Development of Sustained Release System Based on High Water-Absorbable Gel Formation Using Croscarmellose Sodium, Alkaline Excipients and HPMC (ACSH SR System); Novel Application of Croscarmellose Sodium as a Gel Former.

PURPOSE: Croscarmellose sodium, generally used as a superdisintegrant in pharmaceutical formulations, is hydrolyzed to form the gel structure under basic pH conditions. Utilizing this property of croscarmellose sodium, we developed a novel sustained release (SR) system. METHODS: Immediate release (IR) and SR tablets containing croscarmellose sodium, alkaline excipients and/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were prepared and examined for wet strength and in vitro drug release behavior. In vivo oral drug absorption was evaluated for IR tablets, HPMC tablets and our novel SR tablets in fasted Beagle dogs. RESULTS: To form the gel structure even under the physiological condition, alkaline excipients were added into the formulation containing croscarmellose sodium. Furthermore, HPMC was used to make the gel structure strong enough against mechanical destructive forces. The novel alkalized croscarmellose sodium-HPMC (ACSH) SR tablet, consisting of croscarmellose sodium, alkaline excipients, and HPMC, successfully sustained the release of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or nicardipine hydrochloride, compared with the IR tablets. The ACSH SR system provided a better release of acetaminophen than the HPMC tablet without croscarmellose sodium in the release study using a small volume of liquid, suggesting that substantial release and subsequent absorption would be expected in the distal intestinal segments after oral dosing. The in vivo oral absorption study revealed that the ACSH SR system successfully suppressed and prolonged the plasma concentrations of acetaminophen. CONCLUSION: This novel ACSH SR system prepared with croscarmellose sodium, alkaline excipients, and HPMC, would be a promising SR formulation for enabling substantial drug absorption in the distal intestinal segments.

[Current Status of Thrombectomy Calls for Acute Ischemic Stroke for a Single Neurointerventionist in a Regional Hospital].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of thrombectomy calls for acute ischemic stroke for a single neurointerventionist in a regional hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with thrombectomy calls for a neurointerventionist from January to November 2016 in our hospital, where a single board-certified neurointerventionist conducts endovascular interventions. Number, frequency, and time of thrombectomy calls were analyzed. Patients ineligible for revascularization were still used in analysis even though the neurointerventionist did not perform thrombectomy. RESULTS: Over 11 months(334 days), there were 105 calls, of which 48 were during duty hours and 57 during off-duty hours. The neurointerventionist was called once every 3.2 days in total, once every 4.7 days during duty hours, once every 5.7 days during off-duty hours of working days, and once every 6.2 days during holidays. Thrombectomies were performed in 37 cases(35%). Thrombectomies were performed once every 9.1 days and once every 2.8 calls. Twenty-four patients presented with ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, but they were determined to be ineligible for thrombectomy because of progressed ischemia in 7 patients, poor clinical condition in 7, or symptom recovery or recanalization in 10. Diagnoses of 42 patients who were not indicated for thrombectomy included ischemic stroke without major artery occlusion in 24 patients and intracerebral hemorrhage in 14. CONCLUSION: In a regional hospital with a single neurointerventionist, the frequency of thrombectomy calls was about once in every 3 days, and approximately half of them occurred during off-duty hours. A thrombectomy was performed about once every 9 days and about once every 3 thrombectomy-calls. Measures should be taken to reduce the burden on neurointerventionists in stroke centers, especially in understaffed institutes.

[Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Bithalamic Lesions and Bilateral Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage:A Case Report].

