Postnatal Cerebral Hemodynamics and Placental Vascular Malperfusion Lesions in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) have smaller brain volume at birth. High rates of placental vascular malperfusion lesions may play a role in disrupted brain development. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of infants born between 2010 and 2019 who were diagnosed with a major cardiac defect requiring surgery in the first year of life. Doppler ultrasound RI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery were calculated within the first 72 hours of life. Placentas were evaluated using a standardized approach. RESULTS: Over the study period, there were 52 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), 22 with single-ventricle right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (SV-RVOTO), 75 with a two-ventricle cardiac defect (2V), and 25 with transposition of the great arteries (TGA). MCA Doppler RI were significantly higher for all subgroups of CHD compared with control subjects (0.68 ± 0.11 in control subjects compared with 0.78 ± 0.13 in HLHS, P = 0.03; 0.77 ± 0.10 in SV-RVOTO, P = 0.002; 0.78 ± 0.13 in 2V, P = 0.03; and 0.80 ± 0.14 in TGA; P = 0.001) with the highest average MCA RI in the TGA group. In subgroup analyses, placental fetal vascular malperfusion in the 2V group was associated with higher MCA RI, but this relationship was not present in other subgroups, nor in regards to maternal vascular malperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Major forms of CHD are associated with significantly higher cerebral artery RI postnatally, but placental vascular malperfusion lesions may not contribute to this hemodynamic adaptation.

Cerebrovascular Reserve Impairment in the Anterior Cerebral Artery Territory Predicts Deep Temporal Artery Enlargement After Combined Revascularization Surgery in Moyamoya Disease.

OBJECTIVE: A combined surgery of direct and indirect revascularization has been frequently performed in patients with moyamoya disease, though the efficacy of indirect revascularization surgery in adult patients with moyamoya disease has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate superficial temporal artery (STA) and deep temporal artery (DTA) diameters 1 day and 3 months after combined revascularization surgery in patients with moyamoya disease. We also investigated clinical factors related to DTA enlargement after surgery. METHODS: We examined 78 cerebral hemispheres in 57 adult and pediatric patients with moyamoya disease who underwent combined revascularization surgery [STA-MCA bypass and encephalo-duro-myo-synangiosis] in our institution. STA and DTA diameters were measured on axial magnetic resonance angiography images at 1 day and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: DTA diameter increased in 64 hemispheres (82.1%). DTA diameter increase in association with STA diameter decrease was found in 39 hemispheres (50%). The proportion of hemispheres with a reduction in STA diameter was significantly higher in hemispheres with DTA enlargement than in hemispheres with DTA reduction (P = 0.0088). Among the 64 hemispheres with DTA enlargement, 51 (79.7%) showed cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) impairment in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory before surgery. CVR impairment in the ACA territory was the only clinical factor related to DTA enlargement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The DTA frequently enlarges after combined revascularization surgery, even in adult patients with moyamoya disease. In patients with impaired CVR in the ACA territory, blood supply from the DTA to the ACA territory can be expected after combined revascularization surgery.

