Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Refractory Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report.

Objective: We describe a patient with leukemia-related chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) who was successfully treated using the combination of surgical evacuation and middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old man without apparent head trauma history was admitted to our hospital because of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Head CT on admission revealed mild CSDH on both sides. Medical treatment options, including chemotherapy, were started. Since a decrease in platelet count and disseminated intravascular coagulation were observed on day 4, recombinant thrombomodulin was administered. As the patient exhibited signs of altered consciousness due to the enlargement of the right CSDH on day 10, we performed surgical drainage. Despite subsequent platelet transfusion and administration of goreisan, the right CSDH recurred within a short period. On day 17, we performed the second surgery and MMA embolization in one stage. The postoperative clinical course was favorable without recurrence of the hematoma. The patient eventually died on day 123 from a deterioration of his general condition. Conclusion: Although MMA embolization has recently been recognized as an effective treatment option for recurrent CSDH, there are no published reports addressing the efficacy of MMA embolization for refractory CSDH associated with hematological malignancies. Findings from the management of this case suggest that MMA embolization can be the effective treatment option for CSDH in patients with severe hemorrhagic diathesis due to AML.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage occurring during sleep: Clinical characteristics and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is known to be triggered by several specific human activities. Sleep, by contrast, has not been considered a triggering activity for aSAH, and clinical characteristics of patients who sustain aSAH during sleep have rarely been reported in the literature. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis on the data acquired through a multicenter aSAH registry. Between January 2019 and December 2021, a total of 732 aSAH patients had been registered into our database. After excluding 109 patients whose activities at aSAH onset had been unidentifiable, the remaining 623 aSAH patients were dichotomized to 59 patients who sustained aSAH during sleep (Sleep group) and 564 patients who sustained aSAH during daytime activities (Awake group). Two-group comparison of demographic variables and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to clarify their clinical characteristics and identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: The Sleep group exhibited significantly higher frequencies of diabetes (15.5 % vs. 6.4 %, p = 0.01) and antiplatelet use (13.8 % vs. 4.6 %, p=0.004) than the Awake group. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR, 3.051; 95 % CI, 1.281-7.268; p = 0.012) and antiplatelet use (OR, 3.640; 95 % CI, 1.422-9.316; p = 0.007) were correlated with aSAH occurring during sleep. There were no significant inter-group differences in the patient outcomes evaluated at discharge. CONCLUSION: The current results indicate that risk factors may exist for aSAH occurring during sleep. Further investigations on how comorbidities such as diabetes, antiplatelet use and sleep apnea affect human hemodynamic and hemostatic parameters during sleep is warranted to better understand those relationships.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of Hypoglossal Nerves Using Transcranial and Direct Electrical Stimulation During Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Surgery.

BACKGROUND: We explored whether the electromyogram (EMG) and the motor evoked potential (MEP) are useful for monitoring the function of the hypoglossal nerve during surgery targeting the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. METHODS: The present study included 6 patients with internal carotid arterial stenosis (1 patient underwent bilateral surgeries) and 1 patient with a cervical carotid artery aneurysm. In 5 of the 8 procedures, the EMGs were recorded. We examined whether changes in the MEP and/or EMG were capable of predicting postoperative hypoglossal nerve deficits. RESULTS: None of the 6 patients who underwent a total of 7 carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures experienced postoperative hypoglossal nerve morbidity. In 2 of the 7 procedures, the MEP disappeared or decreased significantly during CEA. In all 4 cases in which the hypoglossal nerve was directly stimulated during CEA, stable and reproducible EMGs were obtained throughout the manipulation of the internal carotid artery. Hypoglossal nerve morbidity was observed in the one case that underwent aneurysm removal and end-to-end anastomosis of the internal carotid artery. In this case, while the MEP decreased significantly during the operation, the EMG showed true-positive results and false-negative results, depending on the stimulation site. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of hypoglossal nerve function using EMG appears to be accurate if an appropriate stimulation site is selected. Hypoglossal nerve monitoring using MEP can produce false-positive results. Combined monitoring using both MEP and EMG is recommended in cases where exposure of the hypoglossal nerve is expected to be technically difficult.