OBJECTIVE: We report an unusual case of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF)with bithalamic lesions and bilateral intracranial hemorrhage. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man presented with lethargy and progressive cognitive decline. Imaging demonstrated bithalamic edematous lesions and bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage in the right putamen and left internal capsule. Angiography revealed tentorial DAVF fed by both the internal and external carotid arteries. A shunted pouch was present in the superior petrosal sinus, and retrograde reflux drainage was see in the deep venous system, including the basal vein, vein of Galen, and internal cerebral veins with congestion. Initially, transarterial embolization was palliatively performed, and subsequently, a microsurgery achieved obliteration of the tentorial DAVF. Postoperatively, the bilateral thalamic changes disappeared, although sequela of the intracranial hemorrhage persisted. CONCLUSION: Deep venous congestion due to tentorial DAVF induced unusual bithalamic lesions and bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage. Tentorial DAVF was treated with combined endovascular and surgical operations. Tentorial AVF is an aggressive vascular disease, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

High-resolution cone beam CT for evaluation of vascular channel in intracranial partial thrombosed aneurysm.

The authors present a 60-year-old man with a partially thrombosed, intracranial vertebral artery aneurysm. A vascular channel in intra-aneurysmal thrombus was effectively identified with high-resolution cone beam CT (DynaCT Micro: Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany). Pre-procedural vertebral angiogram implied a perforating artery arising from near neck of the aneurysm and DynaCT Micro performed before approaching to the lesion demonstrated a vascular channel running in intra-aneurysmal thrombus which could not be distinguished from perforators with other imaging modalities. It was confirmed that perforators around the aneurysm were not identified and safely treated the aneurysm with stent-assisted coil embolization. High-resolution cone beam CT is enable to sharply visualize vessel lumens, thrombus, and intra-thrombus structures, and is useful to identify a vascular channel in intracranial partially thrombosed aneurysm.

Association between CYP2C19 genotype and the additional effect of cilostazol to clopidogrel resistance in neuroendovascular therapy.

We investigated the association between CYP2C19 genotype and additional effect of cilostazol on clopidogrel resistance (CR) in neuroendovascular therapy. Between January 2012 and January 2016, 447 consecutive patients were administered with 75-mg cilostazol/day. The VerifyNow System was used for evaluating P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) > 230 and/or percentage inhibition of platelet function (% Inhibition) ≤ 20 as CR. Among 158 patients with CR, 31 were administered with additional 100- or 200-mg cilostazol/day and their platelet function was evaluated. According to CYP2C19 genotypes revealed using the Spartan RX and DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit, patients were classified into three phenotypic groups: extensive metabolizer (EM, three patients), intermediate metabolizer (IM, 12 patients), and poor metabolizer (PM, 16 patients). Administration of additional cilostazol decreased PRU (EM group: 160.7 ± 85.2 after vs 278.3 ± 40.1 before, P = 0.15; IM group: 205.6 ± 74.0 vs 254.3 ± 35.0, P = 0.02; and PM group: 227.8 ± 52.2 vs 282.1 ± 30.4, P = 0.003), and increased % Inhibition (EM group: 40.0 ± 27.9 vs 9.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.25; IM group: 31.4 ± 18.0 vs 11.8 ± 8.2, P = 0.001; and PM group: 24.6 ± 15.0 vs 10.4 ± 9.3, P = 0.001). However, the rate of normalized-clopidogrel response, thromboembolic lesions, and bleeding complications were not significantly different among the three groups. Thus, the addition of cilostazol was effective on CR in terms of PRU, % Inhibition, rate of change of normalized-clopidogrel response, thromboembolic events, and bleeding complications irrespective of phenotype.