Surgical Resection of an Arteriovenous Malformation of the Orbital Surface of the Frontal Lobe with Olfactory Tract Preservation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Medial orbitofrontal area arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are located in the noneloquent cortex and typically drain superficially into Sylvian veins or the superior sagittal sinus, making them favorable for surgical treatment. However, while typically supplied by pial/cortical branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), they can incorporate the recurrent artery of Heubner and other ACA perforators on their way to the anterior perforated substance located just posterior. We present a case of a 30-year-old female admitted with sudden collapse and intraventricular hemorrhage from a ruptured medial orbitofrontal area AVM. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and an external ventricular drain was placed to treat acute hydrocephalus. Catheter angiography demonstrated an AVM located just anteromedial to the termination of the internal carotid artery with a compact nidus and an associated intranidal flow aneurysm. Arterial supply originated from the orbitofrontal artery off the ACA, with medial lenticulostriates seen coursing past the nidus. Additional supply from the recurrent artery of Heubner could not be excluded. However, a hypodensity in the inferior frontal lobe seen on the presentation computed tomography scan was suggestive of a prior orbitofrontal infarct and thus cortical, rather than perforator, supply. In our practice, treatment of ruptured AVMs is dictated by the patients' clinical recovery and associated high-risk features (e.g., flow aneurysms). In this case, despite the presence of a flow aneurysm, treatment was delayed 18 days due to slow neurologic recovery and family preference. The patient remained in the intensive care unit under close neurologic observation. She was extubated on day 10, and the external ventricular drain was removed on day 12 after confirming resolution of intraventricular hemorrhage. Preoperatively the patient recovered to a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. Risks of treatment were discussed, and informed consent was obtained. The patient was treated using a standard pterional craniotomy. We describe the anatomic location of the lesion in the medial orbitofrontal area, the relationship to the olfactory tract and olfactory stria. We demonstrate olfactory tract dissection from its arachnoid cistern between the orbitofrontal lobe and gyrus rectus in order to access the lesion. Indocyanine green angiography is used to help surgical dissection and for quality control at the end of the procedure. We do not perform intraoperative angiography routinely; however, it can be a useful adjunct in deep and/or eloquent locations, which are difficult to image using videoangiography. Nevertheless, in the absence of intraoperative angiography close dissection directly over the nidus on the eloquent side ensures preservation of functional brain. We describe the microsurgical techniques of surgical treatment of AVMs, in particular the "cone" dissection technique of the AVM in order to allow identification of all feeding vessels and tracing "en passant" vessels from proximal to distal, as well as the use of intraoperative videoangiography to elucidate the nidus morphology and immediate postoperative quality control (Video 1, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IXuLg84MwyMek1_Z1f1n7qssLThimvdx/view?usp=sharing).

Bilateral anterior cerebral artery occlusion following CD19- and BCMA-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for a myeloma patient.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T)-cell therapy is a promising treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In our previous report, CD19- and BCMA-targeted CAR-T co-administration was associated with a high response rate. Although cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity are frequent complications following CAR-T treatment, cerebral infarction is rarely reported as a CAR-T-related complication. We reported a 73-year-old female MM patient who received CD19- and BCMA-targeted CAR-T for refractory disease. Her disease responded to CAR-T therapy, but she developed neurological symptoms following CRS. Cranial CT and MRI demonstrated multiple cerebral infarctions and bilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) occlusion. We suggest that cerebral infarction other than CAR-T-related neurotoxicity is the underlying cause of abnormal neuropsychological symptoms, and diagnostic imaging tests should be actively performed to exclude ischemic cerebrovascular events.

Tobacco use and age are associated with different morphologic features of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

We present a cohort of patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms to investigate morphological characteristics and clinical factors associated with rupture of the aneurysms. 505 patients with ACoA aneurysms were identified at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital between 1990 and 2016, with available CT angiography (CTA). Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were performed to evaluate aneurysmal morphologic features, including location, projection, irregularity, the presence of daughter dome, height, height/width ratio, and relationships between surrounding vessels. Patient risk factors assessed included patient age, sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, and family history of aneurysms and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Logistic regression was used to build a predictive ACoA score for rupture. Morphologic features associated with ruptured ACoA aneurysms were the presence of a daughter dome (OR 21.4, 95% CI 10.6-43.1), smaller neck diameter (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71), larger aspect ratio (OR 3.57, 95% CI 2.05-6.24), larger flow angle (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05), and smaller ipsilateral A2-ACoA angle (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-1.00). Tobacco use was predominantly associated with morphological factors intrinsic to the aneurysm that were associated with rupture while younger age was also associated with morphologic features extrinsic to the aneurysm that were associated with rupture. The ACoA score had good predictive capacity for rupture with AUC = 0.92 using the 0.632 bootstrap cross-validation for correction of overfitting bias. Ruptured ACoA aneurysms were associated with morphological features that are simple to assess using a simple scoring system. Tobacco use and younger age were predominantly associated with intrinsic and extrinsic morphological features characteristic of rupture, respectively.

Seven Microaneurysms: Description of an Experimental Rodent Model for Neurovascular Training.

