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The aim of the study is to investigate the value of serum iron and hemoglobin levels for predicting acute seizures following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Clinical and laboratorial data from patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were collected in the retrospective study. Age, sex, symptom onset, history of diabetes and hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, temperature, Hunt–Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm location, hemoglobin, serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron were collected. Acute seizures were determined as seizures within 1 week following aSAH. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to correct imbalances in patient characteristics between seizure and non-seizure groups. A total of 760 patients were included. Incidence of acute seizures following aSAH was 6.4%. In the univariate analysis, significant differences were detected in age, admission Hunt–Hess grade, Fisher grade, hemoglobin, serum sodium, and serum iron between seizure and non-seizure groups. In multivariate logistic regression model, lower serum iron was considered as a risk factor for acute seizures (OR 0.182, 95% CI 0.084–0.393, p = 0.000), as well as lower hemoglobin (OR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962–0.993, p = 0.004) and higher serum sodium (OR 1.072, 95% CI 1.003–1.145, p = 0.039). After PSM, there were no significant differences in age, admission Hunt–Hess grade, Fisher grade, and serum sodium between seizure and non-seizure groups. The matched seizure group had lower serum iron and hemoglobin levels compared with the matched non-seizure group (p

Objective We tested the hypothesis that low serum iron levels are associated with acute hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Patients presenting with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were enrolled in the prospective observational study. Age, sex, history of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, symptom onset, Fisher grade, Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm location, hemoglobin, and serum iron were collected. Acute hydrocephalus was determined within 72 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. A propensity-score matching analysis was performed to correct imbalances in patient characteristics between hydrocephalus and non-hydrocephalus groups. Results A total of 535 patients were included. Incidence of acute hydrocephalus was 20.0%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, lower serum iron was considered as a risk factor of acute hydrocephalus, as well as delayed ischemic neurologic deficit and lower hemoglobin (P = 0.000). After propensity-score matching, lower serum iron was considered as an independent risk factor for acute hydrocephalus, whereas hemoglobin and delayed ischemic neurologic deficit were not. The matched hydrocephalus group had lower serum iron comparing with the matched non-hydrocephalus group (10.26 ± 5.33 mmol/L vs. 13.44 ± 5.18 mmol/L; P = 0.000). The optimal cut-off value for serum iron levels as a predictor for acute hydrocephalus in patients with aSAH was determined as 13.1 mmol/L in the receiver operating characteristic curve. Furthermore, lower serum iron levels (odds ratio 0.305; 95% confidence interval, 0.178–0.524; P = 0.000) and acute hydrocephalus (odds ratio 0.372; 95% confidence interval, 0.202–0.684; P = 0.001) were predictors of poor outcome, as well as higher Hunt-Hess grade and Fisher grade. Conclusions Lower serum iron levels after aSAH was a predictor of acute hydrocephalus and unfavorable outcome.

It is not fully established whether leukocyte can predict the poor outcome for ruptured cerebral aneurysms (CA) or not. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 428 patients with ruptured CA between 2010 and 2015. Patients’ demographic data, including gender, age, history of smoking, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, Hunt-Hess and Fisher grade, occurrence of hydrocephalus, aneurysm location, time to surgery, delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) and peak leukocyte of blood test from day 1 to 3 after aneurysmal rupture were recorded and analyzed. In the multivariable analysis model, gender, Fisher grade, time to surgery and hydrocephalus were not relevant to poor outcome. However, Hunt-Hess grade, DIND and preoperative leukocyte count (>13.84 × 109/L) were significantly associated with adverse outcome. The respective increased risks were 5.2- (OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.67–16.50, p = 0.005), 6.2-(OR 6.24, 95% CI 3.55–10.99, p 13.84 × 109/L) were independent risk factors for poor outcome of ruptured CA at 3 months. Higher leukocyte count is a convenient and useful marker to predict 3-month poor outcome for ruptured CA.

