Rigid but nonmetallic cranioplasty after pterional craniotomy: Technical note.

Background: Given the popularity of pterional craniotomy, numerous modifications have been made to prevent postoperative deformities. With the advent of titanium plates, fixation has become both simple and excellent. However, titanium plates can cause skin problems, infection, or cause skull growth to fail. Methods: To develop a simple, cost-effective, and esthetically satisfactory fixation method, without the use of non-metallic materials, six young and older patients underwent pterional craniotomy. CranioFix Absorbable clamps were used to fix the bone flap in the frontal and temporal regions such that the frontal part was in close contact with the skull. After fixation, the bone chips and bone dust were placed in the bone gap and fixed with fibrin glue. We measured the computed tomography values of the reconstructed area and thickness of the temporal profiles postoperatively over time. Results: Bone fusion was achieved in all patients by 1 year after surgery. Both the thickness of the temporalis muscle and the thickness of the temporal profile had changed within 2 mm as compared with the preoperative state. Conclusion: Our simple craniotomy technique, gentle tissue handling, and osteoplastic cranioplasty yielded satisfactory esthetic results and rigidness in pterional craniotomy.

Task-specific dystonia in hairdressers: a questionnaire survey and review of the literature.

Hairdresser dystonia is one of the occupational dystonias and task-specific movement disorders occurring as a result of long-term repetitive cutting with scissors. The task-specific dystonia manifests itself as a loss of voluntary motor control during extensive practice of cutting requiring a high level of technical proficiency. The prevalence rate of hairdresser dystonia is not well-known worldwide. A questionnaire regarding dystonia was prepared for hairdressers. After sending the questionnaires to 800 hairdressers by direct mail, 134 answers were received by mail. Five of the 134 were suspected to have hairdresser-associated focal dystonia. Thus, 3.7% of hairdressers might have task-specific dystonia. This report was limited because of the small number of participants. However, this research is valuable because it was difficult to find a patient with suspected dystonia due to concerns related to job security.

Spontaneous closure of non-cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: A case series and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To report 9 new cases of non-cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (NCS-DAVFs) that closed spontaneously and systematically review reports of other cases in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 9 cases from 2 institutions of NCS-DAVFs that closed spontaneously. Using PubMed and Scopus in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed English language articles about NCS-DAVFs showing spontaneous closure. RESULTS: Review of the cases from 2 institutions identified 9 cases of NCS-DAVFs showing spontaneous closure in follow-up magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and the systematic review of the literature yielded an additional 38 cases, which had been diagnosed by repeated arteriography. Collectively, the patients included 23 men and 24 women with a mean age of 54 years. The shunts were located in the transverse-sigmoid sinus in 24 cases (51%), anterior condylar confluence in 11, and other locations in 12. Based on the venous drainage pattern on arteriography, 27 cases (57%) were classified as low-risk NCS-DAVF (without cortical venous reflux) and 17 were classified as high-risk NCS-DAVF (with cortical venous reflux). Shunt closure was observed within 3 months in 17 cases (36%). Extrinsic predisposing factors for shunt closure were detected in 14 cases (30%). These included angiography in 7 cases, sinus recanalization in 4, development of sinus occlusion in 2, and sinus compression by a newly developed hematoma in 1. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous closures of NCS-DAVFs can occur for both high- and low-risk types. One-third of these closures occur within 3 months.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Coil Embolization for Anterior Communicating and Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms.

Objective: Endovascular coil embolization for anterior communicating artery (ACoA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms is associated with high total and near-total occlusion rates, but the complication rate is high. The development of newer endovascular technologies may improve the clinical outcomes. This study investigated the status of endovascular treatment of ACoA and ACA aneurysms by comparing our results with past reports. Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2018, we investigated 50 patients who were followed for 12 months or longer to clarify the outcomes of coil embolization. The outcomes of embolization were evaluated using time-of-flight MRA. The safety was evaluated based on procedure-related complications that affected clinical outcomes. Results: Initial assessments demonstrated complete obliteration in 84% (42 of 50 patients) and a residual neck in 14% (7 of 50 patients). Procedure-related complications developed in 12% (6 of 50 patients). The procedure-related morbidity rate was 2% (1 of 50 patients) and there was no procedure-related death. Recanalization was noted in 14% (7 of 50 patients, median follow-up period, 57 months). The recanalized aneurysms were significantly smaller than the stable aneurysms in maximum size (4.3 mm vs. 5.8 mm; p = 0.017) and height (3.7 mm vs. 4.3 mm; p = 0.035). Conclusion: We demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of endovascular coil embolization for ACoA and ACA aneurysms. The small size of aneurysms may be related to recanalization.

