Cross-tissue correlations of genome-wide DNA methylation in Japanese live human brain and blood, saliva, and buccal epithelial tissues.

Neuroepigenetics considers genetic sequences and the interplay with environmental influences to elucidate vulnerability risk for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, evaluating DNA methylation of brain tissue is challenging owing to the issue of tissue specificity. Consequently, peripheral surrogate tissues were used, resulting in limited progress compared with other epigenetic studies, such as cancer research. Therefore, we developed databases to establish correlations between the brain and peripheral tissues in the same individuals. Four tissues, resected brain tissue, blood, saliva, and buccal mucosa (buccal), were collected from 19 patients (aged 13-73 years) who underwent neurosurgery. Moreover, their genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed using the Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays to determine the cross-tissue correlation of each combination. These correlation analyses were conducted with all methylation sites and with variable CpGs, and with when these were adjusted for cellular proportions. For the averaged data for each CpG across individuals, the saliva-brain correlation (r = 0.90) was higher than that for blood-brain (r = 0.87) and buccal-brain (r = 0.88) comparisons. Among individual CpGs, blood had the highest proportion of CpGs correlated to the brain at nominally significant levels (19.0%), followed by saliva (14.4%) and buccal (9.8%). These results were similar to the previous IMAGE-CpG results; however, cross-database correlations of the correlation coefficients revealed a relatively low (brain vs. blood: r = 0.27, saliva: r = 0.18, and buccal: r = 0.24). To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth study in the literature initiating the development of databases for correlations between the brain and peripheral tissues in the same individuals. We present the first database developed from an Asian population, specifically Japanese samples (AMAZE-CpG), which would contribute to interpreting individual epigenetic study results from various Asian populations.

Visual Evoked Potential Can Predict Deterioration of Visual Function After Direct Clipping of Paraclinoid Aneurysm With Anterior Clinoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The role of visual evoked potential (VEP) in direct clipping of the paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether intraoperative neuromonitoring with VEP can predict deterioration of visual function after direct clipping of the paraclinoid ICA aneurysm with anterior clinoidectomy. METHODS: Among consecutive 274 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysm, we enrolled 25 patients with paraclinoid ICA aneurysm treated by direct clipping after anterior clinoidectomy with intraoperative neuromonitoring with VEP in this study. We evaluated the visual acuity loss (VAL) and visual field loss (VFL) before surgery, 1 month after surgery, and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The VAL at 1 month after surgery (VAL1M) and VAL at the final follow-up (Final VAL) were significantly related to the reduction rate of VEP amplitude at the end of surgery (RedEnd%), more than 76.5%, and the maximal reduction rate of VEP amplitude during surgery (MaxRed%), more than 66.7% to 70%. The VFL at 1 month after surgery (VFL1M) and the VFL at the final follow-up (Final VFL) were significantly related to MaxRed% more than 60.7%. CONCLUSION: VAL1M, Final VAL, VFL1M, and Final VFL could be significantly predicted by the value of RedEnd% and MaxRed% in direct clipping of Al-Rodhan group Ia, Ib, and II paraclinoid ICA aneurysms with anterior clinoidectomy.

Factors affecting global neurocognitive status and frontal executive functions in the early stage after surgical clipping of unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms with respect to keyhole clipping and conventional clipping.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the most significant factor for the preservation of the global neurocognitive status and frontal executive functions in the surgical clipping of unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms, specifically in keyhole and conventional clipping procedures. METHODS: The prospective study that was performed to examine the effects of aneurysm surgery on the patient's global neurocognitive status and frontal executive functions started on April 2016. After exclusion posterior circulation aneurysms, anterior communicating aneurysms treated by interhemispheric approach, giant aneurysms, and paraclinoid aneurysms, 23 patients who were enrolled before May 2017 were treated by conventional clipping, and 18 patients who were enrolled after June 2017 were treated by keyhole clipping. Two patients were excluded from each group due to missing data. Finally, 21 and 16 patients in each group were analyzed, respectively. Three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after surgery to detect the presence of perioperative cerebral infarctions and brain edema. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Assessment Battery, and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores were obtained before and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses indicated that anterior communicating and internal carotid artery aneurysms were the most significant factors for poor outcomes and that keyhole clipping for these two types of aneurysm was the most significant factor for the preservation of patient global neurocognitive status. Keyhole clipping was also the most significant factor for the preservation of frontal executive functions in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Keyhole clipping may be more favorable than conventional clipping for the preservation of the global neurocognitive status and frontal executive functions. Moreover, it may be the most effective factor for preservation of global neurocognitive status when it is indicated for anterior communicating or internal carotid artery aneurysms.

