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The morphological changes of the pipeline embolization device (PED; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), such as delayed migration or foreshortening, can relate to the incomplete occlusion of aneurysms.A 30-year-old man with a giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysm was treated with two PEDs using the overlapping technique. Six months after treatment, follow-up angiography showed morphological changes of the PEDs and residual flow into the aneurysm. Chronological cone-beam computed tomography fusion imaging clearly revealed the dynamic foreshortening of the first PED and the disconnection of both PEDs, so we decided to implant an additional PED.This case illustrates that a three-dimensional understanding can be useful for assessing the cause of treatment failure or recurrence.

OBJECTIVE There have been no accurate surveillance data regarding the incidence rate of spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs). Here, the authors investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of SAVSs. METHODS The authors conducted multicenter hospital-based surveillance as an inventory survey at 8 core hospitals in Okayama Prefecture between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2019. Consecutive patients who lived in Okayama and were diagnosed with SAVSs on angiographic studies were enrolled. The clinical characteristics and the incidence rates of each form of SAVS and the differences between SAVSs at different spinal levels were analyzed. RESULTS The authors identified a total of 45 patients with SAVSs, including 2 cases of spinal arteriovenous malformation, 5 cases of perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (AVF), 31 cases of spinal dural AVF (SDAVF), and 7 cases of spinal epidural AVF (SEAVF). The crude incidence rate was 0.234 per 100,000 person-years for all SAVSs including those at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) level. The incidence rate of SDAVF and SEAVF combined increased with advancing age in men only. In a comparative analysis between upper and lower spinal SDAVF/SEAVF, hemorrhage occurred in 7/14 cases (50%) at the CCJ/cervical level and in 0/24 cases (0%) at the thoracolumbar level (p = 0.0003). Venous congestion appeared in 1/14 cases (7%) at the CCJ/cervical level and in 23/24 cases (96%) at the thoracolumbar level (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The authors reported detailed incidence rates of SAVSs in Japan. There were some differences in clinical characteristics of SAVSs in the upper spinal levels and those in the lower spinal levels.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of the "wall-carving (WC) image technique", which uses vascular images from 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiograms (3DDSAs). Also, to verify the accuracy of the resulting 3D-printed hollow models of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: The 3DDSA data from 9 aneurysms were processed to obtain volumetric models suitable for the stereolithography apparatus. The resulting models were filled with iodinated contrast media. 3D rotational angiography of the models was carried out, and the aneurysm geometry was compared with the original patient data. The accuracy of the 3D-printed hollow models' sizes and shapes was evaluated using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Dice coefficient index. RESULTS: The aneurysm volumes ranged from 34.1 to 4609.8 mm 3 (maximum diameters 5.1-30.1 mm), and no statistically significant differences were noted between the patient data and the 3D-printed models (P = 0.4). Shape analysis of the aneurysms and related arteries indicated a high level of accuracy (Dice coefficient index value: 88.1%-97.3%; mean + SD: 93.6% +/- 2.5%). The vessel wall thickness of the 3D-printed hollow models was 0.4 mm for the parent and 0.2 mm for small branches and aneurysms, almost the same as the patient data. CONCLUSIONS: The WC technique, which involves volume rendering of 3DDSAs, can provide a detailed description of the contrast enhancement of intracranial vessels and aneurysms at arbitrary depths. These models can provide precise anatomic information and be used for simulations of endovascular treatment.

The effectiveness of adenosine-induced flow arrest in surgical clipping for the cerebral aneurysms with difficulties in temporary clip placement to the proximal main trunk has been reported. This is the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of adenosine-assisted clipping surgery for unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) in Japan. The inclusion criteria are as follows: patients over 20 years old, patients who agree to be enrolled in this study after providing informed consent, patients who undergo clipping surgery for UCA in our institute, and patients in whom the surgeons (T.H. or I.D.) judge that decompression of the aneurysm is effective. The primary endpoint is a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 30 days after surgery. We plan to enroll 10 patients in this study. The original protocol of adenosine administration was established in this trial. Herein, we present the study protocol.

