Angiographical Jaggy Sign of Remnant M2 Occlusion during Acute Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During mechanical thrombectomy for acute main trunk occlusion, we sometimes encounter difficult situation; 1 M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery is successfully recanalized, while the other remains occluded. In this study, we focused on the angiographical findings of remnant occlusion. METHODS: Among 83 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for the acute internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery (M1) occlusion, 25 patients (30%) intraoperatively exhibited the remnant M2 occlusion, in spite of the recanalization of the other M2. We classified the angiographical findings of the remnant M2 occlusion and examined the clinical features, prognosis, and complications, in relation to additional thrombectomy. RESULTS: The remnant M2 occlusion was classified into stump type (40%, 10 cases), round deficit type (28%, 7 cases), and jaggy type (32%, 8 cases). Multivariate analysis suggested that noncardioembolic stroke may lead to jaggy type remnant occlusion with marginal significance (P = .051). Additional thrombectomy for the remnant M2 occlusion resulted in failed recanalization in 6% in the nonjaggy (stump or round deficit) type, whereas in 50% in the jaggy type groups (P = .023). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6% in the nonjaggy and 38% in the jaggy groups (P = .081), and poor outcome at discharge in 29% and in 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Angiographical jaggy sign in the remnant M2 occlusion suggests the pre-existing or procedure-related pathology, such as atherosclerosis, vasospasm, or arterial dissection. Additional thrombectomy should be carefully determined, as which might lead to adverse events and poor outcomes.

Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic and Cardioembolic Complications of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with Anticoagulants.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage taking anticoagulants are increasingly common in Japan due to the aging population. The clinical benefit of restarting anticoagulants is established, but the optimal timing of resumption is controversial. Risk factors for hemorrhagic and cardioembolic events in the acute phase are also unknown. This study investigated hemorrhagic and cardioembolic events and risk factors in intracerebral hemorrhage patients taking anticoagulants. METHODS: The clinical data of 65 consecutive intracerebral hemorrhage patients taking anticoagulants were retrospectively reviewed. Hemorrhagic and cardioembolic complications and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Lobar hemorrhage was the most frequent (21 of 65 cases, 32.3%). At discharge, 31 patients (47.7%) showed severe disability or had died. Eight (18.6%) of 43 patients who restarted anticoagulants after initial treatment developed hemorrhagic events, including recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage in 3. HAS-BLED score was 2-3 in these 3 patients. Six (15.8%) of 38 patients who took anticoagulants for cardiogenic factors suffered cardioembolism. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was significantly more common in the cardioembolic group (66.7%) compared with the noncardioembolic group (21.9%, P < .05). CHA2DS2-VASc score was paradoxically high in the noncardioembolic group (3 versus 5, P < .05). CONCLUSION: HAS-BLED score and CHA2DS2-VASc score were not useful for risk assessment for hemorrhagic events, recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage, and cardioembolism in the acute phase. Inflammatory response might be important in the occurrence of cardioembolic events.

Gliosarcoma with primitive neuronal, chondroid, osteoid and ependymal elements.

A 51-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of malaise. MRI revealed a large solid and cystic lesion with ring enhancement measuring 6.5 cm in diameter in the right frontal lobe. Histologically, the tumor consisted of various components: diffuse growth of atypical astrocytic cells consistent with glioblastoma, fascicular proliferation of atypical spindle cells such as fibrosarcoma, clusters of primitive neuronal cells, and foci of ependymal cells. The sarcomatous component also focally exhibited chondroid and osteoid differentiation. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells in the primitive neuronal component were immunoreactive for synaptophysin and CD56. The spindle cells were immunopositive for Slug and Twist, regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Direct DNA sequencing demonstrated C228T mutation in the TERT promoter in astrocytic, sarcomatous and primitive neuronal components, suggesting their identical origin. Although a few cases of gliosarcoma with primitive neuronal differentiation have previously been described, the finding that neuronal, glial and sarcomatous components share an identical mutation of the TERT promoter has not been reported. The tumor recurred at the original site 11 months after the first surgery. Interestingly, the recurrent tumor was composed exclusively of a glioblastomatous component, unlike past cases of recurrent gliosarcoma.

Sex- and Age-Related Differences in the Clinical and Neuroimaging Characteristics of Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Records Review.