Transarterial and Transvenous Coil Embolization of Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas.

Objective: Transvenous embolization (TVE) is typically used in combination with the residual shunt of transarterial embolization (TAE) for the treatment of direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (direct CCFs). This report is about our additional embolization method using combination therapy. Case Presentation: Five consecutive cases of direct CCF were presented; two were caused by aneurysms and three by head injuries. The treatment for each was started with TAE, with the addition of TVE if a shunt remained. At the time of TVE, a microcatheter positioned in the internal carotid artery passing from the cavernous sinus through the aneurysm neck or fistula was pulled back (pull-back method). It was then placed in the coil mass with TAE, and additional coils were filled. In two cases, the shunt disappeared by using only TAE, whereas it disappeared after being additionally embolized by the pull-back method in the remaining cases. All patients recovered with no postoperative complications. Conclusion: The TAE and TVE combination therapy with the pull-back method could efficiently embolize the residual shunt after TAE.

A case of unilateral vertebral artery dissection progressing in a short time period to bilateral vertebral artery dissection.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is an important cause of stroke in young and middle- aged people. Bilateral occurrence of VAD is generally considered rare, but the number of reports of bilateral VAD has been increasing in recent years. In this paper, we report a case of de novo VAD on the contralateral side presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the acute stage of cerebral infarction due to unilateral VAD. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52-year-old man developed sudden-onset left occipital headache, dizziness, dysphagia, and right-sided hemiparesthesia and was admitted to our hospital. Head magnetic resonance imaging on admission showed a left lateral medullary infarction due to the left VAD. At this point, the right vertebral artery was normal. However, on day 9 after onset, he suddenly presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the right VAD. Emergency endovascular treatment was performed for the dissecting aneurysm of the right vertebral artery. The patient's condition improved gradually after the procedure, and he was discharged with a modified Rankin Scale score of 1. CONCLUSION: Bilateral occurrence of VAD may be more common than previously believed. Even in cases of unilateral VAD, we need to pay attention to the occurrence of de novo VAD on the contralateral side.

Increased mast cells in endocervical smears of women with dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Mast cells are observed in peritoneal endometriosis which causes dysmenorrhea. However, there is no report about the relationship between endocervical mast cells and dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship using endocervical smears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2016, patients filled out a questionnaire regarding dysmenorrhea and were classified into the dysmenorrhea or the control group (without dysmenorrhea). Patients underwent endocervical brushing and endocervical smears were obtained. The smears were stained with methylene blue to detect mast cells. The number of mast cells per slide was counted by microscopy and recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this study (dysmenorrhea group, 34; control group, 55). The median number of mast cells present in the endocervical one slides was 35 (interquartile range, 17-58) and 2 (interquartile range, 0-6) in the dysmenorrhea and control groups, respectively. There was a significant difference in the number of mast cells between the two groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: More mast cells were observed in the endocervical smears of women with dysmenorrhea than in those of women without dysmenorrhea.

Urgent Carotid Artery Stenting for Carotid-Related Stroke-in-Evolution.

BACKGROUND: Stroke-in-evolution (SIE) is a major outcome determinant in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The benefit of surgery for treatment of carotid artery-related SIE remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the use of carotid artery stenting (CAS) as a possible alternative treatment in patients with carotid-related SIE. METHODS: Ten patients with carotid-related SIE were treated with CAS from May 2005 to December 2014. The mean initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 5.4 ± 4.4. Two patients had total occlusion of the internal carotid artery, and 8 had severe stenosis. The mean interval from symptom onset to clinical deterioration was 2.9 ± 2.9 d. The mean NIHSS score after deterioration was 14.3 ± 4.5. In the hemodynamic assessment using perfusion imaging, the ipsilateral cerebral hemodynamics was impaired in 7 of 8 patients. RESULTS: All patients underwent urgent CAS in the acute phase of SIE. Seven patients underwent CAS using flow reversal with or without distal protection. No procedure-related complications occurred in any patients, although 1 patient developed aspiration pneumonia. The mean NIHSS score 7 d after CAS was 4.8 ± 2.3. Six patients (60%) had a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2 at discharge. CONCLUSION: Urgent CAS for carotid-related SIE with hemodynamic impairment appears to be an effective method for achieving good clinical outcomes.

