Risk Factors for the Recurrence of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms After Endovascular Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate risk factors for the recurrence of distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms after endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS: The clinical and radiologic outcomes of DACA aneurysms treated with endovascular methods at a single tertiary hospital from September 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the angle between 2 distal branches of DACA aneurysms and categorized the angle as follows: 1) wide-angle (≥180°), and 2) narrow-angle type configuration (<180°). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to demonstrate the relationships between characteristics of DACA aneurysm and recurrence risk. RESULTS: In total, 132 DACA aneurysms were treated in our institution. Among these, 47 DACA aneurysms after EVT were included in this study. Forty patients underwent coil embolization without stent, 7 for stent-assisted coil embolization. At the last follow-up (mean 30.2 ± 24.2 months), overall recurrence rate was 23.4% (n = 11). Recurrence rate of the wide-angle type (9 of 23, 39.1%) was significantly greater than narrow-angle type (2 of 24, 8.3%) (P = 0.041; odds ratio 8.174, 95% confidence interval 1.094-61.066). Irregular shape of the DACA aneurysm also showed significantly greater recurrence rate (P = 0.011; odds ratio 10.663, 95% confidence interval 1.701-66.838) after endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The wide-angle between 2 distal branches of DACA aneurysm and irregular shape might be independent risk factors for the recurrence after endovascular treatment for DACA aneurysms.

Association of Bypass Surgery and Mortality in Moyamoya Disease.

Background Patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) have a high risk of stroke or death. We investigated whether extracranial to intracranial bypass surgery can reduce mortality by preventing strokes in patients with MMD. Methods and Results This nationwide retrospective cohort study encompassed patients with MMD registered under the Rare Intractable Diseases program via the Relieved Co-Payment Policy between 2006 and 2019, using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Following a 4-year washout period, landmark analyses were employed to assess mortality and stroke occurrence between the bypass surgery group and the nonsurgical control group at specific time points postindex date (1 month and 3, 6, 12, and 36 months). The study included 18 480 patients with MMD (mean age, 40.7 years; male to female ratio, 1:1.86) with a median follow-up of 5.6 years (interquartile range, 2.5-9.3; mean, 6.1 years [SD, 4.0 years]). During 111 775 person-years of follow-up, 265 patients in the bypass surgery group and 1144 patients in the nonsurgical control group died (incidence mortality rate of 618.1 events versus 1660.3 events, respectively, per 105 person-years). The overall adjusted hazard ratio (HR) revealed significantly lower all-cause mortality in the bypass surgery group from the 36-month landmark time point, for any stroke mortality from 3- and 6-month landmark time points, and for hemorrhagic stroke mortality from the 6-month landmark time point. Furthermore, the overall adjusted HRs for hemorrhagic stroke occurrence were beneficially maintained from all 5 landmark time points in the bypass surgery group. Conclusions Bypass surgery in patients with MMD was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and hemorrhagic stroke mortality and hemorrhagic stroke occurrence compared with nonsurgical control.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Treated with Endovascular Treatments: A 12-year Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) stratified using different endovascular treatment methods. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 116 patients with VADAs treated at a single tertiary institute between September 2008 and December 2020. We analyzed and compared the clinical and radiological parameters according to different treatment methods. RESULTS: In total, 127 endovascular procedures were performed in 116 patients. We initially treated 46 patients with parent artery occlusion, 9 with coil embolization without stent, 43 with single stent with or without coil, 16 with multiple stents with or without coils, and 13 with flow-diverting stent. At the last follow-up (mean 37.8 ± 30.9 months), the complete occlusion rate (85.7%) was higher in the multiple-stent group than in the groups that received other reconstructive treatment methods. Moreover, the recurrence (0%) and retreatment (0%) rates were significantly lower in the multiple stent group (P < 0.001). The coil embolization-only group showed the highest recurrence (n = 5, 62.5%) and incomplete occlusion (n = 1, 12.5%) rates. The single-stent group showed higher recurrence (n = 9, 22.5%) and retreatment (n = 3, 7%) rates. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that coil embolization without stent placement (odds ratio = 172.76, 95% confidence interval = 6.83-4366.85; P = 0.002) was significantly associated with recurrence. At the last follow-up (mean, 42.1 ± 37.7 months), we achieved favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) in 106 of 127 patients. CONCLUSION: When treating VADAs, multiple stent placements may play a key role in achieving favorable long-term radiological outcomes.

