Pseudohypoxic Brain Swelling after Unilateral Burr Hole Drainage: A Novel Case Report.

An 85-year-old man underwent emergency right trepanation and drainage for a symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma. Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS) was suspected because magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse brain swelling. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was not obvious during or after surgery, most of the reported PHBS cases have leaked CSF during craniotomy or spine surgery. PHBS has not been previously reported in patients without obvious CSF leakage or after unilateral burr hole drainage. Herein, we report an extremely rare case with a literature review investigating its pathogenesis and clinical features.

Usefulness of the Atherosclerosis Risk Score for Patients With Acute Infarction in the Lenticulostriate Artery Region.

Background and purpose Internal carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are risk factors of cerebrovascular disease and coronary artery disease. They are known as independent predictors of arteriosclerotic disease. It has been reported that IMT and PWV are useful factors for predicting stroke subtype and/or outcome. Coronary artery disease onset is proportional to atherosclerosis progression, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Suita score (SS) are standard risk predictors. This study examined whether FRS and SS can be useful for patient outcomes with acute infarction in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) region without special tests or invasive procedures while using IMT or PWV as predictive factors. Methods We screened 629 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke and reviewed 84 patients with acute infarction in the LSA region who were admitted between January 2018 and December 2020. An early deterioration (ED) group was defined. In addition, the clinical characteristics, FRS, SS, treatment therapy, and neurovascular findings were evaluated. Results FRS and SS (FRS: 11.6 vs. 8.3, p < 0.01, SS: 58.2 vs. 53.7, p = 0.01, respectively), pre-symptomatic modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (p = 0.03), mRS at discharge (p < 0.01), and deterioration of manual muscle test (MMT) (<0.01) were significantly higher in patients in the ED (34 patients) group than in the no-ED group (54 patients). FRS and SS were correlated with mRS deterioration (FRS: r = 0.47; p < 0.01, SS: r = 0.23; p = 0.03). Among the laboratory parameters, total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the ED group, and no significant differences in any acute therapeutic interventions. Conclusion Atherosclerosis risk scores, such as FRS and SS, may be useful for predicting outcomes in patients with acute LSA-region infarctions within 48 hours of onset.

Endovascular Trapping for Ruptured Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objective: Rupture of blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may result in fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Open surgery including bypass surgery has been performed to treat the aneurysm. Recently, endovascular treatment is developing for the treatment of cerebral aneurysm. Here, we report a case of ruptured BBA of the ICA, treated by endovascular trapping and review the literatures. Case Presentation: A 37-year-old woman was brought to our hospital to treat SAH. Computed tomography (CT) angiography showed no apparent cause of the hemorrhage except for the minor dilation of the C2 portion of the left ICA. After 3 days, the CT angiography demonstrated progression of the dilation with the formation of a bleb. Evaluating collateral circulation through anterior communicating artery, endovascular trapping of the ICA was performed. Although she suffered minor ischemic stroke postoperatively, the symptoms recovered completely and discharged without neurological deficit. Review of Literatures: we reviewed the 11 cases of ruptured BBA treated by endovascular trapping. The results of ICA occlusion based on the evaluation of collateral circulation were satisfactory because rebleeding as well as regrowth of the aneurysm were prevented. However, hemodynamic compromise and treatment for vasospasm following SAH are considered. Conclusion: Rebleeding from BBA of the ICA should be prevented first and ischemic complication is avoided secondary. Endovascular trapping following evaluation of the collateral circulation is definitive treatment of BBA of the ICA.

