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We aimed to describe the initial experience of mechanical thrombectomy using tandem double stent retrievers combined with intermediate catheter aspiration to treat refractory severe hemorrhagic (SH)-cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).All refractory SH-CVST patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy using tandem double stent retriever (SR) combined with intermediate catheter aspiration (MT-TDSA) in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. MT-TDSA is a technique that fully engages the clot with double SRs and retrieves the clot using a double SR in combination with aspiration from an intermediate catheter. Demographics, clinical manifestation, medical history, the location of the occluded venous sinus, intraoperative details, procedure-related complications, and modified Rankin Scale (1, 6, 12 months postoperatively) were collected and analyzed.Fourteen patients (median age, 43 years) with refractory SH-CVST were treated with MT-TDSA between January 2016 and January 2020. Ten of 14 (71.4%) had a successful intraoperative recanalization rate (90%) using MT-TDSA. No procedure-related complications occurred. Eleven patients had good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2 at 12 months postoperatively).MT-TDSA for refractory SH-CVST might improve clot-capturing ability and remove blood clots from cerebral venous sinuses effectively and safely, achieving good clinical outcomes.

ObjectiveWe present our initial experience using the microcatheter-guided compartment packing (MCP) technique for endovascular embolization of acutely ruptured complex intracerebral aneurysms (ARCIAs) and evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of this technique.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included 28 patients who underwent coil embolization using the MCP technique for ARCIAs at our institution between January 2021 and January 2022. The MCP technique was the placement of microcatheters in different compartments within the aneurysm to deploy the coils simultaneously or sequentially. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, grade of occlusion, complications, and clinical results were analyzed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.ResultsOf the 28 patients successfully treated with the MCP technique, 24 (85.7%) aneurysms were considered as complete occlusions (Raymond I) based on the immediate postembolization angiogram results. Complications occurred in 2/28 treatments, including guidewire perforation with subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral vasospasm-related cerebral infarction. An angiography follow-up demonstrated complete occlusion in 25/28 aneurysms. Twenty-six (92.9%) patients had favorable 90-day outcomes (mRS 0-2) after the endovascular coil embolization.ConclusionThe MCP technique is simple, safe, and effective, achieving good packing density and initial occlusion rate when used to treat ARCIAs.

The importance of supplementary motor area (SMA) for motor function and compensation for primary motor area (M1) has received increased attention. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to evaluate structure and function of corticospinal projection originating from SMA. Fibers of corticospinal projection originating from M1 (CST) and SMA (ACST) were analyzed. ACST originating from mesial SMA area formed separate white matter bundles leaving the anterior part of M1 area, which then entered the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Projection and overlap of both CST and ACST were detected on medulla. Fibers of contralesional ACST were more than that of ipsilesional ACST in patients with SMA tumors (p

Objective: We test the hypothesis that lysine acetylation is involved in the metabolic process of glioma-associated seizures (GAS).Methods: We used label-free mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to quantify dynamic changes of protein acetylation between gliomas with seizure (CA1 group) and gliomas without seizure (CA2 group). Furthermore, differences of acetyltransferase and deacetylase expression between CA1 and CA2 groups were performed by a quantitative proteomic study. We further classified acetylated proteins into groups according to cell component, molecular function, and biological process. In addition, metabolic pathways and protein interaction networks were analyzed. Regulated acetyltransferases and acetylated profiles were validated by PRM and Western blot.Results: We detected 169 downregulated lysine acetylation sites of 134 proteins and 39 upregulated lysine acetylation sites of 35 proteins in glioma with seizures based on acetylome. We detected 407 regulated proteins by proteomics, from which ACAT2 and ACAA2 were the differentially regulated enzymes in the acetylation of GAS. According to the KEGG analysis, the upregulated acetylated proteins within the PPIs were mapped to pathways involved in the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, biosynthesis of amino acids, and carbon metabolism. The downregulated acetylated proteins within the PPIs were mapped to pathways involved in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, and necroptosis. Regulated ACAT2 expression and acetylated profiles were validated by PRM and Western blot.Conclusions: The data support the hypothesis that regulated protein acetylation is involved in the metabolic process of GAS, which may be induced by acetyl-CoA acetyltransferases.