Innovations in Endovascular Treatment Strategies for Large Carotid Cavernous Aneurysms-The Safety and Efficacy of a Flow Diverter.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy for the treatment of large carotid cavernous aneurysms (CCAs) was compared between conventional endovascular treatments, stent-assisted coiling (SAC), parent artery occlusion (PAO), and the flow diverter (FD). METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2015, 49 patients with large, broad-necked, unruptured CCA underwent endovascular treatment at our institution. We performed PAO in 22 patients, SAC in 18 patients, and FD in 9 patients. Safety and efficacy were assessed in all patients by periodic clinical and radiological examinations during a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: All 22 aneurysms treated with PAO disappeared immediately after treatment, but in the SAC-treated group, complete occlusion was obtained in only 5 of the 18 patients. All aneurysms in the FD group resulted in body filling. Perioperative ipsilateral temporary ischemic events occurred in 6 cases (PAO 4, SAC 2, FD 0). Delayed deterioration or new onset of cranial nerve symptoms was observed in 10 cases (PAO 3, SAC 3, FD 4), almost all of which recovered within 3 months. During the 6-month follow-up, all aneurysms treated with PAO showed a decrease in size without recanalization. In the SAC group, 12 aneurysms showed neck remnants, and marked recanalization occurred in 4 cases. Six of the 9 aneurysms in the FD group were completely occluded. CONCLUSIONS: The FD provided excellent final results despite transient worsening of symptoms. Although further long-term follow-up is essential, from a cost-effective and time-saving viewpoint, FD is a relatively safe and reliable method for the treatment of large CCAs.

Treatment of Symptomatic Bilateral Cavernous Carotid Aneurysms: Long-term Results of 6 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) are very rare. A treatment strategy for symptomatic bilateral CCAs has not been established because of their complex pathogenesis. Here we report our treatment strategy and long-term results for 6 cases of symptomatic bilateral CCAs. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2013, we treated 6 patients (2 men and 4 women; mean age at first treatment, 56.0 years) with symptomatic bilateral CCAs. RESULTS: All patients began to experience unilateral symptoms. Five of the 6 underwent high-flow bypass (HFB) with parent artery occlusion (PAO), and 1 received PAO only. Mean follow-up period after the first treatment was 61.3 months. All symptoms improved after the treatment. Five contralateral CCAs became enlarged during the follow-up period. Of these, 4 became symptomatic. One patient received superficial temporal-middle cerebral artery bypass with PAO, 2 received HFB with PAO, and 1 refused treatment. Final modified Rankin Scale scores were 0 in 4 patients, 1 in 1 patient, and 2 in 1 patient. There was no mortality in this series. CONCLUSIONS: HFB with PAO is feasible as the first treatment for symptomatic bilateral CCAs. This treatment strategy steadies and simplifies future treatment of contralateral CCAs should they become symptomatic.

Intracellular Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides by Tri-Branched Cyclic Disulfide Units.

Therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as antisense DNA, show promise in treating previously untreatable diseases. However, their applications are still hindered by the poor membrane permeability of naked oligonucleotides. Therefore, it is necessary to develop efficient methods for intracellular oligonucleotide delivery. Previously, our group successfully developed disulfide-based Membrane Permeable Oligonucleotides (MPON), which achieved enhanced cellular uptake and gene silencing effects through an endocytosis-free uptake mechanism. Herein, we report a new molecular design for the next generation of MPON, called trimer MPON. The trimer MPON consists of a tri-branched backbone, three α-lipoic acid units, and a spacer linker between the oligonucleotides and tri-branched cyclic disulfide unit. We describe the design, synthesis, and functional evaluation of the trimer MPON, offering new insights into the molecular design for efficient oligonucleotide delivery.

Endovascular intervention for acute cervical carotid artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Acute cervical carotid artery occlusion presents with a severe neurological deficit and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. In this study, the authors report their experience with patients having had acute ischemic stroke due to cervical carotid occlusion, who underwent endovascular intervention. METHOD: Sixteen acute cervical carotid occlusion patients (15 males and 1 female; mean age 67.7 years) were treated by endovascularly between January 2009 and November 2012. Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data were retrospectively evaluated. Successful intracranial recanalization was based on thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2B-3. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days. FINDINGS: The average score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale before treatment was 15.9. Ten of 16 patients (63 %) were associated with intracranial tandem occlusion. Ten (63 %) cases were caused by atherosclerotic, 4 (25 %) by atrial fibrillation (AF), and 2 (13 %) by dissection. Thirteen of 16 (81 %) achieved successful cervical recanalization and 7 of 16 (44 %) patients obtained sufficient cervical and intracranial perfusion. As a result, 5 of 16 (31 %) patients demonstrated favorable outcomes. Five of seven patients (71 %) with successful cervical and intracranial recanalization presented favorable outcomes. In contrast, none of the patients without cervical or intracranial recanalization presented favorable outcomes. Three of 6 (50 %) patients initially without intracranial occlusion showed favorable outcomes, but only 2 of 10 (20 %) patients associated with intracranial occlusion had favorable outcomes. On the aspect of etiology, in atherosclerotic cases, 4 of 10 (40 %) showed favorable outcomes. However, all four AF cases deteriorated into poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of endovascular intervention for acute cervical carotid artery occlusion. Although treatment for tandem occlusion and AF cases is an issue that should be resolved, intervention must be encouraged. Successful cervical and intracranial revascularization will be essential for favorable outcomes.

