The immunologic phenotype of thrombi is associated with future vascular events after cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND: Thrombi retrieved from patients with acute ischemic stroke may contain prognostic information. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the immunologic phenotype of thrombi and future vascular events in patients with a stroke. METHODS: This study included patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular thrombectomy at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, between February 2017 and January 2020. Laboratory and histological variables were compared between patients with and without recurrent vascular events (RVEs). Kaplan-Meier analysis followed by the Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify factors related to RVE. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the immunologic score by combining immunohistochemical phenotypes to predict RVE. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included in the study with 13 RVEs (mean±SD age, 72.8±11.3 years; 26 (56.5%) men). Thrombi with a lower percentage of programmed death ligand-1 expression (HR=11.64; 95% CI 1.60 to 84.82) and a higher number of citrullinated histone H3 positive cells (HR=4.19; 95% CI 0.81 to 21.75) were associated with RVE. The presence of high-mobility group box 1 positive cell was associated with reduced risk of RVE, but the association was lost after adjustment for stroke severity. The immunologic score, which consists of the three immunohistochemical phenotypes, showed good performance in predicting RVE (area under the ROC curve, 0.858; 95% CI 0.758 to 0.958). CONCLUSIONS: The immunological phenotype of thrombi could provide prognostic information after stroke.

Analysis of microRNA signatures in ischemic stroke thrombus.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the microRNA expression pattern from thrombus retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke patients to understand the stroke mechanism. METHODS: This study included acute ischemic stroke patients who had undergone intra-arterial thrombectomy at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea between February 2016 and March 2019. The thrombus was retrieved and stored at -70℃ after obtaining informed consent. MicroRNA microarray analysis was performed for the patients with identified stroke mechanisms including (1) large artery atherosclerosis, (2) cardioembolism with atrial fibrillation, and (3) cardioembolism with valvular heart disease. The microRNAs derived from microarray analysis were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) from different patient populations. The correlation analysis was performed between microRNA levels and laboratory data to understand the functional relevance of the altered microRNA. RESULTS: In total, 55 thrombi were obtained from 74 patients, and the microRNAs were analyzed in 45 samples. Microarray analysis of 2578 microRNAs revealed that 50 microRNAs were significantly altered among the three groups. Validation using qRT-PCR showed that miR-378f and miR-450b-5p were significantly elevated among the cardioembolic thrombi; both microRNAs were inversely correlated with the ejection fraction from echocardiography. Thrombi from patients with early neurological deterioration exhibited higher levels of miR-93-5p and lower levels of miR-629-5p than those from neurologically stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: The microRNA expression pattern can provide information regarding the mechanism of stroke by reflecting the underlying pathological status of the organ from which the thrombus was derived.

Comparison of Postoperative Complications between Simultaneous and Staged Surgery in Cranioplasty and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement after Decompressive Craniectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Cranioplasty (CP) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) are required procedures following decompressive craniectomy (DC) for craniofacial protection and to prevent hydrocephalus. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of simultaneous operation with CP and VPS after DC, and determined the preoperative risk factors for postoperative complications. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2019, 81 patients underwent CP and VPS in simultaneous or staged operations following DC. Cumulative medical records and radiologic data were analyzed using univariate analysis to identify factors predisposing patients to complications after CP and VPS. RESULTS: CP and VPS were performed as simultaneous or staged operations in 18 (22.2%) and 63 (77.8%) patients, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 16.0% (13/81). Patients who underwent simultaneous CP and VPS were significantly more likely to experience complications when compared with patients who underwent staged operations (33.3% vs. 9.6%, p<0.01). Univariate analysis revealed that simultaneous CP and VPS surgery was the only significant predictor of postoperative complications (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: This study provided detailed data on surgical timing and complications for CP and VPS after DC. We showed that simultaneous procedures were a significant risk factor for postoperative complications.

Growth profile assessment of young adults with tethered cord syndrome: a retrospective cohort analysis of Korean conscription data.

