[Preoperative Embolization Performed Before Meningioma Resection Might Inhibit Tumor Recurrence].

Recent advances in endovascular treatment have improved the safety and efficacy of this procedure, and the number of cases in which preoperative embolization is performed is likely to increase. Preoperative tumor embolization is still a controversial treatment, and as long as it carries a risk of complications, its primary benefit of reducing blood loss during surgery may not be sufficient to justify treatment. We recently reported that preoperative embolization does not significantly increase complications, but may prolong recurrence-free survival. However, currently, tumor embolization is only a preoperative adjunctive therapy, and there is no evidence that it is a stand-alone option for meningioma treatment. Nevertheless, the possibility that tumor embolization alone can promote tumor shrinkage and reduce peripheral oedema has been reported, although the number of cases is small. Further research is needed, but in the future, tumor embolization may become an in-office treatment under certain conditions, such as in cases of poor general condition, multiple meningiomas, recurrent and refractory cases, difficult surgery and cases where re-irradiation is difficult after post-radiation therapy.

Complications and outcomes of carotid artery stenting in high-risk cases.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid artery stenting is sometimes adapted for some at-risk cases; however, appropriate treatment timing with stroke onset is controversial. This study aims to identify factors that have an impact on complications and outcomes, especially in patients at high risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the characteristics of 152 consecutive patients treated by carotid artery stenting between January 2018 and March 2022 and retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for complications and poor outcomes (modified-Rankin-Scale deterioration), such as patient background, carotid artery stenting risks (access route tortuosity, severe calcification, vulnerable plaque, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, etc.), characteristics of the stenosis, details of treatment, and treatment timing. RESULTS: The average North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria score was 68.3% and the lesion length was 20.5±9.7mm. Among patients, 107 (70.4%) had a carotid artery stenting risk. In high-risk carotid artery stenting cases, symptomatic complications occurred in 32 (30.0%), and the 90-day modified Rankin scale score deteriorated in 15 cases (14.0%). Multivariate analysis showed that cases with triple antithrombotic therapy (p=0.003), stenting within 7 days (p=0.0032), and after 28+ days (p=0.0035) of stroke onset were independently associated factors for complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that among risk factors, triple antithrombotic therapy in particular was a risk factor for perioperative complications. Carotid artery stenting for patients with stroke after 28 days of onset affects the prognosis. Therefore, although further study is warranted, waiting more than one month for treatment in patients requiring carotid artery stenting is a potential risk.

Cerebral foreign body granulomas after mechanical thrombectomy: Two case reports and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: A foreign body granuloma after an endovascular intervention is a rare complication. Some cases of foreign body granulomas, especially after coil embolization, have been reported. However, only four cases of foreign body granulomas after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) have previously been reported. The current study reports two cases of post-MT foreign body granulomas, including a biopsy-proven case. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case 1: A 73-year-old woman presented with complete occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Cerebral angiography and MT were successfully performed with improvement in clinical symptoms. Left hemiparesis and a disturbance in attention appeared after discharge and progressed slowly. She was re-admitted to our hospital 120 days after cerebral infarction owing to foreign body granulomas diagnosed on biopsy. Case 2: A 78-year-old man presented with occlusion of the left cervical internal carotid artery and the left middle cerebral artery. Cerebral angiography, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and MT were successfully performed. On the 34th day, he experienced progressive consciousness disorder because of foreign body granulomas. Both cases were successfully treated with steroid therapy. RESULTS: MRI after steroid treatment showed the disappearance of most nodular lesions and improvement of the encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: The cause of the granuloma may be an allergic reaction to the hydrophilic polymers that peel from endovascular devices. Steroid therapy is an effective treatment; therefore, neurologists should consider this complication when neurological symptoms or signs on image appears or worsens. A reliable diagnosis is important for prompt treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment of cerebral ischemia associated with ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy: a case report and literature review.

