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Six patients who experienced transient neurological deteriorations with no evidences of hemorrhage and infarction after encephaloduroarteriogaleosynangiosis for moyamoya disease were evaluated with semiquantitative analysis using brain perfusion SPECT. Postoperative transient neurological deteriorations topographically corresponded to hyperperfusion areas on SPECT. Cerebral blood flows of both the operated hemisphere and focal hyperperfusion area increased significantly after surgery (P=0.046 and 0.028, respectively), compared with the preoperative ones. Symptomatic cerebral hyperperfusion may occur transiently after indirect revascularization surgery for adult moyamoya disease. Further study is needed to clarify the exact mechanism of cerebral hyperperfusion after indirect surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Development of a headache after aneurysm coil embolization is not uncommon but has received little attention. The authors prospectively analyze the characteristics and risk factors of a headache after coiling in patients treated for an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients treated for an unruptured cerebral aneurysm over a period of 1 year, and without a headache history within a month before coiling, were enrolled in this study. All coilings were successfully performed without neurologic complications. After coiling, headache development and intensities were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty (55.6%) patients experienced a headache (VAS score, 4.5 ± 2.02) at 7.9 (range, 0–72) hours, on average, after coiling, and all headaches resolved within an average of 73.0 (range, 3–312) hours. Univariate analysis showed that the following were significantly associated with the development of a headache: age ≤50 years (OR 4.636, 95% CI, 1.414–15.198), hypertension (OR 0.232, 95% CI, 0.095–0.571), a packing attenuation of >25% (OR 3.619, 95% CI, 1.428–9.174), and a previous headache history (OR 2.769, 95% CI, 1.120–6.849). However, binary logistic regression showed that only a packing attenuation of >25% (P = .013, adjusted OR 3.774, 95% CI, 1.320–10.790) and no history of hypertension (P = .019, adjusted OR 3.515, 95% CI, 1.233–10.021) were independently associated with the development of a headache. CONCLUSIONS: A headache frequently developed after the coiling of unruptured aneurysms. However, headaches were relatively benign and resolved within several days. The present study shows that no hypertension history and a packing attenuation of >25% are risk factors of headache development.

A 46-year-old male presented with an incidentally discovered left ventricular body arteriovenous malformation (AVM). It measured 2 cm in diameter and had drainage via an atrial vein into the internal cerebral vein (Spetzler-Martin Grade III, Supplementary Grade 4). Preoperative embolization of the posterior medial choroidal artery reduced nidus size by 50%. Subsequently, he underwent a right-sided craniotomy for a contralateral transcallosal approach to resect the AVM. This case demonstrates strategic circumferential disconnection of feeding arteries (FAs) to the nidus, the use of aneurysm clips to control large FAs, and the use of dynamic retraction and importance of a generous callosotomy. Postoperatively, he was neurologically intact, and angiogram confirmed complete resection.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/j0778LfS3MI.

Background and Purpose— The surgical outcomes of adult moyamoya disease are rarely reported. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of combined revascularization surgery in patients with adult moyamoya disease. Methods— Combined revascularization surgery consisting of superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery anastomosis with encephalodurogaleosynangiosis was performed on 77 hemispheres in 60 patients. Clinical, angiographic, and hemodynamic states were evaluated retrospectively using quantitative methods preoperatively and postoperatively in the short-term (≈6 months) and long-term (≈5 years) periods. The mean clinical follow-up duration was 71.0±10.1 months (range, 60–104 months). Results— Clinical status improved until 6 months after surgery and remained stable thereafter, as assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale and modified Rankin Scale. The revascularization area relative to supratentorial area significantly increased in the long-term period compared with that in the short-term period (54.8% versus 44.2%; P P P =0.219). The annual risks of symptomatic hemorrhage and infarction were 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively, in the operated hemispheres. Conclusions— Combined revascularization surgery resulted in satisfactory long-term improvement in clinical, angiographic, and hemodynamic states and prevention of recurrent stroke.

