Comparative Analysis of the Patients with Spontaneous Thalamic Hemorrhage with Concurrent Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Those without Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with spontaneous thalamic hemorrhage (STH) accompanied by intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) with those of patients without IVH. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients with STH admitted to our institute between January 2000 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The laboratory and radiological results, mortality, and functional recovery were compared between the STH patients with IVH and those without IVH. RESULTS: Among 2,389 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, 233 (9.8%) patients were included in this study. Concurrent IVH was detected in 159 (68.2%) patients with STH, and more frequently in those with body mass index ≥ 25, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-8, underlying disease, family history of stoke, posterior/medial/global location of hematoma, ventriculomegaly, large volume of hemorrhage, and midline shift ≥ 5 mm. The 3-month mortality was 25.8% and 8.1% (P = 0.039), the rate of good functional recovery at 6 months was 52.2% and 31.0% (P = 0.040), and incidence of delayed normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) at 12 months was 10.8% and 24.5% (P = 0.062) in the STH patients with IVH and those without IVH, respectively. At 12 months, delayed NPH developed in 28 of 47 (59.6%) patients who received external ventricular drainage (EVD)-based treatment, 5 of 45 (11.1%) patients who underwent endoscopic evacuation-based treatment, and 8 of 45 (17.8%) patients who underwent other surgeries. CONCLUSION: Concurrent IVH is strongly associated with mortality in patients with STH. Delayed NPH may develop more frequently in STH patients with IVH who were treated with EVD.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Long-Term Cohort of Japanese Patients with Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND: Homozygosity of this p.R4810K founder variant of RNF213moyamoya disease (MMD) susceptibility gene is known to influence the severity of the clinical disease phenotype at disease onset. However, the association between this genotype and long-term clinical manifestations has remained unclear. OBJECTIVES: The principal goal of this study was to investigate whether and how the p.R4810K variant of RNF213influences the long-term phenotype in Japanese patients with MMD. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study included 94 Japanese patients with MMD who underwent direct or combined bypass for revascularization with the p.R4810K genotype determined in our hospital. The following phenotypic parameters were analyzed at disease onset and over a long-term period: age and initial presentation at onset, recurrent stroke after initial revascularization, and final modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: The p.R4810K genotype was significantly associated with the phenotype at onset, especially in younger patients. Over a median follow-up period of 100 months, recurrent stroke occurred in 6 out of 94 patients: none out of 5 patients with the homozygous variant, 5 out of 64 with the heterozygous variant, and 1 out of 25 in the wild-type group. There were no significant differences among the genotypes. In particular, recurrent cerebral hemorrhage occurred in 5 patients, all possessing the heterozygous variant. The log-rank test showed no difference between the genotypes in the stroke-free survival rate. Furthermore, the p.R4810K genotype was not associated with a poor functional condition. CONCLUSIONS: The p.R4810K founder variant of RNF213 affects the phenotype at disease onset. However, the optimal revascularization may be effective, regardless of the genotype, even for the homozygous variant, which has been thought to be the most pathogenic. This genotype may not strongly influence the long-term clinical manifestations or poor prognosis in MMD.

Isolated massive intraventricular haemorrhage without subarachnoid haemorrhage due to rupture of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

The classical presentation of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We present a rare case of a ruptured posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysm presented solely with massive intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in a 53-year-old female. The aneurysm was coiled successfully and the outcome of the patient was excellent.

Efficacy of Direct Revascularization Surgery for Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Syndrome As a Late Complication of Cranial Irradiation for Childhood Craniopharyngioma.

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) is an uncommon late complication after cranial irradiation. Its hemorrhagic presentation from the associated pseudo-aneurysm is extremely rare, and the optimal management strategy is undetermined. We herein report a 36-year-old man who developed intraventricular hemorrhage from a pseudo-aneurysm at the extended left anterior choroidal artery as an abnormal collateral of MMS 30 years after surgical removal and cranial irradiation for childhood craniopharyngioma. Catheter angiography confirmed the diagnosis of MMS, and multiple pseudo-aneurysms were evident at the ipsilateral abnormal choroidal collateral, one of which was considered to be a source of bleeding. The patient underwent left superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis with indirect pial synangiosis based on the observation that the development of choroidal collateral may be associated with a high rebleeding risk in hemorrhagic moyamoya disease. The patient was discharged without neurological deficit, and postoperative magnetic resonance angiography confirmed the STA-MCA bypass to be patent. Catheter angiography 1 year after revascularization surgery revealed the complete disappearance of the pseudoaneurysms with the apparently patent STA-MCA bypass. The patient did not exhibit any cerebrovascular events during the follow-up period of 16 months. In conclusion, hemorrhagic MMS with choroidal collateral as a dangerous anastomosis was effectively managed by STA-MCA anastomosis. Although long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate our strategy, the favorable disappearance of pseudoaneurysms after revascularization surgery in the present case strongly suggests that STA-MCA anastomosis has a potential role for preventing rebleeding in MMS after cranial irradiation.

