Impact of craniotomy area on improvement of cerebral blood flow in combined revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with improvements in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) after combined revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease, with special attention to the size of craniotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 35 hemispheres in 27 patients with adult and older pediatric moyamoya disease. CBF and CVR were measured separately in the MCA and ACA territories from acetazolamide-challenged single-photon emission computed tomography before and after 6 months postoperatively, and associations with various factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative CBF improved in patients with lower preoperative blood flow in both ACA and MCA territories. Postoperative CVR improved in 32 of 35 patients (91.4%) in the MCA territory and in 30 of 35 patients (85.7%) in the ACA territory, with more prominent improvement in the MCA territory than in the ACA territory (MCA territory 29.7% vs ACA territory 21.1%, p = 0.015). Craniotomy area did not correlate with postoperative CBF and only MCA territory was associated with good (≥30%) CVR improvement (odds ratio 9.33, 95% confidence interval 1.91-45.6, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative CBF improved in adult and older pediatric cases, reflecting preoperative CBF. Postoperative CVR improved in most cases, although the degree of improvement was more prominent in the MCA territory than in the ACA territory, suggesting a contribution of the temporal muscle. Large craniotomy area was not associated with improved blood flow in the ACA territory and should be applied prudently.

[Initial Treatment of Cerebral Hemorrhage:Determining the Cause without Preconceived Notions].

In Japan, cerebral hemorrhage accounts for 19.5% of stroke patients, and its prognosis is poorer than that of cerebral infarction, with a mortality rate of 14.6%. In the initial treatment of cerebral hemorrhage, the airway, respiration, and circulation should be stabilized, and the intracranial pressure and body temperature should be controlled. Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage is the most common cause; however, the cause should be carefully examined, and the treatment method should be selected according to the degree of urgency. Cerebral hemorrhage patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy show poor outcomes owing to increased hematoma. Therefore, antithrombotic drugs should be discontinued immediately. Blood products and neutralizing drugs should be administered in response to the administration of antithrombotic drugs. In young individuals, cerebrovascular disorders may be caused by the abuse of sympathomimetic drugs, such as stimulants and cocaine. Whether individuals or their family members are using illegal drugs should be confirmed.

Real-world treatment results for ruptured blood-blister aneurysm of the internal carotid artery: analysis of a Japanese nationwide multicenter study.

Ruptured blood-blister aneurysm (BBA) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) remains a challenging lesion, even in the age of modern neurosurgery and endovascular treatment. This retrospective multicenter study aimed to investigate the real-world treatment choice and treatment results. We included 182 ruptured BBAs of the ICA treated at 51 neurosurgical centers in Japan between 2013 and 2017. The baseline patient characteristics, radiological features of the aneurysm, treatment modality, details of treatment, complications of treatment, and treatment results were retrospectively collected. The treatment strategy was divided into deconstructive and reconstructive procedures. Primary clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at final follow-up. Direct surgery was performed in 144 (79%) cases, and the remaining 38 (21%) cases received endovascular treatment. The majority of treatment selections were deconstructive and reconstructive procedures in the direct surgery group and endovascular treatment group, respectively. Overall, favorable clinical outcomes (mRS 0 to 2) were achieved in 66% of cases, and the mortality rate was 15% at the final follow-up (mean 23 months). There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between direct and endovascular treatment groups. Our large nationwide study compared the real-world treatment options for ruptured BBAs and their results. Our findings may offer beneficial information for treatment decision and for future studies investigating ruptured BBAs.

Acute Endovascular Revascularization for Patients with Common Carotid Artery Occlusion Apparent on Cervical Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

OBJECTIVES: In the endovascular treatment of acute cerebral large-vessel occlusion, cervical magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a useful modality for assessing the access route. However, we sometimes encounter cases in which not only the internal carotid artery (ICA), but also the common carotid artery (CCA) is poorly visualized, leading to hesitation over which devices and techniques to choose for revascularization. We retrospectively evaluated such cases, focusing on image findings and treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 96 patients who underwent acute endovascular revascularization from January 2016 to December 2019 were analyzed. We extracted patients with poor CCA visualization on cervical MRA from 35 cases with ICA occlusion, and examined angiographic findings, treatment methods, and outcomes. RESULTS: Poor visualization of the CCA in cervical MRA was observed in 8 cases. All cases displayed atrial fibrillation or sick sinus syndrome. Angiographic findings showed true CCA occlusion in 2 patients and ICA occlusion in 6 patients. Reasons for the inability to visualize the CCA on cervical MRA were speculated to be stenosis of the external carotid artery (ECA), presence of embolism in the ECA, or severe heart failure. In cases of true CCA occlusion, thrombus was aspirated using the balloon guide catheter and good recanalization was obtained. Seven of 8 patients displayed favorable recanalization, with good prognosis after 90 days in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Poor CCA visualization on cervical MRA does not necessarily represent true CCA occlusion. Aspiration of thrombus from a balloon guide catheter is effective for true CCA occlusion.

