The effects of chronic subthalamic stimulation on nonmotor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease, revealed by an online questionnaire program.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to detect and assess the frequency and severity of nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on NMSs. METHODS: We developed an online PC-based questionnaire program to assess NMSs in PD. Twenty-six PD patients who underwent bilateral STN-DBS were assessed. The NMS questionnaire consisted of 54 NMSs in three categories, based on Witjas et al. (2002). For each NMS, the patients were asked whether or not it was present, whether or not the fluctuating manifestations correlated with the timing of levodopa-induced motor fluctuations, and how severe the NMS was. Patients were assessed by this system before surgery and at the follow-up visit, 3 to 6 months after surgery. At the postoperative assessment, patients were also assessed on preoperative NMSs using recall. RESULTS: The most frequent preoperative NMSs were constipation and visual disorders, while the most frequent postoperative NMSs were difficulty in memorizing and pollakiuria. The ranking of most frequent NMSs changed from before to after surgery. NMSs of drenching sweats, dysphagia, and constipation were significantly ameliorated, while NMSs of dyspnea and slowness of thinking were significantly deteriorated after surgery. The preoperative assessment by postoperative recall gave very different results from that of the preoperative assessment. CONCLUSION: An online questionnaire system to assess NMSs in patients with advanced PD suggested that STN-DBS might influence the frequencies of some kinds of NMSs.

[Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Chronic and Intermittent Cord Compression by Tumors upon Neck Rotation:A Case Report].

A 35-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type I presented with right arm weakness and gait disturbance that had developed gradually. MR imaging revealed bilateral intra-and extradural tumors at the C1-2 level. Although the adjacent spinal cord was narrowed, there was no evident contact between the tumors and the spinal cord. Computed tomography myelography revealed that the tumors compressed the cord only during neck rotation. The tumors were resected to make an abundant subdural space around the affected cord. The patient's neurological symptoms improved postoperatively. Because contact between the masses and spinal cord only occurred upon neck rotation, we believe it is important to consider the possibility of intermittent compression, termed dynamic rotational canal stenosis, in patients with masses at the C1-2 level, even when such masses are not seen to be in contact with the cervical cord on routine radiological examination.

Potential of Hybrid Assistive Limb Treatment for Ataxic Gait Due to Cerebellar Disorders Including Hemorrhage, Infarction, and Tumor.

Cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) is a severe life-threatening disorder, and surgical treatment is often required in an emergency situation. Even in cases in which the surgical procedure is successful, functional recovery is likely to be delayed because of cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia and gait disturbance. Here, we briefly review the efficacy of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment in neurosurgical practice and propose a new comprehensive treatment strategy for CH to facilitate early neurological recovery. We have experienced cases of ataxic gait due to various etiologies, treated with rehabilitation using the HAL, and our data showed that HAL treatment potentially improves ataxic gait and balance problems. HAL treatment seems to be an effective and promising treatment modality for selected cases. Future studies should evaluate gait appearance and balance, in addition to walking speed, to assess improvement in cerebellar symptoms.

[Surgical Technique for Lumbar Spinal Extraforaminal Schwannoma].

INTRODUCTION: Spinal neurinomas are frequently observed in the cauda equina, particularly within the dura mater. However, extraforaminal schwannomas(EFS), which are neither intradural nor dumbbell type, are relatively rare; hence, different surgical procedures have been employed. Here, we report 12 cases of lumbar EFS with total resection that were safely performed. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: This study was comprised of 12 patients with lumbar EFS(excluding those with neurofibromas)who were previously treated at our hospital. Using the Wiltse paraspinal approach, we inserted the microscope until it reached the tumor surface. After confirming the tumor surface, we inserted a scalpel to make an incision in a portion of the outer capsule. Then, we confirmed that the surfaces of the outer capsule and the tumor within the capsule could be dissected. Next, a thread was attached to the outer capsule and pulled upwards so that there was enough space to perform the required procedures within the capsule. Using a CUSA®, we removed the intracapsular tumor. After its removal, the outer capsule was treated carefully to ensure that the origin nerve was not damaged. RESULTS: In all cases, we successfully performed a total removal of the intracapsular tumor;in the mean postoperative observation period of 8 years, no recurrence was observed. Although temporary paralysis was observed in three patients, this improved over time. CONCLUSION: We report our experience with a surgical technique that ensured the safe removal of lumbar EFS. Satisfactory results were achieved, with no recurrences observed during the mean 8-year postoperative observation period.