Do Intracerebral Hemorrhage Nonexpanders Actually Expand Into the Ventricular Space?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The computed tomographic angiography spot sign as a predictor of hematoma expansion is limited by its modest sensitivity and positive predictive value. It is possible that hematoma expansion in spot-positive patients is missed because of decompression of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) into the ventricular space. We hypothesized that revising hematoma expansion definitions to include intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) expansion will improve the predictive performance of the spot sign. Our objectives were to determine the proportion of ICH nonexpanders who actually have IVH expansion, determine the proportion of false-positive spot signs that have IVH expansion, and compare the known predictive performance of the spot sign to a revised definition incorporating IVH expansion. METHODS: We analyzed patients from the multicenter PREDICT ICH spot sign study. We defined hematoma expansion as ≥6 mL or ≥33% ICH expansion or >2 mL IVH expansion and compared spot sign performance using this revised definition with the conventional 6 mL/33% definition using receiver operating curve analysis. RESULTS: Of 311 patients, 213 did not meet the 6-mL/33% expansion definition (nonexpanders). Only 13 of 213 (6.1%) nonexpanders had ≥2 mL IVH expansion. Of the false-positive spot signs, 4 of 40 (10%) had >2 mL ventricular expansion. The area under the curve for spot sign to predict significant ICH expansion was 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.72), which was no different than when IVH expansion was added to the definition (area under the curve, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Although IVH expansion does indeed occur in a minority of ICH nonexpanders, its inclusion into a revised hematoma expansion definition does not alter the predictive performance of the spot sign.

A new modified neuroendoscope technology to remove severe intraventricular haematoma.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive endoscopic haematoma evacuation is widely used in the treatment of intraventricular haemorrhage. However, its technique still has room for improvement. A new modified neuroendoscope technology (MNT) was used in this study and we explored its safety and efficacy in the treatment of severe acute intraventricular haemorrhage by comparing it with extraventricular drainage plus urokinase thrombolytic (EVD + UT) therapy. METHODS: The following parameters were compared between the MNT group and the control group: incision design, operation time, ICU monitoring time, ventricular drainage tube (VDT) placement time, post-operative drainage tube obstruction (PDTO) rate, post-operative complications rate, 6-month mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were enrolled. The ICU monitoring times, VDT placement times, PDTO rate were shorter in the MNT group. Multivariable logistic regression identified that good medium-term outcome (GOS scores 4-5) was significantly associated with MNT applied (OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.005-1.029, p = 0.008), age under 65 years (OR 4.223, 95% CI, 1.322-17.109, p = 0.034) and pre-operation GCS scores more than 10 (OR 3.427, 95% CI 1.048-11.205, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: MNT surgery for severe intraventricular haematoma evacuation is a safe and efficient new surgical option. This technique is minimally invasive and may be helpful to provide good outcomes for selected patients.

