Collision of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor and anterior clinoid meningioma treated with a two-stage minimally invasive surgical strategy: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: The locations of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) and anterior clinoid meningioma (ACM) appear to be very close but essentially different, as the former is inside the sella turcica while the latter is in the intradural space. A collision tumor thus requires a specific treatment strategy but has been rarely reported. OBSERVATIONS: A 77-year-old woman presented with progressive visual impairment due to significant compression of the optic apparatus by a collision of PitNET and ACM. With a minimally invasive two-stage therapeutic strategy, the ACM was first resected using an endoscopic mini-pterional approach, then the PitNET was removed with an endoscopic transnasal approach 8 weeks later, leading to significant improvement in visual function. The authors' literature search identified only 2 documented cases of a similar collision. LESSONS: This case underscores the complexity of the decision-making process in the management of collision tumors and suggests the potential benefit of staged minimally invasive surgical interventions in preserving visual function. Further accumulation of cases is warranted for refining the treatment strategy. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24240.

Relationship between pancreatic resection volume and post-operative glucose intolerance in distal pancreatectomy: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Some researchers are concerned that the performance of pancreatic resection in cases of low malignancy with distal localization will increase, resulting in the occurrence or worsening of post-operative glucose intolerance. Herein, we retrospectively investigated the relationship between the pancreatic resection ratio and post-operative glucose intolerance in distal pancreatectomy (DP). METHODS: Total 135 patients who underwent DP at our hospital and were followed up for > 12 months between January 2013 and December 2022 were included. Of these, 52 patients were included, excluding those with pre-operative diabetes and those who underwent pancreatectomy using other than a stapling device. The pancreatic resection ratio (%) was measured using pancreatic volumetry by manually tracing the pancreatic area on computed tomography images obtained before and after surgery and the relationship with post-operative glucose intolerance was investigated. RESULTS: Among the 52 patients, 13 (25.0%) showed post-operative worsening of glucose tolerance (impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] group). The pancreatic resection ratios were 51.1% and 34.8% in the IGT (13 patients) and non-IGT groups (39 patients), respectively (p = 0.0027). The cut-off value for the IGT group was 46.5%. The resection site was divided into two groups as follows. One group was resected near the portal vein (portal group) and the other group was resected more caudally (caudal group). Mean pancreatic resection ratios were 46.5% and 28.5% in cases of resection of the portal group (30 patients) and caudal group (22 patients), respectively (p < 0.0001). The thickness of the pancreas at the resection site was 13.1 mm in the portal group and 17.7 mm in the caudal group (p < 0.0001) and the incidence of pancreatic fistula was 6.7% and 9.1%, respectively (p = 0.7472). The incidence of post-operative glucose intolerance was 40.0% (12/30) in the portal group and 4.5% (1/22) in the caudal group (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSION: In cases of low-grade tumors and benign disease, pancreatic resection with preservation of the remaining pancreatic volume should be considered whenever possible.

Sustaining consistent cobalt-60 dose rate enhances radiosurgical outcomes in brain arteriovenous malformation management.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The impact of cobalt-60 dose rate (Co-60 DR) on outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains fully elucidated. This study explored the association between Co-60 DR and SRS outcomes in AVM treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 772 AVM patients from 1990 to 2020 were included. High DR was defined as ≥ 2.4 Gy/min. AVM patients were categorized into 3 cohorts based on the nidus volume: small (<5 mL), medium (≥5 mL and < 10 mL), and large (≥10 mL). The primary endpoint was AVM obliteration; secondary endpoints included post-SRS hemorrhage. RESULTS: Cumulative obliteration rates of the large AVM were significantly increased in the high DR group than those in the low DR group (84 % vs. 45 % at 5 years, log-rank test; p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis showed that the obliteration rate was significantly elevated for the high DR group in the large AVM cohort with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.78 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-3.17, p = 0.049). Post-SRS hemorrhage rates of the entire cohort were significantly decreased in the high DR group than in the low DR group (2.5 % vs. 5.3 % at 5 years, log-rank test; p = 0.035). Multivariable analysis revealed post-SRS hemorrhage was reduced in the high DR group with an adjusted HR of 0.47 (95 % CI: 0.24-0.92, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: High DR may lead to increased efficiency for large AVMs and decreased post-SRS hemorrhage in all AVM cases. Sustaining a higher Co-60 DR could potentially yield favorable outcomes for SRS for AVMs.