The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors of prospective symptomatic haemorrhage in a large series of adult patients with cerebral cavernous malformation (CM).Three hundred twenty-six patients18 years of age with 410 CMs were evaluated retrospectively. Symptomatic haemorrhage was defined as new clinical symptoms with radiographic features of haemorrhage. Clinical data and the characteristics of CM were analysed. MR appearance was divided into three groups according to Zabramski's classification.The overall haemorrhage rate of CM was 4.46% per lesion-year. The overall annual haemorrhage rate according to MR appearance was as follows: type I, 9.47%; type II, 4.74%; and type III, 1.43%. A multivariate analysis revealed that prior symptomatic haemorrhage (p0.001) and MR appearance (p0.001) were statistically significant. After multiple comparisons, type I (p0.001) and type II (p=0.016) showed higher haemorrhage risk than type III. However, no significant difference in haemorrhage rate was observed between type I and type II (p=0.105). Other variables including female gender, age, location, multiplicity, hypertension, size and associated venous angioma were not significant. The haemorrhage rates based on risk factors were estimated at 3 years as follows: 33.77% in patients with prior haemorrhage versus 7.54% in patients without prior haemorrhage (p0.001); type I, 27.62% vs type II, 15.44% vs type III, 5.38% (p0.001).Prior symptomatic haemorrhage and MR appearance could be related to prospective symptomatic CM haemorrhage in adults. A prospective multicentre observational study is necessary to confirm our results.

OBJECTIVE We conducted a retrospective cohort study to elucidate the natural course of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) at a single institution. METHODS Data from patients diagnosed with UIA from March 2000 to May 2008 at our hospital were subjected to a retrospective analysis. The cumulative and annual aneurysm rupture rates were calculated. Additionally, risk factors associated with aneurysmal rupture were identified. RESULTS A total of 1339 aneurysms in 1006 patients met the inclusion criteria. During the follow-up period, 685 aneurysms were treated before rupture via either an open surgical or endovascular procedure. Six hundred fifty-four UIAs were identified and not repaired during the follow-up period. The mean UIA size was 4.5±3.2 mm, and 86.5% of the total UIAs had a largest dimension

Objective The optimal consensus concerning treatment of incidental small paraclinoid unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains controversial. The aim of this retrospective study was to reveal the natural history of small paraclinoid UIAs with the goal of informing the treatment plan. Methods 524 patients harbouring 568 paraclinoid UIAs (≤5 mm) were retrospectively evaluated during the mean follow-up of 35.4 months. The aneurysms were divided into two groups with respect to arterial branch: related (ophthalmic and superior hypophyseal artery), and non-related. Medical records were reviewed concerning multiple variables, such as sex, age, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, smoking and aneurysmal factors (size, arterial relationship, multiplicity and the occurrence of rupture and growth). The cumulative risk and the risk factors of aneurysmal rupture and growth were analysed. Results Two aneurysmal (0.35%) ruptures and 17 growths (3.0%) were observed during the follow-up of 1675.5 aneurysm-years with an annual rupture of 0.12% and an annual growth of 1.01%. The cumulative survival without aneurysmal growth reached a significant difference in aneurysms ≥4 mm (p=0.001), HTN (p=0.002), and arterial branch-related location (p=0.001). Multivariate analysis disclosed that aneurysm ≥4 mm (HR, 4.41; p=0.003), HTN (HR, 5.74; p=0.003), arterial branch-related location (HR, 6.04; p=0.002), and multiplicity (HR, 0.27; p=0.042) were significant predictive factors for aneurysm growth. Conclusions Although incidental small paraclinoid UIAs have a relatively lower rupture and growth risk, patients with high-risk factors, including aneurysm ≥4 mm, HTN, arterial branch-related aneurysms, and multiple aneurysms must be monitored closely. The limitation of the retrospective nature of this study should be taken into consideration.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most dangerous complications after neurological surgery and is related to additional postoperative hospital days and an increased risk of death. One method for the early detection of SSI, the wound-drain-tip culture (WDC), has been widely used. However, no investigations on the relation between SSIs and wound drains after neurological surgery have been conducted. We performed this study to identify the risk factors for SSIs and to assess the relationship between SSIs and the results of WDC after elective supratentorial craniotomy. A total of 535 patients underwent elective primary supratentorial craniotomy, and the results of their WDC were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14.1 ± 12.2 months. In 347 (64.9 %) patients, the wound drain was removed within 2 days after operation. Until follow-up, 14 (2.62 %) patients suffered from SSIs. Among the 21 patients with positive WDCs, 8 (38.1 %) patients experienced SSIs. The organisms cultured from the SSIs were matched with the WDC results in 7 (87.5 %) patients. In the multivariate analysis, underweight group (OR = 15.41, p = 0.002), maintenance wound drain over 3 days (OR = 4.202, p = 0.043), and positive WDC (OR = 36.67, p