AIM: To demonstrate the microsurgical procedures, and to evaluate the feasibility of living models of experimental neurovascular training by developing new complex vascular exercises mimicking the most common intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The procedures were performed under a Zeiss (OPMI pico f170) microscope using basic microsurgery instruments, 10/0 Nylon and blue Polypropylene micro-sutures. We selected adult albino Wistar rats weighing between 258 and 471g each. Seven different aneurysm types were created using carotid, jugular, cava, aorta and femoral vessels. RESULTS: Seven types of aneurysm were designed and created in the rat with a high-medium successful rate. There are differences in terms of realism and the difficulty of performance, according to the different types: lateral wall, bifurcation, top of the basilar, fusiform, fusiform + involved branch, Anterior Communicating Artery (ACoA) and giant. The steps and technical issues to produce these exercises are described. CONCLUSION: We show the feasibility of creating several types of aneurysm using different vessels in a rodent model. Training on these models help to improve microsurgical skills, allowing safe practice for neurosurgeons in all stages of their career.

Clinical and morphological risk factors for the recurrence of anterior communicating artery aneurysms after clipping or coiling.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and morphological factors associated with recurrence in anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms after clipping or coiling. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic features of consecutive 214 patients with AcomA aneurysms treated between January 2012 and December 2016 in a single tertiary institute. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationship between clinical and morphological variables and recurrence. RESULTS: Of 214 patients, 166 were unruptured aneurysms and 109 were treated with coiling. Overall recurrence rate was 13% (28 out of 214 aneurysms) during mean 36.9 ± 18.4-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that size greater than 10 mm (OR = 5.651; 95% CI, 1.317-24.242; p = 0.020), smoking (OR = 3.474; 95% CI, 1.342-8.996; p = 0.010), coiling (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.005-8.832; p = 0.049), and anterior direction of aneurysm (OR = 3.77; 95% CI, 1.12-12.66; p = 0.032) were significantly associated with recurrence of AcomA aneurysms after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that coiling, large aneurysm, anterior direction, and smoking history may be independent risk factors for the recurrence of AcomA aneurysms. Therefore, careful follow-up should be needed especially in large AcomA aneurysms with anterior direction after coiling.

A Case of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Triggered by High-Dose Methotrexate in a Boy With Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by thunderclap headaches and transient segmental cerebral arterial vasoconstriction. Many drugs have been identified as triggers of RCVS. However, RCVS induced by methotrexate (MTX), an antimetabolite agent, has never been reported. CASE: We report the first case of a 17-year-old Chinese student with a thunderclap headache after administration of high-dose methotrexate during the treatment of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Brain magnetic resonance angiography showed segmental constriction of the right anterior cerebral artery A1 segment, combined with nonaneurysmal cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and vasogenic brain edema in brain magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral images became normal 6 weeks later. DISCUSSION: MTX is associated with a variety of neurological toxicities, including aseptic meningitis, transverse myelopathy, acute and subacute encephalopathy, and leukoencephalopathy. However, this is the first report that MTX can trigger RCVS, although it is not a proof for causality. RCVS should be a differential diagnosis for a headache after MTX administration.

Complex Revascularization for Idiopathic Intracranial Occlusive Disease with Unruptured, Fusiform Anterior Cerebral Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Revascularization is an important strategy when treating cerebrovascular occlusive disease and complex aneurysms. Radial artery fascial flow-through free flaps (RAFFs) are flexible grafts that provide direct and indirect revascularization. RAFFs can be especially useful for large territory revascularization and can be combined with other direct bypasses. Although common in plastic and reconstructive surgery, RAFF neurosurgical applications have rarely been described. The 3-dimensional video presents a 47-year-old man with watershed infarcts on imaging who presented with right-sided weakness (Video 1). Vessel imaging was significant for bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus stenosis. The left middle cerebral artery (MCA) ended in a fusiform aneurysm of the M1 segment. The left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) also had a smaller fusiform aneurysm at the A1/2 junction. A perfusion study demonstrated an increased mean transit time in the left MCA territory. Given the patient's age, his symptomatic ischemia, and enlarging MCA aneurysm, he was recommended for a combined revascularization and left ICA occlusion. A left facial artery-to-MCA bypass using the right posterior tibial artery was performed for direct MCA revascularization. A left superficial temporal artery-to-ACA bypass with a RAFF was performed for direct ACA and indirect MCA territory revascularization. Postoperative angiography demonstrated patency of both direct grafts. The patient suffered small pericallosal infarcts because of retraction and perforator sacrifice at the revascularization site. At early follow-up, the patient was at his neurologic baseline, and at 1-year follow up, the patient had no additional infarcts on imaging and was living independently.

