.4% (13/114: 10 for Group N, 2 for Group G, and 1 for Group S). The recurrence rate of Group G was significantly lower than that of Group N (5.4% vs 25.6%; P = .043). The recurrence rate of Group S was also significantly lower than that of Group N (2.6% vs 25.6%; P = .02). No patients developed complications associated with the administration of Kampo medicine. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that Kampo medicine reduced the recurrence rate of CSDH in an overall population. This study demonstrated that byakujutsu Goreisan and Saireito may have favorable effects, unlike other studies, because byakujutsu has stronger anti-inflammatory activity than sojutsu.

Incidence and Outcomes of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Retrospective Registry-based Descriptive Trial in Kobe City.

The current study aims to evaluate the incidence and results of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) throughout Kobe City. Based on a multicenter retrospective registry-based descriptive trial involving all 13 primary stroke centers in Kobe City, patients with aSAH treated between October 2017 and September 2019 were studied. A total of 334 patients were included, with an estimated age-adjusted incidence of 11.12 per 100,000 person-years. Curative treatment was given to 94% of patients, with endovascular treatment (51%) preferred over surgical treatment (43%). Of the patients, 12% were treated by shunt surgery for sequential hydrocephalus with a worse outcome at 30 days or discharge (14% vs. 46%, odds ratio (OR): 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.088-0.39, p-value <0.001). As for vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, most patients were given intravenous fasudil infusion (73%), with endovascular treatment for vasospasm in 24 cases (7.2%). The fasudil group had more good outcomes (42% vs. 30%, OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 0.95-2.87, p-value = 0.075) and significantly less death (3.3% vs. 35%, OR: 0.064, 95% CI: 0.024-0.15, p-value <0.001) at 30 days or discharge. Mortality rose from 12% at 30 days or discharge to 17% at 1 year, but neurological function distribution improved over time (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 was 39% at 30 days or discharge, 53% at 60 days, and 63% at 1 year). Our retrospective registered trial presented various statistics on aSAH, summarizing the current treatment status and prognosis.

Cervical radiculopathy due to extracranial vertebral artery dissection treated by stent placement with a flow diversion effect: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy due to extracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is extremely rare. The disease is usually treated with conservative treatment because of its favorable prognosis. However, there is a possibility that conservative treatment may bring about no improvement in radiculopathy. Although stent placement with a flow diversion effect may be effective in such cases, there are no reported cases that were treated with stent placement. OBSERVATIONS: A 40-year-old healthy man presented with severe right neck pain, right arm pain, and right arm weakness after cracking his neck. A neurological examination revealed right C5 radiculopathy. Neuroimaging studies revealed right extracranial VAD. The VAD compressed the right C5 nerve root. Although medications were administered, there was no improvement in the symptoms. He experienced severe radicular pain. The authors performed stent placement with a flow diversion effect 10 days after the onset of VAD. His radicular pain improved immediately after the procedure, and the remaining radiculopathy completely improved within 1 month. Follow-up angiography showed complete improvement of the VAD. LESSONS: Stent placement with a flow diversion effect may be considered when radiculopathy that hinders a patient's daily life exists. Stent placement may bring about rapid improvement in radiculopathy, especially radicular pain.

A case of posterior cerebral artery occlusion that developed into an artery of Percheron infarction.

The thalamus is predominantly supplied by multiple small vessels originating from the posterior communicating artery and the P1 and P2 segments of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare anatomical variant of arterial supply to the thalamus. This single thalamic perforating branch supplies the bilateral thalamus so that occlusion results in a characteristic cerebral infarction. Herein, we report a case of posterior cerebral artery occlusion that developed into an AOP infarction. A 74-year-old man, who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting 5 days previously presented with sudden consciousness disorder and tetraplegia, and was admitted to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyper-intense area in the bilateral paramedian thalamus on diffusion-weighted imaging and a deficit of the left PCA on MR angiography (MRA). The patient was diagnosed with cardiogenic cerebral embolism, and immediately underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT), thereby complete recanalization was obtained. Post-procedural MRI showed no new lesions, and the left PCA could keep patency. His consciousness disorder and tetraplegia improved; however, cognitive impairment and vertical gaze palsy persisted as sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, such cases have not been previously reported. Additionally, in this case, we were able to identify an AOP on digital subtraction angiography, which was considered to be the responsible artery.

