An In Vitro Study of Chitosan-Coated Bovine Pericardium as a Dural Substitute Candidate.

Defects in the dura matter can be caused by head injury, and many cases require neurosurgeons to use artificial dura matter. Bovine pericardium is an option due to its abundant availability, adjustable size and characteristics, and because it has more collagen than porcine or equine pericardia. Nevertheless, the drawback of bovine pericardium is that it has a higher inflammatory effect than other synthetic dura matters. Chitosan has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and has good tensile strength; thus, the idea was formulated to use chitosan as a coating for bovine pericardium. This study used decellularized bovine pericardial membranes with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulphate and coatings containing chitosan at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%. An FTIR test showed the presence of a C=N functional group as a bovine pericardium-chitosan bond. Morphological tests of the 0.25% and 0.5% chitosan concentrations showed standard pore sizes. The highest tensile strength percentage was shown by the membrane with a chitosan concentration of 1%. The highest degradation rate of the membrane was observed on the 7th and 14th days for 0.75% and 1% concentrations, and the lowest swelling ratio was observed for the 0.25% concentration. The highest level of cell viability was found for 0.75% chitosan. The bovine pericardium membrane with a 0.75% concentration chitosan coating was considered the optimal sample for use as artificial dura matter.

Comparison of outcomes between clipping and endovascular coiling in anterior choroidal artery aneurysm: a systematic review.

SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage) caused by aneurysm rupture has the greatest mortality rate, with nearly 50% of patients unable to survive beyond 1 month after the attack. Anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms are one of the most difficult to treat among the numerous types of aneurysms. Until now, some neurosurgeons employed shearing while others employed coiling. In this trial, researchers will compare surgical clipping and endovascular coiling treatments for anterior choroidal artery aneurysms in terms of mortality, rebleeding, retreatment, and post-procedure outcomes. Using the PubMed electronic database, the Cochrane library, the Medline Database, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and EBSCHOHOST, a systematic review compared surgical clipping and endovascular coiling in all cases of choroidal artery aneurysm. There were 17 studies that met the eligibility requirements, with a total of 1486 patients divided into groups that underwent clipping (1106) or endovascular coiling (380). The mortality rate for clipping is 1.8%, while the mortality rate for endovascular coiling is 2.34%. Rebleeding occurs in 0% of patients undergoing endovascular coiling and 0.73% of patients undergoing clipping. Retreatment of clipping was 0.27%, while endovascular coiling was 3.42%. Post-complication procedures occurred in 11.12% of patients undergoing endovascular clipping and 15.78% of patients undergoing endovascular coiling. The intervention technique of clipping has a reduced rate of mortality, reoperation, and post-operative complications. Endovascular coiling results in a reduced rate of rebleeding than clipping.

Cerebellar cavernoma excision with a preserved venous anomaly: A case report in girl 28-year-old.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Cavernous malformations are congenital or acquired vascular abnormalities. They are uncommon entities with an incidence of 0.5 % of the general population and usually are unnoticed until a hemorrhagic event occurs. Cerebellar cavernomas (CCMs) account for 1.2 to 11.8 % of all intracranial cases and 9.3 to 52.9 % of all infratentorial cases. Cavernomas can be concurrently seen with developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) in 20 % (range 20 %-40 %) of cases, in which case they are known as mixed vascular malformations. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a healthy young adult who presented with acute onset of headache, with characteristics of chronic headache that gets progressively worse. The patient complains of frequent dizziness when sitting and standing for a long time. Complaints have been felt for two years and have worsened for the past two weeks. Additional complaints are dizziness and nausea with intermittent episodes of vomiting for four days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an underlying cavernoma that had bled and a coexisting DVA. The patient was discharged home with no deficits. Outpatient follow-up two months later showed no symptoms or neurologic deficits. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cavernous malformations are congenital or acquired vascular anomalies that occur in approximately 0.5 % of the general population. Our patient likely had dizziness due to localization of the bleeding of the cavernoma on the left side of the cerebellum. In our patient, brain imaging revealed numerous abnormal blood vessels radiating from the cerebellar lesion, a highly suggestive of DVAs associated with cavernoma. CONCLUSION: A cavernous malformation is an uncommon entity that might coexist with deep venous anomalies, making management more challenging.

Case of malignant brain edema despite successful recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke.

