The efficacy of surgical site suction drain insertion in pterional craniotomy for intracranial cerebral aneurysm.

Objective: We evaluated the role of subgaleal closed suction drains in postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH) and wound complications following pterional craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm. Methods: We reviewed 5,280 pterional craniotomies performed on 5,139 patients between January 2006 and December 2020. A drain was placed subgalealy and tip of drain was positioned between the bone flap and the deep temporalis. 1,637 cases (31%) had a subgaleal suction drain. We analyzed demographic and clinical variables related to EDH requiring evacuation and wound complications in patients with and without drains. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associated risk factors. Results: Fourteen cases (0.27%) of EDH requiring evacuation and 30 cases (0.57%) of wound complications were identified. Univariate analysis found that drain insertion, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and operation time were associated with EDH, while drain insertion, SAH, male gender, older age, and longer operation time were associated with wound complications. Multivariate analysis found no significant association between drain use and EDH (OR=1.62, p=0.402) or wound complications (OR=1.45, p=0.342). Conclusions: Routine use of subgaleal closed suction drains may not be necessary after pterional craniotomy, as drain insertion was not associated with a reduced risk of EDH requiring evacuation or wound complications.

Various treatment modalities for isolated intracranial middle cerebral arterial dissection with progressive ischemic symptoms: 2 case reports of endovascular stent and bypass surgery.

Isolated middle cerebral artery dissection (MCAD) is rare but increasingly recognized as a significant clinical entity, particularly in younger adults. Ischemic stroke is the most common manifestation in symptomatic cases but symptoms can vary in severity from headaches to severe neurologic deficits. Due to its rarity and unpredictable clinical course, there is no established treatment strategy for isolated MCAD. Through two case reports, we reviewed the post-operative clinical course of MCAD under different treatment modalities. Case 1 was a 21-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with headaches and left-side hemiparesis. Isolated MCAD was diagnosed and she was successfully treated with the placement of a self-expandable stent and subsequent chemical angioplasty for post-stent vasospasm. Case 2 was a 35-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with left-side hemiparesis and dysarthria. Isolated MCAD was diagnosed and she was successfully treated with superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis.

Telemedicine Protocols for the Management of Patients with Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rural and Medically Underserved Areas in Gangwon State: Recommendations for Doctors with Less Expertise at Local Emergency Rooms.

Previously, we reported the concept of a cloud-based telemedicine platform for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at local emergency rooms in rural and medically underserved areas in Gangwon state by combining artificial intelligence and remote consultation with a neurosurgeon. Developing a telemedicine ICH treatment protocol exclusively for doctors with less ICH expertise working in emergency rooms should be part of establishing this system. Difficulties arise in providing appropriate early treatment for ICH in rural and underserved areas before the patient is transferred to a nearby hub hospital with stroke specialists. This has been an unmet medical need for decade. The available reporting ICH guidelines are realistically possible in university hospitals with a well-equipped infrastructure. However, it is very difficult for doctors inexperienced with ICH treatment to appropriately select and deliver ICH treatment based on the guidelines. To address these issues, we developed an ICH telemedicine protocol. Neurosurgeons from four university hospitals in Gangwon state first wrote the guidelines, and professors with extensive ICH expertise across the country revised them. Guidelines and recommendations for ICH management were described as simply as possible to allow more doctors to use them easily. We hope that our effort in developing the telemedicine protocols will ultimately improve the quality of ICH treatment in local emergency rooms in rural and underserved areas in Gangwon state.

Development of Cloud-Based Telemedicine Platform for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Gangwon-do : Concept and Protocol.

We aimed to develop a cloud-based telemedicine platform for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at local hospitals in rural and underserved areas in Gangwon-do using artificial intelligence and non-face-to-face collaboration treatment technology. This is a prospective and multi-center development project in which neurosurgeons from four university hospitals in Gangwondo will participate. Information technology experts will verify and improve the performance of the cloud-based telemedicine collaboration platform while treating ICH patients in the actual medical field. Problems identified will be resolved, and the function, performance, security, and safety of the telemedicine platform will be checked through an accredited certification authority. The project will be carried out over 4 years and consists of two phases. The first phase will be from April 2022 to December 2023, and the second phase will be from April 2024 to December 2025. The platform will be developed by dividing the work of the neurosurgeons and information technology experts by setting the order of items through mutual feedback. This article provides information on a project to develop a cloud-based telemedicine platform for acute ICH patients in Gangwon-do.