Computed tomography findings after head injury preceding chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Head CT is sometimes performed immediately after minor head injury; however, which cases develop into chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) remains unclear. Here, the authors retrospectively reviewed the rare cases of CSDH treated surgically in which early head CT had been performed after the initial head trauma. METHODS: A total of 172 patients (133 male and 39 female, median age 76 years) underwent surgery for CSDH at Gunma University Hospital between April 2010 and December 2017. Among these patients were 23 who had visited Gunma University Hospital or a nearby hospital and had undergone head CT within 7 days after the initial head trauma. Characteristics of the initial head CT were examined to identify indicators of subsequent CSDH. RESULTS: Among the 23 CSDH cases (17 male and 6 female, median age 80 years), CT scans were obtained on the day of the initial injury (day 0) in 19 cases (25 sides) and 1-7 days after injury in 12 cases (19 sides); scans were obtained during both periods in 8 cases (12 sides), so that a total of 44 sides were examined. These CT scans were divided into two groups according to when they were obtained; cases in which scans were taken during both periods were included in both groups. Head CT performed on the day of injury showed normal findings in 5 (20%) of 25 sides, thin subdural effusion (SDE) ≤ 6 mm in 16 (64%) of 25 sides, thick SDE > 6 mm in 3 (12%) of 25 sides, and acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) in 1 (4%) of 25 sides. CT from 1-7 days after trauma showed thick SDE in 9 (47%) of 19 sides, thin SDE in 8 (42%) of 19 sides, and ASDH in 2 (11%) of 19 sides. A high-density line in the lateral direction (onion skin-like) was found between the skull and the brain in 9 (35%) of 26 sides with SDE on initial CT 0-7 days after the injury. CONCLUSIONS: ASDH was not a common cause of CSDH. Head CT at the time of trauma that precedes CSDH often showed SDE. Such SDE that precedes CSDH was often close to the detection limit of CT immediately after the injury but became more apparent from the day after the injury.

Combined supra-infrasellar approach to pituitary macroadenoma with oculomotor cistern extension: surgical strategy and experience.

BACKGROUND: Oculomotor cistern extension (OMCE) of pituitary adenoma through the oculomotor triangle may be one of the major characteristics of multi-lobulated adenoma. The OMCE may be hard to remove only through the endonasal approach. METHOD: We applied the simultaneous combined supra-infrasellar approach to remove pituitary adenoma with relatively large OMCE. Four (7.3%) of 55 consecutive patients with initially operated pituitary macroadenoma (> 10 mm) had OMCE. The combined supra-infrasellar approach was adopted in two cases with relatively large OMCE. RESULTS: The simultaneous combined supra-infrasellar approach was performed with the transcranial microscopic transsylvian anterior temporal approach and the nasal endoscopic approach. The medial main mass was removed through the nasal side. The lateral OMCE was also removed through the nasal side by pushing the tumor in the sellar direction from the transcranial side. The oculomotor nerve was confirmed with electrical nerve stimulation. The main medial mass and the OMCE were mostly removed in both cases. Remnant tumor in the cavernous sinus was treated by gamma knife radiosurgery. Endoscopic transsphenoidal removal was performed in the other two cases with relatively small OMCE. CONCLUSIONS: Pituitary macroadenomas with OMCE are a newly recognized form of progression with important implications for surgical strategy. The combined supra-infrasellar approach performed with the transcranial microscopic transsylvian anterior temporal approach using electrical nerve stimulation and the nasal endoscopic approach may be useful for this type of multi-lobulated pituitary adenoma.