Prediction of Post-operative Long-Term Outcome of the Motor Function by Multimodal Intraoperative Neuromonitoring With Transcranial Motor-Evoked Potential and Spinal Cord-Evoked Potential After Microsurgical Resection for Spinal Cord Tumors.

Objective: To examine the effect of multimodal intraoperative neuromonitoring on the long-term outcome of motor function after microsurgical resection for spinal cord tumors. Materials and Methods: Consecutive fourteen patients with spinal tumors who were surgically treated at the University of Fukui Hospital between 2009 and 2020 [M:F = 10:4, ages ranging from 22 to 83 years (mean ± SD = 58 ± 21 years)] were included in this study. There were eight intra-axial tumors and six extra-axial tumors. There were four patients with hypertension, two patients with diabetes mellitus, and four patients with hyperlipidemia. Three patients were under antithrombotic medication, two were under steroid medication, four were current smokers, and four were current drinkers. Manual muscle test (MMT) of the upper and lower extremities of the patients was examined before surgery, 2 weeks after surgery, and at the final follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 38 ± 37 months. McCormick scores were examined before surgery and at the final follow-up. Microsurgical resection of the tumor was underwent through the posterior approach under transcranial motor-evoked potential (TcMEP) monitoring. The MEP of 46 extremities was recorded during the surgery. Gross total resection was achieved in 13 of 14 surgeries. Spinal cord-evoked potential (Sp-SCEP) monitoring was performed in eight of 14 patients. Results: The length of peritumoral edema was significantly longer in patients with deterioration of McCormick scores than in patients with preservation of McCormick scores (p = 0.0274). Sp-SCEP could not predict the deterioration. The ratio of MEP at the beginning of the surgery to that at the end of the surgery was the only significant negative factor that predicts deterioration of motor function of the extremity at the final follow-up (p = 0.0374, odds ratio [OR] 1.02E-05, 95% CI 9.13E+01-7.15E+18). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the cutoff value of the ratio of MEP to predict the deterioration at the final follow-up was 0.23 (specificity 100%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 88%) to predict deterioration at the final follow-up. Conclusions: Ratio MEP was the most significant negative factor to predict the deterioration of motor weakness at spinal tumor surgery. The setting of the cutoff value should be more strict as compared to the brain surgery and might be different depending on the institutions.

Functional Outcomes of Microsurgical Resection for Cavernous Malformations of the Brainstem.

Long-term functional outcomes of microsurgical resection for cavernous malformations of the brainstem (CMB) have been largely unknown. Favorable outcomes after CMB surgery might be related to the achievement of complete resection and mRS at 1 month after the surgery. Preoperative sensory, cerebellar, trigeminal nerve, and lower cranial nerve symptoms tended to improve after surgery.We evaluated 25 consecutive patients with CMB surgically treated at our center between 2006 and 2021. The subjects included 11 men and 14 women, with ages ranging from 13 to 61 years (mean ± SD = 37 ± 12 years). Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and neurological symptoms of the patients were evaluated before surgery, 1 month after surgery, and at the final follow-up at the outpatient clinic. The mean number of previous hemorrhages was 7 ± 1.0 and the mean lesion size was 21 ± 8 mm. The mRS scores on admission and at the final follow-up were 2.9 points and 1.7 points, respectively. The mRS scores at the final follow-up were significantly improved compared to those on admission. There was no statistical difference between the preoperative mRS and mRS at 1 month after the operation. Multivariable analysis indicated that mRS scores at 1 month after surgery were the most significant predictive factors for favorable outcomes. Complete resection was achieved in 24 of 33 operations. Incomplete resection was significantly related to the frequency of subsequent recurrent hemorrhage and high mRS scores at the final follow-up. Preoperative sensory, cerebellar, trigeminal nerve, and lower cranial nerve symptoms improved significantly after surgery.

[A Case of Putaminal Hemorrhage Caused by Underlying Tectal Glioblastoma].