Emergent Carotid Artery Stenting Following Intravenous Alteplase Infusion After Rapid Negative Diagnosis for COVID-19 by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a rapid screening method for COVID-19 detection is needed to decide the appropriate strategy to treat stroke patients. In acute ischemic stroke treatment, the efficacy and safety of emergent carotid artery stenting (eCAS) for hyperacute ischemic stroke (hAIS) due to internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS) have not been sufficiently established. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 71-year-old man with hAIS caused by severe ICS was treated via intravenous alteplase infusion. The patient underwent screening for COVID-19 by the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay shortly after arrival at our institution. The LAMP result was obtained within 90 minutes, during intravenous alteplase infusion, and turned out to be negative. The symptom of hemiplegia worsened during alteplase infusion, and he, therefore, underwent eCAS after administration of aspirin (200 mg). Recanalization was achieved successfully by eCAS, and dual antiplatelet therapy and argatroban were administrated following eCAS. Hemorrhagic complications or restenosis/occlusion of the carotid artery were not observed. He was discharged without neurologic deficits 15 days following eCAS. Because of the rapid negative diagnosis for COVID-19 using the LAMP method, eCAS could be performed following standard procedures, along with infectious defense, without delay. CONCLUSIONS: This case report suggests that eCAS for hAIS due to ICS following intravenous alteplase can be an effective treatment, along with appropriate antiplatelet medication and management in select patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LAMP assay for COVID-19 detection might be a suitable diagnostic strategy preceding stroke treatment because of the rapid turnaround time.

Development of Quality of Life Questionnaire for Patients with Parkinson's Disease Undergoing STN-DBS.

In device-aided therapy (DAT) for Parkinson's disease (PD), factors such as device-related adverse effects, psychological and lifestyle changes, and specific disease progression can affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced PD. However, there is no existing QoL scale that includes the effects of therapeutic devices. From a semi-structured interview with patients with PD undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), we extracted the content of utterances that were thought to affect the QoL and created a draft questionnaire consisting of 113 items. This questionnaire was administered to 54 other patients undergoing DBS, whose data were examined for reliability and validity by factor analysis, and finally, a 24-item PD QoL questionnaire for patients on DAT (PDQ-DAT) was developed. Presently, the PDQ-DAT is the only scale that can assess the QoL of patients on DAT, including the influence treatment devices have on them. In the future, it might be used to help in shared decision-making in medicine by incorporating the patient's sense of burden and values in the selection of treatment methods.

Effectiveness of Combined Direct and Indirect Revascularization for Moyamoya Disease with Concurrent Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: For several variants of quasi-moyamoya disease, cerebral revascularization treatment is as effective as it is for the more typical cases of moyamoya disease. Here, we examined a case of moyamoya disease with concurrent congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). On the basis of concurrent underlying disease, the patient was considered to have quasi-moyamoya disease and was treated with cerebral revascularization. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old female presented with a large cerebral infarction. She was diagnosed with quasi-moyamoya disease on the basis of clinical and imaging features. The ischemic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction improved after combined direct and indirect revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first known report of moyamoya disease with concurrent CRS. We treated this patient with revascularization as typical for other quasi-moyamoya conditions including Down syndrome. This case emphasizes the effectiveness of revascularization treatment for moyamoya disease with concurrent CRS for the prevention of ischemic stroke and improvement of cognitive function, despite existing cerebral infarction.

Subthalamic nucleus stimulation does not cause deterioration of preexisting hallucinations in Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Among the neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, hallucination can result from the disease itself or medical treatment. Hallucination associated with subthalamic nucleus stimulation (STN-DBS) has been reported; however, it is still unclear whether PD patients with a history of hallucination are appropriate candidates for STN-DBS or not. AIMS: We investigated the effect of STN-DBS on preexisting hallucination associated with advanced PD. METHODS: Eighteen STN-DBS patients were investigated retrospectively. The severity of hallucination was assessed by the thought disorder score on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS, part 1-item 2) in the patients' interviews; the score 6 months after the initiation of STN-DBS was compared with the highest score throughout the preoperative history and the score 2 weeks before surgery. RESULTS: Hoehn-Yahr stage and motor score (UPDRS part 3) were significantly improved following STN-DBS. Six months after the initiation of STN-DBS, the severity of hallucination, assessed by thought disorder score, did not increase, but rather decreased compared with the preoperative level (p < 0.05 by McNemar's test). The daily levodopa equivalent dose was increased in 2 patients without the development of hallucination. On the other hand, anti-parkinsonian drugs were totally withdrawn in 1 patient, but without improvement of hallucination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that STN-DBS surgery does not always lead to deterioration of preexisting hallucination in PD. In advanced PD, hallucination involves a multifactorial pathogenesis and a history of hallucination is not a contraindication to STN-DBS surgery.