[Systematic review of complications for proper informed consent (9) periprocedural complications of carotid artery stenting: a review article].

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting(CAS)is a common procedure for the treatment of high surgical risk patients with carotid artery stenosis. Recent clinical study failed to show the non-inferiority of CAS to carotid endarterectomy(CEA)because of higher complication rates of CAS. However the result of a multicenter case study in Japan with tailored application of adequate devices including stents and protection devices revealed the safety of CAS in Japan. In this article the overall review in the previous reports of CAS are reviewed focusing on the complications and clinical outcome. METHOD: Five randomized controlled trials concerning CAS versus CEA and 14 case series of CAS were reviewed, and the rates of periprocedural complications of CAS including death, stroke, myocardial infarction, hypotension and bradycardia, cranial nerve palsy, major vascular injury, cholesterol crystal embolization and hyperperfusion syndrome were summarized. RESULT: Mortality within 30 days of procedures was 0.9%. The rate of any stroke was 6.0% from the five RCT results, but a recent 14-case series reported any stroke rate at 3-4% and severe stroke rate at 1-2% respectively. The rates of acute myocardial infarction, hypotension, and bradycardia were 1%, 4%, and 4-12% respectively. The rate of bleeding complication of the access root was about 2% and non-bleeding was 1-2%. Cholesterol crystal embolization occurred in 0.2%. Incidence of hyperperfusion syndrome occurred in 1.5%, and intracranial hemorrhage in 0.8%. CONCLUSION: Historically, the rapid improvement of devices and technical skills have contributed to the better clinical results. Also the lessons from complication cases have led to more appropriate indication and perfect protection to avoid adverse events. Therefore the rate of complication is always improving and those written in this article may not reflect the present real number. This article should be quoted with the previous reference as well as the newest data according to the operator's own experiences on taking informed consent.

Creation of single molecular conjugates of metal-organic cages and DNA.

Here we report the development of an equimolar conjugate of a metal-organic cage (MOC) and DNA (MOC-DNA). Several MOC-DNA conjugates were assembled into a programmed structure by coordinating with a template DNA having a complementary base sequence. Moreover, conjugation with the MOC drastically enhanced the permeability of DNA through the lipid bilayer, presenting great potential as a drug delivery system.

Magnetic resonance fluid dynamics for intracranial aneurysms--comparison with computed fluid dynamics.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysms is thought to play an important role in their growth and rupture. Usual computed fluid dynamics (CFD) based on three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) angiography requires a time-consuming process for analysis. Magnetic resonance fluid dynamics (MRFD) based on MR images is a new tool for analyzing flow dynamics and a promising method for obtaining such information more easily. We compared the data from MRFD and CFD and studied the clinical feasibility of MRFD. METHODS: A total of 15 aneurysms, including two ruptured ones, in 15 patients were investigated with MR imaging and 3D-CT angiography. The flow data of MRFD and CFD, 3D stream lines, flow velocity profile and wall shear stress (WSS) were extracted from the image reconstruction and were compared each other. RESULTS: Both flow dynamics images showed quite similar 3D flow pattern and WSS map. However, the calculated value of maximum WSS was quite different and there was no significant correlation. Further, in one ruptured case, CFD showed less visualization to evaluate the intra-aneurysmal flow. Interestingly, one delayed rupture case showed a particular flow pattern with abnormal secondary flow in the bottom of the aneurysm before rupture, which might suggest the specific finding of rupture risk. CONCLUSION: MRFD is a valuable and less invasive tool to evaluate aneurysmal fluid dynamics. It can be obtained from the usual MRI examination without contrast medium and exposure to radiation. Although there is a problem of consistency of the absolute value of WSS between MRFD and conventional CFD, it may be useful to predict the risk of enlargement or rupture of aneurysms based on the information of the similar distribution of WSS and flow patterns. The quantifiable analysis and establishment of a meaningful threshold for high risk should be further studied.