PURPOSE: Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is characterized by progressive spinal cord degeneration secondary to congenital spinal dysraphism. The associated accompanying physical inactivity and musculoskeletal deformities have raised interest in the growth profile of adult TCS patients. However, few previous studies have investigated the growth profile of adult TCS patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic data and medical records of 20-year-old Korean conscription examinees who were registered between April 2004 and September 2019. In total, 151 examinees with a diagnosis of TCS were enrolled. The height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of 300 randomly selected examinees were compared to the TCS group. Obesity was defined by the World Health Organization and Asian-Pacific criteria for BMI and compared between the groups. Growth profile differences according to tethering location and musculoskeletal deformities were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: The mean height, weight, and BMI values of the TCS group were lower than those of the control group. The TCS group had a lower proportion of obese and overweight individuals, and a higher proportion of underweight individuals, according to both BMI criteria. The tethering level was not associated with the degree of obesity in the tethered group. The mean height, weight, and BMI were lower in the tethered group regardless of the existence of musculoskeletal deformity. CONCLUSION: Enrollees with a history of TCS were smaller than controls of the same age. Monitoring of health behaviors, including nutrition, diet, and exercise, is warranted for TCS patients.

Comparison of Postoperative Surgical-Site Infection and Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage between Staged and Simultaneous Cranioplasty with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Consensus about the sequence of cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement to reduce postoperative complications has not been established. This meta-analysis investigated and collated further evidence to determine whether staged cranioplasty with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement would significantly reduce the risk of postoperative surgical-site infection (SSI) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: Two independent reviewers identified articles and extracted the data of patients who underwent cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A random effects model was used to compare the complication rates using odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A meta-regression analysis for traumatic brain injury (TBI) was additionally performed. RESULTS: Data from 7 studies with 391 patients were consecutively included. The meta-analysis revealed that staged surgery was significantly associated with lower rates of SSI after decompressive craniectomy (staged group vs. simultaneous group: 6.2% vs. 23.7%, OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.46-5.06, I2=2.4%, p=0.407). Pooled analysis did not indicate a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (staged group vs. simultaneous group: 10.4% vs. 23.0%, OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.74-3.73, I2=0.0%, p=0.407). The meta-regression analysis did not indicate any modifying effect of TBI on postoperative SSI development (p=0.987). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicated that staged surgery is significantly associated with a lower rate of postoperative SSI as compared with simultaneous surgery, but there is no difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Additionally, there is no modifying effect of TBI on SSI.

Relationship between Increased Intracranial Pressure and Mastoid Effusion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the relationship between increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and mastoid effusions (ME). METHODS: Between January 2015 and October 2018, patients who underwent intracranial surgery and had ICP monitoring catheters placed were enrolled. ICP was recorded hourly for at least 3 days. ME was determined by the emergence of opacification in mastoid air cells on follow-up brain imaging. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, presence of endotracheal tube (ETT) and nasogastric tube (NGT), duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilator application, diagnosis, surgical modalities, and presence of sinusitis were recorded. Each factor's effect on the occurrence of ME was analyzed by binary logistic regression analyses. To analyze the independent effects of ICP as a predictor of ME a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Total of 61 (53%) out of 115 patients had ME. Among the patients who had unilateral brain lesions, 94% of subject (43/50) revealed the ipsilateral development of ME. ME developed at a mean of 11.1±6.2 days. The variables including mean ICP, peak ICP, age, trauma, CRP, ICU stays, application of mechanical ventilators and presence of ETT and NGT showed statistically significant difference between ME groups and non-ME groups in univariate analysis. Sex and the occurrence of sinusitis did not differ between two groups. Adding the ICP variables significantly improved the prediction of ME in multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: While multiple factors affect ME, this study demonstrates that ICP and ME are probably related. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanistic relationship between ICP and middle ear pressure.