Spectral analysis of field potential recordings by deep brain stimulation electrode for localization of subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson's disease.

AIMS: Spectral analysis of local field potential (LFP) recorded by deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode around the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson's disease was performed. METHODS: The borders of the STN were determined by microelectrode recording. The most eligible trajectory for the sensorimotor area of the STN was used for LFP recording while advancing the DBS electrode. RESULTS: The low-frequency LFP power (theta- to beta-band) increased from a few millimeters above the dorsal border of the STN defined by microelectrode recording; however, the low-frequency power kept the same level beyond the ventral border of the STN. Only high beta-power showed close correlation to the dorsal and ventral borders of the STN. CONCLUSIONS: A spectral power analysis of LFP recording by DBS electrode helps with the final confirmation of the dorsal and ventral borders of the STN of Parkinson's disease in DBS implantation surgery.

Detailed anatomy of intracranial venous anomalies associated with atretic parietal cephaloceles revealed by high-resolution 3D-CISS and high-field T2-weighted reversed MR images.

PURPOSE: The advancement of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technology has revealed that intracranial venous anomalies, such as vertical embryonic positioning of the straight sinus (VEP of SS), are associated with atretic parietal cephaloceles. However, the precise anatomical relationships among the venous anomalies, superior sagittal sinus (SSS), cistern, and cephalocele have not been demonstrated. We compared the imaging features of conventional MR images and high-resolution 3-dimensional (3-D) MR images, such as Fourier-transformation-constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) images and T2-weighted reversed (T2R) images obtained on a 3-T MR machine. METHODS: Three patients ranging in age from 1 to 18 years, with midline subscalp lesions, participated in this study. In two cases, the lesions were surgically excised and subjected to pathological examination. RESULTS: In two children, 3-D MR images more clearly demonstrated anomalous veins, including bilateral internal cerebral veins, the great vein of Galen and the vertical position of the straight sinus in the falx, extending superiorly within the CSF tract in the posterior interhemispheric fissure. While the vertical straight sinus drained into the SSS, the CSF tract maintained a position posterior to the anomalous veins, ran through the SSS and extended to the skull defect. In one patient, ascending positioning of the anomalous vein from the inferior sagittal sinus to the SSS in the CSF space was observed; this could not be depicted on conventional MR images. CONCLUSION: Detailed findings of the venous anomalies on 3-D MR images provide clues to the diagnosis of atretic cephalocele.

Coexistence of a human tail and congenital dermal sinus associated with lumbosacral lipoma.

CASE REPORT: We present a female baby with a human tail associated with congenital dermal sinus (CDS) at the caudal site of the tail. Magnetic resonance (MR) images with constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) sequencing clearly demonstrated a lumbosacral lipoma of caudal type, contiguous with the dermal sinus tract and not with the human tail. At 3 months old, the tail was surgically removed. The dermal sinus tract and contiguous lipoma were also resected, and untethering of the spinal cord was performed. Although both the human tail and CDS are frequently associated with spina bifida occulta, coexistence of the tail and CDS is exceedingly rare. CISS-MRI is useful for demonstrating the precise anatomical relationship between these complicated pathologies.

[Intracerebral hemorrhage during multi-track microrecording of deep brain stimulation surgery: a report of three cases].

We described three cases with hemorrhagic complication during simultaneous multi-track microelectrode recording (MER) for stereotactic implantation of a subthalamic nucleus electrode. Although preoperative planning with gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR images is recommended to prevent the occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage, it should be noted that the danger from cerebral vasculatures is still underestimated. Multiple nonspecific white matter hyperintensities and asymptomatic lacunar infarcts may be suspected as potential risk factors, so, it is suggested that the number of MER penetrations should be restricted in such cases.