[Intracardiac migration of a ventriculoatrial shunt catheter treated by endovascular transvenous retrieval].

The authors report a case of intracardiac migration of a ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt catheter and transvenous retrieval of the migrated shunt catheter. A 67-year-old male, who had previously undergone a VA shunt for hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage, presented disorientation, memory disturbance and gait disturbance without any cardiopulmonary symptom. Head CT scan revealed ventriculomegaly that indicated hydrocephalus due to shunt malfunction. Radiogram revealed that the caudal segment of the broken atrial catheter had migrated into the heart (right ventricle). The migrated shunt catheter was retrieved by a transfemoral approach with a pigtail catheter and a snare retriever catheter, although the rostral catheter segment partially remained because of tight adhesion. The VA shunt was then reconstructed. Postoperatively, symptoms due to recurrent hydrocephalus were markedly improved and the VA shunt functioned well. Transvenous catheter retrieval was a less invasive and effective method for VA shunt catheter migration.

[Resistance to antiplatelet agents assessed by a point-of-care platelet function test and thromboembolic adverse events in neurointervention].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the frequency of Japanese patients who are resistant to antiplatelet agents, and then clarify correlations between resistance and thromboembolic adverse events in neurointervention. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 163 patients who were taking antiplatelet agents and received neurointervention, with 128 samples collected just before neurointervention. Residual platelet function was measured using a point-of-care platelet function test, VerifyNow®, and then the frequency of patients resistant to drugs (low-responders), correlations between resistance and thromboembolic events, and effects of adding cilostazol to clopidogrel administration were analyzed. Cut-off values were defined as 550 Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU), 230 P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU), and 50%inhibition of P2Y12, respectively. RESULTS: Three of 105 patients (2.9%) taking aspirin at 100 mg/day were low-responders, whereas 48 (41.0%, as measured by PRU) or 80 (68.4%, as measured by %inhibition) of 117 patients taking clopidogrel at 75 mg/day were low-responders. Among the 19 patients taking cilostazol 200 mg/day in addition to clopidogrel 75 mg/day, platelet functions were significantly more strongly inhibited compared to patients taking clopidogrel alone (p=0.02 by PRU, p=0.005 by %inhibition). Thromboembolic adverse events occurred in 7 patients. Among these 7 patients, 6 who were taking aspirin were all responders to aspirin, while 4 of the 6 patients taking clopidogrel were low-responders to clopidogrel. In 69 patients who received aneurysmal transarterial embolization, 2 thromboembolic complications occurred among low-responders (p=0.09). CONCLUSION: Aspirin resistance is rare in Japanese individuals. With aneurysmal transarterial embolization, thromboembolic events tended to occur among clopidogrel low-responders. Addition of cilostazol may offer one method of overcoming clopidogrel resistance.

Severe Complications After Endovascular Trapping of Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm: Simultaneous Occurrence of Medullary and Cervical Spinal Cord Infarction.