Arachnoid Plasty to Prevent and Reduce Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Clipping Surgery for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm : A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have reported that arachnoid plasty (ARP) using gelatin sponges with fibrin glue reduced the occurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following clipping surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA). This metaanalysis was conducted to collate further evidence for the efficacy of ARP in preventing postoperative CSDH. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent clipping surgery were extracted from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by two independent reviewers. A random effects model was used to investigate the efficacy of ARP by using odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A meta-regression analysis for male sex was additionally preformed. RESULTS: Data from six studies with 1715 patients were consecutively included. Meta-analysis revealed that ARP was significantly associated with lower rates of CSDH development after surgical clipping for UIA (ARP group vs. control group : 3.2% vs. 7.2%; OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18-0.93; I2 =44.3%; p=0.110). Meta-regression analysis did not highlight any modifying effect of the male sex on postoperative CSDH development (p=0.951). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicated that ARP reduced the incidence rates of CSDH following clipping surgery for UIA. If feasible, ARP would be implemented as an additional surgical technique to prevent postoperative CSDH development during surgical clipping of UIA.

Critical Depressed Brain Volume Influences the Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Surgical Evacuation.

Recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) frequently occurs after surgical evacuation. However, the value of follow-up postoperative imaging and measuring volumetric factors to predict recurrence are still controversial. Herein, we aimed to assess the optimal timing for follow-up referential imaging and the critical depressed brain volume for CSDH recurrence. A total of 291 patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniotomy between January 2012 and December 2018 were consecutively enrolled in this study. Patients' medical records and radiologic data were evaluated to predict the recurrence and analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and binary logistic regression. Of the 291 patients, 29 (10.0%) showed recurrence after surgical evacuation. Based on ROC analysis, comparisons of depressed brain volume pre-operation, 24 h post-operation, and 7 days post-operation showed that the depressed brain volume at 7 days after surgery featured the largest area under the curve (AUC: 0.768, 95% CI, 0.709-0.811). The cut-off value of the depressed brain volume on postoperative day 7 was 51.6 cm3; this value predicted the recurrence of CSDH with a sensitivity and specificity of 79.3% and 67.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the depressed brain volume (>50 cm3) at 7 days was the sole significant risk factor related to the recurrence of CSDH in this series (OR: 6.765, 95% CI, 2.551-17.942, p < 0.001). The depressed brain volume > 50 cm3 visualized on CT scans at postoperative 7 day is the critical volume affecting recurrence of CSDHs. This result could be helpful carrying in patients with CSDH to determine the proper postoperative treatment strategy.

Psychopathological Influence of Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cysts in Young Men: Analysis of Korean Conscription Data.

BACKGROUND: A few reported studies have documented psychotic syndromes secondary to a middle fossa arachnoid cyst (AC). However, the association between middle fossa ACs and psychopathological symptoms remains to be determined. The present study investigated the psychopathological effects of middle fossa ACs in young men. METHODS: We reviewed military personal inventory test profiles and baseline demographic data of 19-year-old conscription examinees from February 2013 to December 2016. In total, 132 examinees with middle fossa ACs and 350 examinees with normal findings were enrolled in the present study. Two separate comparisons were performed. First, we compared the middle fossa AC group with the control group. Second, the middle fossa AC group was divided into 2 groups according to cyst size and compared with the control group. RESULTS: Faking bad response behavior, infrequency, inconsistency, depression, schizophrenia, paranoia, and personality disorder cluster A scales were significantly associated with the presence of a middle fossa AC. Abnormal responses to the military personal inventory were significantly and positively correlated with cyst size. The prediction rate to show abnormal psychological results with the presence of an AC was estimated to be 60.7%-68.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ACs and cyst size were associated with psychopathology in this select group of young men. The size-dependent psychopathological effects of ACs appear to result from a local mass effect on the brain.

A Case of Coincidental Intrasellar Chordoma and Pituitary Adenoma.