Background: Therapeutic reperfusion with endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke is typically associated with better long-term functional outcome compared to standard medical care. However, post-procedural brain edema remained present in around half of EVT patients. Malignant brain edema (MBE) is a serious condition that can lead to increased intracranial pressure, rapid neurologic deterioration, and cerebral herniation, neutralizing the favorable efficacy of EVT on functional outcomes. Case Description: A 51-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presented with acute onset of hemiplegia and severe bradyarrhythmia. A head computed tomography-scan demonstrated hyperdense middle cerebral artery (MCA) sign. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered before temporary pacemaker insertion. The digital subtraction angiography confirmed occlusion of the M1 branch of the right MCA with no collaterals in the territory of the occluded vessel. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was performed 6 h after onset and successfully achieved modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 revascularization in 6 h 20 min. The patient later experienced massive brain edema that required emergent decompressive craniectomy. The modified Rankin scale score was 4 in 1- and 3-month's follow-up. Conclusion: MBE after MT results in unsatisfactory functional outcomes, even if it has successful revascularization. No collateral in the territory of the occluded vessel in the initial angiogram is one of the predictors of MBE after MT.

Comparison of the Administration Route of Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes and Safety.

Stem cell treatment is emerging as an appealing alternative for stroke patients, but there still needs to be an agreement on the protocols in place, including the route of administration. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the administration routes of stem cell treatment for ischemic stroke. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. A total of 21 publications on stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke were included. Efficacy outcomes were measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and the Barthel index (BI). Intracerebral administration showed a better outcome than other routes, but a greater number of adverse events followed due to its invasiveness. Adverse events were shown to be related to the natural history of stroke not to the treatment. However, further investigation is required, since studies have yet to compare the different administration methods directly.

Traumatic brain injury in pregnancy: A systematic review of epidemiology, management, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) during pregnancy is an extremely rare condition in our neurosurgical emergency practices. Studies on the epidemiology and management of TBI in pregnancy are limited to case reports or serial case reports. There is no specific guidelines of management of TBI in pregnancy yet. METHODS: The authors performed a structured search of all published articles on TBI in pregnancy from 1990 to 2020. We restricted search for papers in English and Bahasa. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 22 articles with total 43 patients. We distinguished C-section based on its timing according to the neurosurgical treatment into primary (simultaneous or prior to neurosurgery) and secondary group (delayed C-section). The mean GOS value in primary C-section is better compared to secondary C-section in severe TBI group (3.57 ± 1.47 vs 3.0 ± 1.27, respectively) consistently in the moderate TBI group (4.33 ± 1.11 vs 3.62 ± 1.47, respectively). The fetal death rate in primary C-section is lower compared to secondary C-section in severe TBI group (14.2 % vs 33.3 %, respectively), contrary, in moderate TBI group (16.7 % vs 12.5 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Care of pregnant patients with TBI often requires multidisciplinary approach to optimize treatment strategy on a case-by-case basis in light of prior experience across different center. We propose management guideline for head injury in pregnancy.

The uncommon delayed neurological deficit in posterior fossa chronic epidural hematoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic epidural hematoma (CEDH) is uncommon and therefore, less well characterized. The incidence of CEDH ranges from 3.9 % to 30 % of all epidural hematomas. Posterior fossa epidural hematomas represent a rare clinical entity. It has been reported in only 4-7 % of all extradural hematomas. This rare condition may present with rapid clinical deterioration by quick increase in size that may cause brain stem compression. This study aims to provide a case of chronic epidural hematoma with uncommon sign of delayed neurological deficits, specifically in the posterior fossa region. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 34-years-old male with left upper and lower extremities weakness for 3 days before admission. The patient had a history of falling from a height of approximately 3 m about 3 weeks ago. Craniotomy epidural hematoma evacuation was performed on the patient. CONCLUSION: Chronic epidural hematoma is uncommon and therefore, less well characterized. The results of surgical care of symptomatic chronic posterior fossa EDH are often excellent. Early diagnosis and emergent evacuation provide better outcome.

