Replaced posterior cerebral artery with early branching temporal artery diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of replaced posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in which all branches of the PCA arose from the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) with an early branching temporal artery. METHODS: An 83-year-old man with cerebral infarctions underwent cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography using a 3-Tesla scanner. MR angiography was performed using a standard 3-dimensional time-of-flight technique. RESULTS: A large anomalous artery arose from the supraclinoid segment of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and supplied all branches of the right PCA, mimicking fetal-type PCA. The temporal branch arose from the proximal segment of this artery. In MR angiographic source images, a tiny artery arose from the right ICA proximal to the origin of the anomalous artery, indicating a hypoplastic right posterior communicating artery (PCoA). Thus, we concluded that the anomalous artery was a replaced PCA; all branches of the PCA arose from the AChA. CONCLUSION: We present a case involving a replaced PCA with an early branching temporal artery, as seen on MR angiography. Careful observation of MR angiographic source images is useful for identifying small arteries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this combined variation in the relevant English-language literature.

Two Cases of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Fenestration of the M1 Segment of the Middle Cerebral Artery.

M1 fenestration of the middle cerebral artery is rare. We present two patterns of acute thromboembolic conditions in M1 fenestrations treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Case 1 was a male in his 60s presenting with right hemiparesis and aphasia. Angiography showed acute left M1 proximal occlusion; the first direct aspiration revealed two parallel routes, and the second aspiration achieved complete recanalization of the left M1 fenestration. Case 2 was a male in his 70s presenting right hemiparesis and aphasia. Angiography revealed a sudden stair-like narrowing of the left M1 in the intermediate part, and a retrograde blood flow cavity was observed on the upper side of the distal part. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed to diagnose the upper limb occlusion of the left M1 fenestration, and successful recanalization was achieved through direct aspiration. Anatomical variations, such as fenestration, should be considered to reduce complication risks.

Newly developed twisted carotid bifurcation on the left side incidentally diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography.

We herein report a case of left twisted carotid bifurcation (TCB) that newly appeared on follow-up examination. The patient was a 71-year-old woman with neck bruit and hyperlipidemia underwent neck magnetic resonance angiography. The left carotid bifurcation showed a normal branching pattern. Two years later, a follow-up examination was performed, and the left internal carotid artery (ICA) ran medial to the external carotid artery (ECA), indicating TCB. On the right side, the ICA ran dorsal to the ECA. The prevalence of TCB is reported to be 3.6%-15.1%. According to a review of the relevant literature, >80% of TCBs were found on the right side. TCB is generally considered to be a result of excessive lateral migration of the ECA during embryogenesis, and age-related atherosclerotic elongation and tortuosity of the carotid arteries may be another cause. In the case of TCB, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is slightly difficult and slightly dangerous, because the affected ICA lies behind the ECA, and superior laryngeal nerve injury rarely occurs. TCB is not uncommon, but there is greater frequency on the right side. It may also newly develop. It is important to conduct a radiological evaluation of TCB before performing CEA.

Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischaemic Stroke Caused by Vertebral Artery Dissection: A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review.

Vertebrobasilar artery dissection is an uncommon cause of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Optimal endovascular management has not been established. This study aimed to share our experience with endovascular reperfusion therapy for vertebrobasilar artery occlusion due to vertebral artery dissection (VAD). We retrospectively reviewed 134 consecutive patients with AIS who received urgent endovascular reperfusion therapy between November 2017 and November 2019. Three patients diagnosed with VAD were investigated. The evaluation included mechanisms of vertebrobasilar artery occlusion due to VAD, variations in endovascular procedures, and functional outcomes. Dissections at the V3, V4 and extension of V3 to V4 segments were seen in one patient each. The mechanism of AIS was different in each patient: occlusion of the distal non-dissected artery due to an embolus from the dissection site (distal occlusion), haemodynamic collapse of the entire vertebrobasilar artery system due to the arterial dissection itself (local occlusion), or coexistence of distal occlusion and local occlusion (tandem occlusion). The endovascular reperfusion therapy was performed corresponding to the abovementioned mechanisms: mechanical thrombectomy for distal occlusion, stenting for local occlusion, and a combination of thrombectomy and stenting for tandem occlusion. In all three patients, effective recanalization and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-2 at 90 days after the onset) were achieved. Endovascular treatment corresponding to the individual mechanism of AIS may improve patient outcomes.