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.

Background There is associating with incidence of unfavorable outcomes compared to microsurgical clippings. We are in order to investigate the outcomes of microsurgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms and determine the ideal clipping methods for different aneurysm subtypes. Method Retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and follow-up data (completely recorded) of 123 patients with 128 aneurysms were treated. 20 cases were treated as control group from October 2013 to December 2013. Since January 2014, aneurysms were classified base on the 20 cases of aneurysm imaging data. 103 patients were treated as experimental group, the classification of aneurysms previously proposed was used to estimate the way of surgery, and the guiding value of the genotype was verified according to the intraoperative findings. The proposed aneurysm classification is based on the virtual surface of the aneurysm and the parent artery, the aneurysm neck was classified as follows: subtype I, the curved surface of the neck is a single curved surface; subtype II, the neck is hyperboloid; subtype III, neck is a three-curved surface. Aneurysms were divided into further subtypes according to the ratio of the width of the aneurysm neck surface and the length of the artery circumference: subtype A, the ratio of the aneurysm neck surface to the parent artery was not more than 0.5; subtype B, more than 0.5. There are some clamping methods include simple, sliding, interlocking and hybrid. Results In the control group, patients did not undergo a suitable clipping scheme without classification of aneurysm neck (unclassed clipping). While causing the occurrence of occlusion adverse events, including neck residual, Tumor artery stenosis, electrophysiological changes, the lack of blood supply and so on. The experimental[page1image12073600]group was analyzed by using a predetermined clipping scheme (classed clipping), and the use of aneurysms clamps was approximately the same as expected. Compared the preoperative assessment with the actual situation, the consistency of the control group was 50% and the experimental group was 96%. Adverse events of classed clipping is 2%, another is 60%. There is a significant difference between the two groups (P

To investigate the value of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed models with pathologic entities in enhancing the learning curve of surgery of tuberculum sellae meningioma.We printed 4 models of tuberculum sellae meningiomas based on radiologic data using a 3D printer. Participants were allocated to the 3D group and the atlas group. In the 3D group, participants learned surgery with the assistance of 3D models. In the atlas group, participants used only 2-dimensional materials to assist their learning. All participants undertook a pre-test and post-test. The scores were used to identify the difference in learning efficiency between the 2 groups.A total of 42 new trainees were recruited, of whom 22 were in the 3D group and 20 in the atlas group. The baseline data were not significantly different. The difference of pre-test score was not significant, either. However, the post-test score was significantly greater in the 3D group (P = 0.005), and the change in score was also significantly greater in the 3D group (P0.001). In accordance with the objective test, the subjective survey through a questionnaire from participants in the 3D group showed that 3D models significantly promoted the learning curve of this kind of complex skull base surgery.3D-printed models can assist in improving the learning curve of surgery of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. It particularly aids in memorization and spatial construction, improves understanding of surgical view, and arouses interest on the part of the trainee. We recommend using it in the education of complex skull base surgery.

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 The climatic characteristics of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have been reported, but consensus has not yet been reached. It is of great significance to elucidate the relationships between meteorological variation and aSAH in regions with specific climate patterns. We analyzed the occurrence of aSAH in the capital city of Fujian Province, China, through a multicenter, 5-year study, and aimed to reveal the meteorological influences on aSAH in the coastal city of eastern Fujian under the subtropical marine monsoon condition. Methods A total of 2555 consecutive patients with aSAH in Fuzhou were collected using specialized stroke admission database from January 2013 to December 2017. Meteorological parameters including temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity were obtained from China Surface Meteorological Station during the same period. Poisson regression was used to explore the association between meteorological parameters and aSAH to calculate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Generalized additive model analysis further revealed the nonlinear relationships between weather and aSAH. Results Daily minimum temperature (IRR 0.976, 95% CI 0.958–0.996) and maximum pressure (IRR 1.022, 95% CI 1.001–1.042) were independently correlated with the onset of aSAH. Low temperature (below 16°C) and excessive atmospheric pressure (above 1008 hPa) increased the risk of aSAH. In addition, March in spring and December in winter were the 2 ictus peaks in Fuzhou throughout the year. Conclusions Cold and excessive atmospheric pressure are triggers for the occurrence of aSAH; March in spring and December in winter are the predominant onset periods in Fuzhou.