Selection criteria for patch angioplasty material in carotid endarterectomy.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with patch angioplasty has been favored due to its lower reoccurrence of restenosis compared to primary CEA. There are multiple types of patch angioplasty material available. However, selection of patch material is based on uncertain criteria. The aim of this study is to determine the ideal criteria for selecting the best patch material for CEA. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies that describe the ideal criteria for selecting patch material for CEA. We compiled all of the criteria mentioned into one table and selecting the criteria which were most frequently mentioned with a simple scoring system. Results: A total of 65 studies out of 784 studies were assessed for its full-text eligibility. Thus, we found 23 studies that were eligible for analysis. There are 22 ideal criteria that were mentioned in the analyzed studies. We grouped these criteria into physical characteristics, safety, contribution to hemodynamic, contribution in tissue healing, economic aspect, and ability to prevent postsurgical complication. We proposed 10 ideal criteria for guiding vascular surgeon in selecting the best patch angioplasty material. Conclusion: To this day, no material has been discovered which meets all ten criteria. This study's proposed ideal criteria serve as the foundation for the creation of the best patch angioplasty material.

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme coexistence: Double primary malignancy, does it have a causal relationship?

Background: Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs), especially coexistence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are rare. The most likely clinical diagnosis in patient with tumor in another organ is metastatic brain tumor. Although GBM is the most common brain tumor, it is rarely coexistent with other malignancies. Case Description: A 64-year-old female presented with headache and dizziness, along with abdominal pain for 2 weeks before being admitted. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a kidney tumor. The patient developed left hemiplegia, and the brain CT scan showed an intracranial tumor. The patient suggested for radical nephrectomy and craniotomy tumor removal. Histopathology of the kidney and brain tumor revealed two different features, which showed RCC and GBM. Immunohistochemistry result confirmed the diagnosis of GBM and IDH1 wild type; coexistent with clear cell RCC. Conclusion: The coexistence of carcinoma and glioma should be regarded as coincidental cases if it did not accomplish the criteria for tumor-to-tumor metastasis or proven to be a genetic syndrome. This case report provides an addition to the literature about double primary malignancy in a single patient. More studies are needed to confirm whether they have causal relationship or merely coincidental findings.

Clinical outcome and safety of stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Several reports on stem cell administration have emerged proving it to be an ideal therapeutic approach for improving neurological functions in ischemic stroke patients. However, some studies also show disappointing results, with some reporting no statistically significant improvements among several different parameters. Several challenges also arise relating to safety and nonscientific aspects, such as ethics. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of stem cell therapy on the clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Articles were selected systematically based on the PRISMA protocol and reviewed completely. A total of 19 publications pertaining to stem cell therapy on the ischemic route were included and reviewed. Efficacy outcomes were measured with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, or Barthel Index. Results: The results of the meta-analysis indicate that the efficacy outcomes suggest favorable results after stem cell therapy, although not all study results are statistically significant. Stem cell therapy in stroke cases showed a better outcome than standard conservative therapy alone, although our analysis shows that many factors can influence this outcome, and significant effects can only be seen after several months. Conclusion: The results of this study show promising and satisfying efficacy and a relatively low rate of serious adverse events.

Primary mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke in children: Report of two cases and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pediatric acute ischemic stroke is a rare but devastating condition with substantial rates of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular treatment is standard acute revascularization therapy for stroke in adults, but it is not well-studied in pediatrics. We report the successful treatment of two pediatric cases of anterior circulation stroke with primary mechanical thrombectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: Two Asian children, aged 13 and 8 years, presented to Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in September 2020 and April 2021, respectively, with hemiplegia and significant Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (Ped NIHSS) scores. Head CT scans demonstrated hyperdense middle cerebral artery signs, suggesting large-vessel occlusion stroke. Both patients underwent emergent thrombectomy within 5 and 10 h after initial onset, and successful recanalization was achieved within an hour. Both demonstrated good neurological recovery and there was no recurrent stroke during follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Thrombectomy has appeal for childhood acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to a longer post-stroke time window for intervention. As the short-term outcome, a significantly reduced Ped NIHSS score is achieved. Long-term outcomes are measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. A literature review from 2016 to 2021 yielded 21 pediatric case reports of primary mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke (including the present cases). We compare our cases with the published literature to discuss the short-term and long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombectomy holds promise as a treatment modality in pediatric AIS. These case reports described successful primary mechanical thrombectomy for AIS treatment in children.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of MLC901 (NeuroAiD IITM) for Acute Ischemic Brain Injury in Animal Models.