We report a case of glioblastoma due to putaminal hemorrhage. Notably, the glioblastoma was located at some distance from the hematoma. A 42-year-old right-handed man presented with a sudden-onset headache, motor aphasia, and right hemiplegia. CT showed left putaminal hemorrhage and a mass lesion with a slightly high density in the midbrain away from the hematoma. Conservative treatment was initiated for the patient. Initially, we suspected a benign tumor-like cavernous malformation based on the CT findings. However, MRI showed ring enhancement of the mass lesion on contrast-enhanced MRI and hyperintensity on arterial spin labeling(ASL). A part of the wall of the putaminal hemorrhage also exhibited hyperintensity on ASL. Since we suspected a malignant brainstem tumor and a secondary intracerebral hemorrhage caused by this tumor, we performed a stereotactic brain biopsy. Histological examination revealed that the tumor was a wild-type IDH-1 glioblastoma. In the acute phase, the intracerebral hemorrhage presented as a hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging. Therefore, it was difficult to distinguish hemorrhagic glioblastoma from an intracerebral hemorrhage. Even if an intracerebral hemorrhage is observed at common sites, it is important to consider the possibility of a malignant brain tumor and complete a prompt examination. In addition, ASL imaging may be useful in detecting hemorrhagic malignant brain tumors.

[Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Compression by the Internal Carotid Artery Concomitant with an Inflammatory Granuloma:A Case Report].

A 77-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of progressive right optic neuropathy secondary to compression by the ipsilateral internal carotid artery(ICA). We performed anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing. Subsequently, we wrapped the ICA with a polytetrafluoroethylene tape, pulled the vessel laterally, and sutured the tape to the dura mater at the anterior skull base for optimal decompression. An inflammatory mass lesion was observed around the ICA, which led to further compression of the optic nerve. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed an inflammatory granuloma. The patient's visual field deficit showed partial improvement postoperatively. Transposition using a tape might be an effective surgical alternative for compressive optic neuropathy.

[Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery with Continuous Intraoperative Monitoring of Evoked Facial Nerve Electromyograms].

Preservation of facial nerve function is crucial during vestibular schwannoma surgery. Here, we report the utility of continuous intraoperative monitoring of evoked facial nerve electromyograms(EMGs)for preservation of facial nerve function during vestibular schwannoma surgery. A 64-year-old man presented with left ear hearing disturbance. CT and MRI revealed a tumor mass(4cm)with cyst formation in the left cerebellopontine angle. Microsurgical removal was performed with continuous intraoperative monitoring of evoked facial nerve EMGs. An electrode with Ag wire and absorbable gelatin sponge, which we developed, was used for continuous monitoring. It could be placed and fixed more easily on the root exit zone of the facial nerve than the previously reported electrodes and provide reliable information during surgery. The tumor mass could be removed safely without inducing facial nerve palsy. Continuous intraoperative monitoring of evoked facial nerve EMGs with this newly developed electrode could facilitate successful schwannoma surgery.

Pathological examination of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in patients who underwent removal of lobar hemorrhages.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a degenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-ß (Aß) deposition in the brain microvessels. CAA is also known to contribute not only to cortical microbleeds but also lobar hemorrhages. This retrospective study examined CAA pathologically in patients who underwent direct surgeries for lobar hemorrhage. Thirty-three patients with lobar hemorrhage underwent open surgery with biopsy from 2007 to 2016 in our hospital. Cortical tissues over hematomas obtained surgically were pathologically examined using hematoxylin, eosin stain, and anti-Aß antibody to diagnose CAA. We also investigated the advanced degree of CAA and clinical features of each patient with lobar hemorrhage. In the 33 patients, 4 yielded specimens that were insufficient to evaluate CAA pathologically. Twenty-four of the remaining 29 patients (82.8%) were pathologically diagnosed with CAA. The majority of CAA-positive patients had moderate or severe CAA based on a grading scale to estimate the advanced degree of CAA. About half of the CAA-positive patients had hypertension, and four took anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. In five patients who were not pathologically diagnosed with CAA, one had severe liver function disorder, three had uncontrollable hypertension, and one had no obvious risk factor. Our pathological findings suggest that severe CAA with vasculopathic change markedly contributes to lobar hemorrhage. The coexistence of severe CAA and risk factors such as hypertension, anticoagulants or antiplatelets may readily induce lobar hemorrhage.

Spinal endoscopy combined with selective CT myelography for dural closure of the spinal dural defect with superficial siderosis: technical note.

