Traumatic Vertebral Artery Dissection Without Cervical Spine Injury Treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy.

A 59-year-old female injured in a motor vehicle accident presented with progressively impaired consciousness, and emergent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was performed immediately and achieved complete recanalization. Contrast-enhanced MRI also indicated right vertebral artery dissection (VAD), and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with artery-to-artery embolism caused by traumatic VAD. Anticoagulation therapy was initiated postoperatively, and there was no VAD or BAO recurrence during the three-month follow-up. This is the first reported case of BAO caused by traumatic VAD in an adult without accompanying cervical vertebral fracture treated using MT.

Subarachnoid iodine leakage on dual-energy computed tomography after mechanical thrombectomy is associated with malignant brain edema.

BACKGROUND: Dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) can differentiate between hemorrhage and iodine contrast medium leakage following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We determined whether subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and subarachnoid iodine leakage (SAIL) on DE-CT following MT were associated with malignant brain edema (MBE). METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of 81 consecutive anterior circulation AIS patients who underwent MT. SAH or SAIL was diagnosed via DE-CT performed immediately after MT. We compared the procedural data, infarct volumes, MBE, and modified Rankin scale 0-2 at 90 days between patients with and without SAH and between patients with and without SAIL. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between patient characteristics and MBE. RESULTS: A total of 20 (25%) patients had SAH and 51 (63%) had SAIL. No difference in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-infarct volume before MT was observed between patients with and without SAH or patients with and without SAIL. However, patients with SAIL had larger DWI-infarct volumes 1 day following MT than patients without SAIL (95 mL vs 29 mL; p=0.003). MBE occurred in 12 of 81 patients (15%); more patients with SAIL had MBE than patients without SAIL (22% vs 3%; p=0.027). Severe SAIL was significantly associated with MBE (OR, 12.5; 95% CI, 1.20-131; p=0.006), whereas SAH was not associated with MBE. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that SAIL on DE-CT immediately after MT was associated with infarct volume expansion and MBE.

Three-Dimensional (3D) Microcatheter Shaping Using Touch Screen Devices for Cerebral Aneurysm Coil Embolization.

OBJECTIVE: In cerebral aneurysm coil embolization, proper microcatheter shaping is crucial to reduce complications and achieve sufficient embolization. Shaping a microcatheter in 3 dimensions (3D) is often required but can be challenging. We assessed the usefulness of a novel shaping on screen (SOS) method that displays real-size 3D rotational angiography (RA) images on a touch screen device during cerebral aneurysm embolization to facilitate 3D microcatheter shaping. METHODS: In this study, 18 patients with cerebral aneurysm treated with this technique were included. Real-size 3D-RA images obtained during the embolization procedure were displayed on the touch screen device, which allowed for real-time manipulation. The shape of the microcatheter was adjusted to conform to the curvature of the vessel by swiping the touch screen device and bending the mandrel accordingly. We assessed the clinical and angiographic results, along with the accuracy and stability of the microcatheter. RESULTS: No procedure-related complications were observed. The mean packing density was 41% ± 12%. In all but 1 case, microcatheters were inserted into the aneurysms without guidewire assistance. After coiling, all microcatheter forms were stable. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional (3D) microcatheter shaping using touch screen devices during cerebral aneurysm coil embolization may be simple and safe and can achieve high packing density of aneurysms.

Pituitary adenoma presenting as isolated oculomotor nerve palsy.

Background: Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy is a relatively uncommon symptom of pituitary adenoma that usually occurs in association with pituitary apoplexy or cavernous sinus (CS) invasion. Case Description: We report two cases of relatively small pituitary adenomas with neither apoplexy nor CS invasion presenting as isolated oculomotor nerve palsy. Both patients presented with gradually worsening diplopia, without headache or visual field defects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pituitary tumor with no evidence of intratumoral hemorrhage. Computed tomography revealed a lateroposterior extension of the tumor with the erosion of the posterior clinoid process. Constructive interference in steady-state MRI revealed compression of the oculomotor nerve by the tumor at the oculomotor triangle. The patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and the intraoperative findings showed that the tumors did not invade the CS. The tumors were completely resected, and the oculomotor palsies resolved fully. Conclusion: These cases illustrate the need to consider isolated oculomotor nerve palsy as an initial manifestation of a relatively small pituitary adenoma with neither apoplexy nor CS invasion. Based on the characteristic radiological findings, early surgical treatment is recommended to preserve oculomotor function.

