Internal carotid artery aneurysms diagnosed after stereotactic radiosurgery for a growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma: a case report and literature review.

Radiation therapy is associated with the subsequent development of cerebral aneurysms; however, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)-associated aneurysm cases have not been well documented, with only 18 cases reported to date. We present a case of intracranial aneurysms with the rupture occurring 20 years after SRS for a growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. This is the first report of aneurysms diagnosed following transsphenoidal surgery and SRS for pituitary adenoma. We believe that the aneurysm reported here is a consequence of the SRS treatment, and thus this may be a very rare long-term complication following radiation treatments.

Reduction of metallic coil artefacts in computed tomography body imaging: effects of a new single-energy metal artefact reduction algorithm.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of a single-energy metal artefact reduction (SEMAR) algorithm for metallic coil artefact reduction in body imaging. METHODS: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed in 30 patients with metallic coils (10 men, 20 women; mean age, 67.9 ± 11 years). Non-SEMAR images were reconstructed with iterative reconstruction alone, and SEMAR images were reconstructed with the iterative reconstruction plus SEMAR algorithms. We compared image noise around metallic coils and the maximum diameters of artefacts from coils between the non-SEMAR and SEMAR images. Two radiologists visually evaluated the metallic coil artefacts utilizing a four-point scale: 1 = extensive; 2 = strong; 3 = mild; 4 = minimal artefacts. RESULTS: The image noise and maximum diameters of the artefacts of the SEMAR images were significantly lower than those of the non-SEMAR images (65.1 ± 33.0 HU vs. 29.7 ± 10.3 HU; 163.9 ± 54.8 mm vs. 10.3 ± 19.0 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). Better visual scores were obtained with the SEMAR technique (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SEMAR algorithm significantly reduced artefacts caused by metallic coils compared with the non-SEMAR algorithm. This technique can potentially increase CT performance for the evaluation of post-coil embolization complications. KEY POINTS: • The new algorithm involves a raw data- and image-based reconstruction technique. • The new algorithm mitigates artefacts from metallic coils on body CT images. • The new algorithm significantly reduced artefacts caused by metallic coils. • The metal artefact reduction algorithm improves CT image quality after coil embolization.

Prolonged Mean Transit Time Detected by Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Cerebrovascular Reserve Impairment in Patients with Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) is important for patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). 123I-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission CT (SPECT) with acetazolamide (ACZ) challenge is widely carried out, but using ACZ becomes problematic owing to its off-label use and its adverse effects. Here, we report the efficacy of dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) for the evaluation of CVR in MMD patients. METHODS: All 33 MMD patients underwent both SPECT and DSC-MRI at an interval of <10 days from each other (mean age 38.3 years). The region of interest (ROI) was the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory, middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, basal ganglia and cerebellum hemisphere for cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time (MTT) images. The ratios of the ROIs to the ipsilateral cerebellum were calculated for each parameter and evaluated. The CVR was calculated using images acquired by SPECT before and after ACZ administration. The ratios of DSC-MRI parameters and CVR were compared and evaluated for each ROI. RESULTS: The MTT of the ACA and MCA territories significantly correlated with CVR (p < 0.0001). However, CBF and CBV had no correlation with CVR. The MTT ratio had a threshold of 1.966, with a sensitivity of 68.4% and a specificity of 91.5% for predicting decreased CVR (<10%). CONCLUSION: MTT had a negative correlation with CVR. DSC-MRI is easy, safe and useful for detecting decreased CVR and can be used as a standard examination in MMD patient's care.