Neuroradiologic Characteristics of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System According to the Affected Vessel Size.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an important impact in diagnosing primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS). However, neuroradiologic findings may vary immensely, making an easy and definite diagnosis challenging. METHODS: In this retrospective, single center study, we analyzed neuroradiologic findings of patients with PACNS diagnosed at our hospital between 2009 and 2014. Furthermore, we classified patients according to the affected vessel size and compared imaging characteristics between the subgroups. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included (mean age 43 [±15.3] years, 17 females) in this study. Patients with positive angiographic findings were classified as either medium or large vessel PACNS and presented more ischemic lesions (p < 0.001) and vessel wall enhancement (p = 0.017) compared to patients with small vessel PACNS. No significant differences were detected for the distribution of contrast-enhancing lesions (parenchymal or leptomeningeal), hemorrhages, or lesions with mass effect. Twenty-five patients underwent brain biopsy. Patients with medium or large vessel PACNS were less likely to have positive biopsy results. DISCUSSION: It is essential to differentiate between small and medium/large vessel PACNS since results in MRI, digital subtraction angiography and brain biopsy may differ immensely. Since image quality of MR scanners improves gradually and brain biopsy may often be nonspecific or negative, our results emphasize the importance of MRI/MRA in the diagnosis process of PACNS.

Vasculitis primaria del sistema nervioso central: presentación de caso clínico / Primary vasculitis of the central nervous system: presentation of clinical case / Vasculite primária do sistema nervoso central: apresentação do caso clínico

La vasculitis Primaria del Sistema Nervioso Central (VPSNC) se refiere a un grupo de enfermedades que resultan de la inflamación y destrucción de los vasos sanguíneos de la medula espinal, encéfalo y meninges, tanto en el sector venoso como arterial. La presentación es heterogénea y poco sistematizable. El diagnóstico se establece con un cuadro clínico compatible, una angiografía que evidencie vasculitis y/o biopsia del parénquima encefálico o meninges. Las alteraciones en los estudios de imagen son constantes pero inespecíficas para el diagnóstico y se acompañan habitualmente de alteraciones en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y electroencefalograma (EEG) Presentamos un paciente con probable VPSNC basados en un cuadro clínico compatible, hallazgos imagenológicos sugestivos, junto con alteraciones en LCR y EEG. Se realizó tratamiento en base a corticoides e inmunosupresores con mala respuesta y evolución.

The primary central nervous system vasculitis (VPSNC) refers to a group of diseases that result from inflammation and destruction of the blood vessels of the spinal cord, brain and meninges, both in the venous and arterial sector. The presentation is heterogeneous and unsystematized. The diagnosis is made based on compatible symptoms, supported by an angiography showing evidence of vasculitis and/or biopsy of the brain parenchyma or meninges. Alterations in imaging studies are consistent but nonspecific for diagnostic and are usually accompanied by alterations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We present a clinical case of probable VPSNC based on clinical presentation and findings on imagenological studies suggestive vasculitis, along with alterations in CSF and EEG. Treatment was based on Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents with poor response and evolution.

Vasculite Primária do Sistema Nervoso Central (VPSNC) refere-se a um grupo de doenças que resultam de inflamação e destruição dos vasos sanguíneos na medula espinal, o sector venosa arterial cerebral e meninges, ambos. A apresentação é heterogênea e não muito sistematizável. O diagnóstico é estabelecido com um quadro clínico compatível, uma angiografia que evidencia vasculite e / oubiópsia do parênquima cerebral ou meninges. Alterações nos estudos de imagemsão constantes, mas não específica para o diagnóstico e são normalmente acompanhadas por alterações no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) e eletroencefalograma (EEG) descrevem um paciente com VPSNC provável com base em um quadro clínico, achados de imagem sugestivos compatíveis, em conjunto com alterações no CSF e EEG. O tratamento foi realizado com base em corticosteróides e imunos supressores compouca resposta e evolução.