Background A large craniotomy is usually the first choice for removal of traumatic acute subdural hematoma (TASDH). To date, few studies have reported that TASDH could be successfully treated by twist drill craniostomy (TDC) alone or combined with instillation of urokinase. We aimed to define the TDC for the elderly with TASDH and performed literature review. Case presentation A total of 7 TASDH patients, who were presented and treated by TDC in this retrospective study between January 2009 and May 2017, consisted of 5 men and 2 women, ranging in age from 65 to 89 (average, 78.9) years. The patients’ baseline characteristics, including age, sex, medical history, received ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus or not, reason for avoiding or refusing large craniotomy, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), suffered from cerebral herniation or not, the location of TASDH, imaging characteristics of TASDH in CT scan, injury/surgery time interval, midline shift, preoperative neurologic deficit, operation time, and infusions of urokinase or not, were collected. The postoperative GCS, postoperative neurologic deficit, rebleeding or not, intracranial infection, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months after surgery were analyzed to access the safety and efficacy of evacuation with TDC. The results showed that the mean time interval from injury to TDC was 68.6 min (30–120 min). The mean distance of midline shift was 14.6 mm (10–20 mm). The preoperative GCS in all patients ranged from 4 to 13(median, 9). The mean duration of the operation was 14.4 min (6–19 min). Postoperative CT scan showed that hematoma evacuation rate was more than 70% in all cases. There were no cases of acute rebleeding and intracranial infection after TDC. No cases presented with chronic SDH at the ipsilateral side within 6 months after being treated by TDC alone or combined with instillation of urokinase. Favorable outcomes were shown in all cases (mRS scores 0–2) at 6 months after surgery. Conclusions TASDH in the elderly could be safely and effectively treated by TDC alone or combined with instillation of urokinase, which was a possible alternative for the elderly.

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.

Neuroglobin (Ngb) has a high affinity for oxygen and helps prevent hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. In this study we analyzed the relationship between Ngb levels and clinical outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).Serum Ngb levels were measured in 58 patients with aSAH and 27 control individuals using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To continuously assess aSAH, we measured serum Ngb levels on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 after aSAH. Clinical data were collected using the Hunt and Hess Scale, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Scale, and the modified Fisher Scale. Clinical outcomes included 6-month mortality and 6-month unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3-6).Serum Ngb levels increased after aSAH, peaked on day 2, and then gradually decreased. Serum Ngb levels on admission were higher in the patient group than in the control group (7.67 ± 2.56 ng/mL vs. 6.45 ± 0.88 ng/mL, P0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that serum Ngb levels on day 2 after aSAH were independently related to 6-month mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.265, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.094-0.747, P0.05) and 6-month unfavorable outcomes (OR = 1.919, 95% CI = 1.158-3.180, P0.05), and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum Ngb levels on day 2 predicted 6-month mortality and 6-month unfavorable outcomes, with areas under the curve of 0.893 (P0.05; 95% CI, 0.812-0.974) and 0.818 (P0.05; 95% CI, 0.691-0.954), respectively, based on the best thresholds.Serum Ngb levels on day 2 after aSAH were strongly associated with poor outcomes in aSAH, suggesting that Ngb may be a novel biomarker for predicting poor outcomes in aSAH.

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.

Objective To seek a cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) threshold that can reduce the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods We analyzed the clinical data of patients with the diagnosis of aSAH and underwent CPP monitoring in our department from February 2014 to December 2015. CPP was divided into four specified thresholds by every 10 mmHg increments, which were from 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg. The totally time ratio of CPP below each threshold was calculated. The correlation between the time ratio and DCI were analyzed using binary logistic regression. And receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to identify the cutoff time ratios at higher risk of DCI. Results Finally, 17 patients developed DCI from 60 patients who were recruited. The time ratios of CPP which was below 50 mmHg, 60 mmHg and 70 mmHg were found predictors of DCI by the binary logistic regression. The cutoff time ratios were 0.4% (AUC = 0.777), 7.0% (AUC = 0.702), 28.7% (AUC = 0.696) respectively. While at the level of 80 mmHg, the cutoff time ratio was 65% (AUC = 0.595). It was not related to DCI (P = 0.167). Patients suffered from DCI had a worse outcome than who did not at 3 month after aSAH (P = 0.018). Conclusion Time ratios at higher risk of DCI had a positive relationship with the CPP thresholds. Keeping CPP above 70 mmHg may be helpful to prevent DCI after aSAH, but it still needs further investigation.