Post-Marketing Safety Surveillance of a Childhood Pentavalent Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis-Polio and Haemophilus influenzae Type B (DTaP-IPV//Hib) Vaccine in South Korea.

INTRODUCTION: PENTAXIM™ (Sanofi), DTaP-IPV//Hib, a pentavalent combination vaccine for protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, has been licensed in South Korea by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on May 9, 2016, and is currently used in routine vaccination. The aim of this phase IV study, conducted as a post-licensure commitment in South Korea, was to evaluate the safety of the DTaP-IPV//Hib vaccine when administered in infants at 2, 4, and 6 months of age in the real-world clinical practice. METHODS: This multicenter, observational, post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study was conducted in real-world practice in South Korea. Infants aged 2 months or older were enrolled across seven centers from July 31, 2018 to February 11, 2020. The study outcomes included occurrence, time to onset, duration, intensity, and causality assessment (for unsolicited adverse events [AEs] only) for several pre-listed solicited injection-site and systemic reactions, unsolicited AEs, and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: Data from 619 participants were included in the safety analysis. Overall, 618 AEs were reported by 273 (44.1%) participants consisting of 121 solicited injection-site reactions (15.4%), 344 solicited systemic reactions (24.6%), and 153 unsolicited AEs (15.7%) of which, 124 were unexpected AEs (12.9%) (regardless of intensity). None of the unsolicited AEs were reported to have a causal relationship with the study vaccine. One SAE of pyrexia (solicited reaction) was reported. Most AEs were of mild intensity, and all participants recovered. CONCLUSION: This PMS study of the DTaP-IPV//Hib vaccine confirmed its safety profile in a real-life setting in South Korea and justified that the vaccine is well tolerated when used in infants aged 2 months or older for the primary series.

A Ruptured lenticulostriate artery aneurysm in moyamoya disease treated with Onyx embolization.

Lenticulostriate artery (LSA) aneurysms are uncommon. Here, we report one case of ruptured LSA aneurysm which is related to Moyamoya disease (MMD). Surgical treatment of this aneurysm is challenging because of its deep location and complex neural structures around the LSA. We report one case treated with endovascular Onyx embolization, successfully and review LSA aneurysm associated with MMD.

Comparative analysis of the recent publication trends in 4 representative journals in the spine field.

ABSTRACT: We have analyzed and compared the publication trends in 4 representative spinal journals [Spine, European Spinal Journal (EUS), The Spine Journal (TSJ), and the Journal of Neurosurgery - Spine (JNS spine)] from 2016 to 2018.A total of 3784 articles were published in the 4 representative journals: 1358, 1128, 685, and 613 articles in Spine, EUS, TSJ, and JNS spine, respectively. We compared and analyzed each periodical for the time taken (days) for the publication process, the distribution of specialties of the corresponding author, multicity of the investigative institutions, main disease entity, study type, and design.The period from submission to online publication was 133, 216, 181, and 318 days in Spine, EUS, TSJ, and JNS spine, respectively. Corresponding authors with orthopedic specialties were more common in Spine, EUS, and TSJ than in JNS spine. Of particular note, corresponding authors who were neurosurgeons were the majority (55.8%) only in JNS spine. Single institution articles were by far the most common (average 92.8%) in all 4 journals. In all of the analyzed journals, the proportion of degenerative diseases was dominant with an average of 44.9%. The most frequent study type in all 4 journals was a clinical article (79.6, 72.1, 63.3, and 63.1%, respectively). In general, meta-analyses (average 4%) and randomized controlled comparative studies (average 5.2%) accounted for a very low percentage of the study types.We believe that periodic analyses and comparisons of the characteristics of representative spine journals will help to shape the direction of future improvements.

Post-Marketing Surveillance Observational Study of Quadrivalent Meningococcal Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY-DT, MCV4/Menactra®) in the Republic of Korea, 2014-2019.