Background Various computed tomography (CT) appearances of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) were associated with different prognosis and the patients with large intracranial hematoma will have adverse outcomes, but no in-depth study of non-contrast CT image appearances was carried out. We aimed to test the hypothesis that non-contrast CT image characteristics on admission are associated with and predict the outcome of CVST at 3 months. Methods Three hundred and six patients with CVST between 2008 and 2017 were collected. Age, sex, onset of CVST(acute, subacute, or chronic), etiology, clinical manifestations, midline shift, occluded venous sinus, location of infarction, non-contrast CT image characteristics, and the 3-month outcome were recorded. In addition, we established a non-contrast CT image-based classification and grading system to test the hypothesis; the CVST patients were classified into four grades (namely non-contrast CT image-based classification): grade I, no obvious abnormality; grade II, simple vein infarction without hemorrhage or with subarachnoid hemorrhage; grade III, cerebral venous infarction with subarachnoid hemorrhage; and grade IV, cerebral vein infarction with hematoma. All enrolled patients had received subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin subcutaneous injection for 14 days. Thereafter, oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin was continued. Patients with epilepsy were given antiepileptic drugs, and patients with cerebral herniation received decompressive craniotomy. Results Our observational findings revealed that midline shift (> 5 mm), location of lesion (frontal lobe and temporal lobe), and cerebral venous infarction with subarachnoid or hematoma (grade III and IV) were associated with 3-month poor outcome (p 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggested that non-contrast CT image characteristics on admission were associated with and predict the 3-month outcome of CVST. However, the ultimate conclusions need to be confirmed by a large sample of CVST patients at multiple institutions.

Objective We tested the hypothesis that low hemoglobin levels are associated with acute seizures after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were enrolled in the observational cohort study that prospectively collected age, sex, symptom onset, history of diabetes and hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, temperature, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm location, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and modified Rankin Scale. Acute seizures were determined as seizures within 1 week after aSAH. Results We included 554 patients with requisite data for analysis in the prospective study. Incidence of acute seizures following aSAH was 3.61%. In the univariate analysis, significant differences were detected in admission Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, hemoglobin, and serum iron between epilepsy and nonepilepsy groups. Furthermore, acute seizures were associated with higher modified Rankin Scale score and poor outcome (P = 0.004). Serum hemoglobin levels were 114.30 ± 20.08 g/L in the epilepsy group, which were lower than those in the nonepilepsy group (128.64 ± 17.94 mmol/L, P = 0.001). Serum iron levels were 8.89 ± 5.03 g/L in the epilepsy group, which were also lower than those in the nonepilepsy group (13.71 ± 6.70 mmol/L, P = 0.002). The hemoglobin level was positively correlated with serum iron on admission (ρ = 0.321, P = 0.000). In the multivariate logistic regression model, lower hemoglobin was considered as an independent risk factor of acute seizures (odds ratio 4.286, 95% confidence interval 1.492–12.315, P = 0.007). The optimal cutoff value for hemoglobin level as a predictor for acute epilepsy after aSAH was determined as 119 g/L in the receiver operating characteristic curve (sensitivity was 75.00%, and specificity was 69.48%). Conclusions These data support the hypothesis that hemoglobin was inversely associated with acute seizures following aSAH.

Objective To determine whether extended lesionectomy is needed for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations presenting with epilepsy as compared with lesionectomy. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Clinical Trials and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed for pertinent English-language studies from 1967 to 2017. Eligible studies were selected according to uniform inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Seven studies including 245 patients (107 receiving extended lesionectomy, 138 receiving lesionectomy) were selected. Meta-analysis and subgroup analyses were conducted to compare extended lesionectomy with lesionectomy. Pooled analysis demonstrated that seizure outcome was not statistically significantly improved in patients who underwent extended lesionectomy compared with lesionectomy (odds ratio = 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–1.51; P = 0.44; I2 = 15%). Conclusions Extended lesionectomy does not contribute to better seizure control for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations with epilepsy. Resection of the lesion and surrounding hemosiderin is sufficient for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations presenting with epilepsy.