Objective: The optimal consensus over treatment of incidental small paraclinoid unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to reveal the natural history of small paraclinoid UIA with the goal of informing a treatment plan. Methods: A total of 344 patients harboring 364 paraclinoid UIA (≤5 mm) were retrospectively evaluated during the mean follow-up of 32±17.3 months from September 2001 to May 2011. Barami’s classification was used for categorizing aneurysm location. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors of aneurysm growth. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit estimator and generalized Wilcoxon tests were performed to assess the cumulative survival without aneurysm growth. Results: None of the aneurysm ruptures and 12 (3.3%) cases of aneurysm growth were observed during the follow up of 969.7 aneurysm-years. Aneurysm ≥ 4mm (hazard ratio [HR], 6.73; p=0.001) and hypertension (HR, 4.92; p=0.02) were associated with aneurysm growth. Other variables including female (p=0.18), age (p=0.24), arterial branch related location (p=0.47), multiplicity (p=0.11), and smoking (p=0.36) did not differ significantly. The multivariate analysis disclosed that aneurysm ≥4mm (HR, 4.78; p=0.01) and hypertension (HR, 4.20; p=0.03) were significant predictable factors for aneurysm growth. The cumulative survival without aneurysm growth reached a significant difference in aneurysms ≥4mm (p Conclusions: Incidental small paraclinoid UIA can be primarily treated conservatively. Patients with high risk factors including aneurysm ≥4 mm and hypertension must be monitored closely.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intravenous flat-detector CT (IV FDCT) angiography is an emerging technology for the detection of intracranial vascular disease. The study was conducted to determine the feasibility of IV FDCT in estimating major atherosclerotic intracranial arteries stenosis with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference. METHODS: DSA and IV FDCT were performed simultaneously in patients with transient ischemic attack or acute cerebral infarction. The degree and length of stenosis were measured. The stenotic vessels were categorized into four groups by the grade of stenosis: normal (70%). The vessels of the normal group were excluded from analysis to reduce spectrum bias. Measurement of vessels was recorded using an electric ruler by a qualified endovascular neurosurgeon and a neuroradiologist. RESULTS: A total of sixty-nine patients with 842 vessel segments were calculated. Mild (n=56), moderate (n=47) and severe stenosis (n=46) groups were analyzed. IV FDCT had a sensitivity of 97.6%, specificity of 96.9%, and a negative predictive value of 96.9% for detecting ≥50% stenosis and respective values of 91.9%, 98.2%, and 97.4 % for depicting ≥70% stenosis. The difference of stenotic length between two tests was not significantly difference as an increase in the severity of stenosis (Spearman’s rank test; r = - 0.12, p=0.13) CONCLUSION: IV FDCT can be a feasible alternative as a noninvasive method for evaluating stenosis of the major intracranial arteries.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors of prospective symptomatic hemorrhage in a large adult CM population. We also proposed a new predictive scoring scale for estimating the hemorrhage-free survival in patients with multiple risk factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 326 adult patients (over 18 years) with 410 CM were retrospectively evaluated during the mean follow-up of 31.4 months. Prospective symptomatic CM hemorrhage was defined as following: 1) a new clinical symptoms, and 2) radiographical hemorrhage including intra-or extralesional signal change or size increase>20%. A new CM classification was suggested: type I, typical mulberry appearance; type IIa, uniloculated CM in the hemisphere; type IIb, deep-seated uniloculated CM. Other risk factors, such as previous hemorrhage, the size and the location of CM, multiplicity and combined venous anomaly, were also evaluated using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the cumulative survival rate without symptomatic hemorrhage. Results: Prior symptomatic hemorrhage (p Conclusion: New predictive scoring system, including prior history of symptomatic hemorrhage and deep-seated CM without mulberry appearance, may be feasible for measuring the hemorrhage-free survival in adult CM patients with multiple risk factors.