Selective Photo-Crosslinking Detection of Methylated Cytosine in DNA Duplex Aided by a Cationic Comb-Type Copolymer.

In the process of cell development and differentiation, C-5-methylation of cytosine (5-methylcytosine: 5-mC) in genome DNA is an important transcriptional regulator that switches between differentiated and undifferentiated states. Further, abnormal DNA methylations are often present in tumor suppressor genes and are associated with many diseases. Therefore, 5-mC detection technology is an important tool in the most exciting fields of molecular biology and diagnosing diseases such as cancers. In this study, we found a novel photo-crosslinking property of psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotide (Ps-Oligo) to the double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) containing 5-mC in the presence of a cationic comb-type copolymer, poly(allylamine)-graft-dextran (PAA-g-Dex). Photo-crosslinking efficiency of Ps-Oligo to 5-mC in ds-DNA was markedly enhanced in the presence of PAA-g-Dex, permitting 5-mC-targeted crosslinking. We believe that the combination of PAA-g-Dex and Ps-Oligo will be an effective tool for detecting 5-mC in genomic DNA.

Acute Subdural Hematoma Complicating Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated drug reaction to heparin use that causes platelet aggregation, followed by thrombocytopenia. Despite the thrombocytopenia, the main complications of HIT are thromboembolic in nature rather than hemorrhagic, and in particular, intracranial hemorrhage is rare. Herein, we describe a case of atraumatic acute subdural hematoma secondary to HIT, which was treated by platelet transfusion and surgery. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. Unfractionated heparin was administered during the preoperative period and during the aortic valve replacement surgery. Three days after the cardiac surgery, the patient presented with coma consistent with an acute subdural hematoma in the posterior fossa and obstructive hydrocephalus. Laboratory examination revealed a marked decrease of the platelet count to 40000/µL, and subsequent serological assay confirmed the diagnosis of HIT. The patient was treated by transfusion of platelets and fresh frozen plasma, and surgical removal of the hematoma. We started the administration of argatroban for substitution of heparin 4 days after the craniotomy. On day 13 after the neurosurgery, the patient developed cerebral infarction due to left middle cerebral artery occlusion and persistent right hemiparesis. We presented a rare case of the patient who developed acute subdural hematoma complicating HIT. Emergency craniotomy was successfully performed after administering platelet transfusions. Our experience with the present case suggests that platelet transfusions may be effective for performing emergency surgery for intracranial hemorrhage, even in patients with HIT.

Sinus Arrest and Bradycardia Induced by Carotid Baroreceptor Reflex Activation during Rotational Angiography: A Case Report.

Objective: We describe a rare patient with a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS DAVF) in whom diagnostic rotational angiography (RA) caused sinus arrest and bradycardia. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman with no previous history of cardiovascular diseases presented with left oculomotor nerve paresis. Conventional angiography confirmed a bilateral CS DAVF. During a three-dimensional RA (3DRA) examination of the left internal carotid artery, sinus arrest occurred. Subsequently, the use of 3DRA to image the left external carotid artery and the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to image the left internal and external carotid artery also caused transient sinus bradycardia. Two weeks later, we inserted a temporary transvenous pacemaker and completed the transvenous embolization of the left CS DAVF. The left oculomotor paresis improved without any perioperative complications. Conclusion: RA is a standard radiological modality for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease. Although the physical force generated by the injection of the contrast medium at the carotid bifurcation can theoretically cause hemodynamic instability, no previous reports have described sinus arrest or bradycardia in association with diagnostic carotid angiography. The present case demonstrates that 3DRA and CBCT can provoke rare, but serious, incidences of cardiac arrhythmia.

