A Case of Pseudoaneurysm of the Superficial Temporal Artery Causing a Massive Subcutaneous Hematoma after Craniotomy.

We present a case of a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery (STA) after surgery for intracranial hemorrhage. To our knowledge, only three similar cases have been reported. A 47-year-old man underwent left frontal craniotomy for a left frontal subcortical hematoma. The left STA was not identified during the surgery, and no STA bleeding was observed. The postoperative course was uneventful for 20 days, until the patient experienced a left-side headache and noticed a subcutaneous mass. The mass increase in size within 1 hour and arterial hemorrhage was observed through a tear in the wound. Findings on subsequent contrast computed tomography were consistent with a ruptured pseudoaneurysm arising from the left STA. Emergency evacuation of the hematoma and STA ligation were performed. Pathological findings were consistent with a pseudoaneurysm. STA pseudoaneurysms occasionally grow rapidly and can cause massive hematoma. Surgeons should carefully monitor for evidence of a pseudoaneurysm after craniotomy, even in the absence of intraoperative bleeding from the STA.

Surgical Outcomes of Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy in the Early Adoption Phase.

Background We adopted full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) in 2019 with the assistance of the Japanese Society for Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Techniques of Spinal Neurosurgery (JASMETS). This study analyzed short-term outcomes in our initial FELD cases and compared them with microdiscectomy cases performed during the same period. Methods FELD was performed in 21 patients over a period of 2 years and 6 months (15 men and 6 women; mean age, 57.0±17.0 years). The transforaminal approach was performed in 8 patients, the posterolateral approach in 3, and the interlaminar approach in 10. During the same period, microdiscectomy was performed in 30 patients. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, operation time, blood loss volume, complications, and incidence of lumbar disc herniation recurrence were compared between the groups. Results Preoperative VAS and JOA scores did not significantly differ between the FELD and microdiscectomy groups. JOA and VAS scores significantly improved in both groups after surgery. Operation time and incidence of recurrence rate did not differ. Conclusion Spine surgeons who adopt FELD can achieve good surgical outcomes similar to those of microdiscectomy, even in the early period. Participation in JASMETS seminars and training and proctoring by a certified endoscopic spine surgeon were instrumental in our experience.

Occipital condyle fracture caused by minor head trauma.

Background: Occipital condyle fractures (OCF) are commonly identified in patients suffering from severe craniocerebral trauma. Here, we present a 57-year-old male whose computed tomography (CT)-documented atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), due to just minor trauma was successfully managed with bracing alone. Case Description: A 57-year-old male presented with the right upper neck pain following a motor vehicle accident. The screening cervical CT scan revealed a fracture of the right occipital condyle, while the subsequent dynamic X-rays showed no instability or AOD. The patient was treated with a hard cervical collar, and over the next 6 months, remained asymptomatic. The 6-month repeat craniocervical CT scan additionally confirmed spontaneous fusion at the fracture site. Conclusion: Patients who have sustained even mild craniocervical trauma may develop AOD attributed to an OCF. It is critical to screen these patients early with CT and X-ray studies so they can be successfully managed with bracing alone, and avoid the need for surgery to address the delayed onset of instability.

A case of transpetrosal penetrating head injury near the sigmoid sinus.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating brain injury is relatively rare, which occurs in 0.4% of all head trauma. In past reports, the orbit, nasal cavity, and oral cavity are the most common routes of entry of foreign substances into the skull. In this case report, we experienced a rare case of head trauma who injury through the petrosal bone. To the best of our knowledge, there is no similar literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 69-year-old man accidentally fell from a stepladder with a height of 3 m. There was a sprinkler on the ground, and it went through his posterior part of the right auricle at the collision. He was alert on admission. However, neurological examination showed right trigeminal, abducens, and facial nerve palsy. Computed tomography was performed, and it revealed that the objects penetrated the petrosal bone. Furthermore, it caused traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute subdural hemorrhage. Fortunately, it did not reach any cerebral artery and cerebral parenchyma. Immediately it was surgically removed with a good outcome. CONCLUSION: When suspected sigmoid sinus injury in head penetrating injury, craniotomy should be considered with bleeding from the sigmoid sinus during surgery.

A Case of Coil Embolization for a Ruptured Anterior Spinal Artery Aneurysm Associated with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Occlusion.