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization for wide-necked unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) based on the results observed in consecutive patients in a single center. This study included 116 patients (29 men, 87 women; mean age, 55.4 years) with 121 UIA which were treated by stent-assisted coil embolization from November 2008 to December 2010. A single stent type (Enterprise; Codman & Shurtleff, Raynham, MA, USA) was used. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated. Embolization was successful without complications in 94% of patients. Six patients had procedurerelated thromboembolic events, resulting in neurologic symptoms in four patients, and transient angiographically-visible asymptomatic thromboembolism in two patients. Angiographic aneurysm occlusion was complete in 30.5% of patients, with a small neck remnant in 49.5%, and residual contrast filling in 19.8%. Dual antiplatelet agents were given for at least for 6 months. Thromboembolic stroke developed in three patients during follow-up; all occurred after discontinuation of clopidogrel and/or aspirin. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) follow-up was performed for at least 6 months. The mean follow-up was 13.4 months (range, 6–34 months). Eight patients (6.6%) demonstrated recanalization on MRA. Recoiling was performed in one patient (0.8%). The other seven patients with minor recanalization were conservatively followed. Enterprise stent-assisted coil embolization for the treatment of UIA appears to be effective and safe. Future studies including controlled prospective trials and careful follow-up are required to assess its indications and efficacy on a long term basis.

Introduction We evaluated the outcomes of middle cerebral artery bifurcation (MCAB) aneurysms treated with simple coiling using single or multiple catheters without stents or balloons. Methods This study included 100 patients with 103 MCAB aneurysms who underwent a simple coiling procedure without the adjuvant use of stents or balloons. The angiographic clinical outcomes and recurrence of these aneurysms were evaluated. Results Of the 103 aneurysms, 102 (99.0 %) aneurysms were successfully treated with simple coiling. One patient died from the consequences of a procedural aneurysm rupture. The treatment-associated permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 0 and 1.0 %, respectively. Post-coiling angiograms showed 28 complete occlusions (27.2 %), 60 neck remnants (58.3 %), and 14 partial occlusions (13.6 %). A follow-up angiography (median duration, 30 months; range, 3–73 months) was performed in 80 lesions. Recanalisation was found in 28 lesions (35.0 %), of which 6 were complete occlusions, 18 were neck remnants, and 4 were partial occlusions, as determined by post-coiling angiograms. Among these lesions, 14 major recurrences were retreated with coiling (n = 12) and clipping (n = 2) without complications. Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95 % confidence interval [CI], −0.11 to −0.01; p = 0.03), the presence of a rupture (OR, 3.89; 95 % CI, 0.12 to 2.60; p = 0.03), and a wide aneurysm neck (OR, 6.40; 95 % CI, 0.57 to 3.14; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with the aneurysm recurrence, as determined by multivariable analyses. Conclusion Our study suggests that simple coiling of MCAB aneurysms is feasible and safe; however, it has limitations in durability, particularly in ruptured or wide-necked aneurysms and in young patients.

Fifteen years of experience with adult moyamoya disease (MMD) in a single department were analyzed to describe the clinical features and to clarify the existence of the disease entity of adult MMD with special reference to its diagnosis. This study included 348 patients treated between 1996 and 2010. Male to female ratio was 128 to 220 with mean age of 39 years. The presence of neurological symptoms and signs during childhood and mean Suzuki stage according to the age were evaluated. Adult MMD was differentiated from other diseases, such as vasculitis, by comparing the laboratory data including common markers and specific markers for such diseases between 22 adult MMD and 21 atherosclerotic disease (ASD) patients. Conventional angiographic data were analyzed to detect progression in 52 unilateral adult MMD patients over a mean follow-up duration of 4.8 years. Only one of 128 patients (0.8%) aged over 40 years showed childhood symptoms and signs. The distribution of the mean Suzuki stage between patients aged 40 years and under and over 40 years was similar. Laboratory tests differentiating the other diseases with the same phenotype with MMD revealed no difference between adult MMD and ASD. The progression of unilateral MMD to bilateral MMD occurred in 6 of 52 patients (11.5%). Adult MMD is not a syndrome, but a distinct disease entity with significant progression of unilateral MMD to bilateral MMD. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies should be different from pediatric cases when considering adult MMD.