The Incidence of Catheter Tract Hemorrhage and Catheter Placement Accuracy in the CLEAR III Trial.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of catheter tract hemorrhage (CTH) after initial ventriculostomy placement ranges from 10 to 34%. We investigated CTH incidence in the Clot Lysis: Evaluation of Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Phase III trial. METHODS: Prospective observational analysis of 1000 computer tomography (CT) scans from all 500 patients enrolled in the trial. All catheters were evaluated on first CT post-placement and on last CT prior to randomization for placement location and CTH size, location, and severity. Clinical variables were assessed for association with CTH with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 563 catheters, CTH was detected in 14 and 21% of patients on first and last CT (median 3.7 and 43.4 h after catheter placement, respectively). All, but one were asymptomatic. Majority of CTH (86%) occurred within 24 h after placement, were located within 1 cm of the skull, and had at least one diameter > 5 mm. Most catheters (71%) terminated in the third or lateral ventricle ipsilateral to insertion site. Factors significantly associated with CTH were pre-admission use of antiplatelet drugs, accuracy of catheter placement, non-operating room catheter placement, Asian race, and intraventricular hemorrhage expansion. CONCLUSIONS: CTH incidence on initial catheter placement and during stabilization was relatively low, despite emergent placement in a high-risk population. Catheter placement accuracy was similar or better than convenience samples from the published literature. Decreasing risk of CTH may be achieved with attention to catheter placement accuracy and placement in the operating room. Antiplatelet agent use was an independent risk factor for CTH.

Physiological Effects of Early Incremental Mobilization of a Patient with Acute Intracerebral and Intraventricular Hemorrhage Requiring Dual External Ventricular Drainage.

BACKGROUND: Recent trials have challenged the notion that very early mobility benefits patients with acute stroke. It is unclear how cerebral autoregulatory impairments, prevalent in this population, could be affected by mobilization. The safety of mobilizing patients who have external ventricular drainage (EVD) devices for cerebrospinal fluid diversion and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is another concern due to risk of device dislodgment and potential elevation in ICP. We report hemodynamic and ICP responses during progressive, device-assisted mobility interventions performed in a critically ill patient with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requiring two EVDs. METHODS: A 55-year-old man was admitted to the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit with an acute thalamic ICH and complex intraventricular hemorrhage requiring placement of two EVDs. Progressive mobilization was achieved using mobility technology devices. Range of motion exercises were performed initially, progressing to supine cycle ergometry followed by incremental verticalization using a tilt table. Physiological parameters were recorded before and after the interventions. RESULTS: All mobility interventions were completed without any adverse event or clinically detectable change in the patient's neurological state. Physiological parameters including hemodynamic variables and ICP remained within prescribed goals throughout. CONCLUSION: Progressive, device-assisted early mobilization was feasible and safe in this critically ill patient with hemorrhagic stroke when titrated by an interdisciplinary team of skilled healthcare professionals. Studies are needed to gain insight into the hemodynamic and neurophysiological responses associated with early mobility in acute stroke to identify subsets of patients who are most likely to benefit from this intervention.

Tailor-Made Endoscopic Surgical Strategy for Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage with Obstructive Hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is associated with a high mortality rate and poor functional outcome, even with recent neurosurgical developments. IVH requires emergent surgery to save the patient's life, but the optimal surgical strategy remains controversial. We assessed the results obtained with our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus. METHODS: Consecutive patients with severe IVH owing to intracerebral hemorrhage who were treated with endoscopic surgery in the acute phase were retrospectively reviewed. Both rigid and flexible endoscopes were used for removal of hematoma in the whole ventricular system. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septostomy were performed as appropriate in each individual case. RESULTS: Eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Sufficient IVH removal without neglecting the fourth ventricle was achieved with our technique in 6 of 8 cases (75.0%). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septostomy were added in 4 cases each (50.0%). Four patients (50.0%) had a marked recovery and a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) despite disease severity at onset. The procedure was completed successfully in all cases, and there were no surgery-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus may be beneficial.

Percutaneous Transfontanellar External Ventricular Drainage in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Intraventricular hemorrhage and the subsequent development of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is one of the most serious complication of prematurity, especially in extremely low birth weight infants.1 Neurodevelopmental delay, epilepsy, and severe cognitive impairment represent common sequelae of PHH.2,3 A ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in such premature infants is associated with higher rates of skin erosion, infection, and shunt failure.4 One therapeutic option is represented by the use of temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures (such as external ventricular drainage, subcutaneous reservoir, and ventriculosubgaleal shunt) to gain time avoiding the PHH secondary damages.5,6 An extremely low birth weight (birth weight = 653 g) infant at 24 + 4 gestational age weeks presented with a grade III intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular hemorrhagic infarction 5 days after birth. Serial transfontanellar ultrasound disclosed a progressive PHH. Progressive symptomatic PHH, pulmonary hemodynamic instability, and suboptimal general prematurity conditions were the main factors that led to plan a percutaneous transfontanellar ultrasound-guided external ventricular drainage at the neonatal intensive care unit. The illustrated procedure represents a bedside minimally invasive, effective, reversible, and sparing-time choice alternative to other temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion techniques. This edited, 2-dimensional operative video highlights the key surgical steps of the proposed procedure (Video 1). All relevant patient identifiers have been removed from the video. Nevertheless, the parent's consent was obtained regarding the procedure, video recording, and redistribution for educational purposes.