Patient-specific cerebral 3D vessel model reconstruction using deep learning.

Three-dimensional vessel model reconstruction from patient-specific magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images often requires some manual maneuvers. This study aimed to establish the deep learning (DL)-based method for vessel model reconstruction. Time of flight MRA of 40 patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms was prepared, and three-dimensional vessel models were constructed using the threshold and region-growing method. Using those datasets, supervised deep learning using 2D U-net was performed to reconstruct 3D vessel models. The accuracy of the DL-based vessel segmentations was assessed using 20 MRA images outside the training dataset. The dice coefficient was used as the indicator of the model accuracy, and the blood flow simulation was performed using the DL-based vessel model. The created DL model could successfully reconstruct a three-dimensional model in all 60 cases. The dice coefficient in the test dataset was 0.859. Of note, the DL-generated model proved its efficacy even for large aneurysms (> 10 mm in their diameter). The reconstructed model was feasible in performing blood flow simulation to assist clinical decision-making. Our DL-based method could successfully reconstruct a three-dimensional vessel model with moderate accuracy. Future studies are warranted to exhibit that DL-based technology can promote medical image processing.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Bacteroidota Strains Derived From Outstanding Donors of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of certain Bacteroidota species decreased in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the recovery of Bacteroidota is associated with the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation therapy. We hypothesized that certain Bacteroidota may advance ulcerative colitis treatment. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Bacteroidota strains isolated from donors. METHODS: Donors with proven efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation for ulcerative colitis were selected, and Bacteroidota strains were isolated from their stools. The immune function of Bacteroidota isolates was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS: Twenty-four Bacteroidota strains were isolated and identified. Using an in vitro interleukin (IL)-10 induction assay, we identified 4 Bacteroidota strains with remarkable IL-10-induction activity. Of these, an Alistipes putredinis strain exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of colitis induced by sodium dextran sulfate and oxazolone. However, 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing analysis of A. putredinis cultures in the in vivo study revealed unexpected Veillonella strain contamination. A second in vitro study confirmed that the coculture exhibited an even more potent IL-10-inducing activity. Furthermore, the production of A. putredinis-induced IL-10 was likely mediated via toll-like receptor 2 signaling. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that A. putredinis, a representative Bacteroidota species, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro; however, the effects of other Bacteroidota species remain unexplored. Our fecal microbiota transplantation-based reverse translation approach using promising bacterial species may represent a breakthrough in microbiome drug development for controlling dysbiosis during ulcerative colitis.

We isolated Bacteroidota species from the feces of donors who were effectively cured of UC with fecal microbiota transplantation and proved the anti-inflammatory effects of Bacteroidota species, especially Alistipes putredinis, through cell experiments and in vivo experiments.

Stroke Events and Risk Factors in Older Patients with Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiology, natural history, stroke events and their risk factors, and the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant in older patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). METHODS: We enrolled patients with MMD followed-up at our hospital between 2000 and 2023. Those who developed MMD at age ≥60 years or were diagnosed at a younger age and followed-up after age 60 years were included. Baseline characteristics, onset type, radiologic features, and RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant status were investigated. RESULTS: Among 56 patients with 100 affected hemispheres, 62 were asymptomatic, 26 experienced ischemic onset, and 12 had hemorrhagic onset. A higher incidence of anterior choroidal artery (AchA) dilatation and lower proportion of favorable modified Rankin scale scores were detected in hemorrhagic onset, whereas greater prevalence of bypass surgery in ischemic onset. Of 76 asymptomatic hemispheres at the age of 60 years, subsequent stroke events occurred in 10 hemispheres, comprising 8 hemorrhages and 2 ischemias. Risk factors for de novo hemorrhage in asymptomatic hemispheres included AchA dilatation and choroidal anastomosis. Comparison of the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant status showed no significant differences in baseline characteristics, onset types, or imaging findings, except for a higher percentage of patients in the GA group with a family history of MMD. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhagic events were the most prevalent and prognostically deteriorating factors in older patients with MMD aged ≥60 years. AchA dilatation and choroidal anastomosis were predictors of de novo hemorrhage in asymptomatic nonsurgical hemispheres in older patients with MMD.