Evaluation of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations With Four-Dimensional Arterial-Spin Labeling-Based 3-T Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the usefulness of 3-T 4-dimensional (4D) arterial spin-labeling (ASL)-based magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with color-coded time-of-arrival (TOA) maps for the evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS: Our study included 6 patients with cerebral AVMs. They underwent 4D-ASL MRA at 3T and digital subtraction angiography. A pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling protocol with look-locker sampling was used for spin labeling. Two independent readers reviewed the 4D-ASL MRA images with color-coded TOA maps for the nidus size, arterial feeders, and venous drainage. Two other readers consensually reviewed the digital subtraction angiography images. RESULTS: The cerebral AVMs were demonstrated on all 4D-ASL MRA images. In 5 high-flow AVMs, the color-coded TOA maps were especially useful for identifying the feeder/drainer. Intermodality agreement was excellent for the nidus size (κ = 1.0), very good for arterial feeders (κ = 0.88), and good for venous drainage (κ = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: The 4D-ASL 3-T MRA with color-coded TOA maps is useful for assessing the gross angiographic characteristics of intracranial AVMs.

Assessment of the Correlations Between Brain Weight and Brain Edema in Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Because brain edema is correlated with poor outcome in clinical subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), appropriate evaluation methods for brain edema are important in experimental SAH studies. Although brain water content (BWC) is widely used to evaluate brain edema in stroke research, the usefulness of brain weight is undetermined. In this study, we examined the role of brain weight in the evaluation of brain edema in experimental SAH. The endovascular perforation model of SAH was used, and rats were assessed by neurological scoring (NS). The brains were quickly removed at 24 h after the operation, and the weights of wet cerebrum (WWC) and dry cerebrum (WDC) were measured to determine the brain water content (BWC). The correlations of those values with each other and to body weight (BW) were then examined to reveal the significance of brain weight. The rats were assigned to sham-operated (n = 8) and SAH (n = 16) groups. There were no significant differences in WWC between the groups (p = 0.61). WWC was correlated with BWC but not with NS in all rats. In addition, WWC was clearly correlated with BW and WDC, which is thought to substitute for the original brain weight. From these results, we suggest that the measurement of brain weight as an evaluation of brain edema is limited and that BW and original brain volume can be confounding factors in evaluation.

Rosuvastatin ameliorates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage via suppression of superoxide formation and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Statins, or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, have been suggested to possess pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the protective effects of pretreatment with rosuvastatin, a relatively hydrophilic statin, on early brain injury (EBI) after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), using the endovascular perforation SAH model. METHODS: Eighty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) sham operation, (2) SAH+vehicle, and (3) SAH+10 mg/kg rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin or vehicle was orally administered to rats once daily from 7 days before to 1 day after the SAH operation. After SAH, we examined the effects of rosuvastatin on the neurologic score, brain water content, neuronal cell death estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5'-triphosphate nick end labeling staining, blood-brain barrier disruption by immunoglobulin G (IgG) extravasation, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory molecules. RESULTS: Compared with the vehicle group, rosuvastatin significantly improved the neurologic score and reduced the brain water content, neuronal cell death, and IgG extravasation. Rosuvastatin inhibited brain superoxide production, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, and the increase in activated microglial cells after SAH. The increased expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, endothelial matrix metalloproteinase-9, and neuronal cyclooxygenase-2 induced by SAH were prevented by rosuvastatin pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that rosuvastatin pretreatment ameliorates EBI after SAH through the attenuation of oxidative stress and NF-κB-mediated inflammation.

Prostaglandin E2 EP1 receptors: downstream effectors of COX-2 neurotoxicity.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a rate-limiting enzyme for prostanoid synthesis, has been implicated in the neurotoxicity resulting from hypoxia-ischemia, and its inhibition has therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke. However, COX-2 inhibitors increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. We therefore sought to identify the downstream effectors of COX-2 neurotoxicity, and found that prostaglandin E(2) EP1 receptors are essential for the neurotoxicity mediated by COX-2-derived prostaglandin E(2). EP1 receptors disrupt Ca(2+) homeostasis by impairing Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange, a key mechanism by which neurons cope with excess Ca(2+) accumulation after an excitotoxic insult. Thus, EP1 receptors contribute to neurotoxicity by augmenting the Ca(2+) dysregulation underlying excitotoxic neuronal death. Pharmacological inhibition or gene inactivation of EP1 receptors ameliorates brain injury induced by excitotoxicity, oxygen glucose deprivation and middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. An EP1 receptor inhibitor reduces brain injury when administered 6 hours after MCA occlusion, suggesting that EP1 receptor inhibition may be a viable therapeutic option in ischemic stroke.