Moyamoya Disease Associated with Graves' Disease and Down Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya vessels are cerebral vasculopathies characterized by net-like collateral vessel formation at the cerebral basal area and stenosis of the terminal internal carotid artery, proximal middle cerebral artery, and anterior cerebral artery. A diagnosis of Moyamoya disease depends on the bilateral presence of Moyamoya vessels. Moyamoya disease associated with Graves' disease has rarely been reported to be a cause of ischemic events due to hyperthyroidism. However, there are extremely rare cases of Moyamoya disease with concurrent Graves' disease and Down syndrome. We aimed to report such a case, and to compare these cases' clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment effects to those of the cases of concurrent Moyamoya disease and Graves' disease alone. METHODS: We performed an English literature search using the PubMed database and the keywords Moyamoya, quasi-Moyamoya, Graves' disease, thyrotoxicosis, Down syndrome, and trisomy 21. RESULTS: Only five cases of Moyamoya disease with Graves' disease and Down syndrome have been reported, including our own. Four patients were female (80%), and all underwent antithyroid therapy and experienced ischemic episodes, including transient ischemic attacks. At the time of their vascular accident, two patients were in a thyrotoxic state; only our patient was in a euthyroid state. The mean age was 15.6 years (standard deviation: 6.1), which was younger than the mean age of 31.4 years (standard deviation: 13) in patients with Moyamoya disease and Graves' disease alone. Down syndrome is commonly associated with abnormal vascular networks due to increased endostatin concentrations or immunological abnormalities such as those that occur in Graves' disease. Graves' disease accelerates the progression of Moyamoya disease and ischemic attacks due to atherosclerosis, enhances sympathetic nervous system activity and immunological changes. As compared to Moyamoya disease patients, patients with concurrent Graves' disease only and Moyamoya disease patients with concurrent Graves' disease and Down syndrome may experience accelerated disease progression or more frequent ischemic attacks. CONCLUSION: Early imaging follow-ups and strict control of thyroid function are necessary in such cases; if ischemic attacks have already occurred, revascularization surgery may be effective.

[Advantages and Disadvantages of Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Artery Stenting:Notes from a Hybrid Neurosurgeon].

OBJECTIVE: Carotid endarterectomy(CEA)is well-established and performed for carotid artery stenosis all over the world. However, some severe complications and pitfalls have been reported. Carotid artery stenting(CAS)in high-surgical-risk patients is considered an effective alternative to CEA. We reviewed our clinical experience of CEA and CAS and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For 13 years, we performed CEA for 133 patients(135 lesions)and CAS for 127 patients with carotid artery stenosis(129 lesions). CAS is indicated for the CEA high-risk patients. Perioperative imaging studies and post-operative statuses were evaluated especially in cases with complications. RESULTS: In our CEA series, ischemic stroke occurred in 3 cases, myocardial infarction in 1, cranial nerve palsy in 2, internal carotid artery occlusion in 1, wound hematoma in 2, and hyperperfusion syndrome in 4. The procedure was halted in one case because of an internal shunt problem. All cases of CAS were successfully performed except for one case complicated with myocardial infarction. Ischemic stroke occurred in 7 cases, hyperperfusion syndrome in 2, stent occlusion in 2, and puncture site hematoma in 2. Restenosis appeared in CAS significantly more than in CEA. CONCLUSIONS: CEA is a first-line treatment for carotid artery stenosis. However, complications of CEA may result in severe situations. Recognizing pitfalls and careful perioperative management is required. The results of CAS are comparable to those of CEA. Radiological evaluation for the presence of plaque and appropriate selection of an embolus protection device are important.

[A Case of Embolic Infarction Associated with Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery and Treated Using Mechanical Thrombectomy].

The accessory middle cerebral artery(AMCA)is an anatomical variant of the MCA. It originates from the anterior cerebral artery, reaches the sylvian fissure, and supplies the territory of the middle cerebral artery. We report a case of embolic infarction associated with the AMCA that was treated using mechanical thrombectomy. An 82-year-old man with chronic atrial fibrillation experienced a sudden onset of left hemiparesis and was brought to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a right temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and basal ganglion infarction, and indicated right internal carotid artery(ICA)occlusion. Mechanical thrombectomy using a Penumbra system was performed with complete recanalization. Final angiography revealed the existence of the AMCA, and the thrombus was located at the right ICA C2 portion to the main MCA. There have been twelve reported cases of ischemic stroke associated with the AMCA, including the present case. We summarized the data from the reported cases of ischemic stroke with an AMCA and evaluated their clinical characteristics and the pitfalls of endovascular treatment. These cases suggest that the AMCA may play a role in collateral flow around the main MCA occlusion, but provides insufficient collateral blood supply. Owing to the anatomical characteristics of the AMCA, we should pay attention to possible complications of endovascular treatment.

[A Case of Carotid Endarterectomy for the Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Associated with Twisted Internal Carotid Artery].