Unilateral Myoclonus as an initial manifestation in Moyamoya disease with asymmetric vasculature.

Movement disorders have been identified as a rare early manifestation of the Moyamoya disease. Herein, we present a case of a 34-year-old man with a genetically confirmed Moyamoya disease who showed unilateral myoclonus as an initial manifestation. Neuroimaging studies showed prominent asymmetrically developed Moyamoya disease on the right hemisphere with near-complete loss of normal vessels while the left hemisphere was adjunctively fed with extension of posterior cerebral artery: uneven progression of vasculature. 99mTc-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime single-photon emission computed tomography demonstrated impaired vascular reserve. Electroencephalography showed occasional sharp waves on right temporal area. The phenomenon of this patient could be explained in the context of excitable cortex and hypoactive subcortical substrate that might imply putative contradictory neurobiology in Moyamoya disease.

Clinical and radiological risk factors for rupture of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm: significance of the stagnation sign.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological factors associated with the rupture of a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) and to evaluate whether the stagnation sign is a significant risk factor for rupture of VADA. METHODS: Clinical and radiological variables of 117 VADAs treated in a tertiary hospital from September 2008 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The stagnation sign is defined as the finding of contrast agent remaining in the lesion until the venous phase of angiography. Univariate and multivariate analyses were executed to reveal the associations between rupture status and VADA characteristics. RESULTS: The rate of ruptured VADAs was 29.1% (34 of 117) and the stagnation sign was observed in 39.3% (46 of 117). Fusiform shape (OR 5.105, 95% CI 1.591-16.383, p = 0.006), irregular surface (OR 4.200, 95% CI 1.412-12.495, p = 0.010), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) involvement (OR 3.788, 95% CI 1.288-11.136, p = 0.016), and the stagnation sign (OR = 3.317, 95% CI 1.131-9.732, p = 0.029) were significantly related to rupture of VADA in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that fusiform shape, irregular surface, PICA involvement, and the stagnation sign may be independent risk factors for the rupture of VADA. Therefore, when the potential risk factors are observed in unruptured VADA, more aggressive treatment rather than follow-up or medical therapy may be considered.

Risk Factors for the Recurrence of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: The Significance of Fetal-Type Posterior Cerebral artery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with recurrence of posterior communicating artery aneurysms after treatment and to evaluate the significance of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery as an independent risk factor for recurrence of posterior communicating artery aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological findings of 220 posterior communicating artery aneurysms treated between January 2009 and December 2016 in a single tertiary institute were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between clinical and radiological variables and recurrence. RESULTS: Of 220 posterior communicating artery aneurysms, 148 aneurysms were unruptured and 82 aneurysms were treated with surgery. Forty-six out of 220 aneurysms (20.9%) were associated with fetal-type posterior cerebral artery. Overall recurrence rate was 19% (42 out of 220 aneurysms) during mean 54.6 ± 29.8 months follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that size (OR=1.238; 95% CI, 1.087-1.409, p = 0.001), ruptured status (OR=2.699; 95% CI, 1.179-6.117, p = 0.019), endovascular treatment (OR=3.803; 95% CI, 1.330-10.875, p = 0.013), incomplete occlusion (OR=4.699; 95% CI, 1.999-11.048, p = <0.001) and fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (OR=3.533; 95% CI, 1.373-9.089, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with recurrence after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that fetal-type posterior cerebral artery may be an independent risk factor for the recurrence of posterior communicating artery aneurysms. Therefore, fetal-type posterior cerebral artery can be considered as an important risk factor for the recurrence of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, along with other known risk factors such as size, ruptured status, endovascular treatment, and incomplete occlusion.