Early recanalization and vasospasm after endovascular treatment in a case of ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm associated with COVID-19.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant structural changes in acute care hospitals. COVID-19-associated stroke has gained attention, with abnormal coagulation and vascular endothelial damage being recognized. While ischemic cases are commonly reported, hemorrhagic cases have also been reported. This report presents a case of ruptured vertebral artery dissection aneurysm associated with COVID-19, resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The treatment course, challenges in managing cerebral vasospasm, and early recanalization achieved through endovascular therapy are described. Case Description: A 67-year-old male patient was brought to our hospital for emergency treatment of impaired consciousness that occurred while recovering from COVID-19. He underwent endovascular internal trapping using coils, and although the rupture did not recur, he required long-term tracheal management, which resulted in a cerebral infarction caused by cerebral vasospasm. In addition, early recanalization was seen, which required retreatment. Conclusion: This case highlights the challenges in managing COVID-19-associated SAH and emphasizes the need for infection control measures and proper postoperative care. Establishing protocols for detecting and managing cerebral vasospasm is essential.

Bold-S Signs on Computed Tomography Angiography Are Sensitive Markers for Diagnosing Subcortical Hemorrhage Due to Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae on Emergent Admission.

An optimal treatment strategy for subcortical hematomas caused by dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF) is important because of the high rebleeding rate. However, it is very difficult to diagnose that on admission. Therefore, an early sensitive predictive marker for subcortical hemorrhage caused by dAVF is necessary, especially during the first contact on admission. S-shaped dilated vessels around the hematoma (bold-S sign) on computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed during admission could be one such marker. Herein, we evaluated the characteristics of these vessels. Among 273 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage between April 2012 and March 2020, 67 patients with subcortical hematomas who underwent CTA on admission without arteriovenous malformations were included. The patients in the dAVF group (n = 7) showed fewer disturbances in consciousness, milder neurological deficits, and more frequent seizures than patients without dAVF (without dAVF group, n = 60). All patients in the dAVF group had dilated S-shaped vessels (2.59 ± 0.27 mm) around the hematomas, and only 20% of the patients in the without dAVF group had these vessels (1.69 ± 0.22 mm). The ratio of the ipsilateral S-shaped/contralateral largest vessels was 1.80 ± 0.29 in the dAVF group and 1.07 ± 0.16 in the group without dAVF. We called the dilated S-shaped vessels the "bold-S sign," with a cutoff ratio of 1.5. Bold-S sign findings are novel and help in diagnosing subcortical hematomas caused by dAVF on admission.

Two weeks administration of tranexamic acid for acute intracerebral hemorrhage: A hospital-based pilot study.

Background: A previous report suggested that functional status does not differ between patients who received tranexamic acid and those who received placebo within the early hours of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Our pilot study tested the hypothesis that 2 weeks administration of tranexamic acid would contribute to functional improvement. Methods: Consecutive patients with ICH were administered 250 mg tranexamic acid 3 times a day continuously for 2 weeks. We also enrolled historical control consecutive patients. We collected clinical data that involved hematoma size, level of consciousness, and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Results: Univariate analysis showed that the mRS score on day 90 was better in the administration group (P = 0.0095). The mRS scores on the day of death or discharge suggested a favorable effect of the treatment (P = 0.0678). Multivariable logistic regression analysis also showed that the treatment was associated with good mRS scores on day 90 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-7.21, P = 0.0312). In contrast, ICH size was associated with poor mRS scores on day 90 (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.0005). After propensity score matching, there was no difference in the outcomes between the two groups. We did not detect mild and serious adverse events. Conclusion: The study could not show the significant effect of 2 weeks administration of tranexamic acid on functional outcomes of ICH patients after the matching; however, suggested that this treatment is at least safe and feasible. A larger and adequately powered trial is needed.

