Prognostic Significance of Signs of Life in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES: Signs of life (SOLs) during cardiac arrest (gasping, pupillary light reaction, or any form of body movement) are suggested to be associated with favorable neurologic outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). While data has demonstrated that extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can improve outcomes in cases of refractory cardiac arrest, it is expected that other contributing factors lead to positive outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether SOL on arrival is associated with neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA who have undergone ECPR. DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter registry study. SETTING: Thirty-six facilities participating in the Study of Advanced life support for Ventricular fibrillation with Extracorporeal circulation in Japan II (SAVE-J II). PATIENTS: Consecutive patients older than 18 years old who were admitted to the Emergency Department with OHCA between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, and received ECPR. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of SOL on arrival. The primary outcome was a favorable neurologic outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) at discharge. Of the 2157 patients registered in the SAVE-J II database, 1395 met the inclusion criteria, and 250 (17.9%) had SOL upon arrival. Patients with SOL had more favorable neurologic outcomes than those without SOL (38.0% vs. 8.1%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that SOL on arrival was independently associated with favorable neurologic outcomes (odds ratio, 5.65 [95% CI, 3.97-8.03]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SOL on arrival was associated with favorable neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA undergoing ECPR. In patients considered for ECPR, the presence of SOL on arrival can assist the decision to perform ECPR.

Endoscopic Insertion of Nasojejunal Feeding Tube at Bedside for Critically Ill Patients: Relationship between Tube Position and Intragastric Countercurrent of Contrast Medium.

Background and Oblectives: We evaluated the success rate of endoscopically positioned nasojejunal feeding tubes and the intragastric countercurrent of contrast medium thereafter. METHOD: This retrospective observational study investigated patients who were admitted to a single intensive care unit and required endoscopic placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube between January 2010 and June 2016. The feeding tube was grasped with forceps via a transoral endoscope and inserted into the duodenum or jejunum. Thereafter, we assessed the position of the tube and the intragastric countercurrent using abdominal radiography with contrast medium. RESULTS: The tube tip was inserted at the jejunum and the duodenal fourth portion in 55.8 and 33.6% of patients, respectively. The tip of the inserted tube had moved into the jejunum of 71.7% of patients by the following day. The countercurrent rate was significantly lower among patients with a tube inserted into the duodenal fourth portion or more distal than among those with tubes inserted more proximally (8.4 vs. 45.4%, p = 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic insertion and positioning of a nasojejunal feeding tube seemed effective because the rate of tube insertion into the duodenal fourth portion or more distal was about 90%. The findings of intragastric countercurrents indicated that feeding tubes should be inserted into the duodenal fourth portion or beyond to prevent vomiting and the aspiration of enteral nutrients.