In recent years, endovascular treatment has become the treatment of choice for distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms. In this study, we report the outcomes of coil embolization for DACA aneurysms.Eighteen DACA aneurysms in 16 patients treated with endovascular treatment between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, data on aneurysms, the reason for the selection of endovascular treatment, treatment technique, and treatment outcomes.There were 18 procedures in 16 patients. The average age was 65.7 years and 56% of patients were male. The average diameter of the dome was 5.5 mm, and the location of aneurysm was A3 in 83% and A4 in 17%. We mainly selected endovascular treatment for patients with a past history of craniotomy and head trauma, or with systemic comorbidities. The technical success rate was 94%, and adequate obliteration immediately after treatment was achieved in 72%. There were no symptomatic periprocedural complications. The retreatment rate was 11.1%.Coil embolization for DACA aneurysms yielded good treatment outcomes. Endovascular treatment for DACA aneurysms will become more common with advances in endovascular devices and the establishment of stable perioperative antiplatelet therapy.

OBJECTIVEEmbolization is the most common treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). A retrospective, multicenter observational study was conducted in Japan to clarify the nature, frequency, and risk factors for complications of dAVF embolization.METHODSPatient data were derived from the Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy 3 (JR-NET3). A total of 40,169 procedures were registered in JR-NET3, including 2121 procedures (5.28%) in which dAVFs were treated with embolization. After data extraction, the authors analyzed complication details and risk factors in 1940 procedures performed in 1458 patients with cranial dAVFs treated with successful or attempted embolization.RESULTSTransarterial embolization (TAE) alone was performed in 858 cases (44%), and transvenous embolization (TVE) alone was performed in 910 cases (47%). Both TAE and TVE were performed in one session in 172 cases (9%). Complications occurred in 149 cases (7.7%). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality occurred in 55 cases (2.8%) and 16 cases (0.8%), respectively. Non–sinus-type locations, radical embolization as the strategy, procedure done at a hospital that performed dAVF embolization in fewer than 10 cases during the study period, and emergency procedures were independent risk factors for overall complications.CONCLUSIONSComplication rates of dAVF embolization in Japan were acceptable. For better results, the risk factors identified in this study should be considered in treatment decisions.

Intracranial hemorrhage following hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (SAP) is a two-stage form of CAS that can prevent the abrupt increase of cerebral blood flow. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of SAP. One hundred thirty-four patients who underwent CAS for high-grade carotid artery stenosis between January 2010 and December 2018 were enrolled. Patients who showed severe impairment of hemodynamic reserve in 123I-IMP SPECT with acetazolamide received SAP (SAP group), while the others received regular CAS (RS group). Twenty-six (19.4%) patients at risk for HPS received SAP. HPS was not observed in either group. Diffusion-weighted image (DWI)-positive lesions on postoperative MRI were observed in 56 (52.3%) cases in the RS group and 16 (64.0%) cases in the SAP group. Symptomatic procedure-related complications occurred in 5 (4.6%) cases in the RS group and 1 (3.8%) case in the SAP group. These differences were not statistically significant. Modified Rankin Scale score had declined 30 days after discharge in 4 (3.0%) cases. Distal filter protection was significantly correlated to the occurrence of new DWI-positive lesions. For patients at high risk of HPS, SAP was a reasonable treatment strategy to prevent HPS. SAP did not increase the rate of DWI-positive lesions or procedure-related complications compared with regular CAS.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 2 (JR-NET2) and 3 (JR-NET3) were nationwide surveys that evaluated clinical outcomes after neuroendovascular therapy in Japan. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and risk factors of complications of intracranial tumor embolization between JR-NET2 and JR-NET3. METHODS: A total of 1018 and 1545 consecutive patients with intracranial tumors treated with embolization were enrolled in JR-NET2 and JR-NET3, respectively. The prevalence of complications in intracranial tumor embolization and related risk factors were compared between JR-NET2 and JR-NET3. RESULTS: The prevalence of complications in JR-NET3 (3.69%) was significantly higher than that in JR-NET2 (1.48%) (p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis in JR-NET2 showed that embolization for tumors other than meningioma was the only significant risk factor for complication (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-12.10; p = 0.032), and that in JR-NET3 revealed that embolization for feeders other than external carotid artery (ECA) (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.03-6.25; p CONCLUSIONS: Embolization for feeders other than ECA and use of liquid materials could increase the complication rate in intracranial tumor embolization.