Treatment outcomes of large and giant intracranial aneurysms according to various treatment modalities.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of large (15-25 mm) and giant (> 25 mm) intracranial aneurysms (IAs), according to different treatment modalities. METHODS: In total, 112 patients with large and giant IAs treated with various treatment modalities between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiological parameters were analyzed and correlated with the treatment modality. RESULTS: A total of 141 procedures were performed on 112 patients. We initially treated 47 cases with coil embolization, 39 with flow diverter (FD), 13 with direct clipping, and 13 with parent artery occlusion (PAO). Recurrence (46.8%) and retreatment (31.9%) rates were significantly higher in the coiling group (p < 0.001). Complete occlusion rate (36.3%) was significantly lower in the coiling group (p = 0.027). PAO could achieve a high complete occlusion rate (90.9%) with low complication rate (12.5%). The total complication rate was 17%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, FD (OR 3.406, p = 0.036) and direct clipping (OR 5.732, p = 0.017) showed a significantly higher complication rate than coiling. The overall mortality rate was 8% (8/139 procedures). At the last follow-up (mean 30.6 ± 26.4 months), 70 of 96 patients (72.9%) showed complete or near-complete occlusion. Good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was observed in 90 of 112 (80.3%) patients at the last follow-up (mean 33.2 ± 30.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: Good clinical and radiologic outcomes with acceptable complication and mortality rates can be achieved by various treatment modalities. The selection of appropriate modality should be individualized based on the angiographic findings and clinical symptoms.

Clinical and morphological risk factors for the recurrence of anterior communicating artery aneurysms after clipping or coiling.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and morphological factors associated with recurrence in anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms after clipping or coiling. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic features of consecutive 214 patients with AcomA aneurysms treated between January 2012 and December 2016 in a single tertiary institute. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationship between clinical and morphological variables and recurrence. RESULTS: Of 214 patients, 166 were unruptured aneurysms and 109 were treated with coiling. Overall recurrence rate was 13% (28 out of 214 aneurysms) during mean 36.9 ± 18.4-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that size greater than 10 mm (OR = 5.651; 95% CI, 1.317-24.242; p = 0.020), smoking (OR = 3.474; 95% CI, 1.342-8.996; p = 0.010), coiling (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.005-8.832; p = 0.049), and anterior direction of aneurysm (OR = 3.77; 95% CI, 1.12-12.66; p = 0.032) were significantly associated with recurrence of AcomA aneurysms after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that coiling, large aneurysm, anterior direction, and smoking history may be independent risk factors for the recurrence of AcomA aneurysms. Therefore, careful follow-up should be needed especially in large AcomA aneurysms with anterior direction after coiling.

Morphological and clinical risk factors for the rupture of posterior communicating artery aneurysms: significance of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery.

BACKGROUND: Posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysm can be classified into sidewall or bifurcation types based on the anatomical variation of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (fPCA). The aims of this study were to investigate the significance of fPCA as an independent risk factor for the rupture of PcomA aneurysm and to evaluate other associated morphological and clinical risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological findings of 255 patients with PcomA aneurysms, which were treated in a single tertiary institute between January 2009 and December 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between morphological and clinical variables and rupture status. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the aneurysms with and without fPCA. RESULTS: Fifty-five out of 255 PcomA aneurysms (21.6%) were associated with fPCA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the superior direction of aneurysm dome (OR 9.106, p = 0.007), the presence of a bleb (OR 4.780, p < 0.001), a high aspect ratio (OR 1.878, p = 0.045), and fPCA (2.101, p = 0.040) were significantly associated with PcomA aneurysm rupture. In the fPCA group, only the presence of a bleb varied significantly between ruptured and unruptured PcomA aneurysms. However, in the non-fPCA group, larger aneurysms, the superior direction of dome, the presence of a bleb, and a high aspect and dome-to-neck ratio were significantly higher in the ruptured aneurysm group than in the unruptured aneurysm group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that fPCA may be an independent risk factor for rupture, especially together with the presence of a bleb.