Mutations in ACTA2 gene can lead to multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction, including cerebrovascular disease. Treatment strategies for this rare entity remain controversial, and patients are at increasing risk of neurological sequelae. We herein present the case of an 11-year-old boy previously diagnosed with an ACTA2 gene mutation who developed repetitive transient ischemic attacks and treated with bosentan, an oral endothelin receptor antagonist. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral, periventricular white matter T2 hyperintensities, and magnetic resonance angiography identified several abnormalities including fusiform dilatation in the proximal segments of internal cerebral arteries, together with followed by terminal segmental stenosis. The distal branches showed a markedly straightened course with no increase in lenticulostriate collaterals. Magnetic resonance imaging also revealed an increase in the number and size of large periventricular white matter lesions located in the left frontal lobe with the progression of ischemic symptoms. Instead of revascularization surgery, the administration of bosentan was started due to the high risk of perioperative ischemic sequelae. After bosentan initiation, the patient's repetitive episodes of cerebral ischemia ceased, and there has been no increase in the number of white matter lesions for 7 years. Bosentan might be beneficial for treating cerebral ischemia associated with ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy by maintaining the dilatation of stenotic vessels and adequate systemic blood flow and should be considered before performing revascularization surgery.

Renal Dysfunction is the Strongest Prognostic Factor After Carotid Artery Stenting According to Real-World Data.

PURPOSE: Through the progression of devices, the adaptation of carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been expanded according to the non-inferiority of CAS for carotid endarterectomy reported by several randomized control trials. To maintain favorable outcomes, identifying prognostic factors is essential for optimizing treatment indications and periprocedural management. This study focused on the prognostic factors of CAS using real-world data. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study aimed to identify the prognostic factors after CAS using real-world data from the stroke registry of Yokohama (STrOke Registry of Yokohama; STORY) from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2021. Patient characteristics, procedural factors, complications, and prognoses were collected using medical records. RESULTS: Data from 107 patients were enrolled in this study after excluding those with insufficient data (2 cases). The mean participant age was 74.9±8.2 years, and 66 patients (61.7%) were symptomatic. Symptomatic lesions were a significant prognostic factor in the overall analysis (p=0.003). A multivariate analysis showed that the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (odds ratio: 1.11, p=0.003) and staged CAS (odds ratio: 38.9, p=0.04) were independent prognostic factors. The odds ratio and relative risk of mRS deterioration when eGFR was under 49 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared with when eGFR was above 49 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 5.2 and 3.74, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this real-world multicenter study, we established independent prognostic factors for CAS using high totality data. For patients with symptomatic lesions and low eGFR (≤49 mL/min/1.73 m2), indication for treatment should be considered strictly.

High fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product value as a risk factor for progressive remote traumatic intracranial haemorrhage following neurosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: Remote traumatic intracranial haemorrhage (RTIH) may develop after neurosurgery. Recognition of the risk factors for RTIH before surgery might be of great value. The purpose of this study was to verify if the fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) value may be a risk factor for RTIH. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the data of 56 patients with traumatic intracranial hematomas shown on initial computed tomography (CT) who were treated with craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy and underwent a follow-up CT at a single centre over a period of approximately 10.5 years. We divided the patients into 2 groups: those who developed RTIH (Positive: P-group) and those who did not (Negative: N-group). We compared the 2 groups in terms of not only the laboratory data before surgery, but also patient age, sex, antiplatelet/antithrombotic medications received, cause of injury, and GCS score on arrival. RESULTS: RTIH was observed in 22 patients (P-group, 39.3%). The FDP value was the only significant risk factor identified in this study (p = 0.00076). The cut-off value was estimated on the basis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The cut-off FDP value was 120 µg/mL (63.6% sensitivity and 85.3% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: FDP levels over 120 µg/mL were determined to be a risk factor for progressive RTIH after neurosurgery. We suggest the FDP level be checked before surgery for traumatic intracranial haemorrhage and follow-up CT be done as soon as possible after the surgery if the serum FDP level is over 120 µg/mL.

Detection of the artery of Adamkiewicz using multidetector row computed tomography in patients with spinal arteriovenous shunt disease.