Objective Cerebral ischemia is a major contributor to poor outcome after ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACoAs), and is not well classified. In this article, we develop a classification and identify risk factors of cerebral ischemia after ruptured ACoAs. Methods Three hundred sixty patients with ruptured ACoAs undergoing microsurgical clipping were collected. Sex, age, smoking status, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, hospital stay, surgical timing, hypertension, diabetes, postoperative cerebral ischemia, and postoperative modified Rankin Scale score were collected. Postoperative ischemic changes are classified according to a novel grade (ischemic grade I–IV). Results Predictive factors of postoperative ischemia (grade I–IV) included sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.956; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.262–3.032; P = 0.003) and Fisher grade (OR, 1.813; 95% CI, 1.144–2.871; P = 0.011). Male sex had a tendency to develop postoperative cerebral ischemia (61.3% in the ischemia group vs. 45.7% in the nonischemia group), while surgical timing did not. However, in patients with postoperative ischemia, early surgery within 3 days (OR, 3.334; 95% CI, 1.411–7.879; P = 0.006) and advanced age greater than 55 years (OR, 2.783; 95% CI, 1.214–6.382; P = 0.016) were risk factors for postoperative neurologic deficits (grade III–IV). Conclusions Male sex and higher Fisher grade predict postoperative ischemia (grade I–IV), whereas surgical timing does not. However, in patients with postoperative cerebral ischemia, early surgery within 3 days and age greater than 55 years can increase the frequency of postoperative neurological deficits (grade III–IV). Older male patients undergoing early microsurgery had a tendency to develop neurologic deficits.

The development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides a new method for surgical treatment, but currently there are few reports on its application in the treatment of aneurysm. The aim of the present study was to explore the materials and methods of fabricating 3D printed individual aneurysm model and its value in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm. Twenty-four patients with intracranial aneurysm diagnosed by CTA who had undergone operation in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. CTA Data collected at the time of surgery was used for reconstruction. Soft Mimics 17.0 was used to reconstruct the thin layer CTA scan data into 3D image and the final data was sent to the 3D printer for fabricating the model. We compared the proposed 3D printed model-based preoperative plan and the actual approach used in the surgery based on CTA data to evaluate the value of the 3D printed model in preoperative planning, and picked out the materials which were more suitable for the clinic. Twenty-four aneurysm models with high degree of reality were fabricated successfully with 3D-printing technology. The patients’ blood vessels, skulls and aneurysms were printed into the reality model at a ratio of 1:1. It is reported that the soft material-based, 3D printed vascular and aneurysm model more closely resembled the characteristics of the real blood vessels, thus provides a better simulation compared to the plaster-based model. Compared with the original operation plan, 3D printed model could be used for pre-operative aneurysm clip selection, and provide more intuitive information in selection of operational approach. 3D printed model can be used as an operational physical model to design operative schemes, choose the best operative paths and select suitable aneurysm clips by its high simulation degree and individualized characteristics. The model is helpful for surgical planning, especially for the preoperative plan of treating refractory multiple aneurysms and giant aneurysms.

Brain retraction is required during many intracranial procedures to provide more working space. However, it is difficult to avoid brain retraction injury. Here, we report on retractorless surgery for anterior circulation aneurysms via a pterional keyhole approach. All patients undergoing a minimally invasive pterional keyhole approach within 3 days after hemorrhage by the same surgeon were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into group I (with the retractorless technique) and group II (with fixed retractors). Data on adequate clipping level, intraoperative ischemia induced by retraction, operation time, brain retraction injury, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative aneurysm rupture, and modified Rankin Scale were collected for the 2 groups. A consecutive series of 47 patients (21 patients in group I, 26 patients in group II) successfully underwent a minimally invasive pterional keyhole approach. Statistical analysis revealed no significant between-group differences with regard to sex, age, Hunt-Hess grade, adequate clipping level, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and aneurysm rupture (P > 0.05). However, no intraoperative ischemia was detected in group I, whereas 23.1% (6 of 26) of patients in group II had reversible ischemia. Furthermore, the proportion of brain retraction injuries in group I (5.3%) was lower than that in group II (34.6%). In addition, a better prognosis was obtained in patients who underwent retractorless surgery. With the careful and accurate use of a handheld suction device and operating instruments, the retractorless technique can replace fixed retraction, reduce brain retraction injury, and is applicable to surgeries on anterior circulation aneurysms via pterional keyhole approaches.