Background Up-to-date, quantitative angiographic measurement of revascularization extent after bypass surgery has not been reported. Objective To measure the extent of angiographic revascularization quantitatively 6 months postoperatively with the OSIRIS program (University Hospital of Geneva, version 3.1). Methods A total of 75 bypass procedures were performed in 65 consecutive adult moyamoya disease patients, and 71 bypass surgeries in 61 adult moyamoya disease patients were studied 6 months postoperatively with angiography. We performed 5 different types of bypass surgeries: encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis (SMA), SMA with encephalomyosynangiosis (EMS), SMA with EDAS, and SMA with encephaloduroarteriomyosynangiosis (EDAMS). We also investigated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) results after 6 months postoperatively and compared the angiographic revascularization extent with the SPECT results. Results The mean values for the extent of revascularization among 5 different bypass surgeries were as follows: 32.4% for EDAS only, 57.4% for SMA only, 58.4% for SMA with EMS, 66.1% for SMA with EDAS, and 70.8% for SMA with EDAMS. There was a statistically significant difference in the extent of revascularization among the 5 surgical modalities (P = .000) and between the EDAS-only group and various SMA groups (P = .000). Statistical analysis between angiographic revascularization extent and SPECT results demonstrated significant statistical correlation (P = .000). Conclusion The extent of angiographic revascularization in adult moyamoya disease patients was highest in the SMA with EDAMS group and lowest in the EDAS-only group. In addition, angiographic revascularization extent was well correlated with the change in SPECT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimal management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate technical results and clinical outcomes in a single center of consecutive elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2003 and February 2010, 96 patients older than 70 years (men, 16 patients; women, 80 patients; mean age, 73 years) with 122 saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated in our hospital with an endovascular approach. The endovascular procedures and technique, angiographic follow-up, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Successful embolizations without complications were completed in 95.9%. Five patients had procedure-related events, including thromboembolism in 1 patient, aneurysm perforation during the procedure in 1, and 3 postoperative transient minor symptoms (headache, otalgia, and trigeminal pain) in 3. The degree of occlusion of the treated aneurysm was complete in 46.7%; there was a small neck remnant in 40.9% and residual filling in 12.2%. Imaging (MR angiography) follow-up was performed in 68.7% of the patients. The mean follow-up duration was 19.4 months (range, 5–57 months). Fifty-five patients (93.9%) showed no interval change of the residual neck. Four (6%) demonstrated recanalizations, all of which were successfully recoiled. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients older than 70 years of age appears to be safe. Favorable outcomes with low morbidities may replace surgery or conservative treatment as an active management alternative.

OBJECTIVE We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic factors that can influence long-term survival in patients who suffered acute large cerebral infarction. METHODS Between June 2003 and October 2008, a total of 178 patients were diagnosed with a large cerebral infarction, and, among them, 122 patients were alive one month after the onset of stroke. We investigated the multiple factors that might have influenced the life expectancies of these 122 patients. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 70±13.4 years and the mean survival was 41.7±2.8 months. The mean survival of the poor functional outcome group (mRS≥4) was 33.9±3.3 months, whereas that of the good functional outcome group (mRS≤3) was 58.6±2.6 months (p value =0.000). The mean survival of the older patients (≥70 years) was 29.7±3.4 months, whereas that of the younger patients (

BACKGROUND: Postoperative seizure, well-known in association with other pathologies, has been rarely discussed in adult moyamoya disease. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated postoperative seizures in adult patients with moyamoya undergoing revascularization surgery. METHODS: From 2001 to 2007, 43 adult patients with moyamoya disease underwent 53 revascularization surgeries, consisting of direct bypass with or without indirect bypass. Incidence and profile of postoperative seizures were investigated, with evaluation of influencing factors. Multivariable analysis using a generalized estimation equation was performed to determine which factors were related to postoperative seizure. RESULTS: Seizures developed in 10 sides (18.9%) after revascularization for moyamoya disease, including immediate (