PURPOSE: To plan a treatment strategy for a spinal arteriovenous shunt (SAVS), identifying the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) and its origin is indispensable. However, detecting the AKA is very difficult in patients with an SAVS when using computed tomography angiography (CTA) by the usual method to find the hairpin curved artery because dilated drainage veins nearly always coexist with the hairpin curved AKA. We designed a method to identify the AKA by focusing on the diameter and pathway of the anterior radiculomedullary arteries (RMAs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with an SAVS were surveyed. They underwent contrast-enhanced CTA and conventional angiography from January 2009 to December 2012. Two readers evaluated the CTA images and assumed that the AKA was the artery that ran through the anterior portion of the neural foramen and continued to pass on the ventral side of the spinal cord. RESULTS: Among the seven patients, nine AKAs were detected with conventional angiography. When using our method, seven AKAs and six AKAs were identified on CTA by Reader 1 and Reader 2, respectively. The average sensitivity was 72.3%, and the specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were sufficiently high (i.e. > 85%) for both readers. The kappa value for detecting the AKA was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: Detecting the origin of the AKA with CTA is challenging in patients with an SAVS. However, focusing on the diameter and pathway of the RMAs may allow successful identification.

Dural Sinus Thrombosis with Nonsymptomatic Persistent Falcine Sinus: A Case Report.

A 24-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after convulsive status epilepticus. A cerebral magnetic resonance venography revealed a persistent fetal falcine sinus. Additionally, the posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus was hypoplastic and the abnormal deep venous drainage was accompanied. These abnormalities had already been detected by magnetic resonance imaging several years ago. In the present scan, we discovered a sinus thrombosis in the hypoplastic superior sagittal sinus. In the cerebral angiography, we observed delayed venous return in the left parieto-occipital lobe and hypothesized that cerebral venous stasis due to the thrombus caused the convulsive status epilepticus. The patient was treated with intravenous administration of heparin along with an antiepileptic drug, and she recovered with no neurological defects. In the present case, the falcine sinus and the anomalous venous return were likely congenital while the status epilepticus was derived from thrombosis in the hypoplastic superior sagittal sinus. Although the falcine sinus functioned as an alternative pathway for the superior sagittal sinus, the hypoplastic superior sagittal sinus itself may also play an important role as a venous drainage channel.

[Dissecting Internal Carotid Aneurysm Causing Epistaxis:A Case Report].

We report a rare case of a ruptured dissecting internal carotid aneurysm caused epistaxis without a history of trauma or infection. An 89-year-old woman experienced epistaxis and suffered from hemorrhagic shock at her previous hospital. Head computed tomography(CT)images revealed a ruptured internal carotid aneurysm protruding into the Onodi cell, the most posterior ethmoidal sinus, which extends superolaterally to the sphenoid sinus. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a multilobular-shaped dissecting aneurysm with a maximal diameter of 6.7mm at the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery(ICA). Overlapping stenting was performed to prevent recanalization. However, a fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred 2 days after the procedure due to the progression of the dissection to the intracranial ICA. The anatomical characteristics of the ethmoidal sinus could be associated with the occurrence of epistaxis. A ruptured small ICA aneurysm with an Onodi cell might cause epistaxis without a history of trauma or infection.

[Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Acute Visual Loss Manifestation:A Case Report].

In this report, we are describing a rare case of dural arteriovenous fistula(DAVF)followed by an isolated symptom of bilateral visual acuity disturbance. The patient was a 67-year-old man suffering from progressive bilateral visual acuity disturbance. Angiography revealed a diffuse arteriovenous fistula in the left transverse-sigmoid sinus affected by severe venous congestion. Visual acuity disturbance is likely to have been caused by increased intracranial pressure(IICP). Venous congestion as well as visual acuity were gradually improved following three transarterial embolizations. It is possible that a gradual progression of the clinical condition has caused only visual acuity disturbance without any other IICP symptoms, which is similar to pseudotumor cerebri. Should an unexplained visual acuity loss occur, the case should be investigated by considering DAVF.

[A Case of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula Treated with a Single Procedure Selective Transarterial Embolization Using Hydrogel Coils].