Asymmetric posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome secondary to epilepsy occurring in the chronic phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinical syndrome that refers to a disorder with reversible subcortical vasogenic brain edema involving the parieto-occipital lobe, temporal lobe, basal ganglia, and its surroundings. Radiologically, it is characterized by symmetrical lesions; however, atypical findings have sometimes been reported. Case Description: A 79-year-old woman experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) a year and a half previously before this hospitalization. She presented with sudden-onset coma, dacryorrhea, and moderate right hemiparesis and was taken to our hospital. Computed tomography showed no apparent abnormal acute lesions. Electroencephalography confirmed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges in the left hemisphere. First, based on the findings, she was diagnosed with nonconvulsive status epilepticus and started antiepileptic therapy. Six days after admission, however, multiple asymmetric lesions were confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. Considering that findings subsequently improved, we finally diagnosed her with asymmetric PRES secondary to epilepsy occurring in the chronic phase of SAH. Aphasia and right hemispatial neglect persisted as sequelae and she was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital with a modified Rankin scale of 3. Conclusion: Excessive elevation of blood flow in the hemisphere is inferred to lead to blood-brain barrier collapse and subsequent asymmetric PRES.

Stroke Systems of Care During the COVID-19 Epidemic in Kobe City.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak raised concerns over healthcare systems' ability to provide suitable care to stroke patients. In the present study, we examined the provision of stroke care in Kobe City during the COVID-19 epidemic, where some major stroke centers ceased to provide emergency care. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The Kobe Stroke Network surveyed the number of stroke patients admitted to all primary stroke centers (PSCs) in the city between March 1 and May 23, 2020, and between March 3 and May 25, 2019. In addition, online meetings between all PSC directors were held regularly to share information. The survey items included emergency response system characteristics, number of patients with stroke hospitalized within 7 days of onset, administered treatment types (IV rt-PA, mechanical thrombectomy, surgery, and endovascular therapy), and stroke patients with confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS: During the period of interest in 2020, the number of stroke patients hospitalized across 13 PSCs was 813, which was 15.5% lower than that during the same period of 2019 (p = 0.285). The number of patients admitted with cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage decreased by 15.4% (p = 0.245), 16.1% (p = 0.659), and 14.0% (p = 0.715), respectively. However, the rates of mechanical thrombectomy and surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage were slightly increased by 12.1% (p = 0.754) and 5.0% (p = 0.538), respectively. PSCs that ceased to provide emergency care reported a decrease in the number of stroke cases of 65.7% compared with the same period in 2019, while other PSCs reported an increase of 0.8%. No case of a patient with stroke and confirmed COVID-19 was reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: Kobe City was able to maintain operation of its stroke care systems thanks to close cooperation among all city PSCs and a temporal decrease in the total number of stroke cases.

Postoperative subdural hematoma with blood flow from an epidural hematoma through a tear at the suture point of an artificial dura substitute.

OBJECTIVE: We have recently seen cases of postoperative epidural and subdural hematomas after duraplasty with an artificial dura substitute. In these cases, the epidural hematoma flowed into the subdural space through a tear at the suture point of the artificial dura substitute. In this study, whether such hematomas are specific to a certain artificial dura substitute was investigated, and the cause and risk factors were examined. METHODS: In our institute, 46 patients underwent brain tumor extirpation with duraplasty with an artificial dura substitute; Gore-Tex and SEAMDURA were used as the artificial dura substitutes. Patients with postoperative hemorrhage after brain tumor extirpation with duraplasty with an artificial dura substitute were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, suture strength was compared experimentally between Gore-Tex and SEAMDURA. RESULTS: In patients who underwent brain tumor extirpation with duraplasty with an artificial dura substitute, the rate of postoperative hemorrhage was 8.6%. Epidural and subdural hematomas were seen in four patients after tumor extirpation with duraplasty with SEAMDURA, but there were none with Gore-Tex. Exposure of the superior sagittal sinus at craniotomy, older age, and longer operative time were seen more frequently in patients with hematoma than in patients without hematoma. The strength of the suture point was significantly weaker with SEAMDURA than with Gore-Tex (P = 0.00016). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative epidural and subdural hematomas seem to be specific for SEAMDURA and may be caused by the weak suture strength of SEAMDURA. In cases of duraplasty, a nonabsorbable artificial dura substitute may be suitable.