Although chordomas are midline tumors, primarily intrasellar chordomas are extremely rare. In this report, the authors describe the case of a 68-year-old female with partial abducens nerve palsy in the right eye due to the intrasellar cystic tumor. After endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery, intraoperative and histopathological findings confirmed the co-occurrence of an entirely intrasellar chordoma and pituitary adenoma. To our knowledge, the present case is the third reported case of an intrasellar chordoma with a pituitary adenoma.

The fatty degeneration of lumbar paraspinal muscles on computed tomography scan according to age and disc level.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal degeneration can occur not only in the bone and disc but also in muscles. Fatty infiltration (FI) and decreased volume have been described as characteristic changes that occur in muscle degeneration. Many studies about the lumbar paraspinal muscles have been conducted on patients with spine problems. However, the natural changes of age-dependent degeneration in the paraspinal muscles have not been studied properly. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate age- and level-dependent changes of the lumbar paraspinal muscles in the population without lumbar spinal symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 887 patients who underwent computed tomography scan for abdomen and pelvis (APCT) between January 2013 and December 2013 were enrolled. After excluding 237 patients with medical history of spine surgery, low back pain, myopathy, muscular dystrophy, infectious disease, vertebral fracture, and deformity, 650 patients were finally subjected to this study. OUTCOME MEASURE: The patients were divided into three age groups: young (20-39 years old), middle (40-59 years old), and old (60-89 years old). The degree of FI was checked twice for multifidus muscle (MF), erector spinae muscle (ES), and psoas muscle (PS) at each disc level from L1 to S1 on APCT by two investigators. The FI was measured as the Hounsfield unit, a mean density (MD) on CT. METHODS: The age differences were compared with the data of the young group, and the level differences were compared with the data of the L1-L2 level. Student t test and intraclass correlation coefficient were checked for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The gender ratio was not significantly different among the groups. Comparing with the young group, the MD of MF significantly decreased at L5-S1 in the middle group (p<.05), and at L3-L4-L5-S1 in the old group (p<.05). The MD of ES was significantly decreased at all levels in the old group (p<.05) but not significant in the middle group. Comparing with the L1-L2 level, the MD of MF significantly decreased at L5-S1 in the middle group (p<.05) and at L4-L5-S1 in the old group (p<.05). The MD of ES was significantly decreased at L5-S1 in the young and middle groups (p<.05) and at L4-L5-S1 in the old group (p<.01) compared with those at L1-L2. According to the age- and level-dependent changes of MD in the MF and ES, there was a tendency of progressive increase of FI in the muscles with age, which seemed to start from L5-S1 and spread to the upper levels. The age-dependent fatty degeneration appeared wider in the ES than the MF. The level-dependent FI of the ES showed a similar pattern with the MF, but the change of the ES seemed to start earlier in age than the MF at the L5-S1. There was no significant MD change in the PS according to age and level. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were both high across all of the muscles (0.86-0.94 and 0.83-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, the degree of intramuscular fat infiltration seems to be affected by age, disc level, and muscle type. It seems to be more prominent in the extensor muscles, extending from lower to upper levels.

Use of Three-Dimensional Curved-Multiplanar Reconstruction Images for Sylvian Dissection in Microsurgery of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a method of using three-dimensional (3D) curved-multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images for sylvian dissection during microsurgical treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients who had undergone surgery for MCA aneurysms were enrolled. We obtained the 3D curved-MPR images along the sphenoid ridge using OsiriX MD™ imaging software, compared sylvian dissection time according to several 3D MPR image factors, and investigated the correlations between these images and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Utilizing preoperative information of the sylvian fissure (SF) and peri-aneurysmal space on 3D curved-MPR images, we could predict the feasibility of sylvian dissection for a safe surgery. 3D curved-MPR images showed several features: first, perpendicular images to the sylvian surface in the same orientation as the surgeon's view; second, simultaneous visualization of the brain cortex, vessels, and cisternal space; and third, more accurate measurement of various parameters, such as depth of the MCA from the sylvian surface and the location and width of the SFs. CONCLUSION: In addition to conventional image studies, 3D curved-MPR images seem to provide useful information for Sylvian dissection in the microsurgical treatment of MCA aneurysms.