A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited clinical articles in the research of intracranial artery stenosis and intracranial atherosclerosis.

Background: Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS), caused by intracranial atherosclerosis, is one of the major causes of ischemic stroke. This study identified the top 100 most-cited publications on ICAS through a bibliometric analysis. Methods: Two independent authors conducted a search in the Web of Science database for clinical articles on ICAS published between 1993 and 2022. The top 100 most-cited articles were then extracted. For each article, the analysis covered the title, author, country of origin/affiliation, journal, total number of citations, number of citations per year, and type of study. Results: The top 100 most-cited papers in the ICAS were authored by 565 authors from 12 countries and published in 29 journals. In terms of the 5-year trend, the largest number of papers were published between 2003 and 2007 (n = 31). The median number of citations for the 100 papers was 161 (range 109-1,115). The journal with the highest proportion of the 100 most published articles was Stroke, accounting for 41% of articles and 37% of the citations. According to country of origin, the United States of America accounted for the largest number of articles, followed by China, Japan, and South Korea, with these four countries together accounting for 81% of the total number of articles and 88% of the citations. Trends in the past five years included the use of terms such as acute ischemic stroke and mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide novel insight into this field and will facilitate future research endeavors.

Association of Genetic Variants with Postoperative Donor Artery Development in Moyamoya Disease: RNF213 and Other Moyamoya Angiopathy-Related Gene Analysis.

Robust postoperative bypass development is a characteristic of moyamoya disease (MMD); however, genetic factors mediating this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between postoperative donor artery development and genetic variants. We retrospectively enrolled 63 patients (79 hemispheres) who underwent combined revascularization surgery. Postoperative development of the superficial temporal artery (STA), middle meningeal artery, and deep temporal artery (DTA) was assessed using the caliber-change ratio determined from magnetic resonance angiography measurements. We analyzed RNF213 and 36 other moyamoya angiopathy-related genes by whole-exome sequencing and extracted rare or damaging variants. Thirty-five participants carried RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys (all heterozygotes), whereas 5 had RNF213 rare variants (RVs). p.Arg4810Lys was significantly associated with postoperative DTA development, while age at surgery, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were inversely associated. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and p.Arg4810Lys held statistical significance (P = 0.044, coefficient - 0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.029 to 0.000 and P = 0.001, coefficient 0.670, 95% CI 0.269 to 1.072, respectively). Those with RNF213 RV without p.Arg4810Lys exhibited a significant trend toward poor DTA development (P = 0.001). Hypertension demonstrated a significant positive association with STA development, which remained significant even after multiple regression analysis (P = 0.001, coefficient 0.303, 95% CI 0.123 to 0.482). Following Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, targeted analyses of RNF213 and 36 moyamoya angiopathy-related genes showed a significant association of only RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys with favorable DTA development (P = 0.001). A comprehensive analysis of RNF213, considering both p.Arg4810Lys and RVs, may provide a clearer prediction of postoperative DTA development.