INTRODUCTION: Moleac (MLC) 901 is a traditional Chinese medication approved by the Sino Food and Drug Administration in 2001 for treating stroke. This study aims to analyze the efficacy of MLC901 in animal stroke models after medial cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). METHODS: Literature selection was performed according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) 2015. Inclusion criteria for the experimental studies were the use of animal models, publication in English between 1990 and 2020, information regarding the intervention technique used, and outcomes regarding the efficacy of MLC901 administration. RESULTS: MLC901 administration resulted in significantly less infarction volume by a mean difference of 17.17 compared to the control group (p < .00001). The MLC901 group resulted in significant improvement in 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells expression by a mean difference of 662.79 (p < .00001) and neurological function, which was indicated by a mean difference in the Bederson Neurological Outcome Score of 1.40 (p < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: MLC901 administration in an animal stroke model resulted in a better reduction in infarction volume and improvement in BrdU expression and neurologic function. These data could help in further determining the efficacy of MLC901 for acute ischemic brain injury in humans.

Neuroangiography patterns and anomalies of middle cerebral artery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: As the largest and most complex cerebral artery, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) patterns and anomalies are not fully reported. At present, there is confusion about the criteria for the different subtypes. The study of MCA patterns and anomalies is important because variants such as accessories or duplicates represent a high risk of failure during endovascular embolization or navigation during treatment for ischemic stroke. This study conducted a systematic review of studies on the neuroangiography patterns and anomalies of MCA. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of four articles online databases and included English articles from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Directory of Open Access Journals, and EBSCOhost. RESULTS: The proportion of the MCA branching pattern was 1.9% (range from 0% to 6.3%) for monofurcation, 1.0% (range from 0% to 1.4%) for tetrafurcation, 69.9% (range from 58.1% to 92.7%) for bifurcation, and 27% (ranging from 7.3% to 40.4%) for trifurcation. The proportion of MCA anomalies for accessory is 0.03% (range from 0% to 1%), duplication is 0.17% (range from 0% to 3%), and fenestration is 0.15% (range from 0% to 2%). CONCLUSION: The proportions of the branching pattern and anomalies of MCA based on the systematic review are described in this study. This study is the first to systematically review the neuroangiography pattern of MCA and neuroangiography variations/anomalies of MCA in the literature.

Clinical Improvement of Patients with Endovascular Treatment in the Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Fistula.

A carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (CCF) is a clinical condition when there is an abnormal communication between the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery (ECA), or any of their branches to the cavernous sinus. Traumatic CCF (TCCF) is the most common type of all CCFs. This study aims to find clinical improvement of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas (TCCF) after endovascular treatment. We predict the degree of clinical recovery in an attempt to make the treatment of TCCF safe and effective. This study reported a series of 28 patients with TCCFs undergoing coiling and ballooning in a period of 3 years, i.e., from December 2014 to December 2017. This is a novel case report about CCF in our country, Indonesia, especially in Surabaya. We performed clinical, angiographical, and radiological assessments before and at regular time periods after the procedure until 6 months. All patients had a partial and complete occlusion of the fistula. Angiographic occlusion of fistula, visualization of the ophthalmic artery, and disappearance of bruit predicted a good clinical outcome. All patients made a recovery at different times, depending on the degree of fistulas and treatment. Improvement in clinical symptoms had a direct correlation with the degree of occlusion. Treatment was divided into coiling and ballooning depending on patient's condition and angiographic examination. Trans femoral cerebral angiography is still very important diagnostic tool in the diagnosis and treatment of TCCFs.

Stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: Case series.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive techniques such as stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (SICH) evacuation can minimize brain tissue damage due to surgery. We share our experience of adopting stereotactic aspiration of SICH in our center without compromising safety. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Three stereotactic aspiration procedures for SICH immediately after 24 h of onset are reported. All cases showed good results. Level of consciousness of all the patient returned to normal. Two patients could carry out routine activities independently. One patient has left hemiparesis. DISCUSSION: Stereotactic aspiration of SICH has been newly implemented at our center with acceptable results achieved. Patient selection has an important role in determining the choice of technique. The procedures were done without anticoagulant agent. Stereotactic aspiration of SICH is associated with limited brain tissue damage, shorter duration of surgery, reduced length of stay, faster postoperative healing, and better functional improvement. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic aspiration of SICH is a minimally invasive defined strategy for hematoma evacuation without compromising safety.