BACKGROUND: Invasive meningococcal disease is a notifiable disease in the Republic of Korea. The meningococcal (groups A, C, Y, and W) polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-DT, Menactra®) was licensed in the Republic of Korea in 2014. This post-marketing surveillance (PMS) observational study aims to assess the safety of MenACWY-DT administration of routine clinical care to individuals aged 9-23 months as a two-dose series at least 3 months apart and to individuals 2-55 years as a single dose. METHODS: The PMS observational study (NCT02864927) included participants aged 9 months to 55 years and who were given MenACWY-DT during routine healthcare visits. The study participants were followed-up for up to 30 days following vaccination (additional time was allowed for the visit or phone call to be conducted). Study outcomes included solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions, unexpected adverse events, and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: A total of 640 participants 9-23 months of age and 671 participants 2-55 years of age were eligible for safety analysis. Overall, AEs were reported by 35.3% of participants aged < 2 years and 45% of participants aged 2-55 years. Solicited adverse reactions were reported by 21.4% and 17.4% of participants aged < 2 years and 2-55 years, respectively. Unsolicited adverse reactions were reported by 26.1% and 37.9%, respectively. No vaccine-related SAEs occurred during the study. The AEs reported in Korean population were consistent with the known safety profile of MenACWY-DT, and most were of grade 1-2 in severity. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not detect any unanticipated or new safety findings of concern with MenACWY-DT in either of the study age groups, and provides reassurance that MenACWY-DT can be used as part of routine immunization care for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT02864927.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination with the Live-Attenuated Japanese Encephalitis Chimeric Virus Vaccine (Imojev®) in South Korea, 2015-2019.

INTRODUCTION: The live attenuated Japanese encephalitis chimeric virus vaccine (JE-CV; Imojev®) has been approved in South Korea for use in subjects aged ≥ 12 months since 2015. As part of the license agreement, a post-marketing surveillance study was undertaken to actively monitor the safety profile of JE-CV in the Korean population. METHODS: An observational, active safety surveillance study was conducted from 3 April 2015 through to 2 April 2019 at 12 centers in South Korea. Subjects aged ≥ 12 months who received a single dose of JE-CV (primary or booster) during a routine healthcare visit were recruited and followed up for solicited reactions (7 and 14 days for injection site and systemic reactions, respectively), non-serious unsolicited adverse events and serious adverse events within 42 days after vaccination. RESULTS: Overall, 810 subjects who received JE-CV were included in our analysis, the majority received the vaccine as a primary vaccination (94.9%; 769/810). There were 179 solicited reactions reported by 111 subjects; the majority of solicited reactions occurred within 0-3 days (80.4%; 144/179), were of 1-3 days' duration (79.3%; 142/179) and of grade 1 intensity (70.9%; 127/179). There were three grade 3 adverse reactions (irritability, pyrexia and malaise); all resolved within a few days. The incidence of solicited reactions were highest in those aged 12 to < 24 months (34.7% [52/150] subjects; 107 events) and 2 to < 10 years (17.8% [8/45] subjects; 14 events). All unsolicited adverse events (serious and non-serious) were unrelated to vaccination. There were no discontinuations due to adverse reactions/events. CONCLUSION: JE-CV has a good safety profile under practice conditions in South Korea. No new safety issues were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02933710.

Fracture and migration of a retained wire into the thoracic cavity after endovascular neurointervention: report of 2 cases.

Although extremely rare, retention of foreign bodies such as microcatheters or micro guidewires can occur during various neurovascular procedures due to gluing of the microcatheter tip or entanglement of the micro guidewire tip with intravascular devices. The authors have experienced 2 cases of irresolvable wire retention, one after flow diverter placement for a left cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm and the other after intracranial stenting for acute basilar artery occlusion. The first patient presented 6 weeks after her procedure with right lung parenchymal hemorrhage due to direct piercing of the lung parenchyma after the retained wire fractured and migrated out of the aortic arch. The second patient presented 4 years after his procedure with pneumothorax due to migration of the fractured guidewire segment into the right thoracic cavity. In this report, the authors discuss the possible mechanisms of these unusual complications and how to prevent delayed consequences from a retained intravascular metallic wire.

Fusion 3-Dimensional Angiography of Both Internal Carotid Arteries in the Evaluation of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether fusion 3-dimensional (3D) angiography of both internal carotid arteries can better disclose vascular details in patients diagnosed with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms by computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). METHODS: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with ACoA aneurysms by CTA or MRA were evaluated by the new postprocessing feature, fusion 3D angiography, with results individually interpreted by 4 experts. Those experts compared fusion 3D angiography with dominant A1 side single 3D angiography to define advantages and disadvantages for ACoA aneurysms. Patients with unilateral A1 aplasia or rudimentary A1 were excluded. Patients who showed any disadvantages with this additional feature were classified as group 1, those with no advantages were classified as group 2, those with 1 or 2 advantages were classified as group 3, and those with 3 or more advantages were classified as group 4. Radiologic and clinical results were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 33 (87%) benefited from fusion 3D angiography, including 17 in group 3 and 16 in group 4; of the remaining patients, 1 was classified as group 1 and 4 were classified as group 2. Representative 5 categories of advantage to fusion angiography were found and summarized by the 4 experts. All 33 patients showed defining the exact anatomy of the ACoA, and 22 (67%) showed full angiographic features of A2 or A3, including branches. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion 3D angiography can significantly contribute to a better understanding of the complex anatomy of the anterior cerebral artery-ACoA complex, which is essential for successful treatment planning for ACoA aneurysms.