Twisted carotid artery bifurcation is a variant in which the internal carotid artery(ICA)courses mediall to the external carotid artery(ECA). Here, we report a case of ICA stenosis, which is a complication of twisted ICA, treated with carotid endarterectomy(CEA). A 75-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with left-sided hemiparesis. MRI diffusion-weighted image revealed right frontal lobe infarction and high-grade stenosis at the origin of the right ICA. The ICA was located inside in relation to the ECA, manifesting as twisted ICA. We diagnosed her with cerebral infarction, caused by the ICA stenosis, and performed CEA. Afcer administering general anesthesia, the bifurcation of the right common carotid artery was exposed. ICA was located inside, and ECA was located outside. The superior thyroid artery originated from ECA and coursed in front of the ICA. After arteriotomy, internal shunting was performed. The plaque was removed en bloc and the arteriotomy was closed. Throughout the operation, the position of the arteries was retained while the procedures were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the imaging study revealed that the stenosis was resolved. It is important to confirm which artery is an ICA in a case of twisted ICA during CEA. The etiology can be congenital or acquired. In conclusion, CEA was performed safely for ICA stenosis that manifested as twisted ICA with some tips.

[A Case of IgG4-related Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis].

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, manifesting as a fibrous thickening of the dura mater. Recently, it was reported that IgG4 is related to the etiology of some diseases, such as pancreatitis. Here, we report a case of hypertrophic pachymeningitis related to infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells. A 68-year-old man presented at a nearby hospital with a headache and a low-grade fever. A blood test revealed inflammation, as well as elevation of IgG4 level. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed diffuse thickening of the dura mater, dominantly in the posterior fossa and cerebellar tentorium. The lesion was enhanced significantly with gadolinium(Gd). An open biopsy was performed to determine pathological diagnosis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, including plasma cells. The infiltrating cells were positive for the IgG4. Post-operatively, the patient was treated with glucocorticoid, and both the inflammation and patient symptoms were improved. In conclusion, IgG4 is related to the etiology of hypertrophic pachymeningitis and glucocorticoid therapy is effective for this disease.

[A Case of Metastatic Brain Tumor Complicated by Multiple Repeated Hemorrhages].

Metastatic brain tumor occasionally results in multiple cerebral hemorrhages. Here, we report a case of metastatic brain tumor complicated by multiple repeated cerebral hemorrhages. An 80-year-old man with a history of removal of lung cancer was admitted to our hospital because of disturbed consciousness following headache. A brain CT revealed a mass lesion of 40-mm diameter in the left cerebellum and a mass lesion of 2-mm diameter in the right temporal lobe. The cerebellar mass lesion showed homogeneous iso-density, indicating a subacute phase hemorrhage. Two days later, a follow-up CT revealed that the mass lesion had become high-density, indicating complication by a fresh hemorrhage. Hematoma was removed and histological examination was performed on the cerebellar lesion. There was leakage of dark-red liquid intraoperatively, and histological examination revealed an adenocarcinoma, indicating metastasis of the lung cancer. Additionally, necrosis and hemorrhage were identified. Postoperatively, whole brain irradiation was performed. The right temporal lesion gradually enlarged but disappeared after irradiation. In conclusion, multiple brain metastases may result in multiple cerebral hemorrhages. Repeated hemorrhage from necrosis of the carcinoma causes a slowly growing hematoma.

[A Ruptured Aneurysm at the Origin of a Duplicated Middle Cerebral Artery, Treated by Coil Embolization:A Case Report].

Duplication of the middle cerebral artery(MCA)is an anatomical variant of the MCA, originating from the distal portion of the internal carotid artery(ICA)and supplying blood flow to the tip of the temporal lobe. Cerebral aneurysms rarely develop at the bifurcation of the ICA and the duplicated MCA, but when they do develop, they may result in subarachnoid hemorrhage. We treated a 41-year-old man, who was urgently brought to our hospital because of severe headache. A computed tomography(CT)scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of an aneurysm at the origin of the duplicated MCA. The aneurysm was small and projected laterally, and coil embolization was performed employing a balloon catheter. The neck of the aneurysm was not embolized to preserve the origin of the duplicated MCA. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and he returned to his usual daily activities. Coil embolization is rapidly developing for treatment of cerebral aneurysms and may be the first-line treatment for duplicated MCA aneurysms. Owing to the relatively small size of such aneurysms, the risk of intraprocedural rupture should be considered, and a carefully performed balloon-assisted procedure is recommended.