The authors describe a new procedure to detect the tiny dural hole in patients with superficial siderosis (SS) and CSF leakage using a coronary angioscope system for spinal endoscopy and selective CT myelography using a spinal drainage tube. Under fluoroscopy, surgeons inserted the coronary angioscope into the spinal subarachnoid space, similar to the procedure of spinal drainage, and slowly advanced it to the cervical spine. The angioscope clearly showed the small dural hole and injured arachnoid membrane. One week later, the spinal drainage tube was inserted, and the tip of the drainage tube was located just below the level of the dural defect found by the spinal endoscopic examination. This selective CT myelography clarifies the location of the dural defect. During surgery, the small dural hole could be easily located, and it was securely sutured. It is sometimes difficult to detect the actual location of the small dural hole even with thin-slice MRI or dynamic CT myelography in patients with SS. The use of a coronary angioscope for the spinal endoscopy combined with selective CT myelography may provide an effective examination to assess dural closure of the spinal dural defect with SS in cases without obvious dural defects on conventional imaging.

Evaluation of the Use of Calcium Phosphate Cement for Aesthetic Neurosurgical Cranial Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to evaluate whether newly developed calcium phosphate cement (CPC), mounted around the titanium plates, is useful for aesthetic cranial reconstruction by using 2 methods. METHODS: The morphologic changes of CPC were observed in videos of 6 patients who had undergone cranial reconstruction with CPC during the first surgery and required second surgery. The facial aesthetic outcomes of 74 consecutive patients, more than 12 months after frontotemporal or bifrontal craniotomy and reconstruction with or without CPC, were evaluated. RESULTS: Observations of CPC changes were available 1 day, 2 weeks, 2 months, 5 months, 10 months, and 26 months after the first surgeries. CPC, applied superficially on the cranial surface, had not set sufficiently. CPCs, mounted thickly around the titanium plates and forming hydroxyapatite, were residual during the latter period. Comparison between the aesthetic reconstruction group (with CPC) and the simple reconstruction group (without CPC) showed that the objective bump detected by the investigator, and the subjective bump noticed by the patients themselves, were significantly more frequent in the simple reconstruction group. Comparison between the patients without an objective bump and the patients with an objective bump during the follow-up period showed that the proportion of patients after aesthetic cranial reconstruction with CPC was significantly higher in patients without an objective bump. Patients' characteristics, craniotomy procedure, use of a vascularized pericranial flap, and craniotomy-associated complications did not influence the objective bump significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Use of CPC was expected to bring better aesthetic outcomes after neurosurgical cranial reconstructions.

Evaluation of obliteration of arteriovenous malformations after stereotactic radiosurgery with arterial spin labeling MR imaging.

PURPOSE: Complete obliteration of treated arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be diagnosed only by confirming the disappearance of arterio-venous (A-V) shunts with invasive catheter angiography. The authors evaluated whether non-invasive arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to diagnose the obliteration of AVMs facilitate the diagnosis of AVM obliteration after treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients with a cerebral AVM treated by SRS were followed up with ASL images taken with a 3T-MR unit, and received digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after the AVM had disappeared on ASL images. Three patients among the seven received DSA also after the postradiosurgical AVM had disappeared on conventional MR images but A-V shunt was residual on ASL images. Four patients among the seven received contrast-enhanced (CE) MR imaging around the same period as DSA. RESULTS: ASL images could visualize postradiosurgical residual A-V shunts clearly. In all seven patients, DSA after the disappearance of A-V shunts on ASL images demonstrated no evidence of A-V shunts. In all three patients, DSA after the AVM had disappeared on conventional MR images but not on ASL images demonstrated residual A-V shunt. CE MR findings of AVMs treated by SRS did not correspond with DSA findings in three out of four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of radiosurgically treated AVMs on ASL images corresponded with those on DSA. The results of this study suggest that ASL imaging can be utilized to follow up AVMs after SRS and to decide their obliteration facilitate to decide the precise timing of catheter angiography for the final diagnosis of AVM obliteration after SRS.

Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy with Modified Zabramski's Technique: A Technical Note and Anatomic and Clinical Findings.