Safety evaluation of sinus patency after stereotactic radiosurgery for transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: implications of treatment options for patients with Borden type I fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in treating transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (TSS DAVFs), and to investigate post-SRS sinus patency, focusing on the risk factors associated with treated sinus occlusion. METHODS: Data from 34 patients treated with SRS between January 2006 and April 2023 were analyzed. Detailed angioarchitecture was confirmed using digital subtraction angiography before SRS. Angiography of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery and vertebral artery was performed to evaluate whether the involved side of the TSS was used for normal venous drainage. TSS stenosis was defined as sinus diameter < 50% of the normal proximal diameter. DAVF shunt obliteration, TSS occlusion, neurological status, and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients, 21 had Borden type I and 14 had Borden type II DAVFs. The median age at SRS was 64 years (interquartile range 54-71 years), and the follow-up period was 31 months (interquartile range 15-94 months). Complete shunt obliteration was achieved in 24 (70.6%) patients. The cumulative 2-, 3-, and 5-year shunt obliteration rates were 49.6%, 71.2%, and 86.0%, respectively. Borden type I had higher obliteration rates (60.5%, 83.1%, and 94.4%, respectively) than Borden type II (41.7%, 51.4%, and 75.7%, respectively; p = 0.034). TSS occlusion occurred in 5 patients (14.7%). The cumulative 1-, 5-, and 10-year TSS occlusion rates were 2.9%, 8.3%, and 23.6%, respectively, across the entire cohort. All occlusions occurred exclusively in the sinuses that were not used for normal venous drainage. Cox proportional analyses revealed that TSS stenosis and the sinus not being used for normal venous drainage were significantly associated with a greater risk of TSS occlusion after SRS (HR 9.44, 95% CI 1.01-77.13; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: SRS is effective and safe for TSS DAVF and results in favorable shunt obliteration, symptom improvement, and low complication rates. TSS occlusion after SRS is asymptomatic and is limited to sinuses that are not used for normal venous drainage.

Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury during catheter ablation treated using coil embolization.

The internal jugular vein (IJV) is occasionally used for blood access during catheter ablation. Additionally, accidental injury of the vertebral artery during an IJV puncture is a rare complication that can result in catastrophic events, such as death. However, vascular access complications cannot be completely prevented despite the introduction of ultrasound-guided punctures. Here, we present a case of a patient with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation that required catheter ablation.

Transarterial embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for a ruptured aneurysm at the artery of Davidoff and Schechter.

The artery of Davidoff and Schechter (ADS) is mostly identified in pathological conditions such as dural arteriovenous fistulas and brain tumors. Herein, we report a rare case of a ruptured aneurysm of the ADS, which was one of the feeders of a falcotentorial dural arteriovenous fistula. We performed endovascular embolization of the aneurysm and parent artery using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved by another feeder after the acute phase. To our best knowledge, only a few reports on embolization of ruptured ADS aneurysms exist. Furthermore, this is the first report on the embolization of a ruptured ADS aneurysm using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. This case highlights that endovascular n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate embolization could be a useful treatment for a ruptured ADS aneurysm.

Trans-Distal Radial Artery Carotid Revascularization with Forearm Flow Reversal: An Alternative Option of CAS in the TCAR Era.

BACKGROUND: Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has emerged as an alternative to carotid artery stenting (CAS). TCAR demonstrated its superiority by avoiding femoral artery puncture and establishing proximal protection without crossing the stenotic lesion. In the TCAR era, we focused on the possibility of a trans-distal radial approach (DRA). A balloon-guide catheter was navigated via DRA to establish proximal protection before lesion crossing. The forearm subcutaneous vein was used as the flow-reversal circuit. METHODS: Six internal carotid artery stenosis patients underwent CAS using "the forearm flow reversal technique." Every procedure was performed under continuous flow reversal from the common carotid artery to the forearm cephalic vein. RESULTS: Successful revascularization was achieved without ischemic or access-site complications. The distal radial artery was patent at discharge in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-distal radial CAS with forearm flow reversal is a feasible and less invasive technical option.

High-Temperature and High-Electron Mobility Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors Based on N-Type Diamond.

Diamond holds the highest figure-of-merits among all the known semiconductors for next-generation electronic devices far beyond the performance of conventional semiconductor silicon. To realize diamond integrated circuits, both n- and p-channel conductivity are required for the development of diamond complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, as those established for semiconductor silicon. However, diamond CMOS has never been achieved due to the challenge in n-type channel MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Here, electronic-grade phosphorus-doped n-type diamond epilayer with an atomically flat surface based on step-flow nucleation mode is fabricated. Consequently, n-channel diamond MOSFETs are demonstrated. The n-type diamond MOSFETs exhibit a high field-effect mobility around 150 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 573 K, which is the highest among all the n-channel MOSFETs based on wide-bandgap semiconductors. This work enables the development of energy-efficient and high-reliability CMOS integrated circuits for high-power electronics, integrated spintronics, and extreme sensors under harsh environments.