Background We tested the hypothesis that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is associated with intracranial aneurysm growth and rupture. Methods We used an observational cohort study design. Age, sex, admission systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, aneurysmal rupture, apolipoprotein (APO)-A1, APO-B, HDL, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and aneurysm location and size were recorded. Aneurysms Results The data from 581 patients with intracranial aneurysms were analyzed. The predictive factors for small size of aneurysms were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.630; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.428–0.927; P = 0.019) and higher HDL (OR, 0.327; 95% CI, 0.159–0.672; P = 0.0002). In the subgroup of male patients, lower HDL was the only risk factor for large size (P = 0.015). The predictors of aneurysmal rupture were small size (OR, 0.875; 95% CI, 0.842–0.910; P = 0.000), higher HDL (OR, 3.716; 95% CI, 1.623–8.509; P = 0.002), no coronary artery disease (OR, 4.736; 95% CI, 1.528–14.681; P = 0.007), lower APO-A1 (OR, 0.202; 95% CI, 0.064–0.641; P = 0.007), and higher admission SBP (OR, 1.024; 95% CI, 1.015–1.032; P = 0.000). An HDL/aneurysm size ratio >0.31 was associated with a 46.2-fold increased likelihood of aneurysmal rupture (OR, 46.214; 95% CI, 13.386–159.548; P = 0.002). Conclusions The HDL level was inversely associated with intracranial aneurysm growth, especially in men. Higher HDL levels and small aneurysm size contributed to a greater risk of aneurysmal rupture. An HDL/size ratio >0.31 was a valuable predictor of intracranial rupture.

Objective We tested the hypothesis that cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors are associated with a greater incidence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Methods Patients with intracranial tumors (ITs) undergoing computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled in an observational cohort study that prospectively collected age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumor type, tumor location, hydrocephalus, smoking, alcohol intake, CPA tumor size, cerebral aneurysms, and cerebral arteriosclerosis. Patients with the coexistence of IA and IT were classified as group II, whereas the others with IT as group I. Results We included 1218 patients with IT for analysis. The incidence of IA was 7.1% (86/1218). A total of 31% of patients with aneurysms had CPA tumors. In a multivariate logistic regression model, a greater incidence of IA was found in female patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.726, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.050–2.836, P = 0.031) and in patients with CPA tumors (OR 3.002, 95% CI 1.822–4.947, P = 0.000) after adjustment for tumor type, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and age. In female patients, CPA tumors were a unique independent risk factor of a greater incidence of IA (OR 2.270, 95% CI 1.194–4.317, P = 0.012). Furthermore, cerebral arteriosclerosis was a unique independent risk factor of IA in patients with CPA tumors (OR 7.626, 95% CI 2.928–19.860, P = 0.000). Conclusions These data support the hypothesis that CPA tumors are associated with a greater incidence of unruptured IAs, especially in female patients. Cerebral arteriosclerosis contributed to elevated risk of IA in patients with CPA tumors.