Three-Dimensional Angiographic Evaluation of Middle Cerebral Artery Trunk Aneurysms: Demonstration of the Close Relationship Between the Early Frontal Cortical Branches and Lateral Lenticulostriate Arteries.

BACKGROUND: For the treatment planning of a patient with a middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk aneurysm, understanding the anatomic relationship among the aneurysm, branching vessels, and lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) is important. We aimed to demonstrate the branching-vessel anatomy related to an MCA trunk aneurysm using 3-dimensional (3D) angiography. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3D angiographic findings of 64 cases of MCA trunk aneurysms using a 3D workstation with various postprocessing conditions. We classified the aneurysms into 4 groups (early frontal cortical branch [EFCB], early temporal cortical branch [ETCB], LSA, and nonbranching aneurysms) and analyzed the relationship between the branching vessels and the LSAs. RESULTS: There were 30 EFCB aneurysms, 25 ETCB aneurysms, 7 LSA aneurysms, and 2 nonbranching aneurysms. Twenty-six (86.7%) of the 30 EFCB aneurysms shared common origins and were associated with the LSAs, but none of the 25 ETCB aneurysms were. Three of 24 patients who received clipping for an EFCB aneurysm experienced a postoperative infarction in the LSA territory. In these 3 patients, the LSA originated from the EFCB and was closely related with the aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a clinically important anatomic relationship between the MCA trunk aneurysm and branching vessels, including the LSAs. EFCB aneurysms show a close relationship with the LSAs. Pretreatment identification of the origin of the LSAs is important to obviate any perforator injury in EFCB aneurysms.

Hemodynamic Characteristics Regarding Recanalization of Completely Coiled Aneurysms: Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis Using Virtual Models Comparison.

PURPOSE: Hemodynamic factors are considered to play an important role in initiation and progression of the recurrence after endosaccular coiling of the intracranial aneurysms. We made paired virtual models of completely coiled aneurysms which were subsequently recanalized and compared to identify hemodynamic characteristics related to the recurred aneurysmal sac. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created paired virtual models of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in five aneurysms which were initially regarded as having achieved complete occlusion and then recurred during follow-up. Paired virtual models consisted of the CFD model of 3D rotational angiography obtained in the recurred aneurysm and the control model of the initial, parent artery after artificial removal of the coiled and recanalized aneurysm. Using the CFD analysis of the virtual model, we analyzed the hemodynamic characteristics on the neck of each aneurysm before and after its recurrence. RESULTS: High wall shear stress (WSS) was identified at the cross-sectionally identified aneurysm neck at which recurrence developed in all cases. A small vortex formation with relatively low velocity in front of the neck was also identified in four cases. The aneurysm recurrence locations corresponded to the location of high WSS and/or small vortex formation. CONCLUSION: Recanalized aneurysms revealed increased WSS and small vortex formation at the cross-sectional neck of the aneurysm. This observation may partially explain the hemodynamic causes of future recanalization after coil embolization.

Outpatient Day-care Neuroangiography and Neurointervention of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: Day-care management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms can shorten hospital stay, reduce medical cost and improve outcome. We present the process, outcome and duration of hospital stay for the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms via a neurointervention clinic in a single center during the past four years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 403 patients who were referred to Neurointervention Clinic at Asan Medical Center for aneurysm evaluation between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. There were 141 (41%) diagnostic catheter angiographies, 202 (59%) neurointerventional procedures and 2 (0.6%) neurointerventional procedures followed by operation. We analyzed the process, outcome of angiography or neurointervention, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: There was no aneurysm in 58 patients who were reported as having an aneurysm in MRA or CTA (14 %). Among 345 patients with aneurysm, there were 283 patients with a single aneurysm (82%) and 62 patients with multiple aneurysms (n=62, 18%). Aneurysm coiling was performed in 202 patients (59%), surgical clipping in 14 patients (4%), coiling followed by clipping in 2 patients (0.6%) and no intervention was required in 127 patients (37%). The hospital stay for diagnostic angiography was less than 6 hours and the mean duration of hospital stay was 2.1 days for neurointervention. There were 4 procedure-related adverse events (2%) including 3 minor and 1 major ischemic strokes. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that day-care management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms could be performed without an additional risk. It could enable rapid patient flow, shorten hospital stay and thus reduce hospital costs.