Usefulness of contralateral carotid angiography in revascularization therapy of acute internal carotid artery occlusion.

OBJECTIVE The vascular lumen of an acutely occluded internal carotid artery (ICA) generally contains numerous thrombi. Therefore, carotid angiography on the affected side during revascularization therapy of acute ICA occlusion has a potential risk of causing distal embolization. In this study the authors propose the use of contralateral carotid angiography. METHODS Six patients with acute ICA occlusion underwent revascularization therapy using a stent retriever or Penumbra system. Revascularization therapy was performed with placement of a 9-Fr balloon-guiding catheter (BGC) in the affected ICA and a 4-Fr diagnostic catheter in the contralateral ICA. During the procedure, the 9-Fr BGC was kept inflated, and all control angiography was performed from the 4-Fr diagnostic catheter. After thrombectomy, contralateral carotid angiography combined with manual aspiration from the 9-Fr BGC was performed to assess the presence or absence of residual thrombi in the affected ICA. The 9-Fr BGC was deflated only after the complete absence of residual thrombi in the affected ICA was confirmed. RESULTS The time required for introducing the 4-Fr diagnostic catheter into the contralateral ICA was within a few minutes in all patients. Residual thrombi in the affected ICA were found in 3 of 6 patients. The residual thrombi in these 3 patients were completely removed; thus, distal embolization was prevented. CONCLUSIONS Contralateral carotid angiography is useful for avoiding distal embolization during revascularization therapy of acute ICA occlusion. Further studies involving a larger number of patients are warranted to verify the clinical efficacy of this contralateral carotid angiography.

Transfemoral Stenting of Stenoses at the Common Carotid Artery Origin Using an Anchoring Technique With a Balloon Protection Device.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral stenting of stenoses at the common carotid artery (CCA) origin is technically difficult because of poor stability of the guiding catheter. OBJECTIVE: To describe an anchoring technique using a balloon protection device that provides excellent stability of the guiding catheter. METHODS: Four patients (5 stenotic lesions) with stenosis of the CCA origin underwent transfemoral stenting with a balloon protection device (PercuSurge GuardWire; Medtronic, Santa Rosa, California). These 5 stenotic lesions of the CCA origin included 1 on the right side and 4 on the left side. Two of the stenoses were symptomatic, and 3 were asymptomatic. A balloon-expandable stent (Express LD stent; Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts) was used in all patients. RESULTS: All stenoses were successfully dilated. With the balloon protection device as an anchor in all patients, the guiding catheter was highly stable during the procedure. There were no intraprocedural or periprocedural ischemic complications in any patients. None of the patients developed a stroke during a mean follow-up period of 8.4 months. CONCLUSION: The anchoring technique using a balloon protection device is useful for transfemoral stenting of stenoses at the CCA origin. ABBREVIATIONS: CCA, common carotid arteryECA, external carotid arteryICA, internal carotid arteryPTA, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

A novel technique for identifying the fistulous point in a direct carotid-cavernous fistula.

The fistulous point in a direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) can often be difficult to identify because of high-flow shunting. A novel technique that is useful for identifying the fistulous point is reported. A 71-year-old woman underwent endovascular therapy for a left direct CCF that presented with sudden diplopia and tinnitus. To identify the fistulous point, vertebral angiography with manual compression of the left carotid artery was attempted, as was slow injection of a contrast agent from a balloon guiding catheter, closing off the left internal carotid artery; however, the shunt flow was very rapid, and identification was not possible. Therefore, three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography of the vertebral artery was performed while also performing manual aspiration from the balloon guiding catheter, closing off the left internal carotid artery. This reduced early visualization of the cavernous sinus and enabled an aneurysm in the cavernous sinus to be clearly visualized. Embolization was performed transarterially and transvenously, and the shunt flow disappeared completely. Vertebral angiography combined with manual aspiration from a balloon guiding catheter closing off the internal carotid artery is useful for identifying the fistulous point in a direct CCF.