Predictive Factors of Antiparkinsonian Drug Reduction after Subthalamic Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease.

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) improves motor symptoms in individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and enables physicians to reduce doses of antiparkinsonian drugs. We investigated possible predictive factors for the successful reduction of antiparkinsonian drug dosage after STN-DBS. We evaluated 33 PD patients who underwent bilateral STN-DBS. We assessed rates of reduction of the levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and levodopa daily dose (LDD) by comparing drug doses before vs. 6-months post-surgery. We used correlation coefficients to measure the strength of the relationships between LEDD and LDD reduction rates and preoperative factors including age, disease duration, preoperative LEDD and LDD, unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part-II and -III, levodopa response rate, Mini-Mental State Examination score, dyskinesia score, Hamilton Rating Scale for depression, and the number of non-motor symptoms. The average LEDD and LDD reduction rates were 61.0% and 70.4%, respectively. Of the variables assessed, only the number of psychiatric/cognitive symptoms was significantly correlated with the LEDD reduction rate. No other preoperative factors were correlated with the LEDD or LDD reduction rate. A wide range of preoperative psychiatric and cognitive symptoms may predict the successful reduction of antiparkinsonian drugs after STN-DBS.

Medial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with misplacement of a ventricular shunting catheter.

We report the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed right medial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with misplacement of a ventricular shunting catheter in the apex of the right temporal lobe. At 8 years of age, the patient had undergone total removal of a cerebellar astrocytoma and placement of a Torkildsen's ventriculo-cisternal shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus. Although the postoperative course was uneventful, she developed medically intractable psychomotor seizures with secondary generalization at 24 years of age. CT revealed that the tip of the shunting catheter was misplaced in the apex of the right temporal lobe, through the posterior and inferior horn of the right lateral ventricle. Intraoperative electrocorticography revealed frequent paroxysmal activity in the hippocampus, so hippocampectomy as well as removal of the shunting catheter was performed. Postoperatively, the patient became seizure-free, and pathological examination revealed hippocampal sclerosis.

Holocord hydrosyringomyelia with terminal myelocystocele revealed by constructive interference in steady-state MR imaging.

We report an operated case with terminal myelocystocele and holocord hydrosyringomyelia (syrinx). The patient exhibited a subcutaneous mass at the right lumbosacral region with multiple anomalies including scoliosis and hyperdactylia of the right foot and systemic disease such as hydronephroureter. Neurological examination revealed palsy of the left diaphragm, and left upper and right lower limbs. Constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) images demonstrated a terminal myelocystocele with a huge syrinx extending to the medulla. The curvilinear reconstruction of the CISS sequence depicted continuous cystocele and whole syrinx. At day 37, sac excision and untethering of the spinal cord were performed. The caudal part of the central canal was opened to the subarachnoid space (terminal ventriculostomy), resulting in a slight improvement of limb palsy and shrinkage of the holocord syrinx. CISS imaging is useful to detect the complicated pathology, and terminal ventriculostomy should be performed to improve associated syrinx.

Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Associated with a Fracture in Elderly Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

There are few cases of spinal cord injury with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study investigated the clinical results of a spinal cord injury with a fracture in elderly patients with AS. Nine patients who had sustained a spinal cord injury with vertebral fractures in ankylosed spines were included in this study. The mean age was 79.3 years; two were male and seven were female. The mechanism of injury, the level of vertebral fractures, clinical methods, the follow-up period, and treatment outcomes were investigated. The mechanism of injury of six cases was a fall and in the others was a slip. The levels of vertebral fractures were a cervical lesion (n = 5), a thoracic lesion (n = 3), and a lumbar lesion (n = 1). Six cases underwent a surgical procedure with posterior fusion and decompression, two cases were treated only with a brace, and one case was treated with a halo vest. The mean follow-up period was 4.3 years. The neurological deficit treatment outcomes were improved or no change in four cases each and one case had died. There was not much difference in treatment outcomes between a surgical treatment and a conservative treatment. Computed tomography imaging to evaluate the entire spine is required in all patients with AS with a possible spinal fracture. A surgical treatment and early rising and rehabilitation should be recommended for patients with fractures and AS to avoid further complications, not from the standpoint of improving the neurological status.

Surgical strategy for multiple huge spinal extradural meningeal cysts. Case report.

