Association between extracranial internal carotid artery tortuosity and thromboembolic complications during coil embolization of anterior circulation ruptured aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent neurological complication during coil embolization of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is a thromboembolic event. The association between the tortuosity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and thromboembolic events (TEEs) during coil embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysms remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the association between extracranial ICA tortuosity and thromboembolic complications during coil embolization of anterior circulation ruptured aneurysms. METHODS: A cohort of 57 patients with 57 anterior circulation ruptured aneurysms who underwent endovascular embolization at a single institution was retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into two groups, those who experienced TEEs and those who did not that were compared and analyzed based on patient baseline characteristics, procedural factors, and anatomical factors including those of aneurysms and extracranial ICA tortuosity. The anatomical factors of the aneurysms included maximum dome size, neck width, dome-to-neck ratio, and dome-to-neck aspect ratio. Extracranial ICA angles in the proximal and distal curvature were evaluated as ICA tortuosity. RESULTS: Three of the 57 patients were excluded because of unavailability of data regarding ICA tortuosity; 54 patients were finally evaluated. TEEs occurred in six patients with five anterior cerebral and one internal carotid aneurysms. The extracranial distal ICA angle was significantly larger in patients with TEEs than in those without. Procedural factors and anatomical factors of the aneurysms were not associated with TEEs. CONCLUSIONS: Extracranial ICA tortuosity was significantly associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events during endovascular coiling of anterior circulation ruptured aneurysms.

Dural arteriovenous fistula manifesting as pontine hemorrhage at the craniocervical junction.

Craniocervical junction (CCJ) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) manifesting as intracerebral hemorrhage is extremely rare. We report the first case of CCJ-DAVF manifesting as pontine hemorrhage. A 69-year-old male presented with a pontine hemorrhage manifesting as a sudden onset of right hemiparesis and dysarthria. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a CCJ-DAVF fed by the meningeal branches of the right vertebral artery. The patient underwent surgical ligation of the cerebral draining veins to prevent re-bleeding. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient had no neurological deficit after 1 month rehabilitation.

[A Rare Case of Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma Causing Taste Disorder].

Taste(gustation)is one of the five senses, and comprises the types: sweet, bitter, salty, sour, and umami. Taste disorders, such as dysgeusia and parageusia, are classified into 2 types: those with peripheral origin and those with central origin. The peripheral origin-type taste disorder is caused by zinc deficiency, mouth dryness, a side effect of radiotherapy or complication of systemic diseases such as, diabetes, hepatopathy, and nephropathy. The central origin-type taste disorder is reported to be caused due to demyelinating disease, pontine hemorrhage, pontine infarction, and thalamic infarction; it is very rarely caused by a brain tumor. We surgically treated a 69-year-old man with cerebellar hemangioblastoma who had developed taste disorder. The tumor compressed the solitary nucleus, which includes the taste tract in the central nervous system. On removal of the tumor, the taste disorder gradually improved.

[Two Cases of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm Complicated with Delayed Coil Protrusion after Coil Embolization].

We report two cases of delayed coil protrusion after coil embolization for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Case 1:An 82-year-old woman with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured small anterior communicating artery aneurysm underwent successful coil embolization. Eighteen days after the procedure, coil protrusion from the aneurysm into the right anterior cerebral artery was observed without any symptoms. Further coil protrusion did not develop after 28 days. Case 2:A 78-year-old woman with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured small left middle cerebral artery aneurysm underwent successful coil embolization. Twenty days after the procedure, coil protrusion from the aneurysm into the left middle cerebral artery was observed, with a transient ischemic attack. Further coil protrusion did not develop. Both patients recovered with antithrombotic treatment. Even though delayed coil protrusion after coil embolization is rare, it should be recognized as a long-term complication of coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms.

Outcome of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia treated with the stitched sling retraction technique.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe and evaluate the long-term outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) with the stitched sling retraction technique for treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Between January 2007 and December 2012, 50 patients with idiopathic TN underwent MVD using the stitched sling retraction technique at our institution. The median follow-up period was 5.2 years (range, 1.8-6.8 years). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the rates of complete pain relief without medications were 88% at 1 year and 83% at 5 years. Recurrence was noted in two patients, and one patient was re-treated using a complementary procedure for pain relief. Although transient complications were observed in seven patients, no permanent neurological deficit was observed. We conclude that the stitched sling retraction technique is a safe and effective treatment for TN and maintains substantial pain relief and low recurrence rates over a long period of time.

Fatal convexity and interhemispheric acute subdural hematoma from a falx meningioma: A case report.