Evaluating quality indicators of tertiary care hospitals for trauma care in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the associations between trauma mortality and quality of care indicators currently used in Japan. DESIGN: This is a retrospective two-level discrete-time survival analysis. Quality indicators were derived from the 2012-2013 annual hospital survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Trauma mortality data were derived from the Japan Trauma Data Bank for the period of April 2012 to March 2013. SETTING: Tertiary care centers designated as emergency and critical care centers (ECCCs) in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: The analysis included 12 378 patients aged ≥15 years with blunt trauma and an Injury Severity Score ≥9, registered to the data bank from 91 ECCCs. INTERVENTION: Quality of care indicators examined in the annual hospital survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Deaths within 30 days. RESULTS: Of the 12 378 patients, 660 (5%) died within 30 days. Higher indicator score was significantly associated with lower mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] for the second, third and fourth quartiles vs. lowest quartile 0.61, 0.55 and 0.52, respectively). Factors significantly associated with lower mortality risk were, higher patient volume (HR for the highest vs. lowest quartile, 0.74), director's qualification as specialist (HR 0.57) or consultant (HR 0.58), review of patient arrival process (HR 0.68), triage functions (HR 0.69), availability of psychiatrists (HR 0.75) and operating room being ready 24-h (HR 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified certain indicators associated with trauma patient mortality. Further refinement of indicators is required to specifically identify what needs changing.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Mortality and Ventilator-Free Days in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation With Sepsis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Dexmedetomidine provides sedation for patients undergoing ventilation; however, its effects on mortality and ventilator-free days have not been well studied among patients with sepsis. Objectives: To examine whether a sedation strategy with dexmedetomidine can improve clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis undergoing ventilation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Open-label, multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted at 8 intensive care units in Japan from February 2013 until January 2016 among 201 consecutive adult patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive either sedation with dexmedetomidine (n = 100) or sedation without dexmedetomidine (control group; n = 101). Other agents used in both groups were fentanyl, propofol, and midazolam. Main Outcomes and Measures: The co-primary outcomes were mortality and ventilator-free days (over a 28-day duration). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8), sedation control, occurrence of delirium and coma, intensive care unit stay duration, renal function, inflammation, and nutrition state were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Of the 203 screened patients, 201 were randomized. The mean age was 69 years (SD, 14 years); 63% were male. Mortality at 28 days was not significantly different in the dexmedetomidine group vs the control group (19 patients [22.8%] vs 28 patients [30.8%]; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.38-1.22; P = .20). Ventilator-free days over 28 days were not significantly different between groups (dexmedetomidine group: median, 20 [interquartile range, 5-24] days; control group: median, 18 [interquartile range, 0.5-23] days; P = .20). The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly higher rate of well-controlled sedation during mechanical ventilation (range, 17%-58% vs 20%-39%; P = .01); other outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Adverse events occurred in 8 (8%) and 3 (3%) patients in the dexmedetomidine and control groups, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the use of dexmedetomidine compared with no dexmedetomidine did not result in statistically significant improvement in mortality or ventilator-free days. However, the study may have been underpowered for mortality, and additional research may be needed to evaluate this further. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01760967.

Oxygen Supplementation is Effective in Attenuating Maternal Cerebral Blood Deoxygenation After Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section.

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in maternal cerebral blood oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for 15 min after spinal anesthesia performed for cesarean section, and to determine the efficacy of supplemental oxygen in maintaining maternal cerebral blood oxygenation. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to either receive 100% oxygen via a facemask at a constant flow rate of 3 l/min throughout the study (O2 group), or were evaluated without supplemental oxygen (Air group). Changes in cerebral blood oxygenation were evaluated using the following parameters: oxy-hemoglobin (Hb), deoxy-Hb, and total-Hb concentrations, as well as tissue oxygen index (TOI), measured over the forehead by NIRS. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were also recorded throughout the study. Mean oxy-Hb, total-Hb, TOI, and MAP in both groups decreased significantly from baseline values (P<0.05). The reduction in oxy-Hb and TOI in the Air group was significantly greater than that in the O2 group (oxy-Hb: -4.72 vs. -2.96 µmol/l; P<0.05, TOI: -6.82 vs. -1.68%; P<0.01); however, there were no significant differences in the reduction of total-Hb and MAP between the groups. Mean deoxy-Hb in the Air group was significantly higher than that in the O2 group (0.02 vs. -1.01 µmol/l; P<0.05). The results of the present study demonstrate that oxygen supplementation attenuates cerebral blood deoxygenation secondary to the reduction in cerebral blood flow following spinal anesthesia.

Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation During Induction of General Anesthesia with Sevoflurane Versus Propofol.

Sevoflurane and propofol are widely used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. Although the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on cerebral hemodynamics during maintenance of general anesthesia have been demonstrated, the effects during induction of general anesthesia have still not been clarified. We therefore compared changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygenation (CBO) during induction of anesthesia using sevoflurane (group S: n=9) or propofol (group P: n=9). CBF and CBO were evaluated using the following variables: oxy-, deoxy-, and total-hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and tissue oxygen index (TOI), measured on the forehead by near-infrared spectroscopy. The variables were recorded immediately before administration of sevoflurane or propofol and at every 10 s for 4 min after administration of the induction agent. Patients received 8% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen via an anesthesia mask in group S, and an IV bolus of 2 mg/kg of propofol during oxygenation in group P. We found that oxy-Hb, total-Hb, and TOI were significantly higher in group S than in group P (P>0.05). Changes in deoxy-Hb, MBP, and HR did not differ between the groups. The results of the present study demonstrated that sevoflurane increases CBF and CBO during induction of general anesthesia.