Anterior spinal artery (ASA) aneurysms are rare, and the majority are associated with vascular lesions such as arteriovenous malformations, moyamoya disease, and aortic stenosis. Herein, we report a case of a ruptured anterior spinal artery aneurysm caused by bilateral vertebral artery (VA) occlusion, which was treated by coil embolization. An 83-year-old man was found collapsed at home, and was brought in by emergency. His consciousness level was I-1 on the Japan Coma Scale, and there were no symptoms such as paralysis in the extremities. Computed tomography showed Fisher 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage, while magnetic resonance angiography showed an aneurysm in the right VA. Digital subtraction angiography showed bilateral VA occlusion, and an aneurysm was found on the dilated ASA as a collateral circulation. Coil embolization was performed after confirmation of no hemodynamic problems. No postoperative adverse events were observed. Coil embolization may be an effective treatment for ruptured aneurysms of the ASA.

Primary Central Nervous System Methotrexate-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunosuppressor that is widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it can have serious adverse effects including a lymphoma: MTX-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). Extranodal lesions are common in MTX-LPD patients. However, MTX-LPD in the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely rare with few reported cases. Here, we describe a case of primary CNS MTX-LPD in a patient with RA, with a review of the literature. A 68-year-old woman who had received MTX for her RA for more than 10 years was referred to our hospital. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple lesions with heterogeneous contrast enhancement scattered throughout both hemispheres. As immunosuppression caused by MTX was suspected, MTX was discontinued, based on a working diagnosis of MTX-LPD. We performed an open biopsy of her right temporal lesion. Histopathologic examination showed atypical CD20+ lymphoid cells, leading to a definitive diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In situ hybridization of an Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) was positive. Sanger sequencing confirmed that both MYD88 L265 and CD79B Y196 mutations were absent. The LPD regressed after stopping MTX. Follow-up head MRI at 8 months after surgery showed no evidence of recurrence. Although primary CNS MTX-LPD is extremely rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis when a patient receiving MTX develops CNS lesions. Diagnosis by biopsy and MTX discontinuation are required as soon as possible.

Treatment Strategy for Progressive Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Under Restriction of the Use of Antiplatelet Drugs.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke caused by cervical internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS) with altered consciousness and progressive paralysis leads to a poor neurologic prognosis. When such a patient is brought to the hospital in the hyperacute phase, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is first administered. However, when an indwelling carotid artery stent is required after administration, physicians often hesitate to use antithrombotic drugs. In this report, we propose performing staged angioplasty (SAP) for such cases. METHODS: Four patients were retrospectively investigated. In all 4 patients, we immediately performed only percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) without antiplatelet drugs. If both cerebral perfusion on angiography and neurologic findings improved, no additional treatment was provided; otherwise, emergency carotid artery stenting (eCAS) was performed. In PTA-successful cases, eCAS or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was performed with single or dual antiplatelet drugs at a later date. RESULTS: The success rate of PTA was 50% (2 of 4), and the overall treatment success rate was 100% (4 of 4). Three patients had favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-2), but unfortunately, 1 patient had severe disability (mRS score >3) on discharge. The PTA-successful patients had no perioperative complications. On the other hand, 1 of the 2 patients who underwent eCAS experienced embolic complications, including distal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: In this investigation, both eCAS and SAP could be performed safety. However, performing SAP first without antiplatelet drugs to avoid hemorrhagic complications and cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome appears to have considerable validity.

A Case of Nonconsecutive Multiple-level Lumbar Spondylolysis Successfully Treated with Single-level Repair of the Pars Interarticularis.

Lumbar spondylolysis is commonly recognized at a single-level of the lumbar spine and frequently affects the L5 pars interarticularis unilaterally or bilaterally. Some reports have described multiple-level spondylolysis, most cases of which occur at consecutive lumbar segments. We herein present a rare case of lumbar spondylolysis involving nonconsecutive multiple-level segments; only eight such cases have been reported previously. A 38-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of chronic severe low back pain. Lumbar flexion-extension radiographs and computed tomography revealed spondylolysis at the level of L3 and L5, whereas no spondylolisthesis was present and the intervertebral disc spaces were maintained at all levels. Because 6 months of conservative management failed and repeated diagnostic blocks confirmed that the fracture of the L3 pars interarticularis was generating pain, repair of the bilateral L3 pars interarticularis with the smiley face rod method was performed. At the last follow-up 1 year after surgery, the patient had resumed normal life as a laborer and reported no back pain.

Occurrence of Trigger Finger Following Carpal Tunnel Release.

Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was recently started in our department, and we noticed that the development of trigger finger (TF), with which neurosurgeons are generally unfamiliar, is not rare after such treatment. We summarized the clinical and pathogenetic aspects of TF and retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all 39 patients who underwent CTR in our department to investigate the occurrence of TF. In 39 patients with CTS, 46 surgical interventions were performed in our department. All surgical procedures were carried out by open release of the transverse carpal ligament under local anesthesia infiltration, but the distal forearm fascia was not released. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 21.1 ± 16.8 months. TF after CTR occurred in nine hands of eight patients (9 of 46 hands, 19.6%). The mean interval between CTR and TF onset was 5.3 ± 2.8 months. TF after surgical treatment of CTS is not rare; therefore, surgeons who treat CTS should understand the clinical features of TF and carefully assess affected patients, particulary at presentation and within 6 months postoperatively.