Inhalational Anesthesia Reduced Transient Neurological Events After Revascularization Surgery for Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The choice between inhalational and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in revascularization surgery for Moyamoya disease (MMD) remains a topic of debate. Anesthesia methods have changed with the advent of new anesthetics. This study investigated whether modern anesthesia methods affected the development of neurological symptoms after revascularization surgery for MMD. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 63 adult patients (82 hemispheres) with MMD treated with direct and indirect bypass surgeries at our hospital between 2013 and 2022. Patients were divided into inhalational anesthesia (IA) and TIVA groups based on the anesthesia maintenance method. Baseline patient characteristics; postoperative neurological symptoms, including hyperperfusion syndrome, cerebral infarction, and transient neurological events (TNEs); and cortical hyperintensity belt (CHB) sign scores (5-point scale from 0 to 4) on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging were compared between the two groups. The operation methods, anesthetics, and intraoperative hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters were compared between patients with and without TNEs. RESULTS: The IA and TIVA groups comprised 39 and 43 hemispheres, respectively. The frequency of postoperative hyperperfusion syndrome and cerebral infarction did not differ between the groups, but the number of TNEs in the IA group (5/39; 13%) was significantly lower than that in the TIVA group (16/43; 37%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TNEs were associated with TIVA (odds ratio, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.24-12.35; P = .02). The median [IQR] postoperative CHB sign score in the IA group (2 [1-3]) was significantly lower than that in the TIVA group (4 [3-4]). CONCLUSION: The IA group had fewer postoperative TNEs and lower CHB sign scores than the TIVA group. Although further studies are needed, this study provides insights into the prevention of TNEs with IA and reconsideration of the optimal anesthesia for MMD.

Dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery--angiographic patterns at the dissecting site on balloon test occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: At present, the risk of future hemorrhage or ischemic insult from vertebral artery (VA) dissection cannot be estimated from available imaging data. We investigated the relationship between symptoms and the angiographic patterns of the dissecting site on balloon test occlusion (BTO) to develop guidelines for clinical decision-making. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with unilateral VA dissection who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or cerebral infarction. We analyzed the angiographic findings at the dissecting site on contralateral VA angiograms during BTO of the affected VA, classified the angiographic patterns into two types, and compared the symptoms they presented. RESULTS: Patients with dissection opacified from the distal to the proximal side are more likely to present with cerebral infarction than SAH. Conversely, patients with dissection opacified from the proximal to the distal side had a significantly higher incidence of SAH. CONCLUSIONS: Angiographic findings at the dissecting site on contralateral VA angiograms during BTO of the affected VA are helpful for considering the treatment and prognosis of patients with VA dissecting aneurysms.

Outer-diameter narrowing of the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries in moyamoya disease detected on 3D constructive interference in steady-state MR image: is arterial constrictive remodeling a major pathogenesis?

BACKGROUND: To obtain information on affected vessels in moyamoya disease (MMD), we analyzed the vascular morphological characteristics of MMD using three-dimensional (3D) constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: The population of this 3D-CISS MRI study consisted of 51 patients with MMD: 16 patients with atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis or occlusion, 42 MRI control patients, and 28 control digital subtraction angiography (DSA) patients. We measured the outer diameters of the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the proximal portion of the MCA (M1 portion). We evaluated the inner diameter as the relative value (%) obtained from magnified DSA images and analyzed these data. RESULTS: The outer diameters of the ICA and M1 portions were significantly smaller in the MMD group than in the other two groups, while the M1 outer diameter of the atherosclerosis group was not significantly different compared to the control (ICA: MMD, 2.61 ± 0.46 mm vs. control, 4.04 ± 0.50 mm and M1: MMD, 1.92 ± 0.43 mm vs. control, 3.34 ± 0.54 mm vs. atherosclerosis, 3.45 ± 0.56 mm). Furthermore, in MMD patients, the outer diameter was unrelated to the progression of the luminal stenosis grade estimated by DSA. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report that the outer diameters of both the ICA and M1 decrease in MMD patients. Our findings suggest that the vascular constrictive changes of the affected arteries are an important phenomenon reflecting MMD pathology.