BACKGROUND: The surgical technique of orbitozygomatic craniotomy reported by Zabramski et al. is an excellent procedure, facilitating wide surgical exposure, easy orbital reconstruction, and a satisfactory postsurgical aesthetic outcome; however, it is anatomically complicated and technically difficult. We introduce a simplified technique of Zabramski's orbitozygomatic craniotomy and present the anatomic and clinical findings with cadaveric photos, illustrations, and a video. METHODS: The orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed on 20 sides of 11 cadaveric heads, in which the cut between the inferior orbital fissure and superior orbital fissure was modified and simplified, and the shortest distance between them was measured. This technique was applied to 13 clinical cases, and craniotomy-associated aesthetic and functional complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average of the shortest distance from the inferior orbital fissure to superior orbital fissure was 21.3 mm (range, 19-23 mm) on the 20 sides of the 11 cadaveric heads. In all 13 clinical cases, orbitozygomatic craniotomy could be achieved in a short time, while preserving the structure of the orbital wall. A hollow at the temple was noted in 1 patient, cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in 2 patients, and transient facial pain occurred in 1 patient; however, no other craniotomy-associated aesthetic or functional complications, including enophthalmos, were found in any of the 13 patients. CONCLUSIONS: With this modified technique, Zabramski's ideal orbitozygomatic craniotomy could be achieved easily with only minimal complications, while realizing all advantages of the technique.

Long-term follow-up of cryopreservation with glycerol of autologous bone flaps for cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy.

BACKGROUND: Autologous bone flaps adequately preserved can be used successfully for repair of cranial bone defects with biological and economic advantages. However, the effect or advantages of cryopreservation of autologous bone flaps using cryoprotectant solutions have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of autologous bone flaps frozen with glycerol in cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy. METHODS: We evaluated postoperative complications and clinical and aesthetic results in 40 consecutive patients who underwent delayed cranioplasty using autologous bone flaps frozen with glycerol following decompressive craniectomy between 2001 and 2010. Bone flaps removed at the time of external decompression were dipped in 20 % glycerol solution with a sterilized plastic vessel and stored at -84 °C in an ultra-low temperature freezer. The bone flaps were thawed in the vessel at room temperature for 12 h. The bone flaps were taken out of melting glycerol, replaced in their original positions, and fixed with silk sutures or titanium plates. Follow-up periods ranged from 35 to 3745 days (median, 558 days). RESULTS: Mild resorption of the bone flap occurred in one case. However, there were no cases with local infection and no cases requiring reoperation for complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreservation with glycerol is a simple and safe method for preservation of autologous bone grafts. The clinical and aesthetic results of delayed cranioplasty using autologous bone flaps frozen with glycerol solution were satisfactory.

A Large Endodermal Cyst with Xanthogranuloma at the Frontal Skull Base, Slowly Recurring with Hemorrhage.

A 45-year-old man with a past history of the removal of a degenerated hematoma two times presented with general convulsion. Computed tomography (CT) showed a high-density lobular mass growing from the right frontal skull base and occupying the right frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a homogeneously hyperintense mass on T1-weighted imaging and a homogeneously hypointense mass on T2- and T2*-weighted imaging. We removed the lesion, which intraoperatively showed a blackish-brown and jellylike mass with machine oil-like fluid. There was a thin and elastic membrane at the boundary between the mass and degenerated brain tissue, and we removed as much of the membrane as possible. On light microscopy, most parts of the mass consisted of a degenerated hematoma with xanthogranuloma, while the thin and elastic membrane revealed one or two layers of non-ciliated columnar epithelial cells based on thin fibrous tissues with microvessels. Immunohistochemical staining showed that these epithelial cells contained periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive granules, and were positive for cytokeratin (CAM5.2), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Ultrastructual examination showed numerous microvilli at the surface of non-ciliated cells, and an interdigitation-like, dense adhesion structure. On the basis of pathological findings, the patient was considered to have a large endodermal cyst (EC) at the frontal skull base, probably derived from Seessel's pouch. We speculate that EC developed inflammatory changes with xanthogranuloma, which caused further damage to the blood vessels and continuous hemorrhage.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy causing large contralateral hemorrhage during surgery for lobar hemorrhage: a case report.