The authors describe the case of an 8-year-old boy who developed spastic paraparesis and hypalgesia below the middle thoracic level. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed huge and multiple extradural cystic lesions posterior to the spinal cord from T-5 to S-1, which were associated with severe spinal cord compression, especially at the T5-8 level. Using constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MR imaging, many septa were visible that were dividing the cysts in a tandem arrangement, and the multiple cysts were distributed far laterally, extending to the root sleeves. Three transdural communications of cerebrospinal fluid into the cysts, including one that was located ventrally, were revealed by multiangled observation using CISS MR imaging and intraoperative inspection. The huge and multiple appearances of the extradural meningeal cysts on MR images suggested various stages of growth of these cysts. As this case demonstrates, cysts of this type (huge, multiple, extradural meningeal [arachnoid] cysts) need to be completely removed during one-stage surgery.

Delayed Onset Eye Opening Apraxia due to Progression of Brain Atrophy following Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case Report.

Eye opening apraxia (EOA) has been described in literature as a complication of deep brain stimulation (DBS), especially after electrode implantation in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). EOA can be either worsened or alleviated by DBS depending on the etiology. Herein, we report a rare case where the progression of brain atrophy may have contributed to the delayed onset of EOA. The patient, a 73-year-old woman, had previously undergone bilateral STN-DBS for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), which was performed by another DBS team, at the age of 68 years. She initially experienced a dramatic improvement in her motor symptoms, with no adverse events. However, she had difficulty in opening her right eye 3 years after the DBS surgery. Imaging studies showed that the brain atrophy had progressed over the past 5 years, and that the DBS electrodes were implanted through the far anterior entry points. We considered that the relative movement of the DBS might have been caused by the progression of the brain atrophy to the posterior limb of the internal capsule (IC) where the corticobulbar tract exists, and this was enhanced by the lower implantation angle. The present case illustrates the importance of the DBS insertion angle considering the a+ trophic effect and the follow-up imaging studies after DBS.

Extensive Multilocular Spinal Extradural Meningeal Cyst That Developed 16 Years After Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic extensive spinal extradural meningeal cyst (SEMC) developing after traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) is rare. We discuss the mechanism of extensive SEMC development, surgical strategies, and preventive measures against SEMC after TBPI. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 58-year-old man with TBPI 16 years previously developed spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs, sensory disturbance below the periumbilical level, and dysfunction of bladder and bowel over 2 years. The patient couldn't walk and was wheelchair bound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an extensive multilocular extradural cyst posterior to the spinal cord ranging from the C4 to Th6 level, associated with severe spinal cord compression. On constructive interference in steady-state MRI, the cyst was divided, with many septa, and extended to the root sleeves. During the operation, transdural communication sites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the cyst were revealed at C5/6, C6/7, and C7/Th1 levels around the nerve root sleeves. Treatment involved unroofing of the cyst wall and closure of the transdural CSF communication without cyst removal. Autologous muscle pieces were placed over the defect to close the transdural communication. Two weeks postoperatively, MRI showed decreased cyst size and reduced spinal cord compression, and the patient could walk without support. It was thought that the patient's daily lifting of heavy weights at work and an excessive exercise regimen increased CSF pressure and cyst size after TBPI. CONCLUSION: For patients with TBPI, it is necessary to prevent greater CSF pressure and to perform long-term follow-up MRI after injury.

Successfully Treated Isolated Posterior Spinal Artery Aneurysm Causing Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Case Report.

There are very few published reports of rupture of an isolated posterior spinal artery (PSA) aneurysm, and consequently the optimal therapeutic strategy is debatable. An 84-year-old man presented with sudden onset of restlessness and disorientation. Neuroradiological imaging showed an intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with no visible intracranial vascular lesion. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a localized subarachnoid hematoma at Th10-11. Both contrast-enhanced spinal computed tomography and enhanced MRI and magnetic resonance angiography revealed an area of enhancement within the hematoma. Superselective angiography of the left Th12 intercostal artery demonstrated a faintly enhanced spot in the venous phase. Thirteen days after the onset of symptoms, a small fusiform aneurysm situated on the radiculopial artery was resected. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and he was eventually discharged in an ambulatory condition. To our knowledge, this 84-year-old man is the oldest reported case of surgical management of a ruptured isolated PSA aneurysm. This case illustrates both the validity and efficacy of this therapeutic approach.