Investigation of the characteristics of headache due to unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissection.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is sometimes difficult to diagnose intracranial vertebral artery dissection in patients with headache as the only symptom. Knowledge of the characteristics of the headache would facilitate the diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to clarify the characteristics of intracranial vertebral artery dissection-related headache using our original self-administered questionnaire. METHODS: Via the questionnaire, we ascertained headache characteristics and investigated whether they differed between two types of unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissection, headache type and ischemic type, based on analysis of the responses. Then, we tried to validate the consistency of commonly used criteria for intracranial artery dissection by comparing them with our results. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were analyzed. Our results identified the following seven headache characteristics in patients with intracranial vertebral artery dissection: (i) occurring in the occipitonuchal region (89%); (ii) unilateral (81%); (iii) pulsatile (70%); (iv) of acute onset (70%); (v) severe (73%); (vi) without nausea or vomiting (73%); and (vii) with concomitant clinical symptoms unrelated to ischemia (81%). Comparison of headache characteristics between the two types of intracranial vertebral artery dissection headache showed that the pain was significantly more severe in headache type than ischemic type intracranial vertebral artery dissection ( p = 0.01). Concomitant clinical symptoms occurred significantly more often in ischemic type than headache type intracranial vertebral artery dissection ( p = 0.03). Our results generally satisfied the established headache diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: The pain characteristics of headache type and ischemic type intracranial vertebral artery dissection shown in our study may facilitate its diagnosis.

Identity of growing pulsatile mass lesion of the scalp after blunt head injury: Case reports and literature review.

A growing pulsatile lump of the scalp rarely occurs after blunt head injury. In this condition, the lump may be a delayed-onset traumatic vascular scalp injury such as a pseudoaneurysm or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We describe two cases of delayed-onset traumatic vascular scalp injuries: one involved a pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery, and the other, an AVF fed by the occipital artery. We reviewed reported cases of delayed-onset traumatic vascular scalp injury and discuss the features, diagnosis and treatment. When a growing lump of the scalp is encountered, ultrasonography may be useful in searching for vascular injuries.

Clinical Prediction Rules to Classify Types of Stroke at Prehospital Stage.

Background and Purpose- Endovascular therapy is effective against acute cerebral large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, many patients do not receive such interventions because of the lack of timely identification of the type of stroke. If the types of stroke (any stroke, LVO, intracranial hemorrhage [ICH], and subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]) were to be predicted at the prehospital stage, better access to appropriate interventions would be possible. Japan Urgent Stroke Triage (JUST) score was clinical prediction rule to classify suspected patients of acute stroke into different types at the prehospital stage. Methods- We obtained information for signs and symptoms and medical history of consecutive suspected patients of acute stroke at prehospital stage from paramedics and final diagnosis from the receiving hospital. We constructed derivation cohort in the historical multicenter cohort study from June 2015 to March 2016 and validation cohort in the prospective multicenter cohort study from August 2016 to July 2017. The derivation and the validation cohorts included 1229 and 1007 patients, respectively. We constructed multivariate logistic regression models with 21 variables to develop clinical prediction rules, which distinguish between different types of stroke: any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH. Results- Among the 1229 patients (median age, 72 years; 55% men) in the derivation cohort, 533 stroke, 104 LVO, 169 ICH, and 57 SAH cases were observed. The developed rules showed that the areas under the receiver operating curves were 0.88 for any stroke, 0.92 for LVO, 0.84 for ICH, and 0.89 for SAH. The validation cohort of 1007 patients (median age, 75 years; 56% men) showed that the areas under the curves of any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH were 0.80, 0.85, 0.77, and 0.94, respectively. Conclusions- These clinical prediction rules can help paramedics classify the suspected patients of stroke into any stroke, LVO, ICH, and SAH groups with excellent accuracy.

Which surgical procedure is effective for refractory chronic subdural hematoma? Analysis of our surgical procedures and literature review.