Background High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein plays a key role in triggering inflammatory responses in many diseases. Our previous study showed that HMGB1 is found upstream of secondary damage in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We found that anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) effectively decreased acute brain damage, including the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, brain edema, and neurologic dysfunction. This effect of anti-HMGB1 mAb lasts for at least 1 week. In this study, we explored subacute effects of anti-HMGB1 mAb after TBI. Methods TBI was induced in rats by fluid percussion. Anti-HMGB1 mAb or control mAb was given intravenously after TBI. Histochemical staining, plasma levels of HMGB1, motor activity and memory, and video electroencephalography monitoring were evaluated 2 weeks after fluid percussion injury. Results Anti-HMGB1 mAb remarkably attenuated accumulation of activated microglia in the rat cortex in the ipsilateral hemisphere after TBI. Anti-HMGB1 mAb also prevented neuronal death in the hippocampus in the ipsilateral hemisphere after TBI. Treatment of rats with anti-HMGB1 mAb inhibited HMGB1 translocation and suppressed impairment of motor function. The beneficial effects of anti-HMGB1 mAb on motor and cognitive function persisted for 14 days after injury. Treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb also had positive effects on electroencephalography activity. Conclusions The beneficial effects of anti-HMGB1 mAb continued during the subacute postinjury phase, suggesting that anti-HMGB1 mAb may prevent cognitive dysfunction after TBI.

Background: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) due to vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysm (VADA) is rare and endovascular treatment has been performed in selected cases. Case Description: We encountered a case of HFS caused by VADA that was managed with endovascular stent placement and additional stent-in-stent placement. Therapeutic strategies and benefits based on pre- and post-treatment evaluation by 3D multifusion imaging using silent MRA were discussed. Conclusion: This is the first case report of stent-in-stent placement in successful treatment of HFS caused by VADA, in which relief of neurovascular contact was demonstrated by multifusion imaging.

Background The patients with ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (rVADA) should be treated as early as possible because VADA carries extremely high risk of rebleeding in the acute phase. We have established a mobile endovascular strategy for the patients with rVADA between our flagship center and its affiliated local hospitals. We introduced and reviewed our mobile endovascular therapy in this study. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 98 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular surgery for rVADA from 2000 to 2018 at our institution or five affiliated hospitals. When each patient was initially transported to the local affiliated hospitals, neuroendovascular surgeons traveled directly to the affiliated hospital from the flagship center in order to treat the patient there. Clinical outcomes using modified Rankin Scale at 6 months after treatment, radiological results, and procedure-related complications were reviewed to justify our mobile endovascular strategy. Results All aneurysms were cured successfully by internal trapping. Favorable outcome was achieved in 61 patients (62.2%) even though 53 patients (54.1%) had presented with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Overall mortality rate, treatment-related mortality rate, and treatment related complication rate were 18.4% (18/98), 0%, and 16% (16/98), respectively. There were no differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between the patients treated in the flagship center and those who treated in the affiliated hospitals. Treatment in the affiliated hospital was not a predictive factor of unfavorable outcome in our multivariate analysis, and elderly age (>= 60) was negatively associated with favorable outcome. Conclusions Our results prove the efficacy and safety of mobile endovascular therapy for the treatment of rVADA in the ultra-acute stage. Mobile endovascular therapy may work well in the acute treatment of rVADAs in the certain circumstance.

The prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) in elderly patients is increasing in our aging population. UCA management in elderly patients has some difficulties, such as reduced life expectancy, increased comorbidities and treatment risks, and poor prognosis in case of rupture. In this review article, we summarize the most recent findings on the natural history, therapeutic options and treatment results for UCAs exclusively in elderly patients, and describe possible medical treatments for patients with UCAs.

Embolization for intracranial tumor is performed as a standard endovascular treatment. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted to clarify the nature, frequency, and risk factors of complications in intracranial tumor embolization. Patients were derived from the Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy (JR-NET3) using data taken from January 2010 through December 2014 in Japan. A total of 40,169 patients were enrolled in JR-NET3, of which, 1,545 patients (3.85%) with intracranial tumors underwent embolization. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-2 (independency) at 30 days after embolization. The secondary end point was the occurrence of complications related to the procedures. The risk factors of the development of complications were analyzed. The proportion of patients with mRS scores ≤2 at 30 days after procedure was 89.5%. Complications occurred in 57 of the 1544 patients (3.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that target vessels other than external carotid artery (ECA) (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.03-6.25; P

Perioperative management is critical for positive neurosurgical outcomes. In order to maintain safe and authentic perioperative management, a perioperative management center (PERIO) was introduced to patients of our Neurosurgery Department beginning in June 2014. PERIO involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of anesthesiologists, dentists/dental hygienists/technicians, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and nutritionists. After neurosurgeons decide on the course of surgery, a preoperative evaluation consisting of blood sampling, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and lung function test was performed. The patients then visited the PERIO clinic 7–14 days before surgery. One or two days before surgery, the patients without particular issues enter the hospital and receive a mouth cleaning one day before surgery. After surgery, postoperative support involving eating/swallowing evaluation, rehabilitation, and pain control is provided. The differences in duration from admission to surgery, cancellation of surgery, and postoperative complications between PERIO and non-PERIO groups were examined. Eighty-five patients were enrolled in the PERIO group and 131 patients in the non-PERIO group. The duration from admission to surgery was significantly decreased in the PERIO group (3.6 ± 0.3 days), compared to that in the non-PERIO group (4.7 ± 0.2 days). There was one cancelled surgery in the PERIO group and six in the non-PERIO group. Postoperative complications and the overall hospital stay did not differ between the two groups. The PERIO system decreased the duration from admission to surgery, and it is useful in providing high-quality medical service, although the system should be improved so as not to increase the burden on medical staff.

The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is the most common carotid-basilar anastomosis, and the incidence of cerebral aneurysms associated with the PPTA is approximately 4%. Since PPTA aneurysms often have a wide neck and other vascular anomalies, endovascular treatment using an adjunctive technique is the current first-line therapy. Here, we report a case of PPTA aneurysm treated by coil embolization with a stent-assisted technique. A detailed evaluation of the size and course of all vessels and collateral flow, including the Allcock test and balloon test occlusion, is necessary when deciding on the treatment strategy.

We present the case of a de novo vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) after endovascular trapping of a ruptured VADA on the contralateral side. The first ruptured VADA involved the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, which was successfully treated by endovascular internal trapping using a stent. A follow-up study at 3 months revealed a de novo VADA on the contralateral side. The second VADA was successfully embolized using coils while normal arterial flow in the vertebral artery was preserved using a stent. Increased hemodynamic stress may cause the development of a de novo VADA on the contralateral side.