Flexible Endoscopic Aspiration for Intraventricular Casting Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, patients suffering a massive intraventricular hemorrhage have undergone external ventricular drainage. However, long-term or repeated drainage increases the risk of complications due to infections or shunt dependency. Neuroendoscopic surgery may offer some advantages over more conventional procedures. METHODS: Thirteen patients suffering intraventricular hematoma associated with intracerebral hemorrhage, treated in our hospital between April 2011 and March 2014, were reviewed retrospectively. Casting hematomas in the ventricles were manually aspirated using a flexible endoscope. The timing of the operation, period of post-endoscopic ventricular drainage, additional internal shunt surgery, 3-month post-surgical outcome, and critical complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Two patients (treated during our earliest use of endoscope) who underwent surgery on the 7th and 16th day post-onset required subsequent cerebrospinal shunt surgery. In contrast, of the 11 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery on the day of onset, only 1 patient required an additional, third ventriculostomy due to a secondary obstruction of the aqueduct by adhesive fibrous membranes. After 3 months, all six patients with mRS scores of 2-3 satisfied all the following criteria: initial Glasgow Coma Scale scores higher than 8, flexible endoscopic surgeries performed on the day of onset, and period of ventricular drainage of less than 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical intervention using a flexible endoscope and short period of post-surgical drainage can be highly effective for patients suffering from casting intraventricular hematomas associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. The advantages of this treatment may be a less invasive procedure, ICP control in the acute phase, breaking away from ventricular drainage in the early stage, and prevention of hydrocephalus or intracranial infectious complications in the long term.

Infratentorial arteriovenous malformation associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of infratentorial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA). To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of these combined anomalies in the English literature. We discuss the embryological relationship between these two congenital vascular anomalies. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 18-year-old girl, who suddenly developed severe headache and vomiting followed by loss of consciousness, was admitted to our hospital. A computed tomography scan showed intracerebellar hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus. Digital subtraction angiography revealed an AVM in the left cerebellar hemisphere and an ipsilateral PPHA. After the intracranial pressure was stabilized, the AVM was surgically removed. AVMs develop during the 4(th) to 8(th) week of embryonic life. In contrast, carotid-basilar anastomoses (CBAs) including primitive hypoglossal arteries appear and close spontaneously by the 6(th) week of embryonic life. Thus, AVMs precede CBAs, and a large amount of blood flows into the adjoining AVM via ipsilateral CBAs. As a result, spontaneous closure of a CBA may be disturbed. CONCLUSION: We speculate that coexistence of infratentorial AVMs and ipsilateral CBAs is not incidental but inevitable.

Recanalization of a large supraclinoid carotid aneurysm via elicited vertebral artery-internal carotid artery anastomosis: a case report.

Proximal ligation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with high-flow bypass is one of the surgical strategies for treating large, unclippable ICA aneurysms. We encountered a rare case of recanalization of a large ICA aneurysm that disappeared after high-flow bypass surgery, and subsequently reappeared via an elicited vertebral artery (VA)-ICA anastomosis (anastomosis between the anterior meningeal artery branching from the right VA, and the ascending pharyngeal artery branching (APA) from the right ICA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing angiographical recurrence of a large ICA aneurysm after the surgery. Periodic long-term follow-up by neuroimaging may be necessary after this surgery, particularly in cases of ICA proximal ligation with the ICA aneurysm, when the APA has not been clearly identified as a branch from the ipsilateral external carotid artery on the preoperative angiogram.

