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.

Clinical Pathway for Emergency Brain Surgery during COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges neurosurgeons are facing in the global public health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is to balance COVID-19 screening with timely surgery. We described a clinical pathway for patients who needed emergency brain surgery and determined whether differences in the surgery preparation process caused by COVID-19 screening affected clinical outcomes. METHODS: During the COVID-19 period, patients in need of emergency brain surgery in our institution were managed using a novel standardized pathway designed for COVID-19 screening. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who were hospitalized through the emergency room and underwent emergency brain surgery. A total of 32 patients who underwent emergency brain surgery from February 1 to June 30, 2020 were included in the COVID-19 group, and 65 patients who underwent surgery from February 1 to June 30, 2019 were included in the pre-COVID-19 group. The baseline characteristics, disease severity indicators, time intervals of emergency processes, and clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed between the immediate surgery group and the semi-elective surgery group during the COVID-19 period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and severity indicators between the pre-COVID-19 group and COVID-19 group. The time interval to skin incision was significantly increased in the COVID-19 group (P = 0.027). However, there were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. In subgroup comparison, the time interval to skin incision was shorter in the immediate surgery group during the COVID-19 period compared with the pre-COVID-19 group (P = 0.040). The screening process did not significantly increase the time interval to classification and admission for immediate surgery. The time interval to surgery initiation was longer in the COVID-19 period due to the increased time interval in the semi-elective surgery group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We proposed a clinical pathway for the preoperative screening of COVID-19 in patients requiring emergency brain surgery. No significant differences were observed in the clinical outcomes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol we described showed acceptable results during this pandemic.

CSF flow pathways through the ventricle-cistern interfaces in kaolin-induced hydrocephalus rats-laboratory investigation.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to identify direct cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways in the interface between ventricles and cisterns. Such routes are hypothesized to be involved in alternative CSF flows in abnormal circumstances of CSF circulation. METHODS: Chronic obstructive hydrocephalus models were induced in ten Sprague-Dawley rats with kaolin injection into the cisterna magna. Three weeks after the kaolin injection, when thick arachnoid fibrosis obliterated the fourth ventricular outlets, cationized ferritin was stereotactically infused as a tracer into the lateral ventricle in order to observe the pathways from the ventricles to the subarachnoid space. Animals were killed in 48 h and brains were sectioned. CSF flow pathways were traced by the staining of ferritin with ferrocyanide. RESULTS: Eight out of ten rats developed hydrocephalus. The subarachnoid membranes of the convexity and basal cisterns were severely adhered such that most of the ferritin remained in the ventricles whereas basal and convexity cisterns were clear of ferritin. In six out of the eight hydrocephalus rats, ferritin leaked from the third ventricle into the quadrigeminal cistern, and from the lateral ventricle into the ambient cistern. CONCLUSIONS: The interfaces between the third ventricle and the quadrigeminal cistern, and between the lateral ventricle and the ambient cistern appear to be alternative CSF pathways in a pathologic condition such as obstructive hydrocephalus.

Integrated proteogenomic characterization of glioblastoma evolution.

The evolutionary trajectory of glioblastoma (GBM) is a multifaceted biological process that extends beyond genetic alterations alone. Here, we perform an integrative proteogenomic analysis of 123 longitudinal glioblastoma pairs and identify a highly proliferative cellular state at diagnosis and replacement by activation of neuronal transition and synaptogenic pathways in recurrent tumors. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveal that the molecular transition to neuronal state at recurrence is marked by post-translational activation of the wingless-related integration site (WNT)/ planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway and BRAF protein kinase. Consistently, multi-omic analysis of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models mirror similar patterns of evolutionary trajectory. Inhibition of B-raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) kinase impairs both neuronal transition and migration capability of recurrent tumor cells, phenotypic hallmarks of post-therapy progression. Combinatorial treatment of temozolomide (TMZ) with BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib, significantly extends the survival of PDX models. This study provides comprehensive insights into the biological mechanisms of glioblastoma evolution and treatment resistance, highlighting promising therapeutic strategies for clinical intervention.

Acute cerebral infarction combined with a thyroid storm in a patient with both Moyamoya syndrome and Graves' disease.

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) associated with hyperthyroidism, such as Graves' disease, is a rare condition that causes ischemic stroke with thyrotoxicity. A 43-year-old woman with symptoms of right hemiparesis was admitted. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small cerebral infarction in the left frontal lobe. Cerebral angiography revealed multi-vessel intracranial occlusive disease. Several days later, neurologic deterioration and aggravation of cerebral infarction developed due to a thyroid storm. A thyroid function test revealed the following: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) ＜0.01 µunits/mL (reference range, 0.55-4.78 µunits/mL); triiodo-thyronine ＞8.0 ng/mL (reference range, 0.77-1.81 ng/mL); free thyroxine (T4) of 9.47 pmol/L (reference range, 11.4-22.6 pmol/L); and TSH receptor antibody of 37.10 U/L (reference range, 0-10 U/L). For thyroid storm management, we initiated treatment with methimazole, Gemstein's solution, and hydrocortisone. Finally, the thyroid disease was controlled, and neurologic deficits improved. We describe a case of acute cerebral infarction combined with a thyroid storm in a patient with Moyamoya syndrome and Graves' disease. Hyperthyroidism such as Graves' disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patho-etiologic mechanisms associated with MMS. A cerebrovascular disease with a thyroid storm can lead to severe mortality and morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and strict treatment are important.