Clinicopathologic analysis of pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation: a multi-institutional cohort study by the Kyushu Neuro-Oncology Study Group.

PURPOSE: Pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation (PPTIDs), which were recognized in the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all central nervous system tumors. This rarity and novelty complicate the diagnosis and treatments of PPTID. We therefore aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of this tumor. METHODS: At 11 institutions participating in the Kyushu Neuro-Oncology Study Group, data for patients diagnosed with PPTID were collected. Central pathology review and KBTBD4 mutation analysis were applied to attain the diagnostically accurate cohort. RESULTS: PPTID was officially diagnosed in 28 patients: 11 (39%) with WHO grade 2 and 17 (61%) with WHO grade 3 tumors. Median age was 49 years, and the male:female ratio was 1:2.1. Surgery was attempted in all 28 patients, and gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 46% (13/28). Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were administered to, respectively, 82% (23/28) and 46% (13/28). The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were 64.9% and 70.4% respectively. Female sex (p = 0.018) and GTR (p < 0.01) were found to be independent prognostic factors for PFS and female sex (p = 0.019) was that for OS. Initial and second recurrences were most often leptomeningeal (67% and 100% respectively). 80% (20/25) of patients harbored a KBTBD4 mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex and GTR were independent prognostic factors in our patients with PPTID. Leptomeningeal recurrence was observed to be particularly characteristic of this tumor. The rate of KBTBD4 mutation observed in our cohort was acceptable and this could prove the accuracy of our PPTID cohort.

Cervical Cord Compression by Aberrant Vertebral Artery Presenting with Neuralgic Pain: A Case Report.

The vertebral artery (VA) is often affected by anatomical variations; however, it is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally. Herein, we report a case of cervical cord compression caused by bilateral aberrant VAs. A 65-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal lancinating pain in the neck that later extended to the shoulders and upper arms bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic angiography revealed an aberrant course of both VAs entering the spinal canal between the atlas and axis and compressing the cervical cord at the atlas level. Microvascular decompression was performed with transposition of the VAs, and the pain resolved immediately after the surgery. A certain number of anatomical variants of the distal VA can be explained by size variations and connection of the lateral spinal artery (LSA). Considering that an aberrant VA may correspond to an enlarged LSA, optimal transposition should be performed to prevent neurological complications.

Microsurgical Approach for True Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: Literature Review and Illustrative Case.

True posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms are rare. Although true PCoA aneurysms have been reported to be located close to the internal carotid artery, at the middle part of PCoA, or close to the posterior cerebral artery; the best surgical approach to treat true PCoA aneurysms in each location remains unclear. We conducted a literature review using data from PubMed. Data on demographics, location, and projecting direction of the aneurysm, surgical approach, and surgical complications were collected. A total of 47 true PCoA aneurysms were included. Twenty-nine aneurysms originated from the proximal portion, 10 from the middle portion, and 6 from the distal portion; there were two giant aneurysms. The ipsilateral pterional approach was used for 37 true PCoA aneurysms (27 in proximal portion, 8 in middle portion, and 2 in distal portion of PCoA). The anterior temporal approach was used for two distal-portion aneurysms and one giant aneurysm. The anterior subtemporal approach was used for one distal-portion aneurysm. The subtemporal approach was used for two middle-portion aneurysms and one giant aneurysm. The contralateral pterional approach was used for two proximal-portion and one distal-portion aneurysms. Although most true PCoA aneurysms can be treated by the pterional approach, other means such as anterior temporal and subtemporal approaches can be applicable for aneurysms in the middle and distal portions of the PCoA or giant aneurysms. Surgeons should select an appropriate approach for each aneurysm while considering the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

A Tumor Suppressor Gene, N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 (NDRG1), in Gliomas and Glioblastomas.

The development of potent and selective therapeutic approaches to glioblastoma (GBM) requires the identification of molecular pathways that critically regulate the survival and proliferation of GBM. Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) possess stem-cell-like properties, self-renewal, and differentiation into multiple neural cell lineages. From a clinical point of view, GSCs have been reported to resist radiation and chemotherapy. GSCs are influenced by the microenvironment, especially the hypoxic condition. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a tumor suppressor with the potential to suppress the proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. Previous studies have reported that deregulated expression of NDRG1 affects tumor growth and clinical outcomes of patients with GBM. This literature review aimed to clarify the critical role of NDRG1 in tumorigenesis and acquirement of resistance for anti-GBM therapies, further to discussing the possibility and efficacy of NDRG1 as a novel target of treatment for GBM. The present review was conducted by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was conducted in February 2022. We review current knowledge on the regulation and signaling of NDRG1 in neuro-oncology. Finally, the role of NDRG1 in GBM and potential clinical applications are discussed.