A 30-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after a bicycle accident. Proptosis, conjunctival congestion, and orbital vascular bruit appeared one month after the accident. Neuroradiological findings showed a traumatic carotid cavernous fistula(CCF). CCF is a pathologic arteriovenous shunt between the carotid artery and cavernous sinus. A detachable balloon was the standard device used for treatment of high flow direct CCF, although it is currently unavailable in Japan. Therefore, many other constructive strategies are being developed. We successfully treated this patient with single transarterial embolization using hydrogel coils. Hydrogel coils are platinum coils coated with polymeric water gels, and can be used at a prospect of delayed volume expansion. In our case, the patency of the internal carotid artery was maintained using the coils, and the symptoms improved shortly after the procedure. The use of hydrogel coils for the treatment of CCF appears to be safe and effective.

Coaxial Method of PTA Balloon and Aspiration catheter using the delivery wire of a stent retriever for tandem occlusion: CoMBAt tandem occlusion.

PURPOSE: Tandem occlusion, in which the intracranial artery is obstructed along with proximal carotid occlusive or stenotic lesions, occurs in 10-15% of patients with large vessel occlusion. Our study introduces a novel technique for tandem occlusion treatment that involves the simultaneous coaxial deployment of a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon and aspiration catheters with the delivery wire of a stent retriever. After percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the carotid lesion with a thin balloon catheter, the aspiration catheter was advanced over the balloon to eliminate the ledge between the catheter tip and delivery wire. After balloon removal, intracranial thrombectomy was performed using an aspiration catheter and stent retriever. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with acute stroke due to tandem occlusion treated using our technique were analyzed for its effectiveness and safety. The puncture-to-recanalization time, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade, functional prognosis and incidence of hyperperfusion were assessed. RESULTS: Seven patients were included in this study. In all patients, mTICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved after smooth delivery of the aspiration catheter from the carotid lesion to the intracranial thrombus. The median puncture-to-recanalization time was 52 min. Ninety days post-stroke onset, six of seven patients had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2, and none of the patients had perioperative hyperperfusion syndrome. CONCLUSION: Our technique allows simultaneous treatment of carotid and intracranial lesions, leading to faster recanalization. Furthermore, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with a thin balloon may reduce the risk of hyperperfusion.

Safety and Risk Factors of Carotid Artery Stenting with Simple Distal Filter Protection: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Objective: Carotid artery stenting embolic protection devices offer various options, among which distal filter protection is the simplest and easiest to handle. However, compared to balloon protection systems, distal filter protection has more embolic complications. Therefore, we explored the risk factors of distal filter protection, intending to achieve a safer carotid artery stenting. This retrospective study was conducted to identify prognostic factors following carotid artery stenting with only distal filter protection from July 2010 to June 2021. Methods: Information on patient background, procedures and devices, and complications was collected using medical records. The data pertaining to 187 patients were analyzed after excluding the data of patients in whom other protection devices (8 cases) were used. We used FilterWire EZ as the first choice for embolic protection device and SpiderFX when the patients had difficult-to-cross lesions. Results: The patients' mean age was 71.9 ± 6.9 years, and 72 (38.5%) were symptomatic. Symptomatic (odds ratio: 2.02, p = 0.035) and difficult-to-cross lesions (odds ratio: 3.63, p = 0.0013) were factors independently associated with symptomatic complications. Conclusion: This retrospective single-center study established independent prognostic factors for carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection. For patients with symptomatic lesions and severe stenosis or bends that are difficult to pass through, it is necessary to be careful when performing carotid artery stenting with distal filter protection.

Differences and Advantages of Particles versus Liquid Material for Preoperative Intracranial Tumor Embolization: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Objectives: The superiority and usefulness of liquid material over particles for embolization have been a topic of debate due to differences in materials and techniques. This study aimed to identify the complications and outcomes associated with both embolization materials. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included 93 patients from an endovascular treatment registry, treated from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2022. It included patients who underwent preoperative embolization for meningioma, solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma, and hemangioblastoma. Data for patient characteristics, procedural factors, complications, and outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: A tortuous access route was the only factor independently associated with complications (p = 0.020). Although liquid material was more frequently used for embolization in relatively high-risk conditions, complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.999). In the liquid material group, the tip of the microcatheter could be guided closer to the tumor (p <0.001) using a distal access catheter and flow-guide microcatheters. The subgroup middle meningeal artery embolization had less operative bleeding in the liquid material group (p <0.001), whereas the particles group exhibited less intraoperative blood loss than the liquid material group (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The vascular tortuosity of the access route was only associated with complications in preoperative tumor embolization. Liquid material and particles showed no difference in complication rates. The use of particles in embolization may reduce intraoperative bleeding, but not in all cases can it be used safely. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the characteristics of both approaches and their relative advantages in clinical practice is essential to opt for the appropriate material according to the case.