We report a rare case of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) causing large contralateral hemorrhage during surgery for lobar hemorrhage. A 62-year-old woman presented with lobar hemorrhage in the left frontal and parietal lobes recurring over the previous 1 month. Because we could not detect the origin of the lobar hemorrhage, we performed a biopsy around the lobar hemorrhage site with the removal of a hematoma. During the surgery, we identified acute brain swelling without bleeding from the operative field. Intraoperative computed tomography demonstrated new large lobar hemorrhage of the right parietal lobe, which we could promptly remove. Specimens around hematomas on both sides were pathologically diagnosed as CAA on immunohistochemical examination. After the surgery, she suffered from lobar hemorrhage three times in the space of only 3 months. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported case of CAA causing intracranial hemorrhage of another lesion during surgery. Neurosurgeons should know a possibility of intraoperative hemorrhage in surgeries for lobar hemorrhage caused by CAA.

Utility of postmortem imaging system for anatomical education in skull base surgery.

Although cadaver dissections are important for skull base surgeons to acquire anatomical knowledge and techniques, their opportunities are limited in Japan. The Autopsy Imaging Center of the University of Fukui Hospital has both a CT scanner and an MR unit solely for deceased patients. The authors applied the postmortem imaging to cadaver dissections and evaluated its usefulness in surgical education. Ten sides of five formalin-fixed cadaver heads were dissected by ten neurosurgeons. Five neurosurgeons were young, three were moderately experienced, and two were experts in skull base surgery. They performed orbitozygomatic, anterior transpetrosal, posterior transpetrosal, and transcondylar approaches. CT bone images were taken before and after dissections, and MR images were taken before dissection to merge with the CT bone images. The usefulness of the images for each neurosurgeon and for each skull base approach was evaluated. The postmortem imaging system was useful for all neurosurgeons, especially in anterior transpetrosal, posterior transpetrosal, and transcondylar approaches. They could find the insufficiency or excessiveness of their drilling of specific bony structures with the images. Even the experts in skull base surgery could identify regions in which they could add drilling safely to widen the surgical field more. The postmortem imaging system was useful for skull base cadaver dissections. This system is expected to be utilized for education and research on surgical anatomy.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a patient with acquired Factor X deficiency secondary to systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is relatively rare. SSEH with anticoagulants including warfarin and rivaroxaban (Factor Xa inhibitor) have been reported; however, SSEH with Factor X deficiency has not been described yet. METHODS: Case report. FINDINGS: An 82-year-old woman with acquired Factor X deficiency complained of sudden onset of severe posterior neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an epidural hematoma from C3 to T3 levels. Because she showed tetraparesis on the third hospital day, we performed surgery. Just before surgery, her prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was 2.49, which was immediately reversed by infusion of prothrombin complex concentrate. The patient safely underwent an emergency laminectomy from C3 to T2, in which the epidural hematoma was evacuated. Post-operatively, the patient recovered completely without rebleeding. Hematologists found acquired deficiency of Factor X in this patient with systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of SSEH with Factor X deficiency. A blood coagulation disorder should be considered in patients with SSEH.

Arterial spin labeling perfusion-weighted MRI for long-term follow-up of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation after stereotactic radiosurgery.

We present a longitudinal series of arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) in a patient with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Pretreatment ASL-MRI showed high signal intensity in both the nidus and draining veins, and the latter signal abnormality gradually moved proximally by 14 months after SRS. At 24 months, the signal abnormalities finally disappeared, indicating complete obliteration of the nidus. The hemodynamic changes in the AVM were clearly visualized in the longitudinal ASL-MRI series, thus this non-invasive MR method may be useful not only for detecting AVMs but also for assessment of their response after SRS.

[Detection of oculomotor nerve compression by 3D-FIESTA MRI in a patient with pituitary apoplexy and diabetes mellitus].

We report the usefulness of 3D-FIESTA magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for the detection of oculomotor nerve palsy in a case of pituitary apoplexy. A 69-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented with complete left-side blepharoptosis. Computed tomography of the brain showed an intrasellar mass with hemorrhage. MRI demonstrated a pituitary adenoma with a cyst toward the left cavernous sinus, which was diagnosed as pituitary apoplexy. 3D-FIESTA revealed that the left oculomotor nerve was compressed by the cyst. He underwent trans-sphenoid tumor resection at 5 days after his hospitalization. Post-operative 3D-FIESTA MRI revealed decrease in compression of the left oculomotor nerve by the cyst. His left oculomotor palsy recovered completely within a few months. Oculomotor nerve palsy can occur due to various diseases, and 3D-FIESTA MRI is useful for detection of oculomotor nerve compression, especially in the field of parasellar lesions.