Acute Contralateral Radiculopathy after Unilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Cases of contralateral radiculopathy after a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with a single cage (unilateral TLIF) had been reported, but the phenomenon has not been explained satisfactorily. The purpose of this study was to determine its incidence, causes, and risk factors. METHODS: We did retrospective study with 546 patients who underwent a unilateral TLIF, and used CT and MRI to study the causes of contralateral radicular symptoms that appeared within a week postoperatively. Clinical and radiological results were compared by dividing the patients into the symptomatic group and asymptomatic group. RESULTS: Contralateral symptoms occurred in 32 (5.9%) of the patients underwent unilateral TLIF. The most common cause of contralateral symptoms was a contralateral foraminal stenosis in 22 (68.8%), screw malposition in 4 (12.5%), newly developed herniated nucleus pulposus in 3 (9.3%), hematoma in 1 (3.1%), and unknown origin in 2 patients (6.3%). 16 (50.0%) of the 32 patients received revision surgery. There was no difference in visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index between the two groups at discharge. Both preoperative and postoperative contralateral foraminal areas were significantly smaller, and postoperative segmental angle was significantly greater in the symptomatic group comparing to those of the asymptomatic group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence rate is not likely to be small (5.9%). If unilateral TLIF is performed for cases when preoperative contralateral foraminal stenosis already exists or when a large restoration of segmental lordosis is required, the probability of developing contralateral radiculopathy is increased and caution from the surgeon is needed.

The Effects of Spinopelvic Parameters and Paraspinal Muscle Degeneration on S1 Screw Loosening.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for S1 screw loosening after lumbosacral fusion, including spinopelvic parameters and paraspinal muscles. METHODS: We studied with 156 patients with degenerative lumbar disease who underwent lumbosacral interbody fusion and pedicle screw fixation including the level of L5-S1 between 2005 and 2012. The patients were divided into loosening and non-loosening groups. Screw loosening was defined as a halo sign larger than 1 mm around a screw. We checked cross sectional area of paraspinal muscles, mean signal intensity of the muscles on T2 weight MRI as a degree of fatty degeneration, spinopelvic parameters, bone mineral density, number of fusion level, and the characteristic of S1 screw. RESULTS: Twenty seven patients showed S1 screw loosening, which is 24.4% of total. The mean duration for S1 screw loosening was 7.3±4.1 months after surgery. Statistically significant risk factors were increased age, poor BMD, 3 or more fusion levels (p<0.05). Among spinopelvic parameters, a high pelvic incidence (p<0.01), a greater difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordotic angle preoperatively (p<0.01) and postoperatively (p<0.05). Smaller cross-sectional area and high T2 signal intensity in both multifidus and erector spinae muscles were also significant muscular risk factors (p<0.05). Small converging angle (p<0.001) and short intraosseous length (p<0.05) of S1 screw were significant screw related risk factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to well known risk factors, spinopelvic parameters and the degeneration of paraspinal muscles also showed significant effects on the S1 screw loosening.