Endovascular trapping of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) can lead to ischemic complications, including medullary infarction due to obstruction of perforating arteries, and cervical spinal cord infarction caused by ischemia of spinal arteries branching from the affected vertebral artery (VA). This report describes a rare case of concomitant medullary and spinal cord infarction following internal trapping of ruptured VADA. A 47-year-old male presented with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage and neurological pulmonary edema, and a vertebral angiogram demonstrated VADA. A small-sized posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) was found proximal to the affected vessel. The anterior spinal artery (ASA) branched distal to a dilated portion. Perforating arteries were insufficiently visualized due to image quality. Internal trapping was performed, and complete occlusion of VADA was achieved, preserving the origin of ASA. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed ischemic lesions in the lateral medulla oblongata and upper cervical spinal cord. The patient presented with severe neurological symptoms, including lower cranial neuropathy due to medulla infarction, respiratory dysfunction, and tetraparesis due to cervical spinal cord infarction. The modified Rankin scale at three months was grade 5. Various factors, including perforating artery ischemia, unstable general condition, and insufficient antithrombotic therapy, were considered the cause. Therefore, evaluating the tiny perforating and spinal arteries branching from the VA should be especially considered to avoid these complications. Furthermore, advances in angiographic apparatus and workstations should provide a high-resolution radiological image and adequate treatment strategy.

Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke Treated by Endovascular Thrombectomy in Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019.

We report a case of acute ischemic stroke caused by large-vessel occlusion in a patient infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who was treated by endovascular thrombectomy. The patient was a 41-year-old man hospitalized with moderately severe COVID-19. Fourteen days after the onset of COVID-19, dysarthria and right hemiplegia were observed, and acute occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery was diagnosed. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed with a stent retriever while the patient was under local anesthesia and sedation. The staff involved in the intervention was as minimal as possible. The interventional surgeon wore a disposable surgical gown, an N95 mask, a face shield, and two pairs of gloves, while the patient was fitted with a surgical mask. The intervention involved the usual procedures, such as sheath insertion, catheter manipulation, and stent deployment, and the thrombus was removed with the stent retriever. The time from puncture to recanalization was within 30 minutes. No infection was observed in our staff or inpatients after the intervention. Thus, we were able to perform neuroendovascular treatment without spreading COVID-19 by taking appropriate measures to prevent infection.

Evaluation of the characteristics of various types of coils for the embolization of intracranial aneurysms with an optical pressure sensor system.

INTRODUCTION: In coil embolization for an intracranial aneurysm, it is important to appropriately choose the coil most suitable for coping with various unforeseen situations. Additionally, because dense coil packing of the aneurysm sac is the most important factor to avoid a recurrence, properly selecting the coil is essential. In this article, the authors measured the coil insertion pressure of various types of coils with a newly developed sensor system, and coil characteristics were investigated. METHODS: The sensor consists of a hemostatic valve connected to the proximal end of a microcatheter. The sensor principle is based on an optical system. Using this, an experimental silicone aneurysm embolization was performed automatically at constant speed. The pattern of the insertion pressure and the maximum insertion pressure (MIP) were analyzed for the various types of coils. The sensor continuously monitored the mechanical force during the insertions. RESULTS: The sensor adequately recorded the coil insertion pressure during embolization in each coil. MIP was generally ranked in order of the coil type. The soft type coils required relatively less insertion pressure than standard/helical and 3D type. As for the patterns of coil insertion pressure, each coil presented a saw-like pressure pattern, though we observed some slight differences. 3D type coils showed peak pressure at the moment of "painting". Coil loop diameters barely affected MIP. However, as to the patterns of pressure, larger size coils more often presented the peak. CONCLUSIONS: Coil characteristics were well evaluated. The results obtained here reflected some actual clinical experience. Furthermore, collecting the in vivo study is mandatory, which may provide clinically useful data.