Aim Traditional craniotomies for treatment of the aneurysms at the A3 segment of anterior cerebral artery (A3As), such as frontal approach and interhemispheric approach, require pre-hairline incision and relatively long incision, extensive bone flap, inevitable supraorbital nerve injury, opening frontal sinus, and increased operative time. Here we reported anterior interhemispheric keyhole approach with minimally invasive advantages for treatment of A3As. Material and methods Thirteen A3As and one A1 aneurysm in thirteen patients were confirmed by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and/or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). All patients underwent anterior interhemispheric keyhole approach with a hairline incision across the midline and a bone flap 3-4 cm in diameter, combined with external ventricular drainage, neuronavigation, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), and transcranial Doppler (TCD). Clinical characteristics and therapeutic results of the patients were analyzed, and the postoperative functional capacities of those patients were evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) six months later. Results All aneurysms were successfully obliterated via the anterior interhemispheric keyhole approach combined with external ventricular drainage. Mean duration of surgery (from skin incision to wound closure) was 100 minutes with a range of 70 to 135 minutes. No severe interhemispheric keyhole approach related complications, postoperative infections, secondary intracranial haemorrhage, severe cerebral vasospasm, and aneurysmal neck remnants were detected. Median hospital stay after surgery was 9.0 days (range 8 to 11 days). And the postoperative functional capacities evaluated by GOS were normal six months later. Conclusion The anterior interhemispheric keyhole approach combined with external ventricular drainage is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive craniotomy technique for the treatment of A3 aneurysms.

Objective We assessed the relationship between cerebral ischemia-induced changes in evoked potentials and the degree of ischemia tolerance. Methods 47 patients underwent somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring in intracranial aneurysm surgery. Three duration parameters (time) were recorded: Time 1, from the starting of temporary occlusion unavoidable in aneurysm surgery to the time the evoked potentials decrease from basal level to reaching the warning criterion; Time 2, from evoked potentials reaching the warning criterion to the time the blood flow was resumed; Time 3, after resuming the blood flow, the time it took the evoked potentials to recover to baseline. All three times can be reliably calculated in the SEP recording, but not in the MEP recording which consisted of either unchanged amplitudes or abruptly changing amplitudes, making it impossible to obtain Time 1. The ischemic tolerance ratio (ITR) was calculated as ITR = time 2/time 1 × 100%. New decreasing myodynamia and fresh infarction after the surgery were employed for evaluating neurological deficits postoperatively, and their correlations with the ischemia-induced changes of evoked potentials recorded during the surgery were analyzed. Results We found a change in SEPs in 12 patients whose cerebral ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the aneurysm's parent artery. We also found the development of postoperative neurological deficits in 4 patients whose ischemic tolerance ratio (ITR) reached over 80%, while no deficits were found in the other 8 patients whose ITR was less than 50%. MEP changes were seen in 4 patients whose cerebral ischemia was caused by accidentally clamping the perforating branches, causing the development of postoperative neurological deficits but not necessarily leading to significant SEP changes. Conclusion The Ischemia tolerance ratio (ITR) in SEP recordings is valuable to predicting postoperative neurological deficits caused by temporary occlusion of aneurysm's parent artery. Maintaining the ITR under 50% during operation can effectively avoid postoperative neurological deficits, while an ITR above 80% reliably forecasts postoperative neurological deficits. Complementary to SEPs, MEP recordings are particularly valuable in monitoring ischemic effects caused by accidentally clamping perforating branches. Taken together, this system of monitoring makes it possible to promptly adjust surgery procedures and minimize postoperative neurological deficits.