Ultrasonographic superb microvascular imaging for emergency surgery of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Ultrasonography (US) has been used as a reliable imaging modality, providing real-time information during neurosurgical operations. One recent innovative US technique, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), visualizes small vessels and flow, which are not detected with standard US with doppler. We apply SMI to intraoperative US monitoring in emergency surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Eleven consecutive patients with ICH underwent endoscopic emergency surgery under US monitoring with SMI. After performing a small craniotomy, US images were obtained using SMI, a fusion technique, and a contrast agent technique, with the probe on the brain surface during surgery. Fusion images were obtained with the probe on the head before craniotomy in some patients. Animated US images with SMI could differentiate hematoma containing no vessels from brain tissue, and flow images using SMI and contrast agent techniques clarified the borderlines. Animated fusion images of intraoperative US and preoperative CT provided information on the extent of hematoma and residual hematoma during emergency surgery. We made various fusion CT images showing intracranial hematoma with US probes and decided on the skin incision line before beginning surgery, as if we were using a neuronavigation system. US with SMI, contrast agent, and fusion techniques provide information on the extent of intracranial hematoma and residual hematoma with no vessels and no flow. Monitoring by US and fusion CT images is useful for ICH surgery as a next-generation neuronavigator.

Short-Term Spontaneous Resolution of Ruptured Peripheral Aneurysm in Moyamoya Disease.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral aneurysms are known to be a source of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with moyamoya disease. However, the natural history of ruptured peripheral aneurysms remains unclear. Some regress spontaneously, whereas others may rebleed. Direct treatments, such as surgical or intravascular treatment of the peripheral aneurysm, can have a risk of severe neurologic complications owing to the depth of the operative field and the fragility of the parent artery. A careful treatment policy is required. CASE DESCRIPTION: In a 29-year-old man with moyamoya disease with intraventricular hemorrhage, rupture of a right anterior choroidal artery aneurysm was diagnosed by cerebral angiography. The aneurysm was approximately 4 mm in size and existed in the plexal segment of the right anterior choroidal artery. Endovascular embolization of the aneurysm was planned. However, repeat angiography 3 weeks after aneurysm diagnosis demonstrated complete resolution of the aneurysm. Such short-term disappearance of an aneurysm is remarkably rare. We believe that the aneurysm was thrombosed for a brief period considering the slow blood flow detected inside the aneurysm during the initial angiography. The patient was discharged with no neurologic deficit and has remained recurrence-free for >1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Given that spontaneous resolution of an aneurysm may occur in a short period of time, we suggest that conservative treatment be considered as an option for ruptured peripheral aneurysms associated with moyamoya disease when direct treatment is risky.

A pilot study of peptide vaccines for VEGF receptor 1 and 2 in patients with recurrent/progressive high grade glioma.

OBJECT: Early-phase clinical studies of glioma vaccines have shown feasibility and encouraging preliminary clinical activity. A vaccine that targets tumor angiogenesis factors in glioma microenvironment has not been reported. Therefore, we performed a pilot study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a novel vaccination targeting tumor angiogenesis with synthetic peptides for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor epitopes in patients with recurrent/progressive high grade gliomas. METHODS: Eight patients received intranodal vaccinations weekly at a dose of 2mg/kg bodyweight 8 times. T-lymphocyte responses against VEGF receptor (VEGFR) epitopes were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent spot assays. RESULTS: This treatment was well-tolerated in patients. The first four vaccines induced positive immune responses against at least one of the targeted VEGFR epitopes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 87.5% of patients. The median overall survival time in all patients was 15.9 months. Two achieved progression-free status lasting at least 6 months. Two patients with recurrent GBM demonstrated stable disease. Plasma IL-8 level was negatively correlated with overall survival. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the safety and immunogenicity of VEGFR peptide vaccines targeting tumor vasculatures in high grade gliomas.