Safety of intravenous administration of hydrogen-enriched fluid in patients with acute cerebral ischemia: initial clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: Most of the results regarding hydrogen (H2) therapy for acute cerebral ischemia are derived from in vitro studies and animal experiments, with only a few obtained from human trials with a limited number of subjects. Thus, there is a paucity of information regarding both the beneficial therapeutic effects as well as the side effects of H2 on acute cerebral ischemia in humans. We designed a pilot study to investigate single dose intravenous H2-administration in combination with edaravone, aiming to provide an initial estimate of the possible risks and benefits in select patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: An open-label, prospective, non-randomized study of intravenous H2-administration was performed in 38 patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke. All patients received an H2-enriched intravenous solution in addition to edaravone immediately after the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Acute stroke patients within 3 h of onset received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) (0.6 mg/kg) treatment, and patients receiving t-PA had to commence the administration of the H2-enriched intravenous solution and edaravone before or at the same time as the t-PA was infused. RESULTS: Complications were observed in 2 patients (5.3%), which consisted of diarrhea in 1 patient (2.6%) and cardiac failure in 1 patient (2.6%). No deterioration in laboratory tests, urinary tests, ECG, or chest X-ray radiograms occurred in any patient in this study. In all patients, the mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at baseline, and 7, 30, and 90 d after admission were 8.2 ± 7.5, 5.6 ± 7.1, 4.9 ± 6.5, and 4.5 ± 6.3, respectively. The early recanalization was identified in 4 of 11 patients (36.4%) who received intravenous t-PA administration. Hemorrhagic transformation was observed in 2 patients (18.2%). None of the patients in this study that were treated with t-PA developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the current study indicate that an H2-enriched intravenous solution is safe for patients with acute cerebral infarction, including patients treated with t-PA.

Nonsurgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma with tranexamic acid.

OBJECT: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common condition after head trauma. It can often be successfully treated surgically by inserting a bur hole and draining the liquefied hematoma. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, for nonemergency cases not requiring surgery, no reports have indicated the best approach for preventing hematoma enlargement or resolving it completely. The authors hypothesized that hyperfibrinolysis plays a major role in liquefaction of the hematoma. Therefore, they evaluated the ability of an antifibrinolytic drug, tranexamic acid, to completely resolve CSDH compared with bur hole surgery alone. METHODS: From 2007 to 2011, a total of 21 patients with CSDH seen consecutively at Kuki General Hospital, Japan, were given 750 mg of tranexamic acid orally every day. Patients were identified by a retrospective records review, which collected data on the volume of the hematoma (based on radiographic measurements) and any complications. Follow-up for each patient consisted of CT or MRI every 21 days from diagnosis to resolution of the CSDH. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 3 with early stages of CSDH were treated by bur hole surgery before receiving medical therapy. The median duration of clinical and radiographic follow-up was 58 days (range 28-137 days). Before tranexamic acid therapy was initiated, the median hematoma volume for the 21 patients was 58.5 ml (range 7.5-223.2 ml); for the 18 patients who had not undergone surgery, the median hematoma volume was 55.6 ml (range 7.5-140.5 ml). After therapy, the median volume for all 21 patients was 3.7 ml (range 0-22.1 ml). No hematomas recurred or progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic subdural hematoma can be treated with tranexamic acid without concomitant surgery. Tranexamic acid might simultaneously inhibit the fibrinolytic and inflammatory (kinin-kallikrein) systems, which might consequently resolve CSDH. This medical therapy could prevent the early stages of CSDH that can occur after head trauma and the recurrence of CSDH after surgery.

Cerebral infarction along the distribution of perforating arteries during aneurysm surgery in a patient with pheochromocytoma--case report.