Factors Associated with Rapidly Deteriorating Myelopathy in Patients with Spinal Arteriovenous Shunts.

Spinal arteriovenous (AV) shunts are rare conditions that sometimes present with myelopathy symptoms. The progression of the symptoms is usually gradual; however, some cases show rapid deterioration. We retrospectively investigated the factors that induced the rapid deterioration of myelopathy symptoms in patients with spinal AV shunts. We treated 33 patients with myelopathy with spinal AV shunts at our institutions, eight of whom experienced rapid deterioration (within 24 hours: 24.2%). Of these, three were related to the body movement or particular postures associated with playing golf, 30 minutes of Japanese straight sitting, and massage care. One patient showed deterioration after embolization for a tracheal aneurysm. The remaining four patients received steroid pulse therapy (high-dose steroid infusion) shortly before the rapid deterioration. These symptoms stopped progressing after cessation of steroid use. While positional or physical factors contributing to myelopathy deterioration might exist, we could not identify specific factors in this study. Nevertheless, rapid deterioration was frequently observed after high-dose steroid use. We must take care not to administer high-dose steroids for myelopathy caused by spinal AV shunt disease.

Endoscopic surgical treatment for pituitary apoplexy in three elderly patients over the age of 80.

OBJECTIVES: As the population continues to live longer, the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma-induced apoplexy becomes more common in the elderly. The standard treatment options for pituitary apoplexy are debatable. Although there is little information regarding the treatment of pituitary apoplexy in elderly patients, the optimal treatment needs to be determined for this age group. The current study examined the surgical treatment of pituitary apoplexy in three patients over the age of 80. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients over the age of 80 with pituitary apoplexy were admitted to our hospital. Some symptoms caused by pituitary apoplexy, including decreased visual acuity, double vision and oculomotor paresis, had persisted for more than 14 days. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed suprasellar mass lesions extending into the cavernous sinus. The general condition of the patients was good, and we performed endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in each of these cases. The masses were removed, and the histological findings were diagnosed as non-functioning pituitary adenoma with presence of hemorrhagic or ischemic necrosis. Perioperative courses and general conditions were good, and the neurological deficits of each patient improved immediately. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has the advantage of visualization of the structures surrounding the pituitary gland. Moreover, the complication rate is relatively low because stress on the pituitary gland can be reduced by using this procedure. Even in patients over 80 years of age during the subacute phase, endoscopic surgical management is a good treatment candidate for pituitary apoplexy with mass lesion extension into the cavernous sinus.

Minimally invasive treatment strategy for partially thrombosed anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Partially thrombosed anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms are extremely rare; thus, no established therapeutic approach exists. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a large, partially thrombosed AICA aneurysm and discuss its therapeutic nuances. The aneurysm was asymptomatic; therefore, we aimed to treat it through a minimally invasive procedure. The aneurysm was of fusiform type and the proximal neck of the aneurysm was positioned at midline in front of the brainstem. To approach the neck, posterior transpetrosal approach is recommended. However, this approach can be invasive; thus, we performed distal clipping of the aneurysm using transcondylar fossa approach with occipital artery-AICA bypass to avoid ischemia of the AICA territory. Although the size of the aneurysm initially increased, it subsequently decreased. CONCLUSION: This is a rare case report describing the long-term clinical course after distal clipping in detail. We showed that traditional microsurgical techniques can be applied to treat patients with new, minimally invasive treatment strategies.