Pituitary adenoma apoplexy associated with vardenafil intake.

Vardenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Several cases of stroke related to the use of PDE-5 inhibitors have been reported. Here, we describe the case of a 51-year-old man with headache and right ophthalmoplegia subsequent to vardenafil consumption. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a suprasellar mass with hemorrhage suggesting pituitary apoplexy. He underwent transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary mass. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a necrotic pituitary adenoma with hemorrhage. This report suggests a possible association between pituitary apoplexy and vardenafil use. In patients with preexisting pituitary adenoma, vardenafil may enhance the risk of pituitary apoplexy. Although headache is the most commonly reported side effect of vardenafil, pituitary apoplexy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with headache and ophthalmoplegia subsequent to vardenafil intake.

Delayed Occurrence of C3 Vertebra Anterior Subluxation Diagnosed after Surgery for Epidural Hematoma.

A case of delayed occurrence of C3 vertebra anterior subluxation diagnosed 10 days after surgery for epidural hematoma is herein described. A 56-year-old man underwent surgery for right epidural hematoma. No spinal fracture was identified on the cervical-spinal computed tomography (CT) on arrival. The patient developed neck pain after the craniotomy, and cervical magnetic resonance imaging 5 days postoperatively revealed a disruption of the C3-C4 posterior ligament complex. The patient was conservatively treated with immobilization. Cervical CT 10 days postoperatively revealed C3 vertebra anterior subluxation. Posterior fixation surgery was performed 21 days after admission, and the postoperative course was uneventful. This case suggests that awareness of delayed occurrence of cervical dislocation after traumatic intracranial hemorrhage should be increased among neurosurgeons.

Repair of damaged cortical artery by direct micro-suture in surgical treatment of acute subdural hematoma: technical note.

BACKGROUND: In surgical treatment of acute subdural hematoma (ASDH), neurosurgeons frequently encounter bleeding from cortical arteries, which is usually controlled with bipolar coagulation. However, bipolar coagulation is associated with a risk of sacrificing the cortical artery, which may affect the prognosis of neurological symptoms when these cortical arteries supply critical areas. In this article, we describe microsurgical repair of damaged cortical arteries using a 10-0 nylon micro-suture in patients with arterial-origin ASDH. METHODS: After removal of the subdural hematoma, the exact bleeding point of the cortical artery was identified, and the 10-0 nylon suture stitches were placed on the arterial tear under a microscope. After completion of the micro-suture, vascular patency was confirmed by indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography. RESULTS: From June 2015 through February 2017, microsurgical repair was performed for seven cortical arteries in six patients. All damaged arteries were located near the Sylvian fissure, and all tears were pinhole tears. The average blood flow occlusion time was 8 min (range, 0-15 min). The patency of all seven repaired arteries was successfully confirmed by ICG videoangiography. Postoperative cerebral infarction was not observed except in one patient with cerebral contusion and a history of severe head trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The present report demonstrates that repair of a cortical artery by the 10-0 nylon micro-suture is a simple and safe method with a low risk of sacrificing the artery. This technique may be a good option in the surgical treatment of arterial-origin ASDH, especially when the accompanying cerebral contusion is minimal.

A Case of Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Caused by Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia after Detaining Hepatic Arterial Infusion Catheter.

In Japan, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using reservoir system is recommended for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whose hepatic spare ability is favorable. Arterial infusion catheter is commonly detained in hepatic artery via femoral or brachial artery. In our hospital, catheter is often inserted by puncturing the left subclavian or brachial artery considering the patient's activities of daily living (ADL) during long-term detaining. However, it rarely causes posterior circulation ischemic stroke because of the left vertebral artery branches on the path of catheter. We herein report a case of posterior circulation ischemic stroke caused by heparin-induced thrombosis (HIT) after detaining hepatic arterial infusion catheter. A 63-year-old man who is under HAIC treatment for HCC was introduced to the department of neurological surgery because of vertigo and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed sporadic fresh cerebral infarction in the bilateral cerebellar hemisphere. Carotid ultrasonography detected a floating thrombus around the part of the left vertebral subclavian artery bifurcation. Detained catheter was removed and continuous heparin administration was started immediately. However, thrombocytopenia occurred 5 days after the injection. Because 4T's score was 6 points, HIT was strongly suspected. We stopped heparin injection immediately and observed the patient's physical status strictly. After that, platelet value improved naturally. At the late date, antibodies specific for platelet factor 4/heparin complexes were positive and he was diagnosed with HIT.