Angiographical Jaggy Sign of Remnant M2 Occlusion during Acute Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During mechanical thrombectomy for acute main trunk occlusion, we sometimes encounter difficult situation; 1 M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery is successfully recanalized, while the other remains occluded. In this study, we focused on the angiographical findings of remnant occlusion. METHODS: Among 83 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for the acute internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery (M1) occlusion, 25 patients (30%) intraoperatively exhibited the remnant M2 occlusion, in spite of the recanalization of the other M2. We classified the angiographical findings of the remnant M2 occlusion and examined the clinical features, prognosis, and complications, in relation to additional thrombectomy. RESULTS: The remnant M2 occlusion was classified into stump type (40%, 10 cases), round deficit type (28%, 7 cases), and jaggy type (32%, 8 cases). Multivariate analysis suggested that noncardioembolic stroke may lead to jaggy type remnant occlusion with marginal significance (P = .051). Additional thrombectomy for the remnant M2 occlusion resulted in failed recanalization in 6% in the nonjaggy (stump or round deficit) type, whereas in 50% in the jaggy type groups (P = .023). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6% in the nonjaggy and 38% in the jaggy groups (P = .081), and poor outcome at discharge in 29% and in 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Angiographical jaggy sign in the remnant M2 occlusion suggests the pre-existing or procedure-related pathology, such as atherosclerosis, vasospasm, or arterial dissection. Additional thrombectomy should be carefully determined, as which might lead to adverse events and poor outcomes.

Anaplastic ganglioglioma with epithelioid cell components.

A 40-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of disorientation and mild left-sided weakness. Radiological examination revealed a solid and cystic tumor in the right temporal lobe, and total resection was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed mainly of low-grade gangiloglioma and had some high-grade glial components with focal necrosis and microvascular proliferations. In the high-grade component, there were epithelioid cells with round cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei. The high-grade area with epithelioid cells was intermingled within the low-grade area, which suggests that epithelioid cells were an anaplastic transformation of ganglioglioma. The epithelioid cells were histologically similar to neoplastic cells of epithelioid glioblastoma (E-GBM), a rare aggressive variant of isocitric dehydrogenase wild-type glioblastoma. A BRAF V600E mutation, frequently observed in E-GBM, was detected in both the ganglioglioma and epithelioid cell components. The epithelioid cells were mitotically active, which suggests that if the surgery was delayed, the histological appearance might have eventually evolved into E-GBM. Indeed, a case of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma which transformed into E-GBM after a long latency was reported elsewhere. This is the first report to describe focal epithelioid cells in anaplastic ganglioglioma.

Preoperative embolization of intracranial meningiomas using n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative embolization for intracranial meningioma has been controversial for several decades. This study retrospectively reviewed our experience using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) to identify the factors for effective devascularization and procedure-related complications. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent preoperative embolization with n-BCA were analyzed to collect the following data: age, sex, tumor size, location, pathology, and presence or absence of pial arterial supply. The predictive factors for total devascularization and complications were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Injected n-BCA penetrated into the tumor vessels in 51 cases (89%) but resulted in feeder occlusion in 6 (11%). Angiographic total devascularization was achieved in 29 cases (51%) and partial devascularization in 28 (49%). Small size, superficial location, and absence of pial supply were independent factors for total devascularization. No major complication was encountered, but asymptomatic or transient adverse events occurred in nine patients and were significantly associated with elderly patients and large tumors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization for intracranial meningiomas using n-BCA can attain effective devascularization without major complications. The effect of preoperative embolization on surgical resection or patient outcome is still unknown.

Visual outcomes of endovascular and microsurgical treatment for large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms is still controversial. The present study evaluated the results of endovascular coiling and microsurgical clipping with special reference to visual outcomes. METHODS: The clinical data and treatment outcomes of 39 cases of large (>15 mm) paraclinoid aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting symptoms were subarachnoid hemorrhage in 16 aneurysms and visual impairment in 18. Twenty-one aneurysms were treated by endovascular therapy and 18 were treated by direct surgery. RESULTS: Maximal aneurysm diameter ≥25 mm and preoperative visual acuity <20/100 were significantly related to poor visual outcome in univariate analysis. However, preoperative visual acuity was the only significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.12, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.95, p = 0.04). Although patients treated with endovascular coiling tended to have more favorable outcome than those with surgical clipping, adjustment for other confounding factors reduced the OR of favorable outcome following each treatment modality to nearly one (OR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.17-7.46, p = 0.89). Deteriorations in the visual field showed different patterns: upper visual field deficit after endovascular coiling, and inferior nasal quadrantanopia after microsurgical clipping. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative visual acuity was the only independent predictor of visual outcome in patients with large paraclinoid aneurysms. Although adjusted visual outcomes with microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling were almost the same, selection of the optimal treatment for each aneurysm is essential with recognition of the potential risks and mechanisms of visual impairment.