Embolic Material Migration as the Predominant Contributing Factor to Prognostic Deterioration Following Combined Tumor Resection and Preoperative Embolization.

Introduction Preoperative embolization can potentially facilitate surgical resection of challenging tumors in the intracranial and facial regions; however, its clinical efficacy remains controversial, mainly due to potential morbidity risks. We explored negative factors of the combined treatment of preoperative embolization and tumor resection that affect neurological prognosis. Method This retrospective study used clinical data from 132 consecutive tumors that underwent combined treatment at multiple facilities between January 2016 and May 2021. Basic patient information, tumor characteristics, and treatment details were assessed to identify predictors of deterioration as measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at three months post-treatment. Results Among the 126 eligible combined treatments, a deterioration in the postoperative mRS score was observed in 19/126 (15.1%). Complications related to embolization and tumor resection occurred in 8/126 (6.3%) and 19/125 (15.2%) of procedures, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated significant associations between migration of embolic material (adjusted odds ratio 13.80; 95% confidence interval 1.25-152.52; p=0.03), elevated intraoperative blood loss (p=0.04), and deterioration of postoperative mRS score. Embolic material migration was identified as the primary prognostic factor for the deterioration of score. An analysis of 192 procedures, excluding those that exclusively used coils, identified embolization targeting the accessory meningeal artery (p=0.046) and the third segment of the internal maxillary artery (p=0.03) as a risk factor for embolic material migration. Conclusions Embolic material migration is the predominant factor associated with declining neurological outcome that persists into the chronic phase after combined treatment. Given that preoperative embolization is a supplementary treatment option, a thorough understanding of vascular anatomy and striving safe procedure are critical.

Efficacy and Safety of Lumbar Drainage before Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

Objective: Intraoperative rebleeding during endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms is associated with poor prognosis. Lumbar drainage is performed preoperatively to control intracranial pressure; however, it is associated with a risk of brain herniation or rebleeding because intracranial pressure may change rapidly. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of preoperative lumbar drainage. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 375 patients who underwent endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms at our institution between April 2013 and March 2018. The incidence of rebleeding and clinical outcomes were compared between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative lumbar drainage. Results: Among the 375 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, 324 (86.0%) and 51 (14.0%) patients did and did not undergo lumbar drainage, respectively. The incidence of rebleeding was 11/324 (3.4%) and 2/51 (3.9%) in lumbar drainage and nonlumbar drainage groups, respectively, with no statistical differences (p = 0.98). Of the rebleeding cases, 9/11 (81%) and 2/2 (100%) in lumbar drainage and nonlumbar drainage groups, respectively, were due to intraoperative bleeding, and 2/11 (19%) in the lumbar drainage group, the causes of the rebleeding were undetermined. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm did not differ significantly between the groups (13.2% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.776), while the incidence of hydrocephalus (24.6% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.043) and meningitis (15.2% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.075) were slightly higher in the lumbar drainage group. Favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score <2) at discharge were less frequent in the lumbar drainage group (55.3% vs. 70.0%, P = 0.051). No significant differences were observed in the propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusion: Lumbar drainage before endovascular treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysms is a safe procedure that does not increase the incidence of rebleeding.

Isolation of Staphylococcus epidermidis intermediately resistant to vancomycin in a case of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection.

The emergence and spread of vancomycin resistance among staphylococci, although rarely described in Japan to date, are major clinical concerns. We describe a case of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection in which Staphylococcus epidermidis intermediately resistant to vancomycin (minimum inhibitory concentration, 8 µg/ml) was isolated. The patient fully recovered with removal of the intravenous catheter.