Background and aim: Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (SAP), undersized-balloon angioplasty followed by delayed CAS, was reported to be a potential preventable method against CHS. The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy of SAP to prevent CHS after endovascular carotid revascularization for high-risk patients of CHS. Methods: The STOP CHS study is a multicenter, retrospective study which registered 535 high-risk patients of CHS from 45 Japanese centers, who underwent regular CAS, SAP or angioplasty performed by board-certified neurointerventionists between October 2007 and March 2014. Selection of high-risk patients of CHS was based on imaging tests, such as single-photon emission computed tomography with acetazolamide. We investigated the cumulative periprocedural rates of CHS, ICH and major adverse event (MAE: stroke, myocardial infarction and death) of patients scheduled for regular CAS or SAP (intention-to-treat [ITT] population) and the relationship between SAP and the cumulative incidence of CHS in ITT and as-treated (AT) populations (patients who underwent regular CAS or SAP). Results: A total of 525 patients (532 lesions, 74 women, 72.5±7.5 years old) was included. Angiographic stenosis was 86.2±9.2% and 337 lesions were symptomatic. Scheduled procedures were regular CAS in 419 lesions and SAP in 113 lesions, and final procedures were regular CAS in 428 lesions, SAP in 102 lesions and angioplasty in 2 lesions. The cumulative event rates were CHS in 9.2%, ICH in 4.3% and MAE in 11.5%, and these were higher in patients scheduled for regular CAS than in patients scheduled for SAP(10.5 % vs 4.4%, 5.3% vs 0.9% and 12.9% vs 6.2% with each p-value Conclusion: The cumulative periprocedural event rates of high-risk patients of CHS scheduled for regular CAS or SAP were actually high. SAP was a negative predictor of CHS in both ITT and AT populations.

Patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) very rarely develop both cerebral ischaemia and haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical and radiographic features of MMD in patients who presented with both ischaemia and haemorrhage, compared with MMD patients who presented with one or the other.The records of 92 consecutive patients with MMD were reviewed. These patients were divided into three groups, according to the type of presentation: ischaemic presentation (Group I); haemorrhagic presentation (Group H); and haemorrhagic-ischaemic presentation (Group H-I). The patient characteristics, areas of infarction, and angiographic findings were evaluated.Seventy-six (82%) of the 92 patients were categorised as Group I, 7 (8%) as Group H, and 9 (10%) as Group H-I. Median follow-up periods for Group H-I was 55 months (IQR, 36-116 months). There were eight females in Group H-I, in which the median age was 30 years. Of the nine cases in Group H-I, six presented with cerebral haemorrhage as the precedent event and three had complications during the acute phase. In Group H-I, the prevalence of posterior cerebral artery (PCA) lesions was high (42%) and infarctions were most frequently found in PCA-related areas.The presence of steno-occlusive PCA lesions may be of pathogenic importance in MMD patients who develop both cerebral ischaemia and haemorrhage. The prevalence of this type of stroke in MMD patients is higher than expected, and further investigation in clinical settings is thus warranted.

Background There are significant differences in the postoperative morphological and hemodynamic conditions of the carotid arteries between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and endarterectomy (CEA). Objective To compare the postoperative rheological conditions after CAS with those after CEA with patch angioplasty (patch CEA) through the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on patient-specific data. Methods The rheological conditions in the carotid arteries were simulated in 2 patients after CAS and in 2 patients after patch CEA by CFD calculations. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the carotid arteries was performed with the images obtained with computed tomography angiography. The streamlines and wall shear stress (WSS) were calculated by a supercomputer. Adequate boundary conditions were determined by comparing the simulation results with ultrasound flow data. Results CFD was successfully calculated for all patients. The differences between the flow velocities of ultrasound data and those of the simulation results were limited. In the streamline analysis, the maximum flow velocities in the internal carotid artery after patch CEA were around two-thirds of those after CAS. Rotational slow flow was observed in the internal carotid artery bulb after patch CEA. WSS analysis found regional low WSS near the outer wall of the bulb. High WSS was observed at the distal end of the arteriotomy after patch CEA and at the residual stenosis after CAS. Conclusion CFD of postoperative carotid arteries disclosed the differences in streamlines and WSS between CAS and patch CEA. CFD may allow us to obtain adequate rheological conditions conducive to achieving the best clinical results.