Case of de novo cerebral microbleeds in ischemic-type pediatric moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND: Studies on pediatric patients with moyamoya disease who presented with de novo cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are extremely rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: Herein, we report a 7-year-old boy with moyamoya disease who had de novo CMBs during treatment. He presented with transient left-side motor weakness and was diagnosed with moyamoya disease. He underwent revascularization surgery on the right cerebral hemisphere. Six months after the surgery, he presented with transient right-side motor weakness and MRA revealed progression of stenosis in the left middle cerebral artery. After another 3 months, three de novo CMBs were identified. He underwent revascularization surgery on the left side. The symptom disappeared completely after surgery and no additional de novo CMBs were identified 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on de novo CMBs in pediatric patients. Although the significance of de novo CMBs in pediatric patients is completely unknown, attention should be paid to not only ischemic stroke but also hemorrhagic stroke. Although the short-term course is good in the current case, follow-up period is too short to assess for rebleeding and long-term follow-up is still important. Further, more cases should be collected.

Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective procedure for the long-term management of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). However, retrospective and single-center studies are inherently biased, and there are currently no prospective, multicenter studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes and complications in patients with TGN who underwent MVD at specialized Japanese institutions. METHODS: We enrolled patients with TGN who underwent MVD between April 2012 and March 2015. We recorded their facial pain grade and complications at 7 d (short term), 1 yr (mid-term), and 3 yr (long term) postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 166 patients, comprising 60 men and 106 women (mean age 62.7 yr). Furthermore, 105 patients were aged over 60 yr. We conducted neuromonitoring in 84.3% of the cases. The complete pain relief, mortality, and complication rates at the short-term follow-up were 78.9%, 0%, and 16.3%, respectively. Overall, 155 patients (93.4%) completed the long-term follow-up, with the complete pain relief and complication rates of 80.0% and 5.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the hands of experienced neurosurgeons, MVD for TGN can achieve high long-term curative effects. In addition, complications are uncommon and usually transient. Our results indicate that MVD is an effective and safe treatment for patients with TGN, including elderly patients.

Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Study of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective procedure for hemifacial spasm (HFS). MVD results from nonspecialized or low-volume institutes are not always reliable. Most studies on MVD for HFS are retrospective and single centered; to the best of our knowledge, no prospective, multicenter studies exist. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short- and long-term outcomes and complications in patients who underwent MVD for HFS in specialized Japanese institutions, in this multicenter, prospective, cohort study. METHODS: Included patients had undergone MVD for HFS in study centers between April 2012 and March 2015. Patients' postoperative grade of involuntary movements and complications were recorded postoperatively at 7 d (short-term) and at 1 (mid-term) and 3 (long-term) yr. RESULTS: A total of 486 patients (150 men, 336 women; mean age 53.9 yr with 181 patients over 60 yr) were enrolled during the study period. Neuromonitoring was used in 96.3% of the cases. The complete cure rate of symptom relief, mortality rate, and complication rate at short-term follow-up were 70.6%, 0%, and 15%, respectively. The long-term follow-up was completed by 463 patients (95.3%); the complete cure rate of symptom relief and complication rate were 87.1% and 3.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that under expert guidance and intraoperative neuromonitoring, the long-term curative effect rate of MVD for HFS is high, while complications are uncommon and usually transient. Our results indicate that MVD is an effective and safe treatment for patients with HFS, including elderly patients.

Elimination of the check-valve mechanism of the sacral Tarlov cyst using a rotation flap technique in a pediatric patient: technical note.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic Tarlov cysts in children are not sufficiently reported and treatment methods for Tarlov cysts are still controversial. The goal of this manuscript is to introduce a new variation of the surgical technique. METHODS: We performed surgery to eliminate the one-way check valve mechanism of the Tarlov cyst in a 7-year-old female who presented with urinary and fecal incontinence. A relatively large S3 nerve root cyst showed a one-way check valve on computed tomography myelography. The inlet of the check valve was enlarged with rotation flap reconstruction. RESULTS: Two months after surgery, the patient had established normal sphincter control. MRI performed two years later showed that the treated cyst was collapsing, and no recurrence occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Rotation flap enlargement of the check valve inlet is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of pediatric patients with sacral Tarlov cysts.