Background: Hemorrhagic meningiomas are rare. We report a rare case of nontraumatic convexity and interhemispheric acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) caused by a falx meningioma. Case Description: An 84-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation and hypertension who was taking warfarin presented to our emergency department with a sudden disorder of consciousness. The patient had no traumatic events associated with her symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) revealed right convexity and interhemispheric ASDH, mass lesions in the left frontal lobes, and brain herniation. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed vascular structures within the mass lesion. CT angiography (CTA) revealed no aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, and the venous phase revealed occlusion in the anterior portion of the superior sagittal sinus. The patient had her right convexity and interhemispheric ASDH removed endoscopically. A mass lesion located on the falx, which was easily bleeding, soft, and suctionable, was immediately detected. Histopathological examination revealed fibrous meningioma, a benign meningioma of the World Health Organization grade 1. Despite undergoing aggressive treatment, the patient's general condition deteriorated. Conclusion: Hemorrhagic meningiomas can easily be missed with plain CT, and the enhancement effect of CTA and tumor shadow on digital subtraction angiography may not be observed during the acute phase. Surgery for nontraumatic ASDH should be performed considering the possibility that a meningioma causes it.

Usefulness of non-slip element percutaneous transluminal angioplasty scoring balloons in treating severe calcified lesions of the carotid artery for carotid artery stenting: A case report.

Background: Treatment of calcified lesions with conventional angioplasty balloons can be difficult due to insufficient lumen expansion, high dissection rates, and repeated revascularization. We report a case in which a scoring balloon was used in lesions resistant to angioplasty with a semi-compliant balloon. Case Description: A 72-year-old man presented with severe stenosis and a highly calcified lesion in the right cervical internal carotid artery. Right carotid artery stenting (CAS) was planned to prevent future ischemic stroke events. Conventional semi-compliant balloon angioplasty was unsuccessful. Three inflations of a non-slip element (NSE) percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) scoring balloon (Nipro, Osaka, Japan) successfully achieved CAS without complications. Conclusion: This is the first report to describe the use of this scoring balloon in de novo carotid artery disease. NSE PTA scoring balloon catheters can be a useful option for refractory, highly calcified stenosis.

Early diagnosis of thoracic spinal dural arteriovenous fistula using lumbar magnetic resonance imaging: A case report.

In middle-aged and older men, clinicians often suspect lumbar spine disease when gait is impaired with intermittent claudication, but spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) may be the etiology. An understanding of the key magnetic resonance imaging findings of SDAVF is necessary for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and minimization of complications.

Successful Management of Acute Subdural Hematoma in Deep Brain Stimulation Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as an important therapeutic option for several movement disorders; however, the management of acute complications, such as acute subdural hematoma (ASDH), remains challenging. This is the case of a 71-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease who developed ASDH 12 years after bilateral DBS placement. On admission with altered consciousness, imaging revealed significant displacement of the DBS electrodes because of the hematoma. Emergent craniotomy with endoscopic evacuation was performed with preservation of the DBS system. Postoperatively, complete evacuation of the hematoma was confirmed, and the patient experienced significant clinical improvement. ASDH causes significant electrode displacement in patients undergoing DBS. After hematoma evacuation, the electrodes were observed to return to their proper position, and the patient exhibited a favorable clinical response to stimulation. To preserve the DBS electrodes, endoscopic hematoma evacuation via a small craniotomy may be useful.

[Blood blister-like aneurysm on the posterior wall of the internal carotid artery causing subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report].

We report a case of blood blister-like aneurysm(BBA)on the posterior wall of the internal carotid artery(ICA)causing subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). A 45-year-old man suffering from SAH(WFNS grade 5)was referred to our hospital. 3D-CT angiography showed a BBA on the posterior wall of the ICA. The aneurysm had been enlarged for a few days. Therefore we performed coil embolization. Four weeks after the operation, the aneurysm was found to have regrown. In the second operation the aneurysm was successfully treated by the ICA proximal occlusion with extracranial-intracranial bypass. Postoperative follow-up cerebral angiography detected no aneurysm. To our knowledge, BBA on the posterior wall of the ICA is rare. Radical surgery with bypass should be performed as soon as possible when the BBA is found to regrow. We discuss the clinical characteristics with a review of the literature.

[Successful microvascular decompression of the medulla oblongata for a case with respiratory failure: case report].

We report a case of the medulla oblongata syndrome successfully treated by microvascular decompression surgery. The patient was a 75-year-old woman and had been suffering from gradual progressive dyspnea since July, 2009. Two month later, intubation and medial ventilator treatments were began because of severe respiratory problems. The central respiratory problems were considered in extensive testing by the physician. The head MR imaging showed that the left vertebral artery had markedly compressed the medulla oblongata. We thought that her respiratory problems were associated with this vertebral artery compression of the medulla oblongata. We performed the microvascular decompression surgery by left trans-condylar fossa approach. Her hypoventilation graduately improved after the surgery and she needed neither ventilator nor oxygen in several months. She is able to perform daily activities by herself. We report the case, and discuss the cause of respiratory problems especially by compression of the medulla oblongata.