Predictors of Atherosclerotic Change in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms and Parent Arteries During Clipping.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of atherosclerotic change in aneurysms and parent arteries, and to retrospectively analyze outcomes from clipped aneurysms that showed atherosclerotic changes. METHODS: Between May 2017 and April 2018, we collected a total of 151 clipping cases and reviewed records of operation videos to classify atherosclerosis by location (dome, neck of aneurysm, or parent artery). To identify predictors of atherosclerotic change in aneurysms, we analyzed baseline demographic characteristics, preoperative images, and Framingham Risk Scores (FRS). We also analyzed incomplete clipping cases according to atherosclerosis presence and location. RESULT: This study cohort included 110 women (mean age, 59.3 ± 7.1 years) and 41 men (mean age, 55.9 ± 9.6 years). Atherosclerotic change was seen in 77 cases. FRS, diabetes mellitus, and aneurysm size were identified as independent risk factors for atherosclerotic change in multivariate logistic regression analysis. There were 11 incomplete clipping cases (7.2%). Among the 30 cases with atherosclerotic change in the neck were 10 cases of incomplete clipping (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FRS, diabetes mellitus, and aneurysm size as predictors of atherosclerosis in patients undergoing aneurysm surgery can help guide surgical decisions and performance.

Treatment Outcomes According to Various Treatment Modalities for Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in the Onyx Era: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Although transarterial embolization (TAE) with Onyx has become popular for the treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), transvenous embolization (TVE), surgery, and radiosurgery have continued to have a role. The aim of the present study was to compare the treatment outcomes stratified by the different treatment modalities. METHODS: The data from 92 patients with DAVFs treated from January 2009 to June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment strategies were decided by a multidisciplinary team according to the patient's clinical status and angiographic findings. The clinical and radiologic data were analyzed and correlated with the treatment modality. RESULTS: A total of 101 procedures were performed in the 92 patients. TAE, TVE, surgery, and radiosurgery were performed in 31, 49, 12, and 9 procedures, respectively. Complete and near complete occlusion was achieved in 13 cases treated with TAE (41.9%), 41 treated with TVE (83.7%), and 10 with surgery (83.3%), as shown on immediate postprocedural angiography (P < 0.001). Retreatment was needed in 9 patients in the TAE group and none in the TVE or surgery groups (P < 0.001). Surgery (n = 1), TVE (n = 3), TAE (n = 1), and radiosurgery (n = 4) were used for patients requiring retreatment. At the last follow-up examination (mean, 26.5 ± 23.9 months), 66 of 72 DAVFs (91.6%) showed angiographic complete occlusion. Clinically, the initial symptoms had disappeared or improved in 87 of 90 patients (96.7%) at the last follow-up evaluation (mean, 26.4 ± 26.8 months). CONCLUSIONS: Even in the Onyx era, other treatment modalities still have important roles, as shown in the present study. Therefore, the selection of the appropriate treatment modality should be individualized by the angiographic findings and clinical symptoms.

Bypass surgery versus medical treatment for symptomatic moyamoya disease in adults.

OBJECTIVE In this study the authors evaluated whether extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery can prevent stroke occurrence and decrease mortality in adult patients with symptomatic moyamoya disease (MMD). METHODS The medical records of 249 consecutive adult patients with symptomatic MMD that was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography between 2002 and 2011 at 8 institutions were retrospectively reviewed. The study outcomes of stroke recurrence as a primary event and death during the 6-year follow-up and perioperative complications within 30 days as secondary events were compared between the bypass and medical treatment groups. RESULTS The bypass group comprised 158 (63.5%) patients, and the medical treatment group comprised 91 (36.5%) patients. For 249 adult patients with MMD, bypass surgery showed an HR of 0.48 (95% CI 0.27-0.86, p = 0.014) for stroke recurrence calculated by Cox regression analysis. However, for the 153 patients with ischemic MMD, the HR of bypass surgery for stroke recurrence was 1.07 (95% CI 0.43-2.66, p = 0.887). For the 96 patients with hemorrhagic MMD, the multivariable adjusted HR of bypass surgery for stroke recurrence was 0.18 (95% CI 0.06-0.49, p = 0.001). For the treatment modality, indirect bypass and direct bypass (or combined bypass) did not show any significant difference for stroke recurrence, perioperative stroke, or mortality (log rank; p = 0.524, p = 0.828, and p = 0.616, respectively). CONCLUSIONS During the treatment of symptomatic MMD in adults, bypass surgery reduces stroke recurrence for the hemorrhagic type, but it does not do so for the ischemic type. The best choice of bypass methods in adult patients with MMD is uncertain. In adult ischemic MMD, a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bypass surgery to prevent recurrent stroke is necessary.