A tiny bleb at Junctional Dilatation of the Posterior Communicating Artery as a Predisposing Factor for Development of a De Novo Aneurysm.

Formation of de novo aneurysm from a junctional dilatation at the origin site of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) has been rarely reported. In this case report, three females in sixth decades of age developed a de novo aneurysm from the junctional dilatation of the PComA with a tiny bleb-like lesion over 5 years after initial presentation.

Clinical and Angiographical Delayed Cerebral Vasospasms After Uncomplicated Surgical Clipping of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Illustrated Review and Two Case Reports.

From January 2007 to April 2012, we performed 2427 surgical clippings for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Among these patients, two cases showed symptomatic and angiographic cerebral vasospasm in the delayed post-operative period without a complicated event. Additionally, we reviewed four cases of delayed cerebral vasospasms following uncomplicated operations that were consistent with our inclusion criteria in the previous literature. The pathogenesis and characteristics of these rare occurrences are reviewed from our two cases and previous literature. For clipping of UIAs, it should be kept mind that neurological symptoms are caused by delayed cerebral vasospasm, and careful observation with proper conservative treatment are necessary to ensure favorable outcomes.

The efficacy of bypass surgery using a short interposition graft for the treatment of intracranial complex aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a short interposition graft using saphenous vein or radial artery to connect the proximal superficial temporal artery and the M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: From March 2007 to February 2012, short interposition graft bypass operations were performed in 13 patients with complex intracranial aneurysms. There were 6 ruptured aneurysms, including blood blister-like aneurysms in 3 patients, giant aneurysms in 2 patients, and fusiform dissecting aneurysm in 1 patient. Among 7 patients with unruptured aneurysms, there were 5 giant aneurysms and 2 large fusiform aneurysms in the M2 segment. RESULTS: Parent artery occlusion with endovascular coiling (3 patients) or trapping by direct clipping (10 patients) was used to treat complex cerebral aneurysms. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was demonstrated in 11 patients (85%); the other 2 patients did not demonstrate occlusion immediately postoperatively. Except for 2 patients who presented with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage, patients (n = 11; 85%) demonstrated good scores on the Glasgow Outcome Scale. No new neurologic deficits developed in relation to insufficient blood flow through the bypass graft. In all 13 patients, graft patency was good at long-term follow-up (overall mean follow-up, 28.2 months). CONCLUSIONS: Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery using a short interposition graft for intracranial complex aneurysms seems to be safe and efficient hemodynamically after occlusion of the parent artery. It could be regarded as a good alternative to high-flow bypass surgery.

Characteristics and outcomes of varied treatment modalities for partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms: a review of 35 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs) in terms of location, shape, size, and symptoms, and to assess outcome according to the type of treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the radiological and clinical findings of 35 cases of PTIAs followed in our institution between 2006 and 2011. We divided all treatment modalities into two groups. Patients in group A (n = 15) were treated by blood flow blockage from the lesion of the pathogenic segment of the parent where the PTIAs originated, and patients in group B (n = 20) were only treated with obliteration of the remnant perfused aneurysmal sac. Radiological and clinical outcomes of treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Group A showed complete occlusion in 15 cases (100 %) compared to six cases (30.0 %) in group B (p < 0.001). No cases required retreatment in group A, while six cases (30.0 %) underwent retreatment in group B (p = 0.027). In terms of clinical outcome, 12 cases (80.0 %) showed symptomatic improvement in group A compared to eight cases (40.0 %) in group B (p = 0.037). Nine cases (60.0 %) showed improvement in postoperative GOS at six months compared to initial preoperative GOS in group A versus four (20.0 %) in group B (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: PTIAs should be treated by preventing blood flow from the lesion of the pathogenic segment of the parent artery where PTIAs originate. This treatment approach is associated with better clinical and radiological outcomes.