Intraoperative Hypoglossal Nerve Mapping During Carotid Endarterectomy: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglossal nerve deficit is a possible complication caused by carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The accidental injury of the hypoglossal nerve during surgery is one of the major reasons for permanent hypoglossal nerve palsy. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of intraoperative mapping of the hypoglossal nerve to identify this nerve during CEA. METHODS: Five consecutive patients who underwent CEA for the treatment of symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis were studied. A hand-held probe was used to detect the hypoglossal nerve in the operative field, and the tongue motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded. RESULTS: The tongue MEPs were obtained in all the patients. The invisible hypoglossal nerve was successfully identified without any difficulty when the internal carotid artery was exposed. Intraoperative mapping was particularly useful for identifying the hypoglossal nerve when the hypoglossal nerve passed beneath the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. In 1 of 2 cases, MEP was also elicited when the ansa cervicalis was stimulated, although the resulting amplitude was much smaller than that obtained by direct stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. Postoperatively, none of the patients presented with hypoglossal nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative hypoglossal nerve mapping enabled us to locate the invisible hypoglossal nerve during the exposure of the internal carotid artery accurately without retracting the posterior belly of the digastric muscle and other tissues in the vicinity of the internal carotid artery.

Cochlear Nerve Action Potential Monitoring for Preserving Function of an Unseen Cochlear Nerve in Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative monitoring of cochlear nerve action potential (CNAP) has been used in patients with small vestibular schwannoma (<15 mm) to preserve cochlear nerve function. We performed surgery for a larger vestibular schwannoma under CNAP monitoring with the aim of preserving cochlear nerve function, and compared the data with findings from 10 patients with hemifacial spasm who underwent microvascular decompression surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a patient with a 26-mm vestibular schwannoma and normal hearing function who underwent neurosurgery under electrophysiological monitoring of the facial and cochlear nerves. Amplitudes of evoked facial muscle responses were maintained at approximately 70% during the operation. The latency of wave V on brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) increased by 0.5 ms, and amplitude was maintained at approximately 70% of the value at the beginning of the operation. Latencies of P1, N1, and P2 on CNAP did not change intraoperatively. These latencies were comparable to those of 10 normal patients with hemifacial spasm. CNAP monitoring proved very useful in confirming the location of the cochlear nerve in the operative field and preserving cochlear nerve function. Both facial nerve function and hearing acuity were completely preserved after tumor removal, and wave V latency on BAEP returned to normal and was maintained in the normal range for at least 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: CNAP monitoring is extremely useful for preserving the function of the unseen cochlear nerve during vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm treated by internal trapping via the contralateral vertebral artery: A case report.

A 42-year-old man with a history of sudden onset of severe headache followed by consciousness disturbance was brought to our hospital. Radiological examinations revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, associated with rupture of a left vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm. Initially, internal trapping was attempted via the ipsilateral vertebral artery. However, the microcatheter could not be navigated through the true lumen to the distal side of the vertebral artery. Subsequently, therefore, the guiding catheter was placed in the right vertebral artery, and the microcatheter was retrogradely navigated successfully through the lesion to the proximal side of the left vertebral artery. Finally, the lesion was completely embolized with electrodetachable coils without complications. However, the patient died after the operation because of deterioration of the general condition. The postmortem examination revealed how an intimal flap had interfered with the antegrade navigation of the microcatheter in the lesion. The present case showed that endovascular treatment for a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm via the contralateral vertebral artery may be a useful option in cases where antegrade navigation of the microcatheter via the ipsilateral vertebral artery is found to be difficult.

Aggressive change of a carotid-cavernous fistula in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV.

The authors report a rare case of a carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) secondary to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV which showed an aggressive angiographical change.A 59-year-old woman presented with headache, right pulsatile tinnitus, and diplopia on the right side. The diagnostic angiography demonstrated a right CCF. Accordingly transarterial embolization of the fistula was attempted 5 days later. The initial right internal carotid angiography showed an aneurysm on the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) which was not recognized in the diagnostic angiography. Spontaneous reduction of the shunt flow and long dissection of the ICA were also revealed. The aneurysm was successfully occluded with coils, and only minor shunt flow was shown on the final angiogram. EDS type IV was diagnosed with a skin biopsy for a collagen abnormality. After the operation, the stenosis of the right ICA gradually progressed, although there was no recurrence of the CCF.Interventional treatment for patients with EDS can cause devastating vascular complication. We should be aware of the possibility of EDS type IV when a spontaneous CCF shows unusual angiographical change because early diagnosis of EDS type IV is crucial for determination of the optimum treatment option.