BACKGROUND: The significance of sex- and age-related differences in the clinical course of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) was investigated. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 40 consecutive patients (female:male = 28:12, median age 41.5 years) treated under clinical diagnoses of SIH satisfying the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria, including 37 patients (92.5%) with diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement. The patients were divided into two groups by age and sex, and the clinical and neuroimaging findings in each group were investigated. RESULTS: Acute onset (female:male = 82.1%:50.0%, P = .042), severe headache (75.0%:41.7%, P = .045) occurred with higher frequency in females than in males, and SDH occurred with lower frequency in females than in males (28.6%:75.0%, P = .006). Duration until the consultation (2:14 days, P = .022), SDH thickness (0:7.1 mm, P = .001), and iter displacement (1.6:7.1 mm, P = .004) was greater in males. Acute onset (Younger [≤40 years]: older [>40 years] = 94.1%:56.5%, P = .012), occurred with higher frequency in younger patients, and duration until the consultation (1:5 days, P = .001), frequency of SDH (17.7%:60.9%, P = .010), SDH thickness (0:5.9 mm, P = .003), in older patients. All nine patients with thunderclap headache were female, with median age of 37 years. CONCLUSIONS: More severe clinical symptoms with acute onset were observed in females and younger patients of SIH. Comparatively rare subdural hygroma/hematoma on magnetic resonance imaging might result from the shorter duration to diagnosis in females and younger patients. KEY WORDS: spontaneous intracranial hypotension, sex, age, magnetic resonance imaging, thunderclap headache.

A new approach for simple radioisotope cisternography examination in cerebrospinal fluid leakage detection.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a new quantitative interpretation technique of radioisotope cisternography (RIC) for the diagnosis of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia (SCH). METHODS: RIC studies performed for suspected SCH were evaluated. (111)In-DTPA RIC images were taken at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 24-h after radioisotope injection following the current protocol. Regions of interest (ROI) were selected on 3-h images to include brain, spine, bladder or the whole body. The accumulative radioactivity counts were calculated for quantitative analysis. Final diagnoses of SCH were established based on the diagnostic criteria recently proposed by Schievink and colleagues. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were focused on. Twenty-one (60.0%) patients were diagnosed as having SCH according to the Schievink criteria. On the 3-h images, direct cerebrospinal fluid leakage sign was detected in nine of 21 SCH patients (42.9%), as well as three patients with suspected iatrogenic leakage. Compared to non-SCH patients, SCH patients showed higher bladder accumulation at 3-h images (P = 0.0002), and higher brain clearance between the 6- and 24-h images (P < 0.0001). In particular, the 24-h brain clearance was more conclusive for the diagnosis than 24-h whole cistern clearance. The combination of direct sign and 24-h brain accumulation resulted in 100% of accuracy in the 32 patients in whom iatrogenic leakage was not observed. 1- and 6-h images did not provide any additional information in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: A new simple ROI setting method, in which only the 3-h whole body and 24-h brain images were necessary, was sufficient to diagnose SCH.

Preoperative embolization of intracranial meningiomas using n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative embolization for intracranial meningioma has been controversial for several decades. This study retrospectively reviewed our experience using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) to identify the factors for effective devascularization and procedure-related complications. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent preoperative embolization with n-BCA were analyzed to collect the following data: age, sex, tumor size, location, pathology, and presence or absence of pial arterial supply. The predictive factors for total devascularization and complications were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Injected n-BCA penetrated into the tumor vessels in 51 cases (89%) but resulted in feeder occlusion in 6 (11%). Angiographic total devascularization was achieved in 29 cases (51%) and partial devascularization in 28 (49%). Small size, superficial location, and absence of pial supply were independent factors for total devascularization. No major complication was encountered, but asymptomatic or transient adverse events occurred in nine patients and were significantly associated with elderly patients and large tumors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization for intracranial meningiomas using n-BCA can attain effective devascularization without major complications. The effect of preoperative embolization on surgical resection or patient outcome is still unknown.

Visual outcomes of endovascular and microsurgical treatment for large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for large or giant paraclinoid aneurysms is still controversial. The present study evaluated the results of endovascular coiling and microsurgical clipping with special reference to visual outcomes. METHODS: The clinical data and treatment outcomes of 39 cases of large (>15 mm) paraclinoid aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting symptoms were subarachnoid hemorrhage in 16 aneurysms and visual impairment in 18. Twenty-one aneurysms were treated by endovascular therapy and 18 were treated by direct surgery. RESULTS: Maximal aneurysm diameter ≥25 mm and preoperative visual acuity <20/100 were significantly related to poor visual outcome in univariate analysis. However, preoperative visual acuity was the only significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.12, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.95, p = 0.04). Although patients treated with endovascular coiling tended to have more favorable outcome than those with surgical clipping, adjustment for other confounding factors reduced the OR of favorable outcome following each treatment modality to nearly one (OR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.17-7.46, p = 0.89). Deteriorations in the visual field showed different patterns: upper visual field deficit after endovascular coiling, and inferior nasal quadrantanopia after microsurgical clipping. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative visual acuity was the only independent predictor of visual outcome in patients with large paraclinoid aneurysms. Although adjusted visual outcomes with microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling were almost the same, selection of the optimal treatment for each aneurysm is essential with recognition of the potential risks and mechanisms of visual impairment.