The Effect of Locally Administered Fibrinolytic Drugs Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage : A Meta-Analysis with Eight Randomized Controlled Studies.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid dissolution of blood clots reduces vasospasm and hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and locally administered fibrinolytic drugs (LAFDs) could facilitate the dissolution. However, the efficacy of LAFDs remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of LAFDs for vasospasm and hydrocephalus and in clinical outcomes. METHODS: From PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane database, data were extracted by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model. Inclusion criteria were patients who had LAFDs with urokinase-type or recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator after SAH in comparison with medically untreated patients with fibrinolytic drugs. We only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this analysis. The outcomes of interest were vasospasm, hydrocephalus, mortality, and 90-day unfavorable functional outcome. RESULTS: Data from eight RCTs with 550 patients were included. Pooled-analysis revealed that the LAFDs were significantly associated with lower rates of vasospasm (LAFDs group vs. control group, 26.5% vs. 39.2%; odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.73); hydrocephalus (LAFDs group vs. control group, 26.0% vs. 31.6%; OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.91); and mortality (LAFDs group vs. control group, 10.5% vs. 15.7%; OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.99). The proportion of 90-day unfavorable outcomes was lower in the LAFDs group (LAFDs group vs. control group, 32.7% vs. 43.5%; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37-0.80). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis with eight RCTs indicated that LAFDs were significantly associated with lower rates of vasospasm and hydrocephalus after SAH. Thus, LAFDs could consequently reduce mortality and improve clinical outcome after SAH.

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.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibitor 4-IPP downregulates stemness phenotype and mesenchymal trans-differentiation after irradiation in glioblastoma multiforme.

Radiation therapy is among the most essential treatment methods for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Radio-resistance and cancer stem cell properties can cause therapeutic resistance, cancer heterogeneity, and poor prognoses in association with GBM. Furthermore, the GBM subtype transition from proneural to the most malignant mesenchymal subtype after radiation therapy also accounts for high resistance to conventional treatments. Here, we demonstrate that the inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT) by 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP), a dual inhibitor targeting MIF and DDT, downregulates stemness phenotype, intracellular signaling cascades, mesenchymal trans-differentiation, and induces apoptosis in proneural glioma stem cells (GSCs). In an analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas, high MIF and DDT expression were associated with poor prognosis. GSC growth was effectively inhibited by 4-IPP in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and 4-IPP combined with radiation therapy led to significantly reduced proliferation compared with radiation therapy alone. The expression of stemness factors, such as Olig2 and SOX2, and the expression of pAKT, indicating PI3K signaling pathway activation, were decreased in association with both 4-IPP monotherapy and combination treatment. The expression of mesenchymal markers, TGM2 and NF-κB, and expression of pERK (indicating MAPK signaling pathway activation) increased in association with radiation therapy alone but not with 4-IPP monotherapy and combination therapy. In addition, the combination of 4-IPP and radiation therapy significantly induced apoptosis compared to the monotherapy of 4-IPP or radiation. In vivo results demonstrated a significant tumor-suppressing effect of 4-IPP when combined with radiation therapy. Collectively, our results showed that the targeted inhibition of MIF and DDT has the potential to strengthen current clinical strategies by enhancing the anticancer effects of radiation therapy.

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.

Impact of adolescent complex regional pain syndrome on the psychopathology of young men ahead of military service: a retrospective cohort analysis of Korean conscription data.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical and psychopathological features in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has been a subject of constant interest, but no data are available in adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to identify the factors associated with psychopathology in adolescents with CRPS ahead of military service. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all conscription examinees who had completed a Military Personality Inventory (MPI) during a period between February 2013 and December 2016. A total of 63 persons with a history of CRPS (19-years of age for all) were enrolled. Basic demographic and pain-related data were analyzed to examine their association with MPI results. The mean FGR score as well as the 8 subdomain scores were compared between those with pain duration at < 15 months (n = 30) versus ≥15 months (n = 33). Binary MPI results (normal-abnormal) were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, abnormal MPI was associated with pain duration, with an odds ratio (OR) at 1.05 for every 1-month increase (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.08; P = 0.002). Subjects with pain duration at ≥15 months have lower faking good response score (P < 0.001 vs. those with pain duration at < 15 months), and higher abnormal MPI result rate, faking bad response, inconsistency, anxiety, depression, somatization, paranoid, personality disorder cluster A, and personality disorder cluster B scores (P < 0.05). Pain duration was significantly associated with the MPI variables. CONCLUSIONS: Pain duration is associated with psychopathology in adolescents with CRPS. Psychopathologic features increased as the disease duration increased. A comprehensive understanding of time-dependent psychopathological factors could support the planning of multimodal approaches for managing adolescent CRPS.