[A Case of Vertebral Artery Stenosis Presenting with Progressing Stroke and Treated by Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty].

A 75-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was suffered from dizziness and vomiting and brought to the near-by hospital. MRI showed cerebellar infarction due to right vertebral artery stenosis. Despite best medical treatment, the infarction progressed day by day and he was transferred to our hospital five days later. Neurological examination showed mild disturbance of consciousness and right hemiparesis. Right vertebral angiography revealed high-grade stenosis accompanied with atherosclerosis at the V3-V4 portion. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed with 2.5 mm×14 mm balloon with 6 atm dilation. Postoperative course was uneventful and no further stroke occurred after the treatment. PTA was effective for vertebral artery stenosis manifested with progressing stroke. The indication of stent placement for the cerebral artery should be prudent.

Repeated delayed onset cerebellar radiation injuries after linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: case report.

A 63-year-old woman presented with right hearing disturbance and vertigo. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed the presence of right vestibular schwannoma (VS). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was performed with a tumor marginal dose of 14 Gy using two isocenters. She was followed up clinically and neuroradiologically using three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo MR imaging. She experienced temporal neurological deterioration due to peritumoral edema in her right cerebellar peduncle and pons for a few months beginning 1.5 years after SRS, when she experienced transient right facial dysesthesia and hearing deterioration. Ten years after SRS, the patient presented with sudden onset of vertigo, gait disturbance, diplopia, dysarthria, and nausea. MR imaging demonstrated a new lesion in the right cerebellar peduncle, which was diagnosed as radiation-induced stroke. The patient was followed up conservatively and her symptoms disappeared within a few months. Multiple delayed onset radiation injuries are possible sequelae of SRS for VS.

Malignant transformation of craniopharyngioma associated with moyamoya syndrome.

A 32-year-old man presented with malignant craniopharyngioma associated with moyamoya syndrome manifesting as right visual disturbance. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a parasellar mass lesion diagnosed as adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. He underwent three surgical procedures and repeated courses of radiotherapy, and was able to resume his daily life. MR imaging demonstrated tumor regrowth and bilateral occlusions of the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) with basal moyamoya phenomenon, which might have been induced by irradiation and/or tumor compression, 10 years after the initial manifestations. Sufficient debulking was safely achieved via the transsphenoidal route and histological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma, indicating malignant transformation of craniopharyngioma. The tumor relapsed after only one month, so transsphenoidal tumor debulking was tried again. However, the postoperative course was unfavorable because of intraoperative bleeding from the right ICA. Malignant transformation of craniopharyngioma may be included in moyamoya syndrome. The treatment strategy should be carefully considered in such a complicated situation.

[Radiation injury after stereotactic irradiaton: especially long-term follow-up benign of targets].

OBJECTIVE: To analyses the result of linac radiosurgery (LRS) for the treatment of intracranial benign lesions and to assess possible factors related to complications. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 204 patients treated with LRS between May, 1993 and December, 2003. The study determined the correlation between radiosurgical complications including imaging changes after LRS and multiple factors such as radiosurgical parameters, location, volume and shape. We divided the patients into three groups by MRI imaging changes and clinical symptoms. Group 1 (Gr. 1): Imaging change only. Group 2 (Gr. 2): Imaging change with transient symptoms. Group 3 (Gr.3): Imaging change with permanent symptoms. RESULT: Ninty-three patient with AVM: Gr. 1, 8 cases (8.6%), Gr. 2, 1 case (1.1%), Gr. 3, 2 cases (2.1%). A significantly higher incidence of imaging change was noted in patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) volumes greater than 10 cc, irregular shape of the nidus and deep location. Fifty-eight patients with vestibulan schwannoma (VS): Gr. 1, 6 cases (10.3%), Gr. 2, 1 case (1.8%), Gr. 3, 2 cases (3.4%). Imaging changes were seen mostly in cases with tumor volume greater than 5 cc. Fifty-three patients with meningioma: Gr. 1, 4 cases (7.5%), Gr.2, 2 cases (3.7%), Gr.3, 0 case. Imaging changes were seen mostly in convexity, parasaggital, and falx meningiomas that were deeply embedded in the cortex. The symptom continued the until last serial observation in four cases. We used various interventions in these patients including steroid, anticoagulant, surgical removal, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy; but these therapies were not effective. CONCLUSION: LRS for each disease seems to be a safe and effective treatment. However, once serious radiation injuries occur there is no effective therapy, so it is important to make appropriate selection of patients for radiosurgery.