Operative Management of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms Through a Mini Anterior Interhemispheric Approach.

BACKGROUND: Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms, also known as pericallosal artery aneurysms, are present in 1.5%-9% of all intracranial aneurysms. Here we characterize the important microsurgical anatomy of DACAs; describe the surgical approach to treating these aneurysms with a minimally invasive surgical technique, the mini anterior interhemispheric approach (MAIA); and examine the nuances of aneurysm clipping in this region. METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive analysis of a series of aneurysm surgeries performed at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Mexico City. Cadaveric dissections were used to demonstrate relevant cerebrovascular anatomy. We analyzed patient demographic data and aneurysm characteristics. Patients' neurologic grade was evaluated using the Hunt and Kosnik (H-K) scale, and surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Other variables were analyzed using the χ2 test. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 32 DACA aneurysms (10 nonruptured and 22 ruptured), representing 5.8% of all aneurysms. The study cohort was 64.3% females and 35.7% males. H-K grade II was the most frequent classification (32.4%); 42.8% of patients presented with a Fisher grade IV aneurysm. Aneurysm location was classified as supra-genu, genu, or infra-genu. Eight patients had multiple aneurysms, among which 50% were located at the bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical clipping through a MAIA approach is an excellent treatment option for pericallosal artery aneurysms.

The Relationship Between the Direction of Putaminal Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Anterior Cerebral Artery Predominance.

OBJECTIVE: It is expected that anatomic variations in the circle of Willis have a direct effect on blood flow in the internal carotid artery. Rupture of the lenticulostriate artery of the middle cerebral artery 1st segment (M1) is the most common cause of putaminal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and we hypothesized that this could be related to the anatomic variations of the circle of Willis and the predominance of the anterior cerebral artery 1st segment (A1). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 544 patients who were treated for spontaneous ICH between 2013 and 2016 at Yeungnam University Hospital. Among them, 83 patients (49 men and 34 women; mean age, 60.38 years; range, 34-87 years) were admitted for the treatment of putaminal ICH. The circle of Willis was visualized on the basis of computed tomographic (CT) angiographic images with 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images. The number of putaminal ICH patients who showed differences in diameter between the right and left A1 segments, with a normal variation of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), was analyzed. RESULTS: Among 83 patients with spontaneous ICH, 46 and 37 had left and right putaminal hemorrhages, respectively. Sixty-seven patients were treated conservatively, and 16 patients underwent surgery. The number of patients with a dominant A1 segment on either side was 58 (67.4%). Forty patients had a dominant A1 segment and putaminal ICH located in the same direction (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that putaminal ICHs occur more frequently on the side of the dominant A1 segment. This information can help an understanding of the mechanism of putaminal spontaneous ICH development and may even assist in the treatment of ICH.

Description of the anterior cerebral artery and its cortical branches: Variation in presence, origin, and size.

OBJECTIVE: Certain aspects of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) cortical branches tend to vary, including absent or additional arteries, variation in origin, and changes to diameter and length. Knowledge of these factors can be crucial in aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation surgery. Few studies report on these aspects and a South African study have not been completed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report absent or additional arteries, the origin, diameter and length of ACA cortical branches in a Western Cape population. METHODS: A coloured silicone was injected into the ACA of 121 hemispheres (60 right, 61 left), consisting of 83 males and 38 females. Specimens were divided in groups younger than 34 (n=36), between 35 and 48 (n=35), older than 49 (n=40), and unknown (n=10). There were three population groups; coloured (n=72), black (n=37), white (n=10), and unknown (n=2). Any absent or additional arteries were noted, as well as the origins. External diameter and lengths were measured using a digital micrometre, string and a ruler. RESULTS: The diameter and lengths indicated significant differences between right and left, sex, age and population groups. Most commonly absent (callosomarginal artery) and additional (paracentral lobule artery) arteries were noted. Origins were similar to the literature; however, previously unreported origins and common trunks were also observed. CONCLUSION: The aspects reported have been neglected in previous work and neurosurgeons should be aware of these variations and anomalies to avoid complications. Studies should continue to assess the cerebral vasculature since undocumented variations are still being reported.