Combined Endovascular Antegrade and Direct Retrograde Carotid Artery Stenting for Chronic and Long Segment Common Carotid Artery Occlusion: Technical Note and Review of Literature.

Common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion (CCAO) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke and bypass surgery is the common treatment approach. However, safer alternatives should be developed to treat CCAO. A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with left-sided CCAO with decreased left visual acuity due to neck radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. Recanalization therapy using a pull-through technique was initiated because cerebral blood flow progressively decreased during the follow-up period. First, after a short sheath was inserted into the CCA, the occluded CCA was retrogradely penetrated through the sheath. Second, a micro-guidewire was guided to the aorta from the femoral sheath where it was caught using a snare wire guided from the cervical sheath. Subsequently, the micro-guidewire was gently pulled out from the cervical sheath, penetrated the occluded lesion, and was secured to the femoral and cervical sheaths. Finally, the occluded lesion was dilated using a balloon, and the stent was placed. Five days postprocedure, the patient was discharged uneventfully and exhibited improved left visual acuity. In terms of reliable penetration of obstructive lesions and reduction of embolic and hemorrhagic complications, combined endovascular antegrade and direct retrograde carotid artery stenting is a versatile and minimally invasive treatment option for CCAO.

Scratching and Stretching the Shrunken Cranial Dura for Primary Closure.

BACKGROUND: At craniotomy, the dura shrinks due to the drying effect of illumination and air exposure, rendering its primary closure difficult. When the opening is narrow, it can be patched with autologous grafts. However, tissue harvesting and meticulous suturing take time. As the cost-effectiveness of using dural substitutes is poor, we developed a new technique that involves dural scratching for the primary closure of dural openings. METHODS: We applied our technique because in 53 adults who underwent supratentorial craniotomy we encountered difficulties with the primary closure of a dural opening 5 mm or less in width. With a scalpel, we placed several fine scratches parallel to the edge of the opening on the surface of the dura, taking care not to perforate the deep layer. This relieved dural tension and the tissue was stretched enough to permit closing with sutures. RESULTS: Our technique achieved primary dural closure in 46 of 53 patients (87%) who primarily had undergone narrow supratentorial craniotomies. The other 7 additionally required small autologous grafts to patch narrow residual openings at the intersection of the durotomy. There were no procedure-related complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and persistent headache due to tension of the closed dura. CONCLUSIONS: Dural scratching is simple, safe, requires no special instrumentation, facilitates primary closure of the shrunken dura by stretching, and reduces the need for patch grafting.

Visual suppression of vestibulo-ocular reflex in patients treated with carotid artery revascularization: A potential biomarker for cerebral perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are common treatments for ischemic stroke prevention in patients with carotid artery stenosis. However, the beneficial effects of CEA/CAS for cerebral hypoperfusion due to carotid artery stenosis have yet to be fully established. As dizziness is a common symptom in patients with carotid artery stenosis, we aimed to evaluate the effects of CEA/CAS on cerebral function in patients with carotid artery stenosis, using equilibrium function tests. METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study included 50 patients who had carotid artery stenosis and were scheduled to undergo CEA or CAS. Before CEA/CAS, we quantitatively evaluated the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), as indicators of brainstem/inner ear functions related to balance, and visual suppression of VOR, as an indicator of cerebral control over the brainstem reflex related to balance. These were then compared with supratentorial cerebral blood flow (CBF). Changes in VOR, VEMP, visual suppression of VOR, CBF, and dizziness after CEA/CAS were also evaluated. RESULTS: The visual suppression rates of VOR correlated with supratentorial CBFs before CEA/CAS (correlation coefficient = 0.47, p = 0.003). The visual suppression rates of VOR (p < 0.001) and supratentorial CBFs (p = 0.003) were improved by CEA/CAS, while VOR and VEMP did not change. Symptoms of dizziness improved after CEA/CAS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that visual suppression of the VOR may be a novel and practical marker for the beneficial effects of CEA/CAS on supratentorial cerebral function.