Overlapped Stenting for Treatment of an Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) are rare, and their treatment is very difficult and challenging. The case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with a pulsatile mass on the left side of her neck, was diagnosed with a left-sided giant thrombosed common carotid artery aneurysm, and underwent definitive treatment by overlapped stenting, is presented. Overlapped stenting is a safe and an effective treatment procedure for ECAA. A covered stent would theoretically be reasonable and immediately effective, but its long-term patency remains unknown. Therefore, in patients lacking ischemic tolerance and those not requiring urgent intervention, overlapped stenting using uncovered stents is preferable.

Spontaneous closure of a dural arteriovenous fistula immediately after cerebral angiography using a gadolinium contrast agent.

Gadolinium (Gd) contrast agents have been used instead of iodinated contrast agents in patients in whom iodine is contraindicated, but cerebral angiography of a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) using a Gd contrast agent has not previously been reported. We recently performed cerebral angiography using a Gd contrast agent in a patient with an anterior condylar confluence dAVF who was allergic to iodine. To our surprise, there was spontaneous closure of the dAVF immediately after angiography. We now report what we believe is the first such case report.

Endovascular microcatheter provocation test for the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare disease often clinically misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. An endovascular provocative test has been applied to assist in making the diagnosis of GN caused by vascular compression. We similarly used endovascular provocative techniques to identify the causative vessel and to evaluate the indication for microvascular decompression (MVD) in two patients. METHODS: Two patients had severe retroauricular and pharyngeal pain that could not be controlled by medical therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography showed a high-riding right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). We decided to apply the endovascular provocation test to prove the assumed GN and identify potential indications for MVD. RESULT: A loop of the PICA appeared to compress the glossopharyngeal nerve in the first patient. In this patient, a microcatheter was inserted into the right PICA, decreasing the GN. The patient underwent MVD, resulting in complete pain relief. In the second patient, a microcatheter was inserted into the right PICA, and an attack of typical GN occurred, with pain in the posterior region of the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx. The patient's severe pain was clearly different from this typical GN caused by the microcatheter provocation test, and MVD was not performed. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of GN is sometimes complex. The endovascular provocative technique may allow identification of GN caused by vascular compression.

Spectroscopic isotope ratio measurement of doubly-substituted methane.

We have determined the isotope ratios of (13)CH(3)D /(12)CH(3)D as well as (13)CH(3)D /(12)CH(4) with an uncertainty of ~20‰ using a sensitive difference-frequency-generation spectrometer in the 3.4 µm region. Cooling the absorption cell drastically reduces overlap of the (13)CH(3)D lines with the other abundant isotopic lines, and the extensive tunability of the spectrometer enables us to access transition pairs appropriate for isotope ratio measurements. We measure the intensity of the (13)CH(3)D ν(4)(R)P (7, 0) line, the (12)CH(3)D 2ν(5)(R)Q (9, 0) line, and the (12)CH(4)ν(2)+ν(4) R(10) F(2) line at 2953 cm(-1) as well as the (13)CH(3)D ν(4)(P)P (6, 3) line and the (12)CH(4)ν(3) P (6) E line at 2955 cm(-1) because they have similar transition frequencies, absorption strengths, and low state energies.

An efficient and compact difference-frequency-generation spectrometer and its application to (12)CH(3)D/(12)CH(4) isotope ratio measurements.

We have developed an efficient and compact 3.4 µm difference-frequency-generation spectrometer using a 1.55 µm distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode, a 1.06 µm DFB laser diode, and a ridge-waveguide periodically poled lithium niobate. It is continuously tunable in the 30 cm(-1) span and is applied to (12)CH(3)D/(12)CH(4) isotope ratio measurements. The suitable pair of (12)CH(3)D ν(4) (p)P(7,6) and (12)CH(4) ν(2)+ν(4) R(6) F(1)((1)) lines enabled us to determine their isotope ratio with a precision repeatability of 0.8‰ using a sample and a working standard of pure methane with an effective signal averaging time of 100 ms.