Concomitant aneurysm detection in an intracranial dolichoectasia mouse model using a MicroFil polymer perfusion technique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using MicroFil polymer perfusion to detect concomitant saccular aneurysms in an intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE) model in mice, and to report detailed histomorphometric features of these aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IADE models were created in C57/BL6 mice via microsurgical injection of 25 mU elastase into the cisterna magna. The cerebral vasculature was perfused with MicroFil polymer and harvested at 1, 3, and 7 days, and 2 and 4 weeks (n=8 for each group). IADE was defined by a tortuosity index >10 combined with a 25% increase in diameter of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), internal carotid artery (ICA), or basilar artery compared with the baseline of controls, which received heat-inactivated elastase. Saccular aneurysm occurrence rate, location, and morphological parameters were investigated using macroscopic and microscopic analysis. RESULTS: IADE was present in 95% (36/38) of the subjects, with a mortality rate of 5% (2/40). Fifteen concomitant saccular aneurysms were detected in 8 (21%) of the 38 surviving mice, including 6 at the posterior communicating artery, 1 along the ACA, 2 along the anterior communicating artery complex, 3 along the ICA, and 3 along the middle cerebral artery. Rupture was confirmed in two aneurysms. Histological examination indicated that the aneurysms develop via arterial-wall remodelling, which is characterized by internal elastic lamina disruptions and muscular layer discontinuity in the media. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of subjects developing saccular aneurysms in addition to IADE in our mouse model is similar to the 15% of patients with IADE who have concomitant saccular aneurysms.

Predicting the necessity of anterior communicating artery division in the bifrontal basal interhemispheric approach.

BACKGROUND: The anterior communicating artery (ACoA) often limits surgical exposure in the anterior interhemispheric approach. Although division of the ACoA has been proposed occasionally, it is rarely practiced, and criteria for such a surgical maneuver remain unknown. Our purpose was to identify key factors that allow for predicting the necessity of controlled ACoA division in the bifrontal basal interhemispheric approach. METHOD: Twenty-two consecutive patients who underwent surgery via the bifrontal basal interhemispheric approach for removal of various pathologic brain lesions were examined. First, tumors were dichotomized into central and lateral lesions. Next, three tumor parameters were compared between cases with and without ACoA division in each, the central and lateral lesion groups, respectively: tumor volume, tumor depth (defined as distance between the ACoA and posterior tumor margin) and tumor laterality angle (defined as the geometric angle between the lateral tumor margin and sagittal midline). RESULTS: Tumor volume was not related in a statistically significant manner to ACoA division in both the central (P = 0.06) and lateral (P = 0.13) lesion groups, respectively. However, tumor depth was significantly correlated with ACoA division in the central lesion group (P = 0.01), whereas in the lateral lesion group, the tumor laterality angle showed a significant correlation with ACoA division (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that controlled ACoA division may be required in central lesions with a depth of 38 mm or more and in lateral lesions with an angle of 23 degrees or more as defined in this study. Two key factors were thus identified that may predict the necessity of controlled ACoA division before surgery.

Smoking Associated with Increased Aneurysm Size in Patients with Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and smoking are risk factors for aneurysm formation or rupture. We aimed to identify differences in aneurysm morphologies associated with hypertension or smoking in patients with anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms. METHODS: Between December 2007 and February 2015, 574 consecutive patients with AcoA aneurysms were identified from the Electronic Medical Record System. We extracted data on histories of hypertension alone, smoking alone, nonhypertension and nonsmoking, and both hypertension and smoking. The morphologic parameters of aneurysms were remeasured via computed tomography angiography image reconstruction. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the differences in morphologies in patients with hypertension or who smoked. RESULTS: In the study, 495 patients with single AcoA aneurysm were included. Age, sex, vessel size, aneurysm size and height, size ratio, A1 segment configuration, and aneurysm shape were significantly different among the groups. A larger aneurysm occurred more often in patients who only smoked compared with those without hypertension who did not smoke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.36; P = 0.012). Patients with hypertension who also smoked more commonly had a larger aneurysm size than those with hypertension alone (adjusted odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.99; P = 0.040). There were significant differences in age, sex, and aneurysm morphology between the smoking patients and those with hypertension alone. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm size was an independent morphologic parameter associated with smoking in patients with ACoA aneurysms compared with other aneurysm morphologies. Smoking may be associated independently with increased aneurysm size and should be given up in patients with AcoA aneurysms.