Intracranial hemorrhage as the initial presentation of disseminated intravascular coagulation in association with malignancy.

A 76-year-old man presented with a sudden disturbance of consciousness and right hemiplegia. An initial computed tomographic examination revealed multiple hematomas. The laboratory studies were highly suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation, although the underlying diseases were unknown at the time of admission. Despite various attempts at management, including replacement therapy, bleeding was not controlled and the patient died on day 5. An autopsy revealed the presence of prostate and rectal cancers. This case illustrates the fact that a fatal intracranial hemorrhage can be the first manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulation in association with malignancy.

Long-term follow up of antegrade recanalization of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm after internal trapping: case report.

A 34-year-old female presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a right vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysm. The affected site, including the aneurysm and parent artery, was successfully occluded with detachable coils. Follow-up angiography performed 28 days after the endovascular treatment revealed recanalization of the parent artery. We decided to treat the patient conservatively without further intervention because the aneurysm had been completely occluded. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a normal VA configuration with a minor irregularity of the affected wall at 6 years after onset. Rebleeding tends to occur during the acute stage because spontaneous healing of the dissecting vascular wall typically occurs within one month after onset. Our case suggests that additional intervention is unnecessary during the chronic stage once the aneurysm has been occluded and no further signs of the development of VA dissection are found.

Progression of pre-existing Chiari type I malformation secondary to cerebellar hemorrhage: case report.

A previously healthy 32-year-old man was surgically treated under a diagnosis of right subcortical hematoma. Magnetic resonance imaging incidentally demonstrated tonsillar herniation. Thirty-two months later, he was readmitted with complaints of occipital, neck, and shoulder pain as well as cerebellar ataxia. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cerebellar hemorrhage and progression in the downward herniation of the tonsils. Conservative treatment resulted in spontaneous disappearance of the cerebellar hematoma, and the clinical signs and radiological findings improved. Patients with Chiari type I malformation require neuroimaging follow up because the downward herniation of the tonsils can progress in association with subsequent pathophysiological disorders.

Supra- and infratentorial subdural empyema secondary to septicemia in a patient with liver abscess--case report.

An 81-year-old man presented with subdural empyema in the left parietotemporal convexity 2 months after treatment under diagnoses of liver abscess and septicemia. Systemic investigation found no evidence of otorhinological or other focal infection except for liver abscess. Emergency drainage of pus was performed via a single burr hole and additional intravenous antibiotics were administered. Six weeks later, magnetic resonance imaging revealed subdural empyema in the right cerebellopontine angle in addition to recurrence of pus in the left parietotemporal subdural space. Ischemic changes were also shown in the right cerebellar hemisphere and brainstem. Although subdural empyema secondary to septicemia is rare, the possibility of this type of intracranial infection must be kept in mind, especially in compromised patients with septicemia.

Parenchymal anaplastic ependymoma with intratumoral hemorrhage: a case report.

We report an unusual case of a 56-year-old woman with a supratentorial anaplastic ependymoma localized in the parenchyma without continuity with the ventricular system and brain surface. The patient presented with vertigo, and a calcified mass was detected in the left temporal parenchyma. Five years later, she had seizure of the right extremities. Computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced mass with an intratumoral hemorrhage adjacent to the calcified mass. Subtotal removal of the tumor was performed. The histological analysis revealed that the tumor was an anaplastic ependymoma. After focal radiation therapy (50 Gy), the outcome was favorable, although the residual lesion was still seen on the images. Ependymomas usually arise from the cells lining the ventricular system and the central canal of the spinal cord. We discuss the summary of published cases of supratentorial ectopic ependymoma since the first case in 1995.