Clinical Outcomes of Repeated Intraventricular Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Haemorrhagic Stroke. A One-Year Follow Up.

OBJECT: Stroke, one of the most devastating diseases, is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world and is also associated with emotional and economic problems. The main goal of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of the intraventricular transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in post-haemorrhagic stroke patients. METHOD: This study was done consisting of eight patients with supratentorial haemorrhagic stroke, who had undergone 24 weeks of standard treatment of stroke with stable neurological deficits. All of the patients received stem cell transplantation intraventricularly using autologous BM-MSCs. Six months and Twelve months after stem cells treatment, the clinical outcomes were measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and adverse effect also observed. RESULT: The results of this study showed improvement of NIHSS score values before and after the treatment in five patients. No adverse effects or complications were detected during the 1-year observation. CONCLUSION: Intraventricular transplantation of BM-MSCs has shown benefits in improving the functional status of post-haemorrhagic stroke patients with no adverse effect.

Intraventricular Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Ommaya Reservoir in Persistent Vegetative State Patients after Haemorrhagic Stroke: Report of Two Cases & Review of the Literature.

Background: One of the most devastating diseases, stroke, is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with severe emotional and economic consequences. The purpose of this article is mainly to report the effect of intraventricular transplantation via an Ommaya reservoir using autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in haemorrhagic stroke patients. Case Presentations: Two patients, aged 51 and 52, bearing sequels of haemorrhagic stroke were managed by intraventricular transplantation of BM-MSCs obtained from their own bone marrow. Before the procedure, both patients were bedridden, tracheostomised, on nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and in hemiparesis. The cells were transplanted intraventricularly (20 x 106 cells/2.5 ml) using an Ommaya reservoir, and then repeated transplantations were done after 1 and 2 months consecutively. The safety and efficacy of the procedures were evaluated 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the patients' neurological status before and after treatment. No adverse events derived from the procedures or transplants were observed in the one-year follow-up period, and the neurological status of both patients improved after treatment. Conclusions: Our report demonstrates that the intraventricular transplantation of BM-MSCs via an Ommaya reservoir is safe and it improves the neurological status of post-haemorrhagic stroke patients. The repeated transplantation procedure is easier and safer to perform via a subcutaneously implanted Ommaya reservoir. Key Words: Haemorrhagic stroke, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), intraventricular transplantation.

Delayed ischemic stroke after stent-assisted coil placement in cerebral aneurysm: characteristics and optimal duration of preventative dual antiplatelet therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics of delayed ischemic stroke after stent-assisted coil placement in cerebral aneurysms and to determine the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy for its prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement to obtain written informed consent was waived. Of 1579 patients with 1661 aneurysms, 395 patients (25.0%) with 403 aneurysms (24.3%) treated with stent-assisted coil placement were included and assigned to groups stratified as early (126 patients [31.9%]; 3 months of coil placement), midterm (160 patients [40.5%]; 6 months), or late (109 patients [27.6%]; ≥ 9 months), according to the time points of switching dual antiplatelet therapy to monotherapy from coil placement. Cumulative rates of delayed ischemic stroke in each group were calculated by using Kaplan-Meier estimates that were compared with log-rank tests. Risk factors of delayed ischemic stroke were identified by using Cox proportional hazard analysis. RESULTS: Delayed ischemic stroke occurred in 3.5% of all cases (embolism, 3.0%; thrombotic occlusion, 0.5%) within 2 months following the switch. Late switch yielded no delayed ischemic stroke, unlike early (seven of 126 patients [5.6%]; P = .013) or midterm (seven of 160 patients [4.4%]; P = .028) switch. Incomplete occlusion (hazard ratio, 6.68 [95% confidence interval: 1.490, 29.900]) was identified as a risk factor. CONCLUSION: Delayed ischemic stroke after stent-assisted coil placement is caused by embolism from or thrombotic occlusion of stent-containing vessels after switching from dual antiplatelet therapy to monotherapy. The stent-containing vessel with incomplete aneurysm occlusion presents as a long-term thromboembolic source. Therefore, dual antiplatelet therapy for more than 9 months and late switch to monotherapy are recommended for its prevention.