Outcome from severe accidental hypothermia with cardiac arrest resuscitated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify factors of neurologic prognosis in severe accidental hypothermic patients with cardiac arrest. BASIC PROCEDURES: This retrospective observational study was performed in a tertiary care university hospital in Sapporo, Japan (January 1994 to December 2012). We investigated 26 patients with accidental hypothermic cardiac arrest resuscitated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We evaluated the neurologic outcome in patients who were resuscitated with ECPR at discharge from hospital. MAIN FINDINGS: In those 26 patients, their median age was 50.5 years; and 69.2% were male. The cause of hypothermia was exposure to cold air in 46.1%, submersion in 46.1%, and avalanche in 7.8%. Ten (38.5%) of these patients survived to favorable neurological outcome at discharge. Factors associated with favorable neurological outcome were a cardiac rhythm other than asystole (P = .009), nonasphyxial hypothermia (P = .006), higher pH (P = .01), and lower serum lactate (P = .01). In subgroup analyses, the patients with hypothermic cardiac arrest due to submersion or avalanche (asphyxia group) showed no factors associated with good neurological outcome, whereas the nonasphyxia group showed a significantly lower core temperature (P = .02) and a trend towards a lower serum lactate (P = .09). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hypothermic cardiac arrest due to nonasphyxial hypothermia have improved neurologic outcomes when treated with ECPR compared to patients with asphyxial hypothermic cardiac arrest. Further investigation is needed to develop a prediction rule for patients with nonasphyxial hypothermic cardiac arrest to determine which patients would benefit from treatment with ECPR.

Physiological mechanism of increase in deoxy-hemoglobin concentration during neuronal activation in patients with cerebral ischemia: a simulation study with the balloon model.

Patients with cerebral ischemia or brain tumor have been reported to exhibit an increase of deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) together with an increase of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb). However, the physiological mechanisms underlying this hemodynamic response pattern are unclear. In this study, we performed a simulation using the balloon model (Buxton et al., Magn Reson Med 39:855-864, 1998). We hypothesized that the oxygen extraction rate during the rest period (E 0) in the patients is larger than in normal subjects, because the cerebral blood flow and the speed at which the blood passes through the brain tissues are lower in the patients. The simulation result showed an increase of deoxy-Hb as well as oxy-Hb, especially when E 0 is extremely high. Thus, the results of our simulation suggest that the increase of deoxy-Hb during activation in patients with ischemia or brain tumor is caused by an increased oxygen extraction rate at rest, compared with that of healthy adults.

Monitoring of filter patency during carotid artery stenting using near-infrared spectroscopy with high time-resolution.

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a newly developed, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device for monitoring hemodynamic changes during carotid artery stenting (CAS), as a means to detect filter obstruction due to distal embolism. We evaluated 16 patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis during the CAS procedure, using a NIRS system that can monitor not only changes in oxygenation of hemoglobin (Hb), but also the fluctuation of oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) synchronized with heartbeat. The NIRS system detected a marked decrease of oxy-Hb and an increase of deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) during ICA occlusion in patients without anterior cross circulation (ACC). Patients with ACC showed much smaller changes. The analysis of oxy-Hb fluctuation made it possible to detect occurrence of no-flow in the absence of Hb concentration changes. The amplitude of oxy-Hb fluctuation in the no/slow-flow group was significantly smaller than that in the normal-flow group. Our results indicate that the present high time-resolution NIRS device, which can measure oxy-Hb fluctuation, is superior to conventional NIRS for detecting filter obstruction.

Effects of enriched environment on hippocampal neuronal cell death and neurogenesis in rat global ischemia.

Enriched environments reportedly show neuroprotective effects. Here, we evaluated the effect of an enriched environment prior to cerebral ischemia on neuronal cell death and neurogenesis in rats. Male SD rats were housed under standard conditions (SC) or in an enriched environment (EE), then subjected to global ischemia. The Y-maze test and novel object cognition test were used to evaluate cognitive function before and after ischemia. At 7 days post-ischemia, we evaluated hippocampal neuronal cell death with Fluoro-Jade B staining and neurogenesis with BrdU staining. Phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (phospho-CREB) was also evaluated immunohistochemically. The EE + ischemia group showed a significant decrease of cell death post-ischemia compared with the SC + ischemia group. There was no difference in neurogenesis post-ischemia between SC + ischemia and EE + ischemia. The EE + ischemia group showed a significant increase of performance before and after ischemia compared with the SC + ischemia group. Phospho-CREB-positive cells were significantly increased post-ischemia in EE + ischemia compared with SC + ischemia. EE suppressed hippocampal cell death due to global ischemia. Additionally, enhancement of cognitive function before and after ischemia and prevention of cognitive impairment associated with ischemia were observed compared with the controls (rats housed in SC without ischemia). The CREB pathway may play an important role in protection of cognitive ability.