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.

Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Grade 2C or 3 Represents a Better Outcome than 2B for Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) grade 2B or 3 is considered successful after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke, TICI 2B was found to be associated with poorer outcomes than was 3. Furthermore, the newly proposed TICI 2C grade seems to be clinically equivalent to TICI 3 rather than to 2B. This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the differences in clinical outcomes between TICI grades and redefine successful reperfusion. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register were queried. A random-effect model with frequentist framework was applied to evaluate outcomes using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), the hierarchy of TICI grades was indicated. RESULTS: Analysis of 12 studies, with 2084 patients, indicated that TICI 2C (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.65-3.13) and 3 (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.74-3.30) were significantly more associated with favorable 90-day clinical outcomes than were 2B; there was no significant difference between TICI 2C and 3 (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.76-1.46). Based on the SUCRA, TICI 2C and 3 were considered as more effective reperfusion end points than was 2B (TICI 3, 80.8%; 2C, 69.2%; 2B, 0.0%) and showed significant association with lower rates of mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TICI 2C grade would be distinguished from those with 2B, because 2C is clinically equivalent to 3 and has a better outcome than 2B. Therefore, achieving 2C or 3 is likely to be closer to the successful aim of endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke than achieving 2B.

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.

Effect of a bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulator on bone remodeling in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and ovariectomized rat model.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Diabetes and menopause can cause severe osteoporosis. In general, menopause and diabetes can lead to an imbalance in bone turnover, which results in secondary osteoporosis. However, the efficacy of antiresorptive drugs against this form of osteoporosis has not been extensively evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the changes in vertebral bone remodeling when postmenopausal osteoporosis is accompanied by diabetes and to compare the efficacy of bisphosphonates and selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs) against these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic, ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were used as the disease model. Alendronate and raloxifene were used as the bisphosphonate and SERM, respectively. METHODS: We divided 62 female rats into five groups: (1) control (n=14), (2) DM (diabetes) (n=12), (3) DM+OVX (diabetes+ovariectomy) (n=12), (4) DM+OVX+A (diabetes+ovariectomy+alendronate) (n=12), and (5) DM+OVX+R (diabetes+ovariectomy+raloxifene) (n=12). Serum biochemical markers of bone turnover, including osteocalcin and the C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), were analyzed. We measured histomorphometric parameters of the fourth lumbar vertebrae using microcomputed tomography. Mechanical strength was evaluated by a compression test. RESULTS: In the DM and DM+OVX group, only the levels of osteocalcin significantly decreased compared with those of the control group at 8 weeks after OVX. At 12 weeks, the serum CTX-1 levels in the DM+OVX+A and DM+OVX+R groups were significantly lower than those of the DM+OVX group, but there were no changes in the levels of osteocalcin. Bone mineral density and mechanical strength were higher in the DM+OVX+A and DM+OVX+R groups than in the DM and DM+OVX groups (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Even if postmenopausal osteoporosis is accompanied by diabetes in this animal model, both alendronate and raloxifene seem to show antiresorptive effects, decreased bone turnover rates, and improved bone mechanical strength. Therefore, alendronate and raloxifene are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis even for bone loss caused by DM and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Brain Abscesses Associated with Asymptomatic Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistulas.

Brain abscess commonly occurs secondary to an adjacent infection (mostly in the middle ear or paranasal sinuses) or due to hematogenous spread from a distant infection or trauma. Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are abnormal direct communications between the pulmonary artery and vein. We present two cases of brain abscess associated with asymptomatic pulmonary AVF. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with a headache and cognitive impairment that aggravated 10 days prior. An magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a brain abscess with severe edema in the right frontal lobe. We performed a craniotomy and abscess removal. Bacteriological culture proved negative. Her chest computed tomography (CT) showed multiple AVFs. Therapeutic embolization of multiple pulmonary AVFs was performed and antibiotics were administered for 8 weeks. A 45-year-old woman presented with a 7-day history of progressive left hemiparesis. She had no remarkable past medical history or family history. On admission, blood examination showed a white blood cell count of 6290 cells/uL and a high sensitive C-reactive protein of 2.62 mg/L. CT and MR imaging with MR spectroscopy revealed an enhancing lesion involving the right motor and sensory cortex with marked perilesional edema that suggested a brain abscess. A chest CT revealed a pulmonary AVF in the right upper lung. The pulmonary AVF was obliterated with embolization. There needs to consider pulmonary AVF as an etiology of cerebral abscess when routine investigations fail to detect a source.

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.

An Unruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Presenting with Left Homonymous Hemianopsia: A Case Report.

Unruptured cerebral aneurysms sometimes present with visual symptomsdue to compression of the visual pathways. However, until now, unruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms presenting visual field defects have been extremely rare. The authors report the case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with left homonymous hemianopsia. Radiological findings demonstrated an ACoA aneurysm filled with thrombus, that was compressing the optic chiasm and post-chiasmal tract. The patient underwent clipping of the aneurysm, which resolved the visual field defect. In cases of visual field defects, an ACoA aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis.

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.