A 58-year-old woman with refractory hypertension presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a ruptured left vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm and an unruptured left middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. The patient successfully underwent neck clipping of the left VA aneurysm. However, CT obtained just after the operation showed an asymptomatic cerebral infarction along the distribution of medial striate arteries of the right anterior cerebral artery in the caudate nucleus. The pathogenesis of the infarction was unknown. Before clipping surgery of the left MCA aneurysm, detailed examinations to find the cause of her refractory hypertension were performed. Laboratory tests revealed plasma serum level of norepinephrine at 15,521 pg/ml (normal range 100-450 pg/ml). Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pheochromocytoma in the right adrenal gland. After preoperative management of the pheochromocytoma, the neck of the left MCA aneurysm was successfully clipped. When the patient awakened from anesthesia, she noticed right hemiparesis and motor aphasia. CT showed cerebral infarction along the distribution of lenticulostriate arteries of the left MCA in the putamen. Her symptoms gradually improved, and the pheochromocytoma was removed by laparoscopic surgery. Sustained severe hypertension and depletion of blood volume resulting from excess catecholamine release from the pheochromocytoma may have caused the complications. Hypervolemic fluid infusion and maintenance of normotensive blood pressure during surgery may avoid such ischemic events.

[Chronic subdural hematoma--recurrence and prevention].

Chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most common disorders observed in routine neurosurgical care. In the vast majority of cases, this disorder is treated by surgical evacuation, which usually yields a good prognosis. However, the recurrence rates after this initial procedure range from approximately 5% to 30%. In this study, we focused on the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematoma and its prevention. We reviewed the risk factors for recurrence, surgical procedures used, perioperative management, timing of operation, and medical treatment.

A ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm located at the origin of the duplicated middle cerebral artery associated with accessory middle cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery aplasia.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial vascular anomalies involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are relatively rare, as such knowledge will be helpful for planning the optimal surgical procedures. CASE DESCRIPTION: We herein present the first case of a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm arising at the origin of the hypoplastic duplicated MCA associated with accessory MCA and main MCA aplasia, which was revealed by angiograms and intraoperative findings. CONCLUSION: In practice, this case highlights the urgent need to preoperatively recognize such vascular anomalies as well as understand the collateral blood supply in cerebral ischemia associated with these MCA anomalies.

Revascularization for anterior cerebral artery dissecting aneurysms--three case reports.

We describe three rare cases of dissecting aneurysms in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) treated by surgical reconstruction, and reviewed 79 previously reported cases with the ACA dissecting aneurysm. We found that 35 (77.8%) of 45 patients with ischemic event and 15 (40.5%) of 37 patients with hemorrhagic event were treated conservatively, with 11.4% (4/35 cases) and 13.3% (2/15) risk of bleeding and rebleeding, respectively. Furthermore, half of these patients died. The other 32 patients were treated surgically, and their outcome was favorable, especially after surgical reconstruction. Simultaneous treatment of both hemorrhagic and ischemic events is essential. We recommend early treatment with revascularization for patients with ACA dissection that has hemorrhaged and for patients presenting with signs of clinical deterioration with ischemic event.

[Diagnostic efficacy and pitfalls of a 64-raw multislice computed tomography scan for mild head injuries in children].

The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of 64-raw multislice computed tomography (CT) scans and bone images of three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) scans for evaluation of mild head injuries in children. Thirteen children (9 boys and 4 girls, less than or equal to 15 years old) with mild head injury were included in the study. Head CT scans obtained within 24 hours after injury. All children had no episodes of loss of consciousness, amnesia, epilepsy, vomiting, and no neurological abnormality on arrival at hospital. We detected 9 positive findings on CT scans, which looked like fracture lines at the frontal bone in 7 cases. The bone images of CT axial views revealed a true fracture in one case in which a skull X-ray could not demonstrate a fracture line, but, other positive findings turned out to be a diploic vein surrounded by a thin bone cortex. All false positive findings were detected in the patients under the age of 6. By the 3D-reconstructive CT scan, it is easier to detect not only the intracranial lesions but also the cranial fracture. But, the diploic vein is apt to be misdiagnosed as the fracture line, especially in patients under the age of 6.