[Intrathecal baclofen treatment for spasticity in childhood . initial report of long-term follow up in Japan].

OBJECTIVE: Initial outcome of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) treatment in Japan is being reported on. METHODS: Chronological change of the Ashworth scale and complications after surgery were analyzed. Data were obtained from 71 children with severe spasticity who had received ITB screening tests by the end of March 2012. RESULTS: Pump implantations for ITB treatment were performed in 43 children out of 62 whose spasticity reduced after baclofen injection at the screening tests. Postoperative evaluations of ITB treatment were carried out within one year and, in some cases, more than 2 years after surgery. Complications related to baclofen were reported on 19 occasions in 12 children within one year of ITB pump implantation, and on 9 occasions in 4 children of the 21 who were followed for more than 2 years. Main complications were hypertonia of muscle, liver dysfunction, and low blood pressure. The frequency of complications was lower than that reported previously. There was no apparent evidence to indicate that complications developed more in children than in adults in this study. The postoperative values of Ashworth scale in the upper and lower extremities were reduced markedly when compared with preoperative levels, and the improvements were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of outcome of ITB for severely disabled children with spasticity in Japan. It was confirmed that ITB for children with severe spasticity is a safe and effective treatment.

Usefulness of Mirogabalin in Central Neuropathic Pain After Stroke: Post Hoc Analysis of a Phase 3 Study by Stroke Type and Location.

INTRODUCTION: Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a common type of central neuropathic pain (CNeP) that can occur following the onset of stroke. The oral gabapentinoid mirogabalin besylate (mirogabalin) is a selective α2δ ligand that is effective for the treatment of CNeP, including CPSP. However, it is unknown whether the analgesic effect of mirogabalin on CPSP varies in patients with different background factors. METHODS: This was a post hoc subgroup analysis of a multinational, open-label, long-term phase 3 study of mirogabalin for the treatment of CNeP conducted between March 2019 and December 2020. Data from patients with CPSP were stratified by type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), stroke location (thalamus, putamen, brainstem, or other), presence/absence of motor weakness, median time since stroke (≥ 59 or < 59 months), and median duration of CPSP (≥ 55.5 or < 55.5 months). Efficacy was assessed with the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded. RESULTS: This subanalysis included all 94 patients with CPSP from the phase 3 study; all were Japanese, and the mean age was 65.3 years. The least squares mean change [95% confidence interval] in SF-MPQ visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline at week 52 (last observation carried forward) was - 17.0 [- 22.1, - 11.9] mm. Among the subgroups, least squares mean changes in SF-MPQ VAS scores were not different. Most TEAEs were mild or moderate; severe TEAEs occurred in six patients (6.4%). Somnolence (25.5%), peripheral edema (13.8%), dizziness (11.7%), and weight gain (6.4%) were the most common ADRs, and the types and frequencies of ADRs were similar among subgroups. CONCLUSION: Mirogabalin was generally effective and well tolerated in patients with CPSP, regardless of background factors such as stroke type or location, presence/absence of motor weakness, time since stroke, and duration of CPSP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number NCT03901352.