We tested the hypothesis that ionized calcium levels at admission are associated with early hematoma expansion and functional outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).Patients presenting with HICH were enrolled in the observational cohort study that prospectively collected age, sex, blood pressure, history of diabetes and smoking, time from symptom onset to initial computed tomography (CT), admission ionized calcium (iCa) and total calcium (tCa), coagulation function, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and postoperative modified Rankin Scale score. Hematoma reconstruction on CT was performed to measure hematoma volumes. Hematoma expansion (HE) was defined as an increase of more than 30% or 6 mL in HICH volume. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to assess for association of iCa level with early HE and functional outcome.We included 111 patients with HICH for analysis. Admission serum iCa was 1.10 mmol/L in patients with HE and 1.17 in patients without HE. Univariate analysis indicated significant difference of GCS, initial HICH volume, iCa, and tCa between the HE and non-HE groups (P0.05). Lower admission iCa (less than 1.12 mmol/L) was associated with HE (odds ratio [OR] 0.300, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.095-0.951, P = 0.041) after adjustment for age, blood pressure, GCS score, time to initial CT scan, baseline HICH volume, prothrombin time, and tCa. Furthermore, predictive factors of poor outcome included iCa (OR 0.192, 95% CI 0.067-0.554, P = 0.002) and GCS score (OR 0.832, 95% CI 0.722-0.959, P = 0.011).These data support the hypothesis that lower ionized calcium is associated with early hematoma expansion and poor outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background Although coagulopathy have been proved to be a contributor to a poor outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), the risk factors for triggering coagulation abnormalities have not been studied after aneurysm clipping. Methods We investigated risk factors of coagulopathy and analyzed the relationship between acute coagulopathy and outcome after aneurysm clipping. The clinical data of 137 patients with ruptured CA admitted to our institution was collected and retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic data (age, sex), smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, diabetes, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, operation time, intraoperative total infusion volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion, intraoperative hemostatic drug treatment, calcium reduction (preoperative free calcium concentration–postoperative free calcium concentration) were recorded. Coagulation was assessed within 24 h. Postoperative hemorrhage and infarction, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and mortality were analyzed. Results Coagulopathy was detected in a total of 51 cases (group I), while not in 86 cases (group II). Univariable analysis demonstrated that age, smoking, alcohol use, intraoperative total infusion volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion, and calcium reduction (≥ 1.2 mg/dl) were related to coagulopathy. Non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that age [OR, 1.037 (95% CI, 1.001–1.074); p = 0.045] and calcium reduction (≥ 1.2 mg/dl) [OR, 5.509 (95% CI, 1.900–15.971); p = 0.002] were considered as the risk factors for coagulopathy. Hunt-Hess grade [OR, 2.641 (95% CI, 1.079–6.331); p = 0.033] and operation time [OR, 0.107 (95% CI, 1.012–0.928); p = 0.043] were considered as the risk factors for hypocoagulopathy. There were 6 cases (11.7%) with cerebral infarction in group I, while 6 cases (6.98%) in group II (χ 2 = 0.918, p = 0.338). There were 4 cases (7.84%) with rebleeding in group I, while 5 cases (5.81%) in group II (χ 2 = 0.215, p = 0.643). The mortality was 9.80% (5/51) in group I, while 1.16% (1/86) in group II (χ 2 = 5.708, p = 0.017). DVT was not detected in all cases. Conclusions In conclusion, age (≥ 65 years) and calcium reduction (≥ 1.2 mg/dl) were considered as the risk factors for coagulopathy and have been proved to be associated with higher mortality after aneurysm clipping.

To study the anatomy and clinical application of monolateral pterional keyhole approaches for treating bilateral cerebral aneurysms.Twelve formalin-fixed cadaveric heads underwent right pterional keyhole approaches for management of simulative contralateral aneurysms. The length of the contralateral middle cerebral artery (MCA), distal internal carotid artery (DICA), anterior cerebral artery, and ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery (OICA) was recorded. The operability of contralateral aneurysms was assessed using a modified numeric grading system. A total of 16 patients (12 patients with ruptured aneurysms) with bilateral cerebral aneurysms undergoing contralateral pterional keyhole approaches were included.The contralateral A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery, proximal A2 segment, M1 segment of the MCA, DICA, and OICA was exposed via pterional keyhole approaches. An additional 2 mm of the OICA was exposed after incision of the falciform dural fold was completed. Contralateral aneurysms of the M1 segment (posterior), M2 segment, MCA bifurcation (inferior), A2 segment (lateral), DICA (posterior and lateral), and OICA (superior, inferior, and lateral) could not be fully exposed to perform simulated surgical clipping (operability rate75%). A total of 36 aneurysms underwent adequate surgical clipping via unilateral pterional keyhole approaches, whereas 1 aneurysm of the A3 segment did not.Contralateral aneurysms of the M1 segment (anterior, superior, and inferior), MCA bifurcation (superior and lateral), A1 segment, A2 segment (anterior, posterior, and medial), internal carotid artery bifurcation, DICA (anterior and medial), and OICA (medial) were fully exposed from different angles and surgical maneuvers were performed via pterional keyhole approaches, including in patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Rationale:Intracranial ganglioneuroblastoma represents a rare subtype of primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Here, we report a hippocampal ganglioneuroblastoma and a literature review of cerebral anglioneuroblastoma is carried out.Patient concerns:We report a 16-year-old male patient presenting