Usefulness of intraoperative photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid for meningiomas with cranial invasion: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of a meningioma in which photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using 5-aminolevulinic acid was very useful in identifying the cranial involvement. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old woman presented with a bony, hard, immobile bulge in her left forehead. Computed tomographic scans showed a thickening in the left frontal bone with a flat mass underneath. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed that enhancing lesions spread to the dura mater and subcutaneous tissue around the thickened frontal bone, reaching the upper margin of the left orbit. INTERVENTION: Intraoperative PDD using 5-aminolevulinic acid indicated the optimal extent of the excision by showing clear fluorescence of affected tissues. The tumor was totally resected and diagnosed as an atypical meningioma. Histopathological examination confirmed the consistency of the extent of tumor invasion with affected lesions on PDD. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case demonstrating the efficacy of PDD using 5-aminolevulinic acid for a meningioma with cranial invasion. Additional studies are warranted, as shown in cases of malignant gliomas.

[Skull metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma successfully treated by intraoperative photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid: case report].

There have been no studies on photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in patients with metastatic skull tumors. Here, we present a case of skull metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) successfully treated by intraoperative PDD using 5-ALA. A 63-year-old man with HCC presented with a subcutaneous mass in the left occipital region. CT showed a hyperdensity mass and severe osteolytic change in the left side of the occipital bone. MRI revealed an extra-axial enhanced mass that compressed the left occipital lobe and enhancement was spreading to the adjacent subcutaneous soft tissue. In order to intraoperatively evaluate the extent of tumor invasion, PDD using 5-ALA was performed. Intraoperative PDD comfirmed that the tumor itself was highly fluorescent. Surgery was completed after comfirming the absence of residual fluorescence in the surgical field. The tumor was diagnosed HCC. Histopathological analysis confirmed that PDD accurately assessed the extent of tumor invasion. The patient was discharged home at 10 days after surgery. PDD using 5-ALA is convenient and inexpensive, and because adverse reactions are minimal, it may be useful in not only malignant glioma, but also other brain tumors.

Linear accelerator radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: measuring tumor volume changes on serial three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo magnetic resonance images.

OBJECT: The authors report on a series of 46 patients harboring vestibular schwannomas (VSs) treated using linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery and an analysis of serial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data, specifically the changes in tumor volume. METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive patients underwent LINAC radiosurgery for VS between 1993 and 2002. Seven of these patients were lost to follow up. Three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) MR imaging was performed at 3- to 4-month intervals after radiosurgery. Tumor volume was measured on Gd-enhanced MR images of each slice. The median duration of follow-up MR imaging studies was 56.5 months (range 12-120 months). Follow-up imaging studies were conducted for longer than 1 year in 42 of 53 patients. Tumor volume changes were categorized into four types: enlargement (eight lesions [19%]), no change (two lesions [4.8%]), transient enlargement followed by shrinkage (19 lesions [45.2%]), and direct shrinkage (13 lesions [31%]). Two cases (4.8%) with twice the initial tumor volume required repeated radiosurgery. All cases of transient enlargement had subsequent shrinkage within 2 years after radiosurgery. Nine (21.4%) of 42 patients demonstrated ventricular enlargement on MR images obtained after radiosurgery. Three patients (7.1%) required placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because of symptomatic hydrocephalus, and another four cases (9.5%) spontaneously resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Volume measurement on 3D-SPGR MR imaging was a suitable method to assess tumor changes. Volume changes beyond twofold or continuous enlargement for longer than 2 years after radiosurgery are key criteria in rating the effects of radiation. Some cases of hydrocephalus after radiosurgery resolved spontaneously and their rates of occurrence were similar to the typical incidence of hydrocephalus associated with VS.