An 84-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and a brain infarction presented with a rare distal anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) aneurysm not associated with moyamoya disease manifesting as sudden onset of headache caused by intraventricular hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a peripheral aneurysm in the left AChoA located distal to the plexal point and steno-occlusive changes of the proximal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Collateral arterial channels to the left MCA and left PCA territories were observed along the left AChoA. No neuroimaging findings were compatible with moyamoya disease. Since the aneurysm did not shrink at 2 months after the onset, endovascular treatment was indicated. Under local anesthesia, a microcatheter was placed into the AChoA proximal to the aneurysm with the aid of a 0.008-inch microguidewire. After a provocation test, three detachable platinum coils were delivered into the aneurysm and the parent artery. Complete obliteration of the aneurysm was achieved without additional neurological sequelae. Successful treatment of a ruptured distal AChoA aneurysm associated with atherosclerotic changes of the intracranial arteries was achieved using a meticulous endovascular technique.

OBJECTIVE: Virtual histology―intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) has been reported to be useful in detecting the components of coronary plaques in vivo. Recently, the application of VH-IVUS to peripheral interventions has been evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the necrotic core of carotid plaques could be assessed accurately by VH-IVUS compared with histopathology. METHODS: A total of 37 carotid plaques underwent ex vivo VH-IVUS within 24 hours after endarterectomy. Ninety-five segments of virtual histological images were matched to histological sections. The area of the necrotic core on histological sections was compared with that on virtual histological images. Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) was histopathologically graded by its severity using immunohistochemical staining for glycophorin A as a marker. The relationship of the severity of the IPH to the necrotic core was histopathologically evaluated. The correlation between the necrotic core or IPH with symptomatology was also evaluated. RESULTS: The area of the necrotic core on virtual histological images (median, 8.0%; interquartile range, 5.0%―13%) was significantly smaller compared with that of the histological sections (median, 50%; interquartile range, 40%―63%) (P < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed poor agreement in the necrotic core measurement between virtual histological images and histological sections (mean difference, 39.8%; 95% confidence interval, 35.8%―43.8%). Severe IPH was significantly associated with a larger necrotic core and symptomatology (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0039, respectively). The area of necrotic core on the virtual histological analysis did not correlate with symptomatology (P = 0.70), but that on pathological analysis tended to correlate with symptomatology (P = 0.059). CONCLUSION: In the present virtual histological algorithm, the underestimation of the necrotic core was revealed. The lack of a hemorrhage component in the virtual histological algorithm is a leading cause of its underestimation.

Objective This study examined the growth potential and response to multimodality treatment of partially thrombosed large or giant aneurysms in the posterior circulation. Methods The 17 aneurysms arose from nonbranching sites of the vertebral artery (VA) in 6 patients and from branching sites in 11 patients (the VA-posteroinferior cerebellar artery [PICA], 3 cases; basilar artery [BA] fenestration, 1 case; BA-superior cerebellar artery [SCA], 5 cases; and BA tip, 2 cases). Results Endovascular trapping was performed in 5 VA aneurysms at nonbranching sites, 2 VA-PICA cases with or without revascularization of the PICA, and 1 BA fenestration case. Endosaccular embolization was performed in 2 BA-SCA aneurysms as the sole treatment or after superficial temporal artery-SCA bypass for a broad-necked lesion. Surgical proximal occlusion (PO) with or without revascularization of the PICA was performed in 2 VA cases. Endovascular treatment failed to prevent growth in 1 VA-PICA case and the broad-necked BA-SCA case. Simple flow alteration by PO of 3 BA aneurysms, with gadolinium enhancement on T1-weighted images, did not prevent growth. Maximum flow reduction by various combinations of bypass (superficial temporal artery-posterior cerebral artery or superficial temporal artery-SCA) and BA PO, aimed at reducing hemodynamic stress on the neck, was tailored to 5 cases, including those refractory to PO; it achieved marked shrinkage in 2 cases and stabilization of the aneurysms in 3 cases. The aneurysms harboring neither gadolinium enhancement nor hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images showed significantly lower growth potential before treatment and a lesser degree of shrinkage after tailored treatment than the remaining cases (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Overall, marked shrinkage was achieved in 27%, moderate shrinkage in 20%, stabilization in 47%, enlargement in 7%, and favorable outcome in 71%. Maximum flow reduction strategy for BA aneurysms tended to show higher shrinking efficacy than endovascular trapping for VA and BA aneurysms (P = 0.08). Conclusion For aneurysms at nonbranching sites, endovascular trapping may be effective, although its shrinking efficacy may be moderate. For the most formidable BA aneurysms at branching sites, maximum flow reduction may cause marked shrinkage, even of aggressive lesions.