[Cerebral vasospasm after coil embolization for unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm: case report].

A 38-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a 3-day history of severe headache associated with some nausea and vomiting. MRI did not show any evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, but MRA and CTA showed an aneurysm on the paraclinoid region of the right internal carotid artery. She was successfully treated by coil embolization. MRA taken 7 days after the treatment showed marked vasospam. Fortunately, her therapeutic course was uneventful and she was discharged without any neurological deficits. Vasospasm without subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare event. Here, we review the literature and discuss potential mechanisms for vasospasm in the absence of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Trans-cerebellomedullary fissure approach with special reference to lateral route.

The trans-cerebellomedullary fissure (CMF) approach provides good exposure of the fourth ventricle without splitting the inferior vermis. The popularly utilized trans-CMF approach is performed in the midline suboccipital approach. However, the trans-CMF approach actually has two routes: medial and lateral. The lateral route is the trans-CMF approach through a lateral foramen magnum approach such as the transcondylar approach, opening the CMF from the lower unilateral side. We studied the surgical anatomy of the CMF and fourth ventricle. Based on the anatomic findings, we adopted the lateral route of the trans-CMF approach for four patients, each with a tumor near the jugular tubercle extending into the fourth ventricle through the CMF. Our study demonstrated that the lateral route of the trans-CMF approach enables sufficient exposure of not only unilateral cerebellopontine cistern but also of the lateral part of the fourth ventricle. A tumor is safely removed by this approach with easy feeder or tumor bed controls, especially if it is anchored at the lateral part of the CMF as is the jugular tubercle meningioma.

Significance of simulated conventional images on dual energy CT after endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CT scans often reveal post-interventional cerebral hyperdensities (PCHDs) immediately after intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) for ischemic stroke. Dual energy CT (DE-CT) can indicate whether PCHDs are caused by hemorrhage or iodinated contrast. Hyperdense lesions, detected on DE-CT with the use of iodinated contrast, could be associated with delayed hemorrhagic transformation and poor outcome. However, the quantitative indicators in DE-CT for predicting delayed hemorrhagic transformation remain unclear. We assessed such indicators for predicting delayed hemorrhagic transformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 52 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent IAT. Simulated conventional CT (sCCT) images were obtained immediately after a DE-CT scan. Virtual, unenhanced, non-contrast (VNC) imaging was performed after reconstruction. Hounsfield units (HU) of the infarct areas observed on the sCCT were measured. The association of HU on sCCT with hemorrhage on VNC and delayed parenchymal hemorrhage (PH) was evaluated. RESULTS: The HU of sCCT with hemorrhage on VNC was significantly higher than without it (377.9±385 HU vs 83.5±37.9 HU; P<0.0001). The cut-off index was 80 HU, which displayed 100% sensitivity, 63.8% specificity, 22.3% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value (P=0.0001, area under the curve (AUC)=0.89). The HU with delayed PH was substantially higher than without it (250.8±382.2 HU vs 93.7±64.8 HU; P=0.01). The cut-off index was 78 HU, which showed 100% sensitivity, 61% specificity, 25% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value (P=0.049, AUC=0.76). CONCLUSION: sCCT images on DE-CT are useful for excluding intracerebral hemorrhage and delayed PH.

Curved Planar Reformation for the Evaluation of Hydromyelia in Patients With Scoliosis Associated With Spinal Dysraphism.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Scoliosis and hydromyelia have frequently been observed in patients with spinal dysraphism. We investigated the applicability of curved planar reformation (CPR) for evaluating hydromyelia in patients with scoliosis associated with spinal dysraphism. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is quite difficult to evaluate scoliosis and hydromyelia in patients with spinal dysraphism. METHODS: We identified 11 patients with scoliosis and a Cobb angle of >20° among 107 spinal dysraphism patients. In addition to routine T1- and T2-weighted axial and sagittal MRI, we obtained three-dimensional constructive interference in steady-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as sagittal cross-section volume images. The spinal cord and hydromyelia were rendered into a single-plane, two-dimensional image using the straightened CPR technique. In cases of scoliosis with hydromyelia, the sagittal length and maximal diameters of hydromyelia and the spinal cord were measured by three examiners. Measurement errors among examiners were evaluated using standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: Each series of image sets provided a straightened CPR image that clearly delineated the entire length of the linearized spinal cord in a single plane. The straightened CPR image also demonstrated the accurate lengths and estimated volume of hydromyelia. Given that three of the 11 patients underwent serial MRI during this period, we were able to accurately compare volume changes. In the sagittal length of the hydromyelia, SD and CV were smaller with the straightened CPR technique than with the conventional T2 WI sagittal section in all cases, showing a statistically significant difference between both techniques (SD: P = 0.014, CV: P = 0.013). Even in the measurements, the difference in CV between both techniques was close to statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The straightened CPR technique is useful for accurately identifying volume changes in hydromyelia, even in patients with severe scoliosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

Diffuse cranial nerve and cauda equina lesions associated with breast cancer.