Ischemic Tolerance of the Brain and Spinal Cord: A Review.

Ischemic tolerance is an endogenous neuroprotective phenomenon induced by sublethal ischemia. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), the first discovered form of ischemic tolerance, is widely seen in many species and in various organs including the brain and the spinal cord. Ischemic tolerance of the spinal cord is less familiar among neurosurgeons, although it has been reported from the viewpoint of preventing ischemic spinal cord injury during aortic surgery. It is important for neurosurgeons to have opportunities to see patients with spinal cord ischemia, and to understand ischemic tolerance of the spinal cord as well as the brain. IPC has a strong neuroprotective effect in animal models of ischemia; however, clinical application of IPC for ischemic brain and spinal diseases is difficult because they cannot be predicted. In addition, one drawback of preconditioning stimuli is that they are also capable of producing injury with only minor changes to their intensity or duration. Numerous methods to induce ischemic tolerance have been discovered that vary in their timing and the site at which short-term ischemia occurs. These methods include ischemic postconditioning (IPoC), remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC), remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerC) and remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPoC), which has had a great impact on clinical approaches to treatment of ischemic brain and spinal cord injury. Especially RIPerC and RIPoC to induce spinal cord tolerance are considered clinically useful, however the evidence supporting these methods is currently insufficient; further experimental or clinical research in this area is thus necessary.

[A Case of Central-Type Disc Herniation at the C7/T1 Level Presenting with Myelopathy].

In contrast to other levels of upper disc spaces, the Luschka joints are usually absent at the C7/T1 disc space. Therefore, it has been reported that the C7/T1 disc herniation is prone to herniate laterally rather than centrally. In this manuscript, we describe an extremely rare central-type disc herniation at the C7/T1 level presented with myelopathy. A 76-year-old man presented with a 20-day history of progressive gait disturbance. Physical examination revealed bilateral lower extremity hyperreflexia and mild foot numbness with no upper extremity motor weakness or sensory disturbance. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed severe spinal cord compression at the C7/T1 level caused by a central-type disc herniation. We removed the herniated disc and performed anterior fusion with a titanium box cage. Lower extremity numbness and weakness diminished rapidly. Three weeks later, cervical MRI showed a well-decompressed spinal cord and almost normal gait. We reevaluated the preoperative computed tomography of this patient and confirmed the absence of Luschka joints at the C7/T1 level. Although the condition is rare, clinicians should consider the possibility of C7/T1 disc herniation in patients with leg weakness or numbness but no or few hand-related symptoms.

Importance of Recognizing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for Neurosurgeons: A Review.

Idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common complaint, reflecting entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. CTS produces symptoms similar to those of other conditions, such as cervical spondylosis or ischemic or neoplastic intracranial disease. Because of these overlaps, patients with CTS are often referred to a neurosurgeon. Surgical treatment of CTS was started recently in our department. Through this experience, we realized that neurosurgeons should have an increased awareness of this condition so they can knowledgeably assess patients with a differential diagnosis that includes CTS and cervical spinal and cerebral disease. We conducted a literature review to gain the information needed to summarize current knowledge on the clinical, pathogenetic, and therapeutic aspects of CTS. Because the optimal diagnostic criteria for this disease are still undetermined, its diagnosis is based on the patient's history and physical examination, which should be confirmed by nerve conduction studies and imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. Treatment methods include observation, medication, splinting, steroid injections, and surgical intervention. Understanding the clinical features and pathogenesis of CTS, as well as the therapeutic options available to treat it, is important for neurosurgeons if they are to provide the correct management of patients with this disease.

Acute Cerebral Artery Occlusion by a Calcified Embolus with False Patency Sign on Computed Tomographic Angiography.

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a quick and accurate method in triage to determine recanalization therapies for acute ischemic stroke. To minimize delay in the start of recanalization therapies, performance of CTA immediately after unenhanced brain computed tomography (CT) is recommended as the minimum standard. However, there are some pitfalls related to image interpretation of CTA in acute stroke, such as false patency sign. We describe the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion by a calcified embolus with false patency sign on CTA after coronary angiography. We misinterpreted the CTA image as a patent MCA, and unnecessary brain magnetic resonance imaging caused delay in the start of endovascular thrombectomy. Our findings suggest that calcified cerebral emboli can present with false patency sign on CTA. To avoid misinterpretation of the CTA image and start recanalization therapy as soon as possible, physicians should be aware of false patency sign, especially when unenhanced CT shows hyperdense emboli and CTA findings do not correspond with patients' symptoms in acute ischemic stroke.