Practises and controversies in the management of asymptomatic aneurysms: Results of an international survey.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic aneurysms that are increasingly discovered on cranial diagnostic imaging are a growing management dilemma. Large-scale studies have shown that in most instances, conservative management is appropriate for the majority of patients with aneurysms less than 7 mm in maximum diameter. It is unclear whether international practise mirrors practise in these large trials. OBJECTIVE: To determine how neurosurgeons around the world manage patients with asymptomatic aneurysms. METHODS: Electronic survey of 283 clinicians managing patients with aneurysms using a 55-item questionnaire detailing characteristics of their experience, their hospitals and their present and future practises and insights regarding the management of patients with intracerebral aneurysms. RESULTS: The 203 neurosurgeons (72%) who responded had a median of 17 years of practise with aneurysms and managed a median of 25 aneurysms annually. The majority of neurosurgeons endorsed treatment of all asymptomatic aneurysms regardless of size. Only four out of 10 neurosurgeons would manage patients with 4 mm anterior communicating artery or middle cerebral artery aneurysms non-surgically, whereas fewer than 2% would conservatively manage asymptomatic patients with 10 or 16 mm aneurysms. Neurosurgeons were split as to the recommended techniques for asymptomatic aneurysms of 10 or 16 mm with about half of them electing clipping and half coiling for ACoA and nearly three quarters favouring clipping for the MCA aneurysm. Although international differences exist between Europe, North America and the rest of the world, most state that their choice of treatment related to decisions around what option would provide the best neurological outcome and prevention of long-term bleeding. CONCLUSION: Despite large trials supporting the management of small asymptomatic aneurysms, most neurosurgeons internationally chooses to treat them with surgery or endovascular means. Since clinicians use a number of factors beyond the maximum diameter when considering treatment options, future trials should consider these factors in their design.

Clinical Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients with Ipsilateral Intracranial Stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk of perioperative stroke and the benefits of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remain uncertain in the case of an ipsilateral intracranial stenosis. The aim of this observational study was to analyze the early and late outcomes of CEA in patients with a carotid tandem lesion (CTL), defined as a severe stenosis at the bifurcation with any concomitant lesion ≥50 % involving the intracranial portion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery or the main trunk of the anterior or middle cerebral artery. METHODS: From 2000 to 2009, 1143 patients underwent CEA for symptomatic or asymptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis according to the NASCET and ACAS recommendations, respectively. CTLs were diagnosed in 219 patients (19.2 %) by extracranial and transcranial color-coded Doppler sonography combined with noninvasive brain imaging studies. The primary endpoints of the study were perioperative (30-day) stroke and death, and any ipsilateral ischemic adverse events during the follow-up, which ranged from 0.1 to 10 years (mean 4.9 ± 3.3 years). The rates of the primary endpoints were compared between patients with (group I) and without CTL (group II). RESULTS: Overall, 219 CEAs were performed in group I and 924 in group II. Nearly two in three of the carotid lesions (777 of 1143, 68 %) were symptomatic at presentation (62.1 % in group I vs 69.4 % in group II; p = 0.03), with a 23.8 % rate of stroke (21.9 % in group I vs 24.2 % in group II; p = 0.85). There were 2 (0.9 %) perioperative ipsilateral strokes in group I and 5 (0.5 %) in group II (p = 0.62), and no deaths. The 5-year ipsilateral stroke-free, any stroke-free, and overall survival rates did not differ significantly between patients with and without CTL. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that patients with and without CTL who underwent CEA had a similar occurrence of perioperative adverse events (probably due to the extremely low incidence of perioperative complications) and comparable late outcomes, suggesting that the presence of CTL does not justify refusing CEA for patients who could benefit from it.