Acute stress exposure preceding global brain ischemia accelerates decreased doublecortin expression in the rat retrosplenial cortex.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is a risk factor of stroke in humans and worsens the behavioral and neurological outcomes. In rats, acute stress exposure preceding ischemic events attenuates learning and memory. The retrosplenial cortex (RS) plays an important role in these functions, and global brain ischemia (GBI) or acute stress exposure can induce a decrease in expression of the immature neuronal marker, doublecortin (DCX), in the RS. However, little is known about the DCX expression in the RS after stress exposure prior to GBI. METHODS: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Acute stress exposure was applied as the forced swim paradigm and GBI was induced by bilateral common carotid arterial occlusion for 10 min. The rats were divided into three groups: GBI model preconditioned by stress (n = 6, Group P), GBI model preconditioned by non-stress (n = 6, Group G), and controls (n = 6, Group C). We performed immunohistochemistry to observe and analyze the DCX-expressing cells and Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining to detect cell death in the RS after GBI in each group. RESULTS: The total number of DCX-expressing cells was 1,032, 1,219, and 1,904 in Group P, Group G, and Group C, respectively. The mean number of DCX-expressing cells per unit area was significantly lower in Group P and Group G than in Group C (P < 0.001). Moreover, the number was significantly lower in Group P than in Group G (P < 0.05). In each group, no FJB positive cells were observed. CONCLUSION: DCX plays an important role in various cytoskeletal changes. Preconditioning by acute stress exposure accelerated the decrease in DCX expression in the RS after GBI.

Monitoring of hemodynamic change in patients with carotid artery stenosis during the tilt test using wearable near-infrared spectroscopy.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a major complication in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Patients with severe stenosis sometimes complain of orthostatic dizziness, such as syncope. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for evaluating cerebral circulation in patients with carotid artery stenosis during head-up tilt test (HUTT). Fourteen patients with carotid artery stenosis and nine normal control subjects participated. In addition to blood pressure monitoring, hemoglobin (Hb) values (oxy-Hb, deoxy-Hb, and total Hb) were recorded by a wearable NIRS instrument with a high time resolution during HUTT. Oxy-Hb, which decreased initially when the test table was elevated, subsequently increased in normal volunteers and patients with carotid artery stenosis and did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the oxy-Hb reduction in the carotid artery stenosis group (-0.02 ± 0.03 a.u.) at 30 s after elevation of the table was significantly larger than in the normal group (0.02 ± 0.02 a.u., P < 0.01). Our results indicate that oxy-Hb reduction in patients with carotid artery stenosis may be related to orthostatic dizziness. We concluded that NIRS monitoring is useful for evaluating cerebral autoregulation in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis.

Effect of spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section on cerebral blood oxygenation changes: comparison of hyperbaric and isobaric bupivacaine.

We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate cerebral blood oxygenation changes in subjects undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia (SP) with hyperbaric bupivacaine (group H, 27 subjects) or isobaric bupivacaine (group I, 15 subjects). In group H, total-Hb, oxy-Hb, and mean blood pressure (MBP) within 20 min after SP were significantly lower than the baseline values. In contrast, there was no significant change from baseline in total-Hb, oxy-Hb, or MBP in group I after SP. Total-Hb and MBP in group H were significantly lower than those in group I within 10 min after SP. There was no significant change of deoxy-Hb, tissue oxygen index, or heart rate from baseline in either of the groups. These results suggest that isobaric bupivacaine may be superior to hyperbaric bupivacaine for preventing a decrease of maternal cerebral blood flow after SP for cesarean section.

DCX-expressing neurons decrease in the retrosplenial cortex after global brain ischemia.

Many studies have demonstrated cognitive function disorders including space learning disorders after global brain ischemia (GBI). Previous research on space perception and learning has indicated that the retrosplenial cortex (RS) is strongly involved. We performed immunostaining with doublecortin (DCX) for neurons with plasticity potential in the RS and investigated the neuronal numbers to assess the changes of plasticity in the RS following GBI. We employed male Sprague-Dawley rats and carried out bilateral carotid arterial occlusion for 10 min as a GBI model (control, n = 5; GBI model, n = 5). We counted the right and left hemispheres separately on two serial sections, for a total of four regions per animal to examine the differences in expression related to GBI. Additionally, we performed Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining to investigate the cause of any DCX-expressing neuron decrease. The total number of DCX-expressing neurons was 1,652 and 912 in the controls and GBI model, respectively. The mean number of DCX-expressing neurons per unit area was significantly lower in the GBI model than in the controls. FJB positive neurons were not found in the RS, while many were present in the -hippocampus CA1 after GBI. The decrease of DCX-expressing neurons in the RS indicated a plasticity decrease following GBI. The lack of FJB positive neurons in the RS after GBI suggested that the decrease of DCX-expressing neurons in the RS was not due to neuronal cell death in contrast to the hippocampus CA1, while the FJB positive neurons in the hippocampus indicated a delayed neuronal cell death as observed in many previous studies.

