The effect of hematoma evacuation with decompressive craniectomy on clinical outcomes in patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 of hemorrhagic transformation after middle cerebral artery infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of hematoma evacuation (HE) with decompressive craniectomy (DC) and to evaluate whether HE with DC is associated with improvement of clinical outcomes in patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 (PH2) after middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. METHODS: Between March 2007 and August 2020, 73 patients with PH2 after MCA infarction underwent DC. The HE group (n = 28) consisted of subjects who underwent HE with DC and the non-HE group (n = 45) consisted of subjects who underwent only DC without HE. The clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in clinical outcomes were not observed between the groups at discharge (P = 0.648) and 12-month follow-up (P = 0.346). Mortality rate within 12 months was not significantly different between the groups (log-rank, P = 0.685). There were 12 reoperations in the HE group (42.9%) and three reoperations in the non-HE group (6.7%; P = 0.037). Logistic regression analysis showed the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR, 2.320; 95% CI, 1.128-5.965; P = 0.046) and the infarction volume (OR, 1.876; 95% CI, 1.935-11.892; P = 0.041) were independently associated with mortality (modified Rankin Scale, 6) within the 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PH2 of hemorrhagic transformation after MCA infarction, HE with DC does not change the clinical outcomes or mortality but might increase the reoperation risk.

Orbital Roof Blowout Fracture With an Intact Orbital Rim: A Case Report.

Background: Fractures of the orbital roof not associated with fractures of the orbital rim are unusual. We describe the case of a blowout fracture of the orbital roof with an intact orbital rim, which was found after craniotomy for removal of epidural hematoma. Case: A 64-year-old man was referred to our emergency department from a local hospital. He fell down from a 3-m stepladder while pruning branches of a tree. Brain computed tomographic scan revealed acute epidural hematoma in both frontal convexities, and he underwent craniotomy at the local hospital. On follow-up brain computed tomography, an orbital roof fracture with a displaced bony fragment and hemorrhage was noticed in the left superior extraconal space. Thereafter, he was transferred to our department. Upon examination, movement of the extraocular muscles was normal. He did not complain of diplopia or decreased sensation of the face. He also did not have nasal stuffiness. Exophthalmometry revealed the same findings for both eyes (18 mm/18 mm). Facial computed tomographic scan before the second operation revealed a displaced orbital roof fracture segment. Under general anesthesia, craniotomy was performed and the epidural hematoma was evacuated. The displaced bony fragment was removed from the left anterior cranial fossa, and the anterior skull base was reconstructed with a titanium mesh plate. Conclusion: Through this case of blowout fracture of the orbital roof with an intact orbital rim, found after craniotomy, we should be aware of the possibility that an orbital roof fracture can be missed on conventional brain computed tomography.

External Ventricular Drainage before Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Acute Period: Its Relation to Hemorrhagic Complications.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the authors' experience with external ventricular drainage (EVD) before endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and to investigate its relation to hemorrhagic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2010 and December 2017, a total of 122 patients were recruited who had an aSAH, underwent EVT to secure the ruptured aneurysm, and had EVD performed within 72 hours of rupture. The pre-embo EVD group (n=67) comprised patients who underwent EVD before EVT, and the post-embo EVD group (n=55) comprised those who underwent EVD after EVT. RESULTS: Overall, EVD-related hemorrhage occurred in 18 patients (14.8%): six (8.9%) in the pre-embo EVD group and 12 (21.8%) in the post-embo EVD group (P=0.065). No rebleeding occurred between EVD and EVT in the pre-embo EVD group. Clinical outcomes at discharge did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.384). At discharge, the final modified Rankin Scale score in patients who experienced pre-embo rebleeding was better in the pre-embo EVD group than in the post-embo EVD group (P=0.041). Current use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant on admission (odds ratio [OR], 2.928; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.234-7.439; P=0.042) and stent use (OR, 2.430; 95% CI, 1.524-7.613; P=0.047) remained independent risk factors for EVD-related hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSION: EVD before EVT in patients with aSAH in acute period did not increase the rate of rebleeding as well as EVD-related hemorrhagic complications. Thus, performing EVD before EVT may be beneficial by normalizing increased intracranial pressure. Especially in patients with rebleeding before the ruptured aneurysm is secured, pre-embo EVD may improve clinical outcomes at discharge.

Initial misdiagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: associating factors and its prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the fate of patients who are given a misdiagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains unclear. The purpose was to examine factors associated with initial misdiagnosis of aSAH and to investigate the impact of initial misdiagnosis of aSAH on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2015, medical records and radiographic data for 3118 consecutive patients with aSAH were reviewed. There were 33 patients who had been documented with an initial misdiagnosis of aSAH, and all met the following criteria: (1) failure to correctly identify aSAH upon initial presentation to health care professionals; and 2) subsequently documented aSAH after the initial misdiagnosis. After applying exclusion criteria, remaining 2898 patients were included in the control group. RESULTS: The most common cause of the misdiagnosis is failure to detect aSAH on the initial radiographic imaging. Misdiagnosis group showed lower initial Glasgow Coma Scale, better Hunt-Hess grade, and lower Fisher's grade. Logistic regression analysis showed that initial HH grade (OR, 0.216; p = 0.014), initial Fisher's grade (OR, 0.732; p = 0.036), and hospital type during initial contact (OR, 2.266; p = 0.042) were independently associated with misdiagnosis of aSAH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with initially good HH grade, lower Fisher's grade, and visiting non-teaching hospital for initial contact were at risk of being misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis of aSAH in patients with initial good HH grade did affect clinical outcomes negatively. The rebleeding rate was not significantly different between two groups. However, the mortality rate due to rebleeding was higher in MisDx group than in non-MisDx group.

Endovascular Treatment of a Fusiform Aneurysm Involving a Premammillary Artery Originating from the Internal Carotid Artery: A Case Report.

The premammillary artery (PMA) is a branch of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). While the PMA is known to originate from the PCoA as demonstrated by most anatomical studies, it originates directly from the internal carotid artery in approximately 1% of patients. Cerebral aneurysms associated with the PMA have rarely been reported. We report an extremely rare case of a ruptured PMA aneurysm that was managed using endovascular treatment.

Pelvic Incidence Can Be Changed not only by Age and Sex, but also by Posture Used during Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography (CT), rather than conventional 2-dimensional radiography, was used to scan and measure pelvic parameters. The results were compared with measurements using X-ray. METHODS: Pelvic parameters were measured using both CT and X-ray in 254 patients who underwent both abdomino-pelvic CT and X-ray at the pelvic site. We assessed the similarity of the pelvic parameters between the 2 exams, as well as the correlations of pelvic parameters with sex and age. RESULTS: The mean values of the subjects' pelvic parameters measured on X-ray were: sacral slope (SS), 31.6°; pelvic tilt (PT), 18.6°; and pelvic incidence (PI), 50.2°. The mean values measured on CT were: SS, 35