Intracranial and extracranial multiple arterial dissecting aneurysms in rheumatoid arthritis: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a case of intracranial and extracranial multiple arterial dissecting aneurysms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old man with a medical history of RA since 18 years of age was admitted to our hospital for vomiting, dysarthria, and conscious disturbance. At 23, he underwent ligation of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) with superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis because of acute infarct of the left hemisphere caused by arterial dissection of the left ICA. During the current admission, computed tomography (CT) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated dissecting aneurysms of the left intracranial vertebral artery (VA) and right extracranial VA. We diagnosed him with a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left intracranial VA and performed endovascular parent artery occlusion on the left VA. For the right unruptured VA aneurysm, we performed coil embolization simultaneously. At 2 weeks after the endovascular treatment, follow-up DSA revealed that multiple de novo dissecting aneurysms developed on the origin of the left VA and left and right internal thoracic arteries. Those aneurysms were treated with coil embolization. Other remaining aneurysms on the left thyrocervical trunk, right transverse cervical artery, and both common iliac arteries were treated by conservative therapy. While continuing medical treatment for RA, the patient recovered and was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital. CONCLUSION: Considering that RA-induced vasculitis can be a potential risk of vascular complications including multiple arterial dissections, physicians should carefully perform endovascular interventional procedures for patients with long-term RA.

Efficacy of a Novel Prophylactic Barbiturate Therapy for Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries: Step-down Infusion of a Barbiturate with Normothermia.

This study aimed to examine the beneficial effects of a novel prophylactic barbiturate therapy, step-down infusion of barbiturates, using thiamylal with normothermia (NOR+sdB), on the poor outcome in the patients with severe traumatic brain injuries (sTBI), in comparison with mild hypothermia (MD-HYPO). From January 2000 to March 2019, 4133 patients with TBI were admitted to our hospital. The inclusion criteria were: a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of ≤8 on admission, age between 20 and 80 years, intracranial hematoma requiring surgical evacuation of the hematoma with craniotomy and/or external decompression, and patients who underwent management of body temperature and assessed their outcome at 6-12 months. Finally, 43 patients were included in the MD-HYPO (n = 29) and NOR+sdB (n = 14) groups. sdB was initiated intraoperatively or immediately after the surgical treatment. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, including age, sex, past medical history, GCS on admission, type of intracranial hematoma, and length of hospitalization between the two groups. Although NOR+sdB could not improve the patient's poor outcome either at discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) or at 6-12 months after admission, the treatment inhibited composite death at discharge from the ICU. The mean value of the maximum intracranial pressure (ICP) in the NOR+sdB group was <20 mmHg throughout the first 120 h. NOR+sdB prevented composite death in the ICU in patients with sTBI, and we may obtain novel insights into the beneficial role of prophylactic barbiturate therapy from suppression of the elevated ICP during the first 120 h.

The Stabilization of Central Sympathetic Nerve Activation by Renal Denervation Prevents Cerebral Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats.

The poor prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) might be associated with sympathetic nerve activation (catecholamine surge) initiated by hypothalamic injury. As renal denervation (RD) has been shown to exert protective effects on cardiovascular dysfunction by suppressing increased central sympathetic nerve activation, we examined whether RD improved the experimental SAH prognosis in this study. Two hundred thirty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham-operated and SAH-operated groups, and then each rat was further separated into Sham-operated and RD-operated groups. Bilateral RD was performed approximately 45 min after SAH induction. We examined the effect of RD on early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) as a primary endpoint, and also explored the effect on cerebral vasospasm (CVS) as a secondary endpoint. Although RD did not exert significant effects on primary endpoint, RD significantly prevented CVS and reduced SAH-induced increases in the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-positive endothelial cells, cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and macrophage infiltration in major cerebral arteries. Moreover, RD significantly decreased the areas displaying dopamine ß-hydroxylase and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunopositivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and serum angiotensin II levels, all of which were increased by SAH. Although RD decreased systolic blood pressure, significant changes in cerebral blood flow were not observed compared with SAH + Sham group. Based on the findings, RD improved CVS by reducing endothelial cell damage and the effects were associated with the stabilization of central sympathetic nerve activation in a SAH model.