Endovascular treatment for ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms at the acute stage.

OBJECTIVE: Ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADA) should be treated promptly because of the high risk of rebleeding. However, it is difficult to treat dissecting aneurysm during the acute stage using microsurgery because of high intracranial pressure or brain edema. Therefore, endovascular treatment of the ruptured VADA may be a better technique. We retrospectively studied the efficacy and outcome of endovascular treatment of ruptured VADA at the acute stage. METHODS: Ten patients with ruptured VADA received endovascular treatment at the acute stage. Eight patients who had dissecting aneurysms were treated by internal trapping of the dissected segment. We performed stent-assisted coiling (SAC) for a case of VADA in contralateral hypoplastic VA and a case of bilateral dissections, ruptured VADA of the right VA and VA dissection of the left VA. RESULTS: Four patients had good recovery, 3 patients had moderate disability, 2 patients had severe disability, and 1 patient died from initial severe SAH. There was no rebleeding or procedure-related complication. However, one patient who was treated by SAC had ischemic complications post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of ruptured VADA in the acute stage appears to be safe and effective.

Anatomical variation of superior petrosal vein and its management during surgery for cerebellopontine angle meningiomas.

No systematic study is yet available that focuses on the surgical anatomy of the superior petrosal vein and its significance during surgery for cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. The aim of the present study was to examine the variation of the superior petrosal vein via the retrosigmoid suboccipital approach in relation to the tumor attachment of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas as well as postoperative complications related to venous occlusion. Forty-three patients with cerebellopontine angle meningiomas were analyzed retrospectively. Based on the operative findings, the tumors were classified into four subtypes: the petroclival type, tentorial type, anterior petrous type, and posterior petrous type. According to a previous anatomical report, the superior petrosal veins were divided into three groups: Type I which emptied into the superior petrosal sinus above and lateral to the internal acoustic meatus, Type II which emptied between the lateral limit of the trigeminal nerve at Meckel's cave and the medial limit of the facial nerve at the internal acoustic meatus, and Type III which emptied into the superior petrosal sinus above and medial to Meckel's cave. In both the petroclival and anterior petrous types, the most common vein was Type III which is the ideal vein for a retrosigmoid approach. In contrast, the Type II vein which is at high risk of being sacrificed during a suprameatal approach procedure was most frequent in posterior petrous type, in which the superior petrosal vein was not largely an obstacle. Intraoperative sacrificing of veins was associated with a significantly higher rate of venous-related phenomena, while venous complications occurred even in cases where the superior petrosal vein was absent or compressed by the tumor. The variation in the superior petrosal vein appeared to differ among the tumor attachment subtypes, which could permit a satisfactory surgical exposure without dividing the superior petrosal vein. In cases where the superior petrosal vein was previously occluded, other bridging veins could correspond with implications for the crucial venous drainage system, and should thus be identified and protected whenever possible.

Primary central nervous system malignant lymphoma in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving low-dose methotrexate treatment.

We report the first case of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) developing in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing low-dose methotrexate therapy (LD-MTX). The characteristic clinical management and course in our experience of the present case illustrate the important points about PCNSL in methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (MTX-LPD). The number of cases of MTX-LPD in RA patients may increase in the future, since current treatment strategies for RA recommend starting MTX use in early stage RA, and recent insights have tended to show an increase with higher doses.

On-demand control system for deep brain stimulation for treatment of intention tremor.

OBJECTIVES: Intention tremor becomes evident only when patients intend to move their body and is characterized by dysmetria. We have developed an on-demand control system that triggers the switching on/off of deep brain stimulation (DBS) instantly for the control of intention tremor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used surface electrodes for the recording of electromyographic (EMG) activity, and the power of EMG activity was analyzed instantly employing the fast Fourier transform. The on-demand control system switched on DBS when only the power of tremor frequency exceeded the on-trigger threshold, and the system switched off DBS when the total power of EMG activity decreased below the off-trigger threshold. RESULTS: The on-demand control system triggered the switching on/off of DBS accurately, and controlled intention tremor completely. Our on-demand control system is small and portable, and suitable for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: The on-demand control system for DBS is useful for controlling intention tremor and may decrease the incidence of tolerance to DBS and may be a powerful tool for various applications of neuromodulation therapy.