Objective Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of various neuroprotective genes. The goal of this study was to clarify the relationship between HIF-1 expression and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to characterize the effects of deferoxamine (DFO)-induced increases in HIF-1 protein levels on the brainstem and the basilar artery (BA) after experimental SAH. Methods Rat single- and double-hemorrhage models (injected on Days 0 and 2) of SAH were used. We assessed the time courses for HIF-1 protein levels in the brainstems and the BA diameters within 10 minutes and 6 hours on Days 1 and 2 in the single-SAH model, and also on Day 7 in the double-SAH model. After induction of double hemorrhage in rats, DFO was injected intraperitoneally. We then evaluated HIF-1 protein expression and brainstem activity, BA diameter, and brainstem blood flow. Results After the rats experienced SAH, HIF-1 protein expression was significantly greater at 10 minutes in the single-injection model and at 7 days in the double-injection model than at similar time points in the control group, and these increases correlated with degrees of cerebral vasospasm. DFO injection resulted in significant increases in HIF-1 protein expression and activity in the brainstems of rats with SAH, compared with the rats with SAH that were given placebos, and the rats without SAH in the double-hemorrhage model. Cerebral vasospasm and reduction of brainstem blood flow were significantly attenuated in the rats that were administered DFO. Conclusion These results show that a DFO-induced increase in HIF-1 protein level and activity exerts significant attenuation of BA vasospasm and reduction of brainstem blood flow in the rat model of SAH. DFO may be a promising agent for treating clinical SAH.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for rupture of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs) in elderly Japanese patients aged 70 years or older. Methods: The participants included all patients 70 years of age or older in 3 prospective studies in Japan (the Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm Study of Japan [UCAS Japan], UCAS II, and the prospective study at the Jikei University School of Medicine). A total of 1,896 patients aged 70 years or older with 2,227 UCAs were investigated. The median and mean follow-up periods were 990 and 802.7 days, respectively. Results: The mean aneurysm size was 6.2 ± 3.9 mm. Sixty-eight patients (3.6%) experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage during the follow-up period. Multivariable analysis per patient revealed that in patients aged 80 years or older (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–3.49, p = 0.012), aneurysms 7 mm or larger (HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.35–7.03, p = 0.007 for 7–9 mm; HR, 7.82; 95% CI, 3.60–16.98, p < 0.001 for 10–24 mm; and HR, 43.31; 95% CI, 12.55–149.42, p < 0.001 for ≥25 mm) and internal carotid–posterior communicating artery aneurysms (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.23–4.88, p = 0.011) were independent predictors for UCA rupture in elderly patients. Conclusions: In our pooled analysis of prospective cohorts in Japan, patient age and aneurysm size and location were significant risk factors for UCA rupture in elderly patients.

The object of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes in adult patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) with posterior circulation involvement (PCi) treated through surgical revascularization with those in adult patients without PCi. The records of 32 consecutive adult patients with ischemic-type MMD who were treated with revascularization were reviewed. Twelve of these patients (38 %) had PCi at initial onset. Clinical characteristics of the patients with PCi were compared to those without PCi. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the preoperative and postoperative follow-up periods. A five-year Kaplan-Meier stroke risk was calculated. The frequency of presenting with infarction was significantly higher among patients with PCi than among those without PCi (p = 0.006). mRS scores in the preoperative period were significantly higher in patients with PCi than in patients without PCi (p = 0.0004). There were no significant differences in mRS scores between the preoperative and postoperative follow-up period in patients with PCi (p = 0.3), nor were there any between the preoperative and postoperative follow-up periods in patients without PCi (p = 0.2). The five-year Kaplan-Meier risk of surgical morbidity and ipsilateral stroke was 14.3 % in surgically treated hemispheres with PCi versus 14.9 % in surgically treated hemispheres without PCi (p = 0.96). PCi at initial onset was significantly correlated with poor outcome. Revascularization for the middle cerebral artery territory in patients with PCi was effective at preventing recurrent ischemic stroke.

