Influence of Perioperative Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography and Surgical Clipping for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms on Renal Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKROUND: Surgical clipping is a valuable treatment option for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the comprehensive impact of clipping and perioperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) on renal function remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of perioperative 3D-CTA and surgical clipping on renal function in patients with CKD. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 529 patients who underwent surgical clipping and perioperative 3D-CTA. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 was defined as CKD. Patients were stratified according to their renal function (group 1: eGFR ≥60, group 2: 45 ≤ eGFR <60, group 3: 30 ≤ eGFR <45, group 4: eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2), and eGFR was assessed preoperatively and 1 week and several months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 529 patients, 442 did not have CKD and 87 had CKD. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia were significantly more common in those with CKD. After the surgery and perioperative series of 3D-CTA, renal function deterioration was not observed in any group, whether in the acute or chronic postoperative period. Notably, eGFR significantly increased in groups 2 (66.7 ± 10.1, P < 0.01) and 3 (48.9 ± 9.2, P = 0.02) 1 week postoperatively, despite the CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and perioperative 3D-CTA with normal-dose contrast media did not impair renal function in patients with CKD. These results could be valuable in determining treatment strategies for those with CKD and intracranial aneurysms.

Pharmacological Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Prevents Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

BACKGROUND: Multiple pathways and factors are involved in the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) has been shown to mediate inflammatory vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm. However, the role of EGFR in mediating intracranial aneurysm rupture and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be determined. Emerging evidence indicates that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress might be the link between EGFR activation and the resultant inflammation. ER stress is strongly implicated in inflammation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells, both of which are key components of the pathophysiology of aneurysm rupture. Therefore, we hypothesized that EGFR activation promotes aneurysmal rupture by inducing ER stress. METHODS: Using a preclinical mouse model of intracranial aneurysm, we examined the potential roles of EGFR and ER stress in developing aneurysmal rupture. RESULTS: Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR markedly decreased the rupture rate of intracranial aneurysms without altering the formation rate. EGFR inhibition also significantly reduced the mRNA (messenger RNA) expression levels of ER-stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in cerebral arteries. Similarly, ER-stress inhibition also significantly decreased the rupture rate. In contrast, ER-stress induction nullified the protective effect of EGFR inhibition on aneurysm rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that EGFR activation is an upstream event that contributes to aneurysm rupture via the induction of ER stress. Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR or downstream ER stress may be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing aneurysm rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Miliary Tuberculosis during R-MPV Therapy in an Elderly Patient with Primary Central Nerve System Lymphoma: A Case Report.

Most elderly patients with tuberculosis (TB) have previously been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant in the body for decades and may reactivate when their immunity declines due to underlying diseases. Elderly cancer patients are at a high risk for TB, and the treatment of TB reactivation in these patients is challenging. Among cancer patients, the incidence of TB reactivation is the highest in lymphoma patients. However, the impact of chemotherapy on TB reactivation in lymphoma patients is unknown. We report the case of an immunocompetent elderly patient with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) having no prior history of TB, who developed miliary TB during multiagent chemotherapy consisting of rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV therapy). Retrospectively, the chest computed tomography showed calcification of the pleura, suggesting that the patient had a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and developed miliary TB from the reactivation of TB triggered by the R-MPV therapy. Our case emphasizes that when chemotherapy is administered to patients with PCNSL, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) should be performed if there are findings on chest examination suggestive of LTBI, such as pleural calcification, and if IGRA is positive, chemotherapy should be given concurrently with LTBI treatment.

[Surgical Management of a Thromobotic Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm:A Case Report].

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are relatively rare. We present a case involving a giant aneurysm arising from the extracranial carotid artery. The patient was a 79-year-old woman. She had a pulsating mass in the right side of her neck. However, she was neurologically intact. Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the neck showed an enhanced mass lesion with a thrombus in the right side of her neck. Angiography revealed a saccular aneurysm 3.4 cm in size near the bifurcation site of the right common carotid artery into the external carotid artery. She underwent an urgent resection of the aneurysm and a carotid artery reconstruction. Postoperatively, she recovered well and the total resection of the lesion was angiographically confirmed. Histopathological examination revealed that the wall of the aneurysm had undergone fibrosis and contained a few elastic fibers and microhemorrhages. The wall of the aneurysm was also infiltrated by inflammatory cells. The surgical strategy for and appropriate preoperative evaluation of this rare disease was discussed.

Hyperperfusion syndrome after aneurysm surgery: a case report.

A 74-year-old woman exhibited sensory aphasia with abrupt blood pressure elevation 3 h after clipping of an unruptured large left middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Perfusion computed tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography demonstrated hyperperfusion in one of the distal parent artery areas. She gradually improved and was discharged without neurological deficits. Increased distal blood flow after occlusion of the large cerebral aneurysm and postischemic reperfusion after temporary occlusion of the parent artery during surgery presumably played an important role in the occurrence of this fairly rare condition associated with aneurysm surgery.