Elective Cholecystectomy After Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting for Acute Cholecystitis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) on subsequent cholecystectomy. We retrospectively compared the surgical outcomes of EGBS, followed by elective cholecystectomy with those of immediate cholecystectomy (IC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 503 patients were included in this study. Patients who underwent EGBS as initial treatment for acute cholecystitis, followed by elective cholecystectomy, were included in the EGBS group and patients who underwent IC during hospitalization were included in the IC group. Propensity score matching analysis was used to compare the surgical outcomes. In addition, the factors that increased the amount of bleeding were examined by multivariate analysis after matching. RESULTS: Fifty-seven matched pairs were obtained after propensity matching the EGBS group and the IC group. The rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the EGBS versus IC groups was 91.2% versus 49.1% ( P < 0.001). The amount of bleeding was 5 mL in the EGBS versus 188 mL in the IC group ( P < 0.001). In the EGBS and IC groups, multivariate analysis of factors associated with more blood loss revealed IC (odds ratio: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.25-20.76, P = 0.022) as an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION: EGBS as the initial treatment for acute cholecystitis and subsequent elective cholecystectomy after the inflammation has disappeared can be performed in minimally invasive procedures and safely.

Custom shaping of distal access catheter for navigation of microcatheter into inferolateral and meningohypophyseal trunk feeders.

OBJECTIVE: Navigating a microcatheter to tiny feeding arteries such as the inferolateral trunk (ILT) and meningohypophyseal trunk (MHT) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is technically challenging because of the anatomical features of steep angulation, small diameter, and significant caliber difference from the ICA. To guide the microcatheter to these ICA side branch feeders, the authors thought that a custom shaping of the intermediate catheter would be helpful to determine the direction of the microcatheter and strongly back it up. The aim of this study was to report the detailed methodology and clinical outcomes of patients who had undergone the embolization of ILT and MHT feeders using this method. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with intracranial tumors and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) who had undergone endovascular embolization. The details of the embolization procedures were examined, especially the technique of guiding a low-profile microcatheter supported by the thermoformed intermediate catheter. The authors assessed the patient background, procedural outcomes, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Between October 2013 and June 2022, 43 patients with intracranial tumors and 45 with DAVFs underwent embolization at the authors' institutions. Among these cases, embolization of the ICA side branch feeder was attempted in 10 intracranial tumors and 2 DAVFs. Of these 12 patients, the microcatheter was guided deep enough for successful embolization in 11 cases (92%). Two asymptomatic arteriovenous fistulas were complicated during guidewire manipulation deep in the feeder. Yet, both disappeared completely after glue injection into the feeding artery. No spasm or dissection of the parent artery occurred during the procedure. Postoperative radiological evaluation showed no intracranial hematoma or symptomatic cerebral infarction. One patient (9%) developed permanent postoperative cranial neuropathy that gradually improved after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that custom shaping of distal access catheters is an effective technique that enabled the embolization of ILT and MHT feeders with a success rate of more than 90%.

Clinical Characteristics of Immediate Contralateral Ischemia Subsequent to Revascularization for Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease is a bilateral steno-occlusive disease involving the cerebral vasculature. While some patients are affected by procedure-related ipsilateral ischemia, ischemic complications contralateral to the revascularization are rarely observed. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 135 hemispheres (103 patients) that underwent revascularization in our institution between April 2006 and September 2022. Revascularization surgery comprised single superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis and encephalo-myo-synangiosis. Certain patients aged under 10 years underwent indirect revascularization. Bilateral revascularization was performed with an interval of >3 months. Medical records and neuroimages were reviewed, and patients with contralateral ischemic complications were identified. Some cases underwent genetic analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.5 (range: 5-71) years, and 95 cases (70.4%) were in women. Of the 102 cases examined for the RNF213 c.14429 G > A (p.Arg4810Lys) variant, 33 (32.4%) and 69 (67.6%) showed the GG and GA genotype, respectively. Three cases (2.2%, all female, age range 44-71 years) were complicated with contralateral infarction. The infarcted area distributions of the 2 cases with RNF213 c.14429 G > A variant were patchy and peripheral. The other case showed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography total occlusion of the internal carotid artery where patency had been confirmed preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral ischemia after revascularization occurred in 2.2% of cases. We classified them into peripheral and central types: peripheral type, an infarction owing to hemodynamic insufficiency or intracranial blood flow redistribution; central type, total occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery. Intensive preoperative management can minimize the risk of peripheral types, and neurosurgeons should beware of severe central types.