Direct Bypass Versus Indirect Bypass in Adult Moyamoya Angiopathy with Symptoms or Hemodynamic Instability: A Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies.

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial which bypass methods are optimal for treating adult moyamoya angiopathy patients. This study aimed to analyze the literature about whether different bypass methods affect differently outcome results of adult moyamoya patients with symptoms or hemodynamic instability. METHODS: A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases was performed for articles published between 1990 and 2015. Comparative studies about the effect of direct or combined bypass (direct bypass group) and indirect bypass (indirect bypass group) in patients with moyamoya angiopathy at 18 years of age or older were selected. For stroke incidence at the end of the follow-up period, the degree of angiographic revascularization, hemodynamic improvement, and perioperative complication rates within 30 days, pooled relative risks were calculated between the 2 groups with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles (including 536 patients and 732 treated hemispheres) were included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups when we compared the overall stroke rate, the hemodynamic improvement rate, or the perioperative complication rate at the end of the follow-up period. The direct bypass group, however, had a lower risk than the indirect bypass group for obtaining a poor angiographic revascularization rate (risk ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.84; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis suggests that the direct or combined bypass surgical method is better for angiographic revascularization in adult moyamoya patients with symptoms or hemodynamic instability. Future studies may be necessary to confirm these findings.

Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with small-vessel lesions and stroke type in moyamoya disease: a preliminary study.

OBJECT The present study was conducted to investigate whether microbleeds or microinfarcts are associated with apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD), and if so, whetherAPOE gene polymorphisms are also associated with stroke type in patients with MMD. METHODS This cross-sectional, multicenter study included 86 consecutive patients with MMD who underwent T2*-weighted gradient echo or susceptibility-weighted MR imaging and 83 healthy control volunteers. Baseline clinical and radiological characteristics were recorded at diagnosis, and inter- and intragroup differences in the APOE genotypes were assessed. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to determine the association factors for small-vessel lesions (SVLs) and hemorrhagic presentation in patients with MMD. RESULTS There was no difference in APOE gene polymorphism and the incidence of SVLs between patients with MMD and healthy controls (p > 0.05). In the MMD group, 7 (8.1%) patients had microbleeds and 32 (37.2%) patients had microinfarcts. Microbleeds were more frequently identified in patients with hemorrhagic-type than in nonhemorrhagictype MMD (p = 0.003). APOE genotypes differed according to the presence of microbleeds (p = 0.024). APOE ε2 or ε4 carriers also experienced microbleeds more frequently than APOE ε3/ε3 carriers (p = 0.013). In the multivariate regression analysis in patients with MMD, microbleeds were significantly related to APOE ε2 or ε4 carrier status (OR 7.86; 95% CI1.20-51.62; p = 0.032) and cerebral aneurysm (OR 17.31; 95% CI 2.09-143.57; p = 0.008). Microinfarcts were independently associated with hypertension (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.05-7.86; p = 0.007). Hemorrhagic presentation was markedly associated with microbleeds (OR 10.63; 95% CI 1.11-102.0; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results did not show a difference in APOE gene polymorphisms between patients with MMD and healthy persons. However, they imply that APOE gene polymorphisms may play certain roles in the presence of microbleeds but not microinfarcts in patients with MMD. A further confirmatory study is necessary to elucidate the effect of APOE gene polymorphisms and SVLs on the future incidence of stroke in patients with MMD.