Factors associated with decreasing diffusion-weighted imaging-positive area volume after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large early ischemic changes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with decreasing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) positive areas in patients with large early ischemic changes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center clinical study was conducted between January 2013 and December 2022. We included consecutive patients who underwent MT for acute large-vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation with low pretreatment DWI-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores (ASPECTS) (0-5), effective recanalization [thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b or TICI3], and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired before and after MT. We measured the DWI-positive area volume before and after MT. The primary endpoint was the after/before-MT DWI-positive area-volume ratio. RESULTS: In total, 28 patients were included in this study. Eight patients (29%) had an after/before-MT DWI-positive area-volume ratio of <1. The median mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) levels of the DWI-positive areas in the groups with a ratio of <1 or >1 were 717 × 106 mm2/s and 637 × 106 mm2/s, respectively (p = 0.011). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ADC level (OR, 1.020 [95% confidence intervals (CIs), 1.001-1.040]; p = 0.040) was an independent predictor of a decreased DWI-positive area after MT. There was a negative correlation between the mean ADC level and the after/before-MT DWI-positive area-volume ratio (p < 0.001, |ρ| = 0.650), and the mean pretreatment ADC cutoff level was 649 × 106 mm2/s (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.806) for predicting a volume ratio of <1. CONCLUSIONS: The mean ADC level before-MT correlated with the after/before-MT DWI-positive area-volume ratio. A mean pretreatment ADC cutoff level of 649 × 106 mm2/s predicted a decreased DWI-positive area after MT.

Thoracic Intra and Extramedullary Capillary Hemangioma with Subacute Clinical Course: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Capillary hemangiomas are benign tumors comprising a lobulated proliferation of capillary vessels frequently located in the soft tissues of the neck and head. Spinal intradural capillary hemangiomas are rare, particularly intramedullary lesions. To our knowledge, only 31 cases of spinal intramedullary capillary hemangiomas have been reported. Here, we describe a rare case of a thoracic capillary hemangioma comprising extramedullary and intramedullary components. A 51-year-old male patient presented with bilateral lower extremity numbness and subsequent paraparesis, sensory disturbance, and bladder-bowel dysfunction with a subacute clinical course. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion with intramedullary and intradural extramedullary components at the Th9-10 vertebrae level and widespread spinal cord edema. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed abnormal vessels on the dorsal spinal cord surface. Spinal angiography revealed a light-stained mass lesion fed by the radiculopial artery from the right Th11 intercostal artery. The tumor was resected en bloc, and the histological diagnosis was a capillary hemangioma. Postoperatively, the spinal cord edema diminished, and the patient was discharged from the convalescent rehabilitation ward. Although intramedullary capillary hemangioma is a rare spinal tumor and its preoperative diagnosis is difficult, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary tumors.

Mattress anastomosis in micro vascular reconstruction: technical note.

BACKGROUND: Superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis is a common procedure for neurosurgeons. The surgery necessarily requires accurate and speedy manipulation of microscope, for which a specific training is needed. Unexpected bypass occlusion sometimes happen during surgery. OBJECTIVE: Generally, conventional interrupted or continuous suture has been used for vascular anastomosis, despite various ideas have been attempted in the other surgery fields. We propose a horizontal mattress suture technique for intracranial microvascular bypass surgery. This is the first report ever published on intracranial vascular anastomosis. METHODS: We had four patients of STA-MCA bypass surgery with "mattress anastomosis" from March to May of 2012. RESULTS: During the procedure, there was no bypass occlusion and good patency was confirmed in all cases. CONCLUSION: Intimae of the recipient and the donor blood vessel contact each other precisely with this technique. Although a long-term assessment of patency is needed, it is useful for the intracranial bypass surgery.

Usefulness of 3D T1-Turbo Spin Echo Imaging for the Evaluation of Intracranial Stent Placement.