Objective Although gadolinium enhancement of compression fractures is well known, the enhancement pattern of the acute stage of a fracture is not completely understood. Here, we investigated the enhancement pattern of acute vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients with acute osteoporotic VCFs admitted to hospital between January 2004 and December 2005. The demographic details, stage of the fracture, management data, and results were analyzed. There were nine men and 22 women, and the mean age was 71 years (range, 53-92 years). According to the onset of pain, patients were divided into the following four groups : Group I (less than 3 days), Group II (4-7 days), Group III (8-14 days), and Group IV (14-30 days). Results All patients had central low-signal intensity of the nonenhancing part of vertebral bodies on T1 images. Enhancing box sign (EBS) was seen 7 days of VCF development. After 7 days of onset (Groups III and IV), patch or Kummell's enhancements occurred. EBS has been statistically correlated with stage of compression fracture (Pearson's correlation = -0.774). However, EBS had no statistically significant correlation with prognosis in our study (Pearson's correlation = 0.059). Conclusion EBS represents a characteristic sign 7 days of VCF development.

Background Stents have widened the indications of endovascular intervention for the cerebral aneurysms. Purpose We aimed to elucidate the effect of stents on radiologic outcomes and to analyze the risk factors for aneurysmal recanalization via a propensity score matching. Methods Among 735 aneurysms treated with coil embolization with stents (n = 187) and without stents (n = 548) during the years 2009 to 2011, 157 propensity score-matched pairs of cases were selected. Recanalization rates and relevant risk factors were analyzed. The mean follow-up interval was 24.1 ± 11.3 months (range, 6–48 months) and 22.9 ± 11.4 months (range, 6–56 months) in the stent and the non-stent groups, respectively (P = 0.388). Results The stent group demonstrated lower recanalization rates than the non-stent group in both the 6-month (1.9% vs 10.2%, P = 0.004) and the final follow-up periods (8.3% vs 18.5%, P = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, significant factors for recanalization included the use of stents (hazard ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.76, P = 0.005), larger aneurysm size (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.31, P Conclusion In this propensity score-matched analysis, stent implantation reduced recanalization of the coiled cerebral aneurysms. Disclosures H. Kang: None. W. Cho: None. H. Hong: None. J. Kim: None. Y. Cho: None. O. Kwon: None. J. Bang: None. G. Hwang: None. Y. Son: None. C. Oh: None. M. Han: None.

Objective : We evaluated the effect of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke in patients over 80 years of age. Materials and Methods : The records of 156 acute stroke patients aged over 80 years who were considered as candidates for EVT were analyzed. Fifty-six patients (35.9%, EVT group) underwent EVT and 100 patients (64.1%, non-EVT group) did not. Outcomes, in terms of functional outcomes and rates of symptomatic hemorrhage, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, were compared between groups. Each comparison was adjusted for age, time from onset, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results : More patients in the EVT group achieved good outcomes (mRS score of 0-2) at 3 months (35.7% vs. 11.0%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.779 [95% confidence interval 1.972-11.579], p = 0.001) and 12 months (35.7% vs. 14.0%, adjusted OR 3.705 [1.574-8.722], p = 0.003) after stroke. During admission, rates of hospital-acquired infection including pneumonia (12.5% vs. 29.0%, adjusted OR 0.262 [0.098-0.703], p = 0.008) and urinary tract infection (16.0% vs. 34.0%, adjusted OR 0.256 [0.099-0.657], p = 0.005) were significantly lower in the EVT group. More symptomatic hemorrhages (10.7% vs. 2.0%, adjusted OR 6.859 [1.139-41.317], p = 0.036) occurred in the EVT group, but no significant difference was observed in in-hospital mortality rate (12.5% vs. 8.0%, adjusted OR 1.380 [0.408-4.664], p = 0.604). Conclusion : EVT improved functional outcome and reduced the risk of hospital-acquired infections in acute stroke patients over 80 years of age without increasing the risk of in-hospital mortality, although symptomatic hemorrhage occurred more frequently after EVT.