Risk factors for the occurrence of spina bifida (a case-control study) and the prevalence rate of spina bifida in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese government recommended in 2000 that women planning pregnancy should take 400 µg of folic acid daily to decrease the risk of having an infant with spina bifida. We aimed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of spina bifida and to evaluate how the prevalence rate has altered over the past 3 decades. METHODS: Subjects comprised 360 women who gave birth to spina bifida-affected offspring and 2333 women who gave birth to offspring without spina bifida between 2001 and 2012. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analyzed by multiple logistic regression models. The prevalence rate of spina bifida was obtained through data provided by international and domestic organizations. RESULTS: Four variables were significantly associated with the increased risk of having newborns afflicted with spina bifida: not taking folic acid supplements (odds ratios [OR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-3.64), presence of spina bifida patients within third-degree relatives (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.12-16.19), taking anti-epileptic drugs without folic acid (OR, 20·20; 95% CI, 2.06-198.17), and low birth weight in the newborns ≤ 2500 g (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 3.18-5.59). The prevalence rate of spina bifida has remained 5 to 6 per 10,000 total births and has not shown any decreasing trend over the past 11 years. CONCLUSION: Four risk factors were identified among Japanese women. Because recommendations and information have not decreased the occurrence of spina bifida, the Japanese government should implement mandatory food fortification.

Mattress anastomosis in micro vascular reconstruction: technical note.

BACKGROUND: Superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis is a common procedure for neurosurgeons. The surgery necessarily requires accurate and speedy manipulation of microscope, for which a specific training is needed. Unexpected bypass occlusion sometimes happen during surgery. OBJECTIVE: Generally, conventional interrupted or continuous suture has been used for vascular anastomosis, despite various ideas have been attempted in the other surgery fields. We propose a horizontal mattress suture technique for intracranial microvascular bypass surgery. This is the first report ever published on intracranial vascular anastomosis. METHODS: We had four patients of STA-MCA bypass surgery with "mattress anastomosis" from March to May of 2012. RESULTS: During the procedure, there was no bypass occlusion and good patency was confirmed in all cases. CONCLUSION: Intimae of the recipient and the donor blood vessel contact each other precisely with this technique. Although a long-term assessment of patency is needed, it is useful for the intracranial bypass surgery.

Facial neuropathy due to axonal degeneration and microvasculitis following gamma knife surgery for vestibular schwannoma: a histological analysis. Case report.

Complete facial palsy (House-Brackmann Grade VI) developed in a 63-year-old man with a vestibular schwannoma 25 months after he had undergone two gamma knife surgeries performed 33 months apart and involving a cumulative dose of 24 Gy directed to the tumor margin at the 50% isodose line. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tumor enlargement with central nonenhancement, which initially had been recognized 21 months after the second radiosurgery. Microsurgery was performed to achieve total removal of the tumor. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the facial nerve specimen removed from the edge of the tumor revealed a loss of axons, proliferation of Schwann cells, and microvasculitis. In this case, microvasculitis and axonal degeneration were probably the major causes of the radiation-induced facial neuropathy.

Primary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma originating in the lower petroclival region: case report.

BACKGROUND: We report the first case of primary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH) originating in the lower petroclival region. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 55-year-old female presented with a 45-year history of subclinical atrophy on the right side of her tongue and a 15-year history of hoarseness. Neuroimaging revealed an expansile, homogeneously enhanced intraosseous mass with bony shell and honeycomb configuration in the petroclival region. A right far lateral transcondylar approach was utilized for subtotal removal of the tumor, which demonstrated high vascularity in the petroclival bone. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of EH. Because of the intermediate malignancy, adjuvant gamma knife radiotherapy was performed for the residual mass 5 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: EH rarely occurs in the skull base region. The appearance of surrounding bony structure and rich vascularity are important findings for the differential diagnosis. A far lateral transcondylar approach provides sufficient exposure of the jugular tubercle and lower clivus. Additional radiotherapy may be recommended for residual tumors with a high MIB-1 labeling index.

Cerebrospinal fluid leak demonstrated by three-dimensional computed tomographic myelography in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

BACKGROUND: Precise determination of the spinal level of a cerebrospinal fluid leak is important in the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The authors report two cases of SIH in which a cerebrospinal fluid leak was demonstrated by three-dimensional computed tomographic (3D-CT) myelography. CASE DESCRIPTION: By overlaying 3D-CT images of contrast-enhanced CSF and the spine, the point of leakage was clearly depicted in the three-dimensional spinal structure, which assisted targeted epidural blood patch under the guidance of fluoroscopy. Although associated chronic subdural hematoma had to be treated by burr hole drainage, the patients' postural headaches subsided after treatment. CONCLUSION: Clear CSF images in relation to vertebral bones are obtainable with 3D-CT myelography, rendering this modality very useful for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.