A case of pediatric moyamoya disease with severe cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral infarction following an intraventricular hemorrhage.

Reports on patients with moyamoya disease presenting cerebral ischemic complications after the onset of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and/or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are limited. Herein, we report a case of a 7-year-old girl with moyamoya disease with severe cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral infarction following an IVH. Although the case is rare, the potential for vasospasm-induced cerebral infarction should be carefully considered and thus, intensive treatment should be immediately initiated.

Influence of Microcatheter Position on First-pass Success of Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: In acute ischemic stroke, patient outcomes can be improved by first-pass successful recanalization of the occluded vessel. This study investigated whether microcatheter position could influence the success of first-pass recanalization. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 59 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy with stent retrievers for middle cerebral artery (M1) occlusion. Angiography findings obtained via the first pass of the microcatheter were analyzed. The microcatheter was considered to be inserted into M2 segments that gave rise to parietal arteries (M2P) if the anterior or posterior parietal artery was observed. Recanalization results were compared between patients with and without microcatheter insertion into M2P. The angle and diameter of vessels were measured using post-procedural magnetic resonance angiography. RESULTS: The rate of first-pass successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of ≥2b) was significantly higher in patients with microcatheter insertion into M2P than in those without (56% vs. 22%, P = 0.016). The number of passes was lower in patients with first-pass microcatheter insertion into M2P than in those without (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5, P = 0.05). The mean diameter of M2P was significantly larger than that of the other M2 (1.9 ± 0.6 mm vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 mm, P = 0.035). The M1/M2P angle was significantly smaller than that between M1 and the other M2. (49° ± 32° vs. 67° ± 31°, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: First-pass microcatheter insertion into M2P may contribute to fast successful recanalization in patients with M1 occlusion who undergo intra-arterial thrombectomy using stent retrievers.

Diagnosis and clinical course of ocular ischemic syndrome with retinal vascular abnormalities due to unilateral ocular artery and internal carotid artery stenosis in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary disease that causes neurofibromas generally, but it has been reported to sometimes be associated with various forms of blood vessel stenosis, occlusion and vascular abnormalities of unknown mechanism. However, a symptomatic case with simultaneous ophthalmic artery stenosis and internal carotid artery stenosis is an extremely rare pathogenesis in a child with NF1. In this report, we performed the diagnosis and observation using various imaging modalities for this rare pediatric case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old girl diagnosed with NF1 presented with gradual visual loss in the right eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 OD and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was normal in both eyes. Retinal vascular abnormalities with tortuous vessels and optic disc pallor were observed in the right fundus. Widefield fluorescein angiography revealed multiple sites of neovascularization and a large non-perfusion area in the peripheral retina. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed retinal vascular abnormalities in the right eye and revealed differences in inner retinal thickness and blood flow signal between the left and right eyes. Laser speckle flowgraphy showed that chorioretinal blood flow was significantly decreased in the right eye. Cerebral angiography revealed the right ophthalmic artery was significantly narrowed throughout. In addition, Magnetic resonance angiography revealed that the right internal carotid artery was significantly narrowed in the ophthalmic segment. We diagnosed ophthalmic artery and internal carotid artery stenosis with retinal vascular abnormalities and ocular ischemic syndrome in NF1. Because IOP increased to 35 mmHg, due to neovascular glaucoma in addition to mild vitreous hemorrhage occurred, panretinal photocoagulation was performed after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. After treatments, IOP normalized, but BCVA decreased to 20/100 OD. Arterial spin labeling showed normal cerebral blood flow. The patient is currently being carefully monitored. CONCLUSIONS: We have described the diagnosis and treatment of ocular ischemic syndrome due to multiple arteries stenosis in a child with NF 1. Utilization of various imaging modalities was helpful in diagnosing the complicated pathogenesis. However, since direct intervention by neurosurgery is not possible in this case, it is expected that treatment will be extremely difficult in the future.

Hemorrhagic stroke associated with essential thrombocythemia: Case report and literature review.