Gangliogliomas generally behave as benign indolent tumors. However, gangliogliomas undergoing malignant transformation have also been reported. The molecular basis for the malignant transformation of gangliogliomas remains unclear. We describe a case of ganglioglioma, which had transformed to glioblastoma after the gross total resection of the original tumor, in a 4-year-old girl. The present case is unusual in four aspects: (i) it arose from a low-grade ganglioglioma in the absence of previous radiation or chemotherapy, which is the fourth reported case; (ii) the original tumor showed a high proliferative index on flow cytometry but a low Ki-67 labeling index, implying that the application of flow cytometry might play a certain role in predicting biological and clinical behavior of low grade gangliogliomas; (iii) p53 mutation and deletion appeared in the secondary glioblastoma, which was not shown in the original well-differentiated ganglioglioma; and (iv) the transformed glioblastoma showed p16 inactivation detected by methylation and deletion, which are relatively uncommon genetic events in secondary glioblastomas. This is the first report of a genetic alteration in glioblastoma arising from a well differentiated ganglioglioma prior to radiation or chemotherapy. Based on the above findings, irrespective of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, rare recurrence of malignant evolution, especially tumors of high S-phase fraction on flow cytometry, warrants long-term follow-up, even in a well-differentiated ganglioglioma.

We report a rare case of an idiopathic pseudoaneurysm causing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). A 28-year-old man presented with sudden onset of severe headache. He underwent external ventricular drainage for an isolated IVH in the right lateral ventricle. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed that the aneurysm (7.5×4.5 mm) arose from the distal part of the medial lenticulostriate artery. Following removal of the external ventricular drainage catheter, the aneurysm decreased in size (4.0×2.3 mm). However, follow-up DSA revealed a slightly enlarged aneurysm (4.2×3.2 mm) with morphologic change. The aneurysm was clipped via the interhemispheric transcallosal approach, but postoperative DSA revealed a residual aneurysm sac beside the clips. Given the risk of rebleeding, a second operation was planned for complete resection of the aneurysm. After revised craniotomy and careful dissection of the caudate nucleus, the aneurysm sac was completely resected. Histopathological examination revealed that the aneurysm was a pseudoaneurysm. The patient recovered without any neurological sequel and was discharged. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an idiopathic lenticulostriate artery pseudoaneurysm protruding into the right lateral ventricle and causing an IVH that was successfully treated with microsurgical resection.

We report here the case of a suprasellar cystic germ cell tumor (GCT) initially diagnosed as an arachnoid cyst. A 10-year-old boy experienced headache, dizziness, and diplopia, and was shown to have an approximately 2 cm suprasellar cyst. Two months after endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed, a 5-6 cm cystic mass with an internal enhancing component was observed in the suprasellar cistern. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels were slightly increased in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (55 and 162 IU/L, respectively) but were strikingly elevated in the cystic fluid (14,040 IU/L). The patient showed complete remission, with only a very small cystic lesion remaining after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment for a suprasellar mixed GCT. However, follow-up after treatment was complicated by moyamoya syndrome and cerebral infarction. GCT can be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in the case of a suprasellar cystic mass. Evaluation of tumor markers and close follow-up will be necessary.

Objective To optimize the recanalization of acute cerebral stroke that were not effectively resolved by conventional intraarterial thrombolysis (IAT), we designed a double device technique to allow for rapid and effective reopening. In this article, we describe the feasibility and efficacy of this technique. Methods From January 2008 to September 2009, twenty patients with acute cerebral arterial occlusion (middle cerebral artery : n=12; internal carotid artery terminus : n=5; basilar artery : n=3) were treated by the double device technique. This technique was applied when conventional thrombolytic methods using drug, microwires, microcatheters and balloons did not result in recanalization. In the double device technique, two devices are simultaneously placed at the lesion (for example, one microcatheter and one balloon or two microcatheters). Chemicomechanical or mechanicomechanical thrombolysis was performed simultaneously using various combinations of two devices. Recanalization rates, procedural time, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results The initial median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (range 5-26). The double device technique was applied after conventional IAT methods failed. Recanalization was achieved in 18 patients (90%). Among them, 55% (11 cases) were complete (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B, 3). The median thrombolytic procedural time including the conventional technique was 135±83.7 minutes (range 75-427). Major symptomatic hemorrhages (neurological deterioration ≥4 points in NIHSS) developed in two patients (10%). Good long term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at 90 days) occurred in 25% (n=5) of the cases. Mortality within 90 days developed in two cases (10%). Conclusion The double device technique is a feasible and effective technical option for large vessel occlusion refractory to conventional thrombolysis.

