Fatal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Rare Presentation of Ruptured A2 Dissecting Aneurysm.

Anterior cerebral artery dissection (ACAD), especially simultaneously presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and cerebral infarction (CI), is rare. Only a few cases of severe SAH due to ACAD have been reported. Herein, we present an unusual case of severe SAH with simultaneous CI caused by ACAD. A 56-year-old male was brought to our hospital for severe disturbance of consciousness. Head computed tomography (CT) disclosed SAH with intracerebral hematoma. We suspected ruptured anterior communicating artery saccular aneurysm on CT angiography. Emergency craniotomy was performed to avoid cerebral herniation which confirmed the ruptured ACAD of right A2. The dissecting site was treated by wrapping with a Goretex sheet. ACAD of A2 may present with a severe hemorrhagic event.

Organized Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treated with Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and Small Craniotomy: Two Case Reports.

The most preferred treatment for organized chronic subdural hematoma (OSDH) remains controversial. Although a large craniotomy has been reported to be necessary and effective for the treatment of an OSDH, a craniotomy is associated with postoperative hemorrhagic complications and recurrence. Although middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been reported to be effective for a refractory chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), its efficacy for an OSDH remains unclear. We report two cases of OSDH treated with MMA embolization followed by hematoma removal via a small craniotomy under local anesthesia with good progress. Case 1: A 71-year-old man underwent a single burr hole irrigation for a CSDH, which failed due to a solid hematoma. He underwent a small craniotomy under local anesthesia after an MMA embolization. During the craniotomy, a small hemorrhage from the hematoma and its outer membrane was observed. Postoperatively, the symptoms disappeared immediately, and the hematoma did not recur. Case 2: A 77-year-old man underwent a burr hole irrigation, but the hematoma was not evacuated because of an OSDH, and he remained in motor aphasia. After an MMA embolization, a craniotomy was performed under local anesthesia. Intraoperative hemorrhage was minimal, and after the craniotomy, his neurological symptoms improved without any recurrence. MMA embolization and hematoma removal with a small craniotomy could be a treatment option for an OSDH.

Lumboperitoneal shunt surgery via lateral abdominal laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: One of the technical problems encountered in performing lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS) surgery involves operative positioning of the patient. To insert the spinal catheter into the subarachnoid lumbar space, LPS is usually performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. However, laparotomy around the periumbilical region, especially in obese patients in the lateral decubitus position, can be quite difficult. Thus, the authors added a simple modification to the laparotomy for LPS, altering the laparotomy site to the lateral side of the patient's trunk. The aim of this study was to analyze this method in terms of technical features and outcomes. METHODS: Two LPS procedures were compared: routine periumbilical anterior abdominal laparotomy and our modified method using lateral abdominal laparotomy. The first 11 consecutive cases underwent routine anterior abdominal laparotomy with position changes or tilting of the operative bed, whereas the next 17 consecutive cases underwent lateral abdominal laparotomy not requiring position changes. RESULTS: In the anterior abdominal laparotomy group, the mean operative time was 72.36 ± 24.63 minutes. One patient had a spinal tube tear that required revision of the LPS 2 years postoperatively. In the lateral abdominal laparotomy group, the mean operative time was 38.82 ± 13.87 minutes. One patient experienced a postoperative headache and exhibited a thin, chronic subdural hematoma on imaging studies, which disappeared after adjustment of the valve pressure. CONCLUSIONS: In the current series, the operative duration was shorter in the lateral abdominal group compared with the anterior abdominal group, with no differences in complication rates. Lateral abdominal laparotomy simplifies LPS.

Aplastic or Twig-Like Middle Cerebral Artery Presenting with Intracerebral Hemorrhage During Pregnancy: Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND: An aplastic or twig-like middle cerebral artery (Ap/T-MCA) is a rare congenital anomaly that can present with both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The etiology of this pathology has remained unclear. Here, we report 2 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) owing to an Ap/T-MCA in pregnant patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: In both patients, cerebral angiography revealed a steno-occlusive lesion and an abnormal arterial network on the unilateral middle cerebral artery. One patient was treated conservatively for a putaminal hemorrhage, and a cesarean section was performed uneventfully 6 months after onset of the ICH. The other patient underwent a craniotomy for evacuation of the lobar hemorrhage. Subsequently, a cesarean section was performed uneventfully. Both patients gradually recovered without significant disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: An Ap/T-MCA is a rare congenital anomaly and is a potential cause of ICH for pregnant patients. A cesarean section is a useful option for pregnant patients with this condition.