We report on the case of a patient with breast cancer with diffuse cranial nerve and cauda equina lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient's brain and spinal cord showed diffuse abnormal enhancement and slight enlargement of the cranial nerves and cauda equina. Although the results of subsequent testing for two antineural antibodies were negative, paraneoplastic sensorimotor neuropathy associated with breast cancer was considered to be the most likely clinical diagnosis.

[Usefulness of carotid ultrasonography for the early detection of moyamoya disease].

We report carotid ultrasonographic findings in moyamoya disease. A 44-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of fever, headache and nausea. Neurological examination showed neck stiffness and Kernig's sign but he was otherwise normal. Brain computed tomography showed hemorrhage in the right thalamus and the lateral ventricle. Conventional carotid ultrasonography (CCU) detected marked narrowing of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) at the proximal portion without arteriosclerosis, which fulfilled the criteria of bottle neck sign, namely, the ratio of diameter of proximal portion of ICA to that of the distal portion of common carotid artery (CCA) was less than 0.5. Additionally, CCU as well as transoral carotid ultrasonography (TOCU) showed the diameter of the ICA to be smaller than that of the external carotid artery (ECA) (diameter reversal sign). These signs strongly suggested moyamoya disease. Cerebral angiography confirmed the occlusions of intracranial ICA and moyamoya vessels. Bottle neck sign and diameter reversal sign of the carotid artery on carotid ultrasonography are useful for the early detection of moyamoya disease.

Carotid artery stenosis with a high-intensity signal plaque on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and association with evidence of intraplaque hypoxia.

OBJECTIVE Hypoxia induces angiogenesis and plays a major role in the progression of carotid plaques. During carotid intervention, plaques with high-intensity signals on time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) often cause ischemic stroke and embolic complications. However, the role of intraplaque hypoxia before carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting is not presently understood. In this study the authors aimed to investigate the relationship between intraplaque hypoxia and MRA findings. METHODS Nineteen consecutive patients with 20 carotid artery stenoses who underwent CEA at Saga University Hospital between August 2008 and December 2014 were enrolled in the study. The expressions of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed by immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, the relationship between the findings on TOF MRA and pathology for the carotid plaques was analyzed. RESULTS High-intensity plaques on TOF MRA showed higher expression levels of HIF-1α (p = 0.015) and VEGF (p = 0.007) compared with isointensity plaques. The rate of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) on TOF MRA was also significantly higher in the high-intensity plaques than in the isointensity plaques (p = 0.024). Finally, the mean number of neovessels was significantly higher in those without plaque hemorrhage than in those with plaque hemorrhage (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Plaques with high-intensity signals on TOF MRA were associated with IPH and evidence of intraplaque hypoxia. This fact may represent an opportunity to establish novel therapeutic agents targeting intraplaque hypoxia.

Brain metastasis from primary peritoneal carcinoma: Case report and literature review.

Here, we describe a patient with primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) who developed a late, solitary brain metastasis. It is a case of a 68-year-old female presented with a 1-month history of progressive gait disturbance who had undergone a surgical resection of PPC five years prior, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. An MRI revealed a 4.6cm mass lesion in her right cerebellum. The patient underwent total removal of the tumour. The histopathology was consistent with a brain metastasis due to PPC. This condition is a rare malignancy of peritoneum, and only six cases of brain metastasis have been reported in PPC patients to date. Due to the prolongation of survival resulting from advanced chemotherapy for PPC, more patients will live long enough to develop brain metastases.

Fenestration of the middle cerebral artery detected by MR angiography.

Unlike fenestration of the posterior cerebral arterial circulation, fenestration of the anterior cerebral arterial circulation has not been well described. We investigated the location and configuration of fenestration of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) detected by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. We found 6 fenestrations of the MCA among cranial MR angiography images obtained from about 2,000 patients during the past 9 years at our institution using either of two 1.5T imagers. All images were obtained by the three-dimensional time-of-flight technique. Maximum-intensity projection images in the horizontal rotation view were displayed stereoscopically. All 6 fenestrations had small slit-like configurations, five located at the proximal M1 segment, the other, at the middle M1 segment. No associated aneurysm was found. Although MCA fenestration is extremely rare and cerebral artery fenestration usually has no clinical significance, an aneurysm can arise at the proximal end of the fenestration. Thus, recognizing MCA fenestration is important when interpreting cranial MR angiograms.