Object. The effect on clinical outcomes of symptomatic vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients over 80 years who underwent coil embolization was evaluated.Methods. Forty-four cases were reviewed and divided into two groups according to patient age: Group A, 79 years or younger, and Group B, 80 or older. Patient characteristics, prevalence of symptomatic vasospasm, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge and frequency of symptomatic vasospasm in patients with mRS scores of 3–6 were analyzed.Results. Thirty-two (73%) of the 44 cases were categorized as Group A and 12 (27%) as Group B. Group B had a significantly higher prevalence of symptomatic vasospasm compared to Group A(P=0.0040). mRS scores at discharge were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A(P=0.0494). Among cases with mRS scores of 3–6, there was a significantly higher frequency of symptomatic vasospasm in Group B than in Group A(P=0.0223).Conclusions. In our cohort of aneurysmal SAH patients treated by coil embolization, patients over 80 years of age were more likely to suffer symptomatic vasospasm, which significantly correlated with worse clinical outcomes, than those 79 years and under.

Embolization of intracranial tumor is widely performed in Japan, mainly before neurosurgical resection. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study in Japan was conducted to clarify the nature, frequency, and risk factors of complications in intracranial tumor embolization. Patients were derived from the Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 2 (JR-NET2). A total of 20,854 patients were enrolled in JR-NET2, of which 1,018 patients (4.88 %) with intracranial tumors underwent embolization. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0–2 (independency) at 30 days. The secondary end point was the occurrence of complications related to the procedures. The risk factors of the occurrence of complications were studied. The proportion of patients with mRS scores ≤2 at 30 days after procedure was 91.3 %. Complications occurred in 15 of the 1,012 patients (1.48 %). Multivariate analysis showed that embolization for tumors other than meningioma (OR, 4.626; 95 % CI, 1.347–14.59; p = 0.0105) was significantly associated with the development of complications. The frequency of complications after intracranial tumor embolization was relatively low in this large Japanese cohort. Embolization for tumors other than meningioma was the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of complications.

Background: Although almost all dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) can be highly curable using endovascular treatment, some of them are reflactory. We evaluated the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery for DAVFs reflactory to endovascular treatment. Methods: In 178 patients with DAVFs treated by endovascular embolization in our institution, 12 patients were reflactory and treated by CyberKnife (CK) radiosurgery. Patients background, efficacy of CyberKnife radiosurgery and complication were analyzed. Results: 5 men and 7 women underwent CyberKnife radiosurgery. Ages ranged from 21 to 74 years (mean, 57.5 years). The locations of the fistulas were 10 transverse/sigmoid sinus and 2 cavernous sinus. The Borden classification was I in 3, II in 6, and III in 3 patients. Transarterial embolization (TAE) was performed in 10 patients, TAE and transvenous embolization (TVE) in 2. In all cases, shunt flow could be reduced, but small flow was residual. After embolization, residual fistula was treated by CK with a mean marginal dose of 19.95 Gy. Nine patients could follow up over two years. 8 patients got complete disappearance of the nidus. One patient remained small nidus, but him symptom improved. There was no complication accompanying radiosurgery. Conclusions: CyberKnife radiosurgery to residual DAVFs after endovascular treatment showed a remarkable response at high rates in long term. CyberKnife radiosurgery is a safe and effective method of these reflactory and mildly symptomatic patients.