Refractory chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is rare but remains a difficulty for neurosurgeons, and no consensus on treatment procedures has been established. To discuss effective surgical procedures for refractory CSDH, we analyzed our surgical procedures and outcomes for refractory CSDH. We defined patients with refractory CSDH as those who presented with two or more recurrences. Fourteen patients with refractory CSDH were analyzed. Eight patients underwent burr-hole irrigation and closed-system drainage alone, four patients received embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA), and two patients with organized CSDH underwent large craniotomy with outer membranectomy as the third surgery. Two of the eight patients (25%) treated with burr-hole irrigation and drainage alone showed a third recurrence. No further recurrences were identified in patients treated with embolization of the MMA or craniotomy. However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference in cure rate between patients treated with burr-hole irrigation and drainage alone and patients treated with burr-hole irrigation and drainage with embolization of the MMA (P = .42). Similarly, no significant differences in cure rate were seen between patients treated with burr-hole irrigation and drainage alone and patients treated with craniotomy (P = .62). When selecting a surgical procedure, assessing whether the CSDH is organized is crucial. Embolization of the MMA may be considered as one of the optional treatments for refractory CSDH without organized hematoma. On the other hand, for refractory cases of organized CSDH, hematoma evacuation and outer membranectomy with large craniotomy or mini-craniotomy assisted by an endoscope may be suitable, as previous reports have recommended.

Clinical investigation of chronic subdural hematoma with impending brain herniation on arrival.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with brain herniation signs is rarely seen in the emergent department. As such, there are few cumulative data to analyze such cases. In this study, we evaluated the clinical features, risk factors, and rates of completion with impending brain herniation on arrival in a cohort study. We analyzed 492 consecutive patients with CSDH between January 2010 and October 2015. First, we analyzed the clinical factors and compared them between patients with or without brain herniation signs on admission. Second, we compared clinical factors between patients with or without completion of brain herniation after operation among patients who had brain herniation signs on arrival. Eleven (2.2%) patients showed brain herniation signs on arrival, and six patients (1.2%) progressed to complete brain herniation. Patients with brain herniation signs on arrival were significantly older (P = 0.03) and more frequently hospitalized with a concomitant illness (P < 0.0001). Niveau formation (P = 0.0005) and acute-on CSDH (P = 0.0001) on computed tomography were also more frequently seen in patients with brain herniation signs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age older than 75 years (OR 2.16, P < 0.0001), niveau formation (OR 3.09, P < 0.0001), acute-on CSDH (OR 14, P < 0.0001), and admitted to another hospital (OR 52.6, P < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for having had brain herniation signs on arrival. On the other hand, having a history of head injury (P = 0.02) and disappearance of the ambient cistern (P = 0.0009) were significantly associated with completion of brain herniation. The prognosis was generally poor if the patient had presented with brain herniation signs on admission. Our results demonstrate that the diagnosis is often made late, despite hospitalization for a concomitant illness. When the elderly show mild disturbance of consciousness, physicians except neurosurgeons need to consider the possibility of CSDH regardless of a recent history of head injury.

Clinical Investigation of Refractory Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Comparison of Clinical Factors Between Single and Repeated Recurrences.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is sometimes refractory, and this is troublesome for neurosurgeons. Although many studies have reported risk factors or treatments in efforts to prevent recurrence, those have focused on single recurrence, and few cumulative data are available to analyze refractory CSDH. METHODS: We defined refractory CSDH as ≥2 recurrences, then analyzed and compared clinical factors between patients with single recurrence and those with refractory CSDH in a cohort study, to clarify whether patients with refractory CSDH experience different or more risk factors than patients with single recurrence, and whether burr-hole irrigation with closed-system drainage reduces refractory CSDH. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients had at least 1 recurrence, with single recurrence in 62 patients and ≥2 recurrences in 13 patients. In comparing clinical characteristics, patients with refractory CSDH were significantly younger (P = 0.04) and showed shorter interval to first recurrence (P < 0.001). Organized CSDH was also significantly associated with refractory CSDH (P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified first recurrence interval <1 month (odds ratio, 6.66, P < 0.001) and age <71 years (odds ratio, 4.16, P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for refractory CSDH. On the other hand, burr-hole irrigation with closed-system drainage did not reduce refractory CSDH. CONCLUSIONS: When patients with risk factors for refractory CSDH experience recurrence, alternative surgical procedures may be considered as the second surgery, because burr-hole irrigation with closed-system drainage did not reduce refractory CSDH in our study.