Hemorrhagic stroke associated with essential thrombocythemia (ET) is very infrequent. Herein, we report a case of a 33-year-old woman with a 2-year history of ET who developed intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography demonstrated severe vessel irregularity in the bilateral cerebral arteries. Molecular genetic testing revealed a calreticulin mutation. To our knowledge, hemorrhagic stroke has been reported in only six other patients with ET, and this is the first report of hemorrhagic stroke in an ET patient with a calreticulin mutation. We review the current literature and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.

Primary central nervous system lymphomas associated with chronic inflammation: diagnostic pitfalls of central nervous system lymphomas.

In recent years, the features of lymphomas associated with chronic inflammation, referred to as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) associated with chronic inflammation (DLBCL-CI), have been elucidated. DLBCL-CI is an aggressive lymphoma occurring in the context of long-standing chronic inflammation and showing an association with Epstein-Barr virus. Fibrin-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (F-DLBCL) was suggested as a new and unusual form of DLBCL-CI in the most recent version of the World Health Organization classification. From the perspective of genetics, DLBCL-CI was associated with frequent TP53 mutation, MYC amplification and complex karyotypes, but cases of F-DLBCL behaved indolently and showed a relatively lower genetic complexity. In the central nervous system (CNS), several examples of DLBCL-CI and F-DLBCL have been reported. As with DLBCL-CI outside the CNS, DLBCL-CI in the CNS is an aggressive lymphoma. However, the clinical outcome of F-DLBCL in the CNS is good. Immunohistochemistry for p53 and c-Myc in DLBCL-CI and F-DLBCL in the CNS showed similar findings of those outside the CNS. However, one aggressive case showed transitional genetics and morphology between F-DLBCL and DLBCL-CI. These findings suggest that some cases of F-DLBCL in the CNS might have the potential to progress to DLBCL-CI.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and Photodynamic Therapy for High-Grade Meningiomas.

Meningiomas are the most common type of intracranial brain tumors in adults. The majority of meningiomas are benign with a low risk of recurrence after resection. However, meningiomas defined as grades II or III, according to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, termed high-grade meningiomas, frequently recur, even after gross total resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are novel treatment modalities for malignant brain tumors, represented by glioblastomas. Although BNCT is based on a nuclear reaction and PDT uses a photochemical reaction, both of these therapies result in cellular damage to only the tumor cells. The aim of this literature review is to investigate the possibility and efficacy of BNCT and PDT as novel treatment modalities for high-grade meningiomas. The present review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was conducted in December 2019. Early clinical studies of BNCT have demonstrated activity for high-grade meningiomas, and a phase II clinical trial is in progress in Japan. As for PDT, studies have investigated the effect of PDT in malignant meningioma cell lines to establish PDT as a treatment for malignant meningiomas. Further laboratory research combined with proper controlled trials investigating the effects of these therapies is warranted.

Association between Pericytes in Intraplaque Neovessels and Magnetic Resonance Angiography Findings.

(1) Background: Pericytes are involved in intraplaque neovascularization of advanced and complicated atherosclerotic lesions. However, the role of pericytes in human carotid plaques is unclear. An unstable carotid plaque that shows high-intensity signals on time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is often a cause of ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between the pericytes in intraplaque neovessels and MRA findings. (2) Methods: A total of 46 patients with 49 carotid artery stenoses who underwent carotid endarterectomy at our hospitals were enrolled. The patients with carotid plaques that were histopathologically evaluated were retrospectively analyzed. Intraplaque hemorrhage was evaluated using glycophorin A staining, and intraplaque neovessels were evaluated using CD34 (Cluster of differentiation) stain as an endothelial cell marker or NG2 (Neuron-glial antigen 2) and CD146 stains as pericyte markers. Additionally, the relationships between the TOF-MRA findings and the carotid plaque pathologies were evaluated. (3) Results: Of the 49 stenoses, 28 had high-intensity signals (TOF-HIS group) and 21 had iso-intensity signals (TOF-IIS group) on TOF-MRA. The density of the CD34-positive neovessels was equivalent in both groups. However, the NG2- and CD146-positive neovessels had significantly higher densities in the TOF-HIS group than in the TOF-IIS group. (4) Conclusion: The presence of a high-intensity signal on TOF-MRA in carotid plaques was associated with intraplaque hemorrhage and few pericytes in intraplaque neovessels. These findings may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies focusing on pericytes.