"Phosphene": early sign of vascular compression neuropathy of the optic nerve.

BACKGROUND: Phosphenes, flashes of light, are a visual phenomenon experienced by patients with ophthalmological disease and normal individuals. CASE REPORT: We report here a 68-year-old woman in whom phosphenes appeared in the left visual field due to compression of the right optic nerve by an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery. RESULTS: The symptom decreased dramatically after clipping of the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Phosphenes may be an important early sign of vascular compression neuropathy of the optic nerve.

Supratentorial ectopic cortical ependymoma occurring with intratumoral hemorrhage.

We report here a rare case of supratentorial ectopic cortical ependymoma. This tumor was localized in the left angular gyrus, occurred with intratumoral hemorrhage, was attached to the dura mater, exhibited no continuity with the ventricular system, showed distinctive pathological features (perivascular pseudo-rosette formations and firework-like giant rosette formations), and finally transformed to a glioblastoma-like high-grade lesion. A cortical ependymoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of supratentorial cortical tumors with intraparenchymal hemorrhage and high vascularity, even if not in contact with the ventricular system. Although malignant transformation is unusual in cortical ependymoma, close observation and adjunctive radiotherapy are strongly recommended after the excision.

Subarachnoid clot distribution in anterior wall saccular aneurysms of the internal carotid artery.

Anterior wall aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (AWAICA) are relatively uncommon. We investigated the distribution of the subarachnoid clot on computerized tomography (CT) scans in patients with ruptured AWAICA and compared the findings with those in patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms (ICAA) at other sites. Twenty-six ruptured ICAA patients were included in this study. Four (15.4%) of these had an AWAICA and 22 had an ICAA at other sites. Three of the 4 patients with AWAICA had an ordinary 'saccular type' aneurysm and the other had a 'blood blister-like' aneurysm. In all three patients with a 'saccular type' AWAICA, accumulation of the subarachnoid clot in the olfactory sulcus was noted on CT scan. In the patient with a 'blood blister-like' aneurysm and in 22 patients with ICAA at other sites, there were no specific correlations between focal accumulations of the subarachnoid clot and aneurysm location. The accumulation of subarachnoid clot in the olfactory sulcus on CT scan may suggest a ruptured 'saccular type' AWAICA.

Non-bifurcating cervical carotid artery.

Three cases of an extremely rare anomaly of the carotid artery are described herein. In these patients, the common carotid arteries, without bifurcation in the cervical portion, supplied multiple arterial branches, which are more commonly branches of the external carotid artery. The non-bifurcating carotid artery continued into the cranium as a normal internal carotid artery. This anomaly can be attributed to a maldevelopment of the vascular network during embryogenesis.

High expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 in infiltrating glioma cells.

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), a neutral amino acid transport agent, is essential for the transport of large neutral amino acids. LAT1 also corresponds to tumor-associated gene-1 (TA1), an oncofetal antigen that is expressed primarily in fetal tissues and cancer cells such as glioma cells. We have investigated the expression of the transporter in the human primary glioma tissue from 68 patients. Among these patients, we could see the border zone between tumors and normal bain tissues in 10 patients. By WHO criteria, two of the specimens were diagnosed as grade 2, three as grade 3, and five as grade 4 [glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)]. In 9 of 10 cases, we could identify the infiltrating glioma cells associated with stronger immunoreactivity for LAT1. These tumor cells aggregated around the neurons in the border zone and were often found in the perivascular space. In one GBM case, the tumors seemed to develop expansively and separated from the normal brain with a border of arachnoid membrane. The expression of LAT1 was always higher in infiltrating glioma cells than in cells located in the center of the tumor. These findings suggest that LAT1 is one of the molecular targets for glioma therapy.