Management strategy of surgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms based on the location of aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Advances in endovascular treatment (EVT) have greatly improved the treatment outcomes of paraclinoid aneurysms. However, EVT had the shortcoming of durability and thromboembolic complications. As well, surgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is still challenging due to the complexity of adjacent structures. The objective of this study is to report our experience with a combined surgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms based on the location of aneurysms. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 185 cases of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms that underwent surgical or endovascular treatment between September 2008 and August 2012. Thirty-one aneurysms (16.8%) were treated by microsurgery and 154 (83.2%) were treated by EVT. Fifty aneurysms (27.0%) were classified to the dorsal group and 135 (73%) were classified to the non-dorsal group. RESULTS: Twenty of 50 dorsal group aneurysms (40%) were treated by microsurgery while 124 of 135 non-dorsal group aneurysms (91.9%) underwent an EVT. The rate of complete occlusion was 96.8% in surgical series and 60.4% in EVT (P < 0.001). Recanalization occurred in 9 aneurysms (5.8%) of EVT and 1 aneurysm (3.2%) of surgical series (P = 0.360). In non-dorsal group, transient complications (10 aneurysms (5.4%), P = 0.018) and morbidity at last visiting (6 aneurysms (3.2%), P = 0.021) were more present in surgically treated cases rather than in EVT cases. Diplopia and visual field defect occurred in the non-dorsal group only; in 2 of 11 surgical cases (18.2%) and in 1 of 124 EVT series (0.8%) (P = 0.017). The overall rate of excellent or good clinical outcomes (Glasgow outcome scale 5 or 4) was 98.9%. CONCLUSION: EVT is a safe and effective treatment for the non-dorsal group. Based on angiographic and clinical aspects, microsurgical clipping has prior efficacy with better outcomes in the dorsal group under proper individualized selection.

Clinical analysis of intracranial hemangiopericytoma.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are rare tumors with aggressive behavior, including local recurrence and distant metastasis. We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of grossly total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for these tumors. METHODS: A total of 13 patients treated for intracranial HPC from January 1995 through May 2013 were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed the clinical presentations, radiologic appearances, treatment results, and follow-up outcomes, as well as reviewed other studies. RESULTS: The ages of the patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 26 to 73 years (mean : 48 years). The majority of the patients were male (92.3%), and the majority of the tumors were located in the parasagittal and falx. The ratio of intracranial HPCs to meningiomas was 13 : 598 in same period, or 2.2%. Seven patients (53.8%) had anaplastic HPCs. Nine patients (69.2%) underwent gross total tumor resection in the first operation without mortality. Eleven patients (84.6%) underwent postoperative adjuvant RT. Follow-up period ranged from 13 to 185 months (mean : 54.3 months). The local recurrence rate was 46.2% (6/13), and there were no distant metastases. The 10-year survival rate after initial surgery was 83.9%. The initial mean Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) was 70.8 and the final mean KPS was 64.6. CONCLUSION: Gross total tumor resection upon initial surgery is very important. We believe that adjuvant RT is helpful even with maximal tumor resection. Molecular biologic analyses and chemotherapy studies are required to achieve better outcomes in recurrent intracranial HPCs.

Angiographic characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms: risk factors for rupture.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms has been increasing with the recent advent of diagnostic tools and less invasive endovascular therapeutic options. Considering the low incidence of rupture, investigation of the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysm is important to predict rupture risk of the paraclinoid aneurysms. The objective of this study is to evaluate probable factors for rupture by analyzing the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. METHODS: A total of 2,276 aneurysms (1,419 ruptured and 857 unruptured) were diagnosed and treated endovascularly or microsurgically between 2001 and 2011. Among them, 265 were paraclinoid aneurysms, of which 37 were ruptured. Removing 12 blister-like aneurysms, 25 ruptured and 228 unruptured saccular aneurysms were included and the medical records and radiological images were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 25 aneurysms, 16 (64.0%) were located in the superior direction. Five were inferior located lesions (20%) and four were medially located lesions (16.0%). Laterally located lesions were not found. The mean size of aneurysms was 9.4 ± 5.6 mm. Ten aneurysms (40.0%) were ≥ 10 mm in size. Thirteen aneurysms (52.0%) were lobulated. The superiorly located aneurysms were larger than the other aneurysms (10.3 ± 5.8 mm vs. 7.7 ± 4.9 mm) and more frequently lobulated (ten of 16 vs. three of nine). In a comparative analysis, the ruptured aneurysms were located more in the superior direction compared with unruptured aneurysms (64 vs. 23.2%, p < 0.0001). Large aneurysms (36.0 vs. 7.9%, p < 0.0001), longer fundus diameter (mean 9.4 ± 5.6 vs. 4.8 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.001), dome-to-neck ratio (mean 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001), and lobulated shape aneurysms were more likely to be ruptured aneurysms (13 of 25 ruptured aneurysms, 52.0%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rupture risk of the paraclinoid aneurysm is very low. However, superiorly located paraclinoid aneurysms appear more likely to rupture than other locations. Angiographically, more conservative indication for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysm should be recommended except for superior located lesions.