Endovascular coil embolization for saccular-shaped blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: Because of their fragile and thin wall, ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) at the anterior wall of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are difficult to manage, both surgically, as well as endovascularly. BBA is usually a tiny and broad-necked aneurysm, but it occasionally demonstrates a relatively saccular-like shape. In addition, the pseudoaneurysm sac often assumes a saccular shape. In this paper, the authors present their experience in treating these saccular-shaped BBAs endovascularly with coil packing. METHOD: Nine saccular-shaped ruptured BBAs in nine patients (one male and eight females; mean age 51.3 years, range 38-76) were treated with coil packing of the lesion between January 2006 and August 2010 in Nagoya University and its affiliated hospitals. Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data were retrospectively evaluated. FINDINGS: Seven BBAs were treated by balloon-assisted coil embolization. Two remaining BBAs were embolized without balloon inflation, though a balloon catheter was on standby at the ICA. In one case, in which a saccular coil embolization could not be achieved, ICA trapping was performed. Three (33.3%) were treated in acute, two (22.2%) in subacute, and four (44.4%) in chronic period. One (11.1%) intraoperative rupture occurred. Six (66.7%) had excellent clinical outcomes, while two (22.2%) proved fatal outcomes. During the follow-up period (mean 18.9 months, range 4-48), two out of seven (28.6%) aneurysms presented an angiographical recurrence, but both were treated by coil embolization without complications. The remaining five (71.4%) aneurysms were completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular coil embolization can be considered as an alternative treatment option for selective saccular-shaped BBAs.

A Case of Segmental Arterial Mediolysis: Hemoperitoneum with Hemorrhagic Shock due to Rupture of a Visceral Artery Aneurysm Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Objective: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a non-inflammatory and non-atherosclerotic vascular disease characterized by segmental medial defect/necrosis of muscular arteries as a result of mediolysis. SAM affects the visceral and intracranial arteries, and causes arterial dissection and aneurysm. We report a case of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) followed by hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured visceral artery aneurysm. Case Presentation: A 54-year-old man developed SAH from a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm, which was clipped on the same day. Thereafter, he was treated to prevent cerebral vasospasm. Six days after onset, he developed acute anemia and his blood pressure decreased, suggesting hemorrhagic shock. Hemoperitoneum was detected on computed tomography and abdominal angiography was performed. Irregular and stenotic arterial findings, and an unusual aneurysm with contrast stasis were found in a branch vessel from the right gastroepiploic artery. SAM was diagnosed based on the clinical course and angiographic characteristics. Endovascular treatment consisted of embolization of the visceral artery aneurysm with liquid embolic material. after embolization, the vital signs stabilized and he recovered from shock. Acute treatment for SAH was continued. Although the patient did not develop vasospasm-related sequelae, he was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital 7 weeks after onset and his modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after onset was 2. Conclusion: Visceral artery aneurysm associated with SAM should be considered as the cause of hemoperitoneum with hemorrhagic shock during the acute phase of SAH.

A Case of Puncture-Site Giant Pseudoaneurysm Following Recanalization Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Marked Growth and Rupture of a Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm.

Objective: We report a case of the marked growth and rupture of a giant femoral artery pseudoaneurysm at the puncture site that developed after recanalization therapy for acute basilar artery occlusion. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman developed acute ischemic stroke due to atherosclerotic basilar artery occlusion. Endovascular intervention was performed and recanalization of the affected vessel was achieved. However, she developed brainstem infarction and consciousness disturbance persisted. The femoral access site was treated using a vascular closure device at the end of the procedure. A right femoral artery pseudoaneurysm of approximately 5 cm in size was found 2 weeks after onset during the examination for deep venous thrombosis with right lower extremity edema. Manual compression did not achieve thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm due to obesity and leg edema. Considering the severe neurological status of the patient, the pseudoaneurysm was followed up without surgical treatment. Dual antiplatelet therapy and direct oral anticoagulant agents were administered. Four weeks after onset, the pseudoaneurysm presented rapid growth, and on the 35th day after onset, it exceeded 15 cm in size and ruptured, causing hemorrhagic shock with massive femoral hematoma. Pseudoaneurysm resection and hematoma removal were performed surgically, and the patient recovered. However, improvement of neurological manifestations was poor and the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after onset was 5. Conclusion: A case of giant femoral artery pseudoaneurysm following recanalization therapy for acute ischemic stroke was reported. Pseudoaneurysms at the puncture site can rupture after significant growth. Curative treatment is required without delay.