Many reports have been published on complications related to middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm surgical clipping procedures. We report an emergency intracranial in situ bypass surgery case which was performed as a rescue procedure after aneurysmal neck laceration during clipping of an MCA large aneurysm. In this case, we performed in situ M3-superficial temporal artery (STA) interposition graft-M3 bypass procedure. If a STA-MCA anastomosis is not available under MCA flow obstruction, we can consider an emergency in situ MCA-MCA bypass procedure with or without an STA interposition graft.

The authors evaluated the accuracies and ease of use of several commonly used microanastomosis training models (synthetic tube, chicken wing, and living rat model).A survey was conducted among neurosurgeons and neurosurgery residents at a workshop held in 2009 at the authors' institute. Questions addressed model accuracy (similarity to real vessels and actual procedures) and practicality (availability of materials and ease of application in daily practice). Answers to each question were rated using a 5-point scale. Participants were also asked what types of training methods they would chose to improve their skills and to introduce the topic to other neurosurgeons or neurosurgery residents.Of the 24 participants, 20 (83.3%) responded to the survey. The living rat model was favored for model accuracy (p0.001; synthetic tube -0.95 +/- 0.686, chicken wing, 0.15 +/- 0.587, and rat, 1.75 +/- 0.444) and the chicken wing model for practicality (p0.001; synthetic tube -1.55 +/- 0.605, chicken wing, 1.80 +/- 0.523, and rat, 1.30 +/- 0.923). All (100%) chose the living rat model for improving their skills, and for introducing the subject to other neurosurgeons or neurosurgery residents, the chicken wing and living rat models were selected by 18 (90%) and 20 (100%), respectively.Of 3 methods examined, the chicken wing model was found to be the most practical, but the living rat model was found to represent reality the best. We recommend the chicken wing model to train surgeons who have mastered basic techniques, and the living rat model for experienced surgeons to maintain skill levels.

Tension pneumocephalus may follow a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak communicating with extensive extradural air. However, it rarely occurs after diagnostic lumbar puncture, and its treatment and pathophysiology are uncertain. Tension pneumocephalus can develop even after diagnostic lumbar puncture in a special condition. This extremely rare condition and underlying pathophysiology will be presented and discussed. The authors report the case of a 44-year-old man with a basal skull fracture accompanied by pneumothorax necessitating chest tube suction drainage, who underwent an uneventful lumbar tapping that was complicated by postprocedural tension pneumocephalus resulting in an altered mental status. The patient was managed by burr hole trephination and saline infusion following chest tube disengagement. He recovered well with no neurologic deficits after the operation, and a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated that the pneumocephalus had completely resolved. Tension pneumocephalus is a rare but serious complication of lumbar puncture in patients with basal skull fractures accompanied by pneumothorax, which requires continuous chest tube drainage. Thus, when there is a need for lumbar tapping in these patients, it should be performed after the negative pressure is disengaged.

A 47-year-old man presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and right cerebellar hematoma was referred for evaluation. Cerebral angiography revealed a distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysm associated with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Successful obliteration and complete removal of the aneurysm and AVM were obtained using transcortical approach under the guidance of neuronavigation system. The association of a peripheral AICA aneurysm and a cerebellar AVM by the same artery is unique. The reported cases of conventional surgery for this disease complex are not common and their results are variable. Less invasive surgery using image-guided neuronavigation system would be helpful and feasible for a peripheral aneurysm combining an AVM of the posterior fossa in selective cases.

A 75-year-old female presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography revealed a partial duplication (fenestration) in the proximal A(1) segment and a ruptured aneurysm at the distal end of A(1) fenestration. This congenital anomaly accompanying an aneurysm was associated with duplicated ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). Congenital defect of the arterial wall and hemodynamic factors at the fenestrated A(1) are considered to play a significant role in the development of this aneurysm. The present case is peculiar because not only the ruptured A(1) aneurysm was related with the anterior and middle cerebral artery duplication but also the location of A(1) fenestration and the origin of A(1) aneurysm in a fenestration are quite unusual.