Assessment of collateral flow with multi-phasic CT: correlation with diffusion weighted MRI in MCA occlusion.

PURPOSE: To correlate collateral flow on multiphasic contrast enhancement computed tomography (CT) and graded ischemic changes on diffusion weighted MR in patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of diffusion weighted images (DWIs) and three phasic contrast enhanced CT (CECT) was performed on 11 patients with MCA occlusions. The area of ischemic change on DWIs was graded according to the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) criteria. To evaluate collateral flow on three phasic CECT, we counted the number of contrast enhancing MCA branches distal to the occlusion site at the sylvian fissure from predetermined axial images. The collateral ratios of counted numbers to those at the normal side were calculated at each phase (CR1, CR2, CR3). We then compared collateral ratios from the three phasic CECT with ASPECTS data from DWIs. RESULTS: Collateral ratios from the three phasic CECT were determined to be CR1 .48 ± .27, CR2 .73 ± .36 and CR3 .72 ± .30. We discovered a correlation between both the CR2 and ASPECTS (r= .675, P= .023) and the CR3 and ASPECTS (r= .664, P= .026). CONCLUSION: The number of contrast enhancing branches distal to the MCA occlusion, as counted in the sylvian fissure on later phase images of multiphasic CECT, reflects the status of collateral flow, and correlates with ASPECTS on DWIs.

De novo aneurysm after treatment of glioblastoma.

A rare case of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage from newly developed cerebral aneurysm in glioblastoma patient is presented. A 57-year-old man was presented with headache and memory impairment. On the magnetic resonance image and the magnetic resonance angiography, a large enhancing mass was found at right frontal subcortex and intracranial aneurysm was not found. The mass was removed subtotally and revealed as glioblastoma. He took concurrent PCV chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but the mass recurred one month later after radiotherapy. He was then treated with temozolomide for 7 cycles. Three months after the completion of temozolomide therapy, he suffered from a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a rupture of a small de novo aneurysm at distal anterior cerebral artery. He underwent an aneurysm clipping and discharged without neurologic complication.

Early and late microsurgical clipping for initially coiled intracranial aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of patients with incompletely treated and recurrent intracranial aneurysms are presenting for further management. We review the patients who underwent microsurgical clipping of previously coiled intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: From 2001 to 2008, we treated 623 aneurysms by endovascular treatment. Among them, 29 patients underwent microsurgical clipping. Nineteen patients (group A) underwent early surgical intervention due to incomplete coiling, a residual neck, coil protrusion, aneurysm rupture, or coil stretching. Ten patients (group B) underwent surgical clipping for recurrent aneurysm and an increased mass effect during the follow-up period. The radiographic images and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively to determine the treatment efficacy, the clinical outcomes, and the factors that are important to select the proper treatment modality. RESULTS: There were 13 female and 16 male patients. The coils were removed in 6 of the 19 patients in group A and in 1 of the 10 patients in group B. Seventeen (89.5%) of the 19 patients in group A and all the patients (100%) in group B achieved good recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale 5 and 4) during the clinical follow-up periods (mean 25.2 months). CONCLUSION: Microsurgical clipping may be chosen as a safe and permanent treatment option for the previously coiled aneurysms with acceptable morbidity in properly selected cases.