Treatment of a self-inflicted intracranial nail gun injury.

A 30-year-old man walked into the emergency department after a suicide attempt by firing a nail from a pneumatic nail gun directed at his left temple. He was haemodynamically stable and neurologically intact, able to recall all events and moving all extremities with a Glascow Coma Scale of 15. CT of the brain showed a 6.3 cm nail in the right frontal region without major intracerebral vessel disruption. He was taken to the operating room for left temporal wound washout, debridement of gross contamination and closure with titanium cranial fixation plate. The foreign body was not accessible on initial surgical intervention and was left in place to define anatomy and plan for subsequent removal. Thin slice CT images were used to create 3D reconstructions to facilitate stereotactic navigation and foreign body removal via right craniotomy the following day. The patient tolerated the procedures well and recovered with full neurological function.

Minimally Invasive Evacuation of Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage Using the BrainPath Endoport-Assisted Microsurgical System.

OBJECTIVE: We present the application of the BrainPath endoport-assisted microsurgical device (EAMD) as a treatment modality for patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) secondary to spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). METHODS: Patients with severe secondary IVH (defined as Graeb score [GS] >6) who presented to Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, United States, from 2017 to 2019 were treated with the minimally invasive approach for IVH evacuation using the atraumatic BrainPath aspiration system. RESULTS: Three patients (2 men and 1 woman) with a mean age of 54 years were included in this study. The mean preoperative GS was 10.0 with a modified GS of 23.3. The mean postoperative GS was 4.0 (P = 0.001) with a modified GS of 10.67 (P = 0.001). There were no complications related to the surgery itself in any of the reported cases. CONCLUSIONS: BrainPath EAMD evacuation of severe IVH secondary to sICH appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality that significantly increases the extent of IVH clearance, which could also lead to improved long-term patient outcomes.

Granular Cell Tumor of the Pituitary Presenting with Major Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

Granular cell tumors of the pituitary gland are rare, slow-growing lesions arising from the neurohypophysis or pituitary stalk. We describe an extremely rare presentation of a pituitary granular cell tumor mimicking an anterior communicating artery aneurysmal rupture with ventricular hemorrhage. The patient was admitted in a comatose state and underwent urgent bilateral external ventricular drainage. Further diagnostic investigation revealed a sellar tumoral mass with suprasellar extension. No vascular anomalies, hormonal abnormalities, or visual disturbances were observed. Macroscopic complete resection without neurologic impairment was obtained via a right pterional approach. Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus necessitated ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and hormonal substitution for panhypopituitarism was provided. The 5-year follow-up examination showed no tumor recurrence. The clinical course of these benign World Health Organization grade I lesions will normally correspond to nonsecreting pituitary adenomas with an insidious development of visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, or hydrocephalus. Sudden onset with potential catastrophic intratumoral and intraventricular hemorrhage is very uncommon.

External ventricular drain related complications-whether continuous csf drainage via ommaya reservoir is the answer?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the commonest procedures in neurosurgical practice to manage acute hydrocephalus. We evaluated the infectious and non-infectious complications associated with a modified technique for EVD using an Ommaya reservoir. METHODS: Ommaya reservoir was placed in all patients who required EVD placement for CSF drainage. CSF drainage was achieved using a needle placed in a non-coring fashion percutaneously into the Ommaya reservoir to achieve CSF drainage externally. CSF was monitored for signs of infection regularly using CSF biochemistry and cultures. CSF infection was defined by a positive culture or a secondary infection in patients with already infected CSF. RESULTS: 59 patients required continuous CSF drainage during the study period from January 2014 to June 2017. 46 (77.96%) patients had non-infected CSF at time of starting drainage and 13 (22.03%) patients required external CSF drainage for primarily infected CSF. The study period had a total of 793 CSF drainage days (Range 3-64 days) with an average of 13.4 days per patient. The cumulative rate of new infection was 5.08%. No ventricular catheter blockage or dislodgement was seen in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: External ventricular drainage through an Ommaya chamber is a safe and effective method and can be used to reduce the catheter related complications like infection, catheter blockage and dislodgement.