Newly Detected Cervical Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula on Magnetic Resonance Angiography Causing Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Although an asymptomatic spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) can sometimes be incidentally detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no previous reports showing the development of an SDAVF on MRI or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year old man with unruptured vertebral artery dissection (VAD) developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) during regular follow-up. Emergent endovascular coil internal trapping for the VAD was performed; however, angiography after the endovascular treatment showed a lower cervical SDAVF. The SDAVF was considered the bleeding source based on subsequent spinal MRI, and endovascular embolization was performed. In this case, previous serial MRA examinations indicated that the SDAVF appeared for the first time during follow-up, and SAH occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This may be the first report in which serial MRA studies demonstrated the course of this condition, from the appearance of an SDAVF to the development of SAH. An abnormal vascular structure detected on MRA indicated abnormal enlargement of the perimedullary vein and the presence of a cervical SDAVF. A lower cervical SDAVF should be suspected if such an abnormal vascular structure is detected on MRA.

Cerebellar Enterogenous Cyst with Atypical Appearance and Pathological Findings.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial enterogenous cysts are rare and occur mainly in the posterior fossa. These cysts are usually extra-axial, midline, anterior to the brainstem, or at the cerebellopontine angle. Intracranial intra-axial enterogenous cysts are extremely rare. We report a case of an intra-axial cerebellar enterogenous cyst in which diagnosis was difficult because the lesion resembled an arachnoid cyst in appearance and showed atypical pathologic findings. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 69-year-old woman had a 2-year history of progressive headache, giddiness, and unsteadiness of gait. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with isointensity to cerebrospinal fluid in the left cerebellar hemisphere, reaching into the fourth ventricle. The patient underwent fenestration of the cyst and creation of a communication between the fourth ventricle and cyst because the tight attachment of the cyst wall to the cerebellum prevented total removal of the cyst. Although pathologic examinations did not show findings typical of enterogenous cyst, the diagnosis was finally made based on the presence of basement membrane and immunohistochemical results. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of enterogenous cyst is based mainly on histologic findings, because characteristic findings on neuroimaging have not been defined. Although total resection of enterogenous cysts is recommended in general, partial resection while ensuring the cyst communicates adequately with the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid space with or without a shunt procedure may be useful if the cyst is adherent to surrounding neurovascular structures.

Radiation-induced cerebral aneurysm treated with endovascular coil embolization. A case report.

Radiation-induced cerebral aneurysms are rare. We describe a case of radiation-induced cerebral aneurysm successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization. A 39-year-old man received 60 Gy of radiation to a pineal germinoma at eight years old. The left internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm which developed within the irradiated field and stenotic change in the left ICA due to radiation-induced vasculopathy were detected incidentally. Because these aneurysms show a high risk of rupture and mortality, and even small aneurysms are prone to rupture, any such suspected aneurysm should be treated with surgical or endovascular procedures. Endovascular treatment is probably useful if the aneurysm is inaccessible to direct surgery. Special attention must be paid to treatment because of stenotic changes in cerebral vessels within the irradiated field.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with hemiparesis mimicking acute cerebral infarction: two case reports.

CONTEXT: Acute hemiparesis is a common initial presentation of ischemic stroke. Although hemiparesis due to spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon symptom, a few cases have been reported and misdiagnosed as cerebral infarction. DESIGN: Case reports of SSEH with acute hemiparesis. FINDINGS: In these two cases, acute stroke was suspected initially and administration of intravenous alteplase therapy was considered. In one case, the presentation was neck pain and in the other case, it was Lhermitte's sign; brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography were negative for signs of ischemic infarction, hemorrhage, or arterial dissection. Cervical MRI was performed and demonstrated SSEH. CONCLUSION: Clinicians who perform intravenous thrombolytic treatment with alteplase need to be aware of this possible contraindication.

Surgical treatment of sacral perineural cyst--case report.

A 67-year-old man presented with persistent penis and scrotum pain due to S-2 and S-3 radiculopathy caused by a sacral perineural cyst. The cyst was treated with microsurgical partial cyst removal and cyst wall imbrication, together with closure of the point through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flowed from the subarachnoid space into the cyst cavity. His pain resolved without recurrence of the cyst or complications. Symptomatic perineural cysts are quite rare. Surgical closure of the point through which CSF flows from the subarachnoid space into the cyst cavity is the most important intervention for symptomatic perineural cysts. If the source of CSF leakage cannot be detected, placement of a cyst-subarachnoid shunt should be considered in addition to partial cyst removal and cyst wall imbrication.