Surgically treated intracranial arteriovenous fistulas with hemorrhage, resulting in complete obliteration: illustrative cases.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare disease, defined as anastomoses between cerebral or meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses or cortical veins. With the development of new agents and devices, endovascular embolization has been considered safe and effective in a majority of cases. However, cases that require direct surgery do exist. Herein, the authors present 3 cases of intracranial AVFs that presented with hemorrhage and were treated with direct surgery, achieving complete obliteration and favorable outcomes. OBSERVATIONS: Intracranial AVFs that present with hemorrhage require immediate and complete obliteration. When AVFs involve the dural sinus, transvenous embolization is usually the first choice of treatment. AVFs with single cortical venous drainage are best treated with interruption of the draining vein close to the fistula. Transarterial embolization can be a curative treatment if there are no branches supplying cranial nerves or an association with pial feeders. In cases in which endovascular treatment is technically challenging or has resulted in incomplete occlusion, surgical treatment is indicated. LESSONS: Despite the recent rise in endovascular treatment, it is important to recognize situations in which such treatment is not suitable for intracranial AVFs. Direct surgery is effective in such cases to offer the best possible outcome.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in moyamoya disease: A single institution experience.

OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of pregnancy and delivery in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) remain unclear. We retrospectively investigated perinatal outcomes in patients with MMD to evaluate the risks associated to this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of women with MMD who delivered at the University of Tokyo Hospital between 2000 and 2021 were collected. Maternal characteristics including genetic data, obstetric complications, method of delivery and anesthesia, neonatal outcomes, neurological events during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum course, were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirteen pregnancies with MMD were identified. The median maternal age was 30 years. The initial clinical symptoms were identified as transient ischemic attack, infarction, and headache. Eight patients had a history of bypass surgery. The median gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks. DNA samples were collected from five patients, responsible for six pregnancies. Of these six cases, five had the RNF213 c.14429G > A (p.Arg4810Lys) heterozygous variant. Of the 13 pregnancies, seven had hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP). Additionally, three of five pregnancy cases with RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys heterozygous variant presented with HDP. Nine patients underwent cesarean section, and four delivered vaginally with epidural anesthesia. One case of ischemic stroke was confirmed during the postpartum period. Regarding newborns, neither Apgar scores lower than 7 nor neonatal intensive care unit admissions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the frequency of HDP is higher in patients with MMD compared to those with normal pregnancies. Strict blood pressure control should be performed in patients with MMD during pregnancy and postpartum period.

Double-catheter technique for the embolization of recurrent cerebral aneurysms: A single-center experience.

Background: Recurrent cerebral aneurysms have complex shapes and are often technically challenging to treat with a single microcatheter. This study evaluates the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who received double-catheter coil embolization for recurrent cerebral aneurysms. Methods: Patients who underwent double-catheter coil embolization at our institution between April 2011 and March 2022 for recurrent aneurysms were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, course to recurrence, details of the procedures, and outcomes after endovascular treatment were retrospectively analyzed based on past medical records. Results: Eight patients with recurrent aneurysms were treated with the double-catheter technique. One patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a rupture of a recurrent aneurysm and the others had radiological recurrence during follow-up. The initial treatment for the aneurysm was clipping in one case and coiling in seven cases. All the aneurysms were located at bifurcation sites. During retreatment, balloon remodeling technique was used in five cases. Angiographic features immediately after the treatment included complete occlusion in one case, neck remnant in three cases, and dome filling in four cases. There were no procedure-related severe complications, besides preexisting oculomotor nerve palsy due to the mass effect of the aneurysm worsened in one patient. The mean follow-up period after retreatment was 4.3 years. There was one case of recurrence after retreatment in which additional endovascular coiling was necessary. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the double-catheter technique could be a safe and useful treatment option for patients with recurrent aneurysms at bifurcation sites.