Suboccipital, Supracerebellar, Infratentorial Approach for Microsurgical Clipping of a Ruptured Tentorial, Straight Sinus Type Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can often be successfully treated with endovascular embolization; however, surgery is occasionally still required. CASE DESCRIPTION: Herein, we discuss a 65-year-old male patient who presented with a Hunt-Hess IV subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cerebellar intracranial hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured Borden type III tentorial (straight sinus) dAVF. Angiography revealed supply from the left occipital and posterior meningeal arteries and direct drainage into the cerebellar cortical veins with venous aneurysms in both cerebellar hemispheres. Both transarterial and transvenous embolization were attempted, without success. Therefore, the patient was taken to the operating room for clip ligation of the dAVF. The operative video demonstrates a bilateral suboccipital craniotomy and supracerebellar infratentorial approach for surgical clipping of the dAVF. CONCLUSIONS: The case and operative video provide a valuable addition to surgical literature in an era where surgical management of dAVFs has become relatively rare.

Intracranial Hemorrhage from Meningioma: 2 Novel Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumor. Although meningiomas are slow growing and potentially highly vascularized, hemorrhage of these tumors is rare. We propose 2 novel modifiable risk factors that may provoke intratumoral hemorrhage of a World Health Organization grade I meningioma. CASE DESCRIPTION: We outline the clinical presentation of a 56-year-old female with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraventricular extension in a coma from a petroclival meningioma taking escitalopram for depression and high-dose estrogen replacement therapy for menopause. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of World Health Organization grade I meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient declined neurologically and developed vasospasm of the basilar artery, as well as seizures, fever, and new-onset atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous hemorrhage of meningiomas is a rare event. Known risk factors are age older than 70 or younger than 30; intraventricular or convexity location; malignant, fibrous, or angioblastic histopathology; and presence of hypertension, anticoagulation therapy, and traumatic brain injury. We propose 2 new risk factors to be considered that may predispose to hemorrhage of a meningioma: serotonin-modulating therapy and high-dose estrogen-replacement.

Change of Ascending Reticular Activating System Following Shunt Operation for Hydrocephalus in a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patient.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the change of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) concurrent with the recovery of impaired consciousness following a shunt operation in a stroke patient. METHODS: A 65-year-old female patient underwent coiling of a ruptured right posterior communicating artery and, subsequently, underwent right external ventricular drain (EVD) placement, left EVD placement, and lumbar drain placement for management of intraventricular hemorrhage. After 6 months from onset, she began rehabilitation, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed dilatation of the ventricular system. The patient exhibited impaired alertness, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 7. At ∼ 20 days after starting rehabilitation, the patient underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation for hydrocephalus. At 10 days postsurgery, her GCS improved to 15. RESULTS: Regarding the change of neural connectivity of the thalamic intralaminar nuclei, compared with preoperative diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), postoperative DTT showed that neural connectivity to the prefrontal cortex was increased in both hemispheres. In terms of configuration of DTT, the lower portion of the ARAS between the reticular formation and the intralaminar thalamic nuclei did not show a significant change. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage showed recovery of an injured ARAS and consciousness after a shunt operation for hydrocephalus.

A Novel Simple Puncture Positioning and Guidance System for Intracerebral Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical techniques may have beneficial effects on spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Accurate localization of the hematoma and real-time guided puncture are more important in minimally invasive surgical procedures than in traditional craniotomy. Here, we introduce a novel simple puncture positioning and guidance system for intracerebral hematoma and demonstrate its utility for hematoma puncture surgery in a simulation experiment and series of patients. METHODS: We describe the device and use of the technique for hematoma puncture surgery in basal ganglia hematomas and report on the precision of the simulation experiments compared to that of freehand puncture, as well as its clinical application in 16 cases. RESULTS: The accuracy of this technique was superior to that of freehand puncture. All 16 patients underwent successful puncturing of the hematoma cavity or ventricles only once without any related complications. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a novel simple puncture positioning and guidance system that has the advantages of simplicity, low-cost, device availability, and individual real-time guidance. We believe this system may be useful in resource-limited centers where navigation is not available.