Objective: Evaluation of intracranial stent placement by MRI suffers the problems of signal artifacts during time-of-flight MRA (TOF-MRA). Therefore, angiographic examination is required for detailed intravascular assessment of the stent placement site. Recently, 3D T1-turbo spin echo (3D-TSE) has been developed for evaluation of carotid artery stent placement. We investigated the use of the 3D-TSE imaging method for the evaluation of intracranial vascular stent placement. Methods: The subjects consisted of nine patients who underwent intracranial vascular stent placement between April 2015 and December 2019. Postoperatively, the lumens of the placed stents were measured by TOF-MRA, DSA, and 3D-TSE imaging. Analysis was performed by type of stent and placement site. Results: The stents used were Neuroform Atlas (3 patients), LVIS (3 patients), LVIS Jr (2 patients), and Integrity (1 patient). TOF-MRA of the stent placement site showed defects in the image or poor visualization in all nine patients, whereas 3D-TSE imaging visualized the lumen at the stent indwelling site in all patients. The blood vessel diameter measured by the DSA and 3D-TSE imaging exhibited positive correlations regardless of the stent type and placement site. Conclusion: 3D-TSE imaging allows visualization of the lumen of the site of an intracranial vascular stent, regardless of the type of stent or the vessel. Thus, this method may be useful for evaluating the vascular lumen of a lesion.

Radiological features of internal carotid artery occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy rarely causes internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion and acute ischemic stroke. Some cases have been reported, but the neuroimaging findings, including cerebral angiography, have not been discussed. OBSERVATIONS: A 55-year-old male suffered the sudden onset of right cervical pain and left mild hemiparesis. Computed tomography indicated a pituitary mass, and magnetic resonance angiography showed a right ICA occlusion. The initial diagnosis was ICA occlusion caused by ICA dissection. His symptoms worsened and the region of cerebral infarction expanded, so the patient was transferred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography showed the sudden stoppage of right ICA blood flow caused by local compression of the tumor near the distal dural ring. The diagnosis was acute ischemic stroke resulting from ICA pseudo-occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy, and emergent endoscopic transsphenoidal resection was performed. Postoperatively, the right ICA was completely patent, and hemiparesis was improved with rehabilitation. LESSONS: ICA occlusion caused by pituitary apoplexy is very rare, but emergent treatment is necessary. However, the pathology is difficult to diagnose quickly. Neuroimaging findings showing that the ICA is easily stenosed or occluded if rapidly compressed by the tumor near the distal dural ring may be useful to rapidly diagnose and treat.

Paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm with delayed stent occlusion after deployment of a flow diverter stent involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: In-stent thrombotic occlusion is a serious ischemic complication that can also result in ischemia in the distal perfusion territory and the territory of side branches for the artery in which the flow diverter (FD) stent is deployed. OBSERVATIONS: A 49-year-old female with a large paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm was treated with an FD involving the orifice of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The antiplatelet dose was reduced because of an increased clopidogrel response postintervention. The patient developed aphasia 2 months later. Emergency magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography of the brain indicated FD stent occlusion and a small infarct in the distal vascular territory of the ipsilateral ICA, but the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) territory was preserved by collateral flow. Emergency superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis was performed, and she was discharged without neurological deficit 2 weeks after the second operation. LESSONS: In-stent occlusion after FD deployment involving the orifice of the ACA can cause severe cerebral ischemia that requires an adequate antiplatelet effect and careful follow-up. The AChoA territory can be preserved by collateral blood flow even in cases of in-stent occlusion.

The Significance of the Intercarotid Distances for Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

OBJECTIVE: We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the distance between the left and right internal carotid arteries (ICD) around pituitary tumors for transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). METHODS: Measurements were performed using thin slice T2-weighted MRI, and/or time-of-flight (TOI) MR angiography imaging for 64 nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pitNETs), 22 growth hormone-producing pitNETs (GH producing pitNETs), and 46 normal controls. We measured the ICD at 3 anatomic levels: at the distal dural ring (ICD-A); at the most concave point of the C4-C5 bend (ICD-B); and at the most convex point of the C4 bend (ICD-C). Additionally, we measured the sagittal distance between the tuberculum selle and the junction of the sellar floor and clivus on the midsagittal MRI (TS-C). RESULTS: We found that ICD-B was the longest and that ICD-A was the shortest among the 3 distance parameters in all groups (P < 0.001). The comparison of the groups revealed that the NF-pitNET group had longer distances than the normal control group at all ICDs (P < 0.001). The GH producing pitNET group had longer distance than the normal control group at ICD-B (P < 0.001). Tumor volume was correlated with ICD-A and ICD-B in the NF-pitNET, and was correlated with ICD-C in the GH producing pitNET group. CONCLUSIONS: Among the distance parameters, ICD-B is the longest, and was approximately twice the width of the TS-C. The shape of the sella is an ellipse that is widest in the lateral dimension in TSS. A horizontal based dural incision may be more rational than a conventional X-shaped dural incision.