CD47 gene knockout protects against transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

CD47 is a cell surface glycoprotein that helps mediate neutrophil transmigration across blood vessels. The present study was performed to determine whether absence of the CD47 gene decreases focal ischemic brain damage. Mice were subjected to 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion. CD47 knockout mice were compared against matching wildtype mice. CD47 expression was checked by Western blotting. Infarct volume and ischemic brain swelling were quantified with cresyl violet-stained brain sections at 24 and 72 h after ischemia. The tight junction protein claudin-5 was detected by imunohistochemistry. Two surrogate markers of neuroinflammation, brain levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and infiltration of neutrophils, were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Western blots confirmed that CD47 was absent in knockout brains. Ischemia did not appear to upregulate total brain levels of CD47 in WT mice. In CD47 knockout mice, infarct volumes were reduced at 24 and 72 h after ischemia, and hemispheric swelling was decreased at 72 h. Loss of claudin-5 was observed in ischemic WT brain. This effect was ameliorated in CD47 knockout brains. Extravasation of neutrophils into the brain parenchyma was significantly reduced in CD47 knockout mice compared to wildtype mice. MMP-9 appeared to be upregulated in microvessels within ischemic brain. MMP-9 levels were markedly lower in CD47 knockout brains compared to wildtype brains. We conclude that CD47 is broadly involved in neuroinflammation, and this integrin-associated-protein plays a role in promoting MMP-9 upregulaton, neutrophil extravasation, brain swelling and progression of acute ischemic brain injury.

[Case of deep cerebral venous thrombosis associated with breast cancer].

A 69-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of disturbed consciousness. She awoke to a solid mass in her left breast, but it had been present for about 20 years. On arrival to our hospital, she was comatose, and Babinski's reflexes were present bilaterally. She had no paresis or neck stiffness. Her left breast contained a 10 cm x 12 cm node with multiple ulcers. Blood analysis showed she was in a hypercoagulative state. Computed tomography of the brain demonstrated bilateral hypodensities in the thalamus and hyperdensities at the vein of Galen and at the straight sinus. Angiography showed an absence of flow in the inferior sagittal sinus, in the vein of Galen, and in the straight sinus. Thus, she was diagnosed as having a deep cerebral venous thrombosis. She was treated by continuous heparin infusion, and her consciousness improved gradually. The biopsy of her left breast confirmed the presence of a mucinous carcinoma. The hypercoagulative state associated with the carcinoma was considered to be the cause of her deep cerebral venous thrombosis. It is very rare to diagnose deep cerebral venous thrombosis in a cancer patient while the patient is still alive. In this case, computed tomography of the brain was useful for the diagnosis.

Effects of neuroglobin overexpression on acute brain injury and long-term outcomes after focal cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Emerging data suggest that neuroglobin (Ngb) may protect against hypoxic/ischemic neuronal insults. However, the underlying mechanisms in vivo and implications for long-term outcomes are still not well understood. METHODS: Using our newly created Ngb overexpressing transgenic (Ngb-Tg) mice, we measured brain infarction on day 1 and day 14 after transient focal cerebral ischemia and performed neurobehavioral assessments in sensorimotor deficits on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. To test the hypothesis that Ngb may play a role in reducing oxidative stress after stroke, intracellular malondialdehyde levels were measured and compared in Ngb-Tg and wild-type mice. RESULTS: Increased Ngb mRNA and protein levels were identified in Ngb-Tg brains. Malondialdehyde levels in ischemic hemispheres of Ngb-Tg were significantly reduced compared with wild-type controls at 8 hours and 22 hours after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Compared with wild-type controls, brain infarction volumes 1 day and 14 days after transient focal cerebral ischemia were significantly reduced in Ngb-Tg mice. However, there were no significant improvements in sensorimotor deficits for up to 14 days after stroke in Ngb-Tg mice compared with wild-type controls. CONCLUSIONS: Ngb reduces tissue infarction and markers of oxidative stress after stroke. Tissue protection by overexpressing Ngb can be sustained for up to 2 weeks.