Role of a Burr Hole and Calvarial Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in the Ischemic Rat Brain: A Possible Mechanism for the Efficacy of Multiple Burr Hole Surgery in Moyamoya Disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the role of a burr hole and calvarial bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in a transient ischemic brain injury model in the rat and postulates a possible mechanism for the efficacy of multiple cranial burr hole (MCBH) surgery in moyamoya disease (MMD). METHODS: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats (250 g, male) were divided into four groups : normal control group (n=5), burr hole group (n=5), ischemia group (n=5), and ischemia+burr hole group (n=5). Focal ischemia was induced by the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At one week after the ischemic injury, a 2 mm-sized cranial burr hole with small cortical incision was made on the ipsilateral (left) parietal area. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally, 2 times a day for 6 days after the burr hole trephination. At one week after the burr hole trephination, brains were harvested. Immunohistochemical stainings for BrdU, CD34, VEGF, and Doublecortin and Nestin were done. RESULTS: In the ischemia+burr hole group, BrdU (+), CD34 (+), and Doublecortin (+) cells were found in the cortical incision site below the burr hole. A number of cells with Nestin (+) or VEGF (+) were found in the cerebral parenchyma around the cortical incision site. In the other groups, BrdU (+), CD34 (+), Doublecortin (+), and Nestin (+) cells were not detected in the corresponding area. These findings suggest that BrdU (+) and CD34 (+) cells are bone marrow-derived stem cells, which may be derived from the calvarial bone marrow through the burr hole. The existence of CD34 (+) and VEGF (+) cells indicates increased angiogenesis, while the existence of Doublecortin (+), Nestin (+) cells indicates increased neurogenesis. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the BMSCs through burr holes seem to play an important role for the therapeutic effect of the MCBH surgery in MMD.

Two Cases of Klippel-Feil Syndrome with Cervical Myelopathy Successfully Treated by Simple Decompression without Fixation.

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital developmental disorder of cervical spine, showing short neck with restricted neck motion, low hairline, and high thoracic cage due to multilevel cervical fusion. Radiculopathy or myelopathy can be accompanied. There were 2 patients who were diagnosed as KFS with exhibited radiological and physical characteristics. Both patients had stenosis and cord compression at C1 level due to anterior displacement of C1 posterior arch secondary to kyphotic deformity of upper cervical spine, which has been usually indicative to craniocervical fixation. One patient was referred due to quadriparesis detected after surgery for aortic arch aneurysmal dilatation. The other patient was referred to us due to paraparesis and radiating pain in all extremities developed during gynecological examinations. Decompressive C1 laminectomy was done for one patient and additional suboccipital craniectomy for the other. No craniocervical fixation was done because there was no spinal instability. Motor power improved immediately after the operation in both patients. Motor functions and spinal stability were well preserved in both patients for 2 years. In KFS patients with myelopathy at the C1 level without C1-2 instability, a favorable outcome could be achieved by a simple decompression without spinal fixation.

A case of cauda equina syndrome in early-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy clinically similar to charcot-marie-tooth disease type 1.

To present a case of cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) which seemed clinically similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type1 (CMT1). CIDP is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy, either progressive or relapsing-remitting. It is a non-hereditary disorder characterized by symmetrical motor and sensory deficits. Rarely, spinal nerve roots can be involved, leading to CES by hypertrophic cauda equina. A 34-year-old man presented with low back pain, radicular pain, bilateral lower-extremity weakness, urinary incontinence, and constipation. He had had musculoskeletal deformities, such as hammertoes and pes cavus, since age 10. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse thickening of the cauda equina. Electrophysiological testing showed increased distal latency, conduction blocks, temporal dispersion, and severe nerve conduction velocity slowing (3 m/s). We were not able to find genetic mutations at the PMP 22, MPZ, PRX, and EGR2 genes. The pathologic findings of the sural nerve biopsy revealed thinly myelinated nerve fibers with Schwann cells proliferation. We performed a decompressive laminectomy, intravenous IgG (IV-IgG) and oral steroid. At 1 week after surgery, most of his symptoms showed marked improvements except foot deformities. There was no relapse or aggravation of disease for 3 years. We diagnosed the case as an early-onset CIDP with cauda equine syndrome, whose initial clinical findings were similar to those of CMT1, and successfully managed with decompressive laminectomy, IV-IgG and oral steroid.

Salvage surgical treatment for failed endovascular procedure of a blood blister-like aneurysm.

The blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare but clinically important cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which accounts for 0.5% of incidences of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. BBA is a thin-walled, broad-based aneurysm that lacks an identifiable neck and is one of the most difficult lesions to treat. In this paper, a case is presented of a 57-year-old woman with SAH. Her cerebral angiography demonstrated a small BBA on the dorsal wall of her right ICA. Endovascular treatment that consisted of a stent-within-a-stent was attempted, but the replacement of the second stent failed, and the aneurysm became bigger. Surgery was performed by clipping the BBA with a Sundt slim-line encircling graft clip. The patient completely recovered with no complications. This treatment may be a salvageable option for BBA, especially when endovascular treatment has failed.

Locations and clinical significance of non-hemorrhagic brain lesions in diffuse axonal injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Detection of focal non-hemorrhagic lesion (NHL) has become more efficient in diffuse axonal injury (DAI) patients using an MRI. The aims of this study are to find out the radiological distribution, progress of NHL and its clinical significance. METHODS: Between September 2005 and October 2011, 32 individuals with NHLs on brain MRI were enrolled. NHLs were classified by brain location into 4 major districts and 13 detailed locations including cortical and subcortical, corpus callosum, deep nuclei and adjacent area, and brainstem. The severity of NHL was scored from grades 1 to 4, according to the number of districts involved. Fourteen patients with NHL were available for MRI follow-up and an investigation of the changes was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients had 59 NHLs. The most common district of NHL was cortical and subcortical area; 15 patients had 20 NHSs. However the most common specific location was the splenium of the corpus callosum; 14 patients had 14 lesions. The more lesions patients had, the lower the GCS, however, this was not a statistically meaningful difference. On follow-up MRI in 14 patients, out of 24 lesions, 13 NHLs resolved, 5 showed cystic change, and 6 showed atrophic changes. CONCLUSION: NHLs were located most commonly in the splenium and occur frequently in the thalamus and the mesial temporal lobe. Because most NHS occur concomitantly with hemorrhagic lesions, it was difficult to determine their effects on prognosis. Since most NHLs resolve completely, they are probably less significant to prognosis than hemorrhagic lesions.

Radiological apoplexy and its correlation with acute clinical presentation, angiogenesis and tumor microvascular density in pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary apoplexy is life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by the rapid enlargement of a pituitary tumor due to hemorrhage and/or infarction. The pathogenesis of pituitary apoplexy is not completely understood. We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pituitary tumors and subsequently correlated the radiological findings with the clinical presentation. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was also performed to determine whether certain biomarkers are related to radiological apoplexy. METHODS: Thirty-four cases of pituitary adenoma were enrolled for retrospective analysis. In this study, the radiological apoplexy was defined as cases where hemorrhage, infarction or cysts were identified on MRI. Acute clinical presentation was defined as the presence of any of the following symptoms: severe sudden onset headache, decreased visual acuity and/or visual field deficit, and acute mental status changes. Angiogenesis was quantified by immunohistochemical expression of fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1), neuropilin (NRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, while microvascular density (MVD) was assessed using Endoglin and CD31. RESULTS: Clinically, fourteen patients presented with acute symptoms and 20 for mild or none clinical symptoms. Radiologically, fifteen patients met the criteria for radiological apoplexy. Of the fifteen patients with radiologic apoplexy, 9 patients presented acute symptoms whereas of the 19 patient without radiologic apoplexy, 5 patients presented acute symptoms. Of the five biomarkers tracked, only VEGF was found to be positively correlated with both radiological and nonradiological apoplexy. CONCLUSION: While pituitary apoplexy is currently defined in cases where clinical symptoms can be histologically confirmed, we contend that cases of radiologically identified pituitary hemorrhages that present with mild or no symptoms should be designated subacute or subclinical apoplexy. VEGF is believed to have a positive correlation with pituitary hemorrhage. Considering the high rate of symptomatic or asymptomatic pituitary tumor hemorrhage, additional studies are needed to detect predictors of the pituitary hemorrhage.