Management of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis or Occlusion in Tandem Lesion with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Which Is More Appropriate Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty or Stent?

OBJECTIVE: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is the established treatment strategy of the cervical internal carotid artery (cICA) stenosis, but its use for acute tandem lesions remains controversial. We investigated the clinical and procedural outcomes of management of cICA lesions and evaluated the risk factors for complications. METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent acute mechanical thrombectomy for tandem lesion between January 2014 and June 2022 were included. Treatment of the cICA lesion was classified into the CAS group or the non-CAS group. The risk factors for postoperative ischemic events or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were analyzed. RESULTS: The CAS group included 36 patients (72%) and the non-CAS group 14 (28%). Postoperative complications were observed in 9 patients (18%). Thromboembolic complications occurred in 4 patients (29%) of the non-CAS group but in 1 patient (3%) of the CAS group. Severe calcification of the cICA (P = 0.04), non-CAS (P = 0.018), and more than 60% residual stenosis (P = 0.016) were significant risk factors associated with thromboembolic complications. sICH occurred in 4 patients (11%) of the CAS group but in none of the non-CAS group. More than 80% stenosis improvement was significantly associated with sICH (P = 0.049). Twenty-nine patients (58%) had a good clinical outcome at 90 days after onset. CONCLUSIONS: Acute CAS is effective for the management for cICA tandem lesions during mechanical thrombectomy, but care not to overextend may be important to reduce the risk of sICH. Severe calcification of the cICA may increase the risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications using non-CAS treatment.

Superior sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula with changes in angiographic findings associated with contiguous parasagittal meningioma: A case report.

Background: Meningioma and dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) located at the same site are rare. The present case demonstrated the transformation of tumor feeding vessels into the pial feeder of the dAVF over time, which may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of tumor-associated dAVF. Case Description: A 71-year-old man presented with convulsion. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a right parasagittal sinus meningioma invading the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Bilateral external carotid angiography showed dAVF at the SSS, near the site of tumor invasion. The right internal carotid angiography showed tumor staining from the anterior cerebral artery with intra-tumor arteriovenous shunting, with stagnation of tumor blood flow, suggesting impairment of perfusion to the SSS. Four years after the initial diagnosis, the patient was admitted to hospital with status epilepticus, and MR imaging showed an enlarged tumor. Carotid angiography revealed transformation of the tumor feeders to the pial feeder of the dAVF. The findings of shunting to the SSS had intensified, and stenosis had occurred in the posterior third of the SSS. The venous return showed retrograde flow anteriorly to the SSS. The patient underwent endovascular embolization and tumor resection. The shunt had disappeared. Conclusion: This report supports the proposal that impaired venous return is an important factor in the shunt occurrence of dAVF. Neurosurgeons should consider that cases of meningioma invading the venous sinuses may be complicated by dAVF and changes may occur over time.

Long-Term Durability and Recurrence Patterns After Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Tip Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Treating recurrence after coil embolization of basilar tip aneurysm remains challenging even with the development of endovascular procedures. The present study evaluated long-term durability and recurrence patterns after endovascular treatment of basilar tip aneurysms. METHODS: Data of 116 consecutive patients treated with endovascular therapy at 3 regional hospitals from 2002-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Aneurysms were ruptured in 51 cases and unruptured in 65 cases, with a mean maximal diameter of 7.8 mm (>15 mm in 14 patients) and a mean follow-up period of 5.8 ± 4.3 years. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in 24 of the 116 patients (21%), and 14 patients were retreated. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 75.3%. Cox proportional hazards analysis found that recurrence correlated significantly with maximal aneurysm diameter >10 mm (P = 0.001; hazard ratio: 3.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.76-8.90) and incomplete occlusion (P = 0.003; hazard ratio: 4.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-12.00). Recurrence pattern was classified into 3 types: neck type (9 patients), regrowth type (10 patients), and regrowth type of initially thrombosed aneurysms (3 patients). Rerupture occurred in neck type with de novo aneurysm formation adjacent to the neck (n = 3) and regrowth type with dome filling (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence after coil embolization for basilar tip aneurysms is associated with large aneurysms and incomplete occlusion at initial embolization. Understanding the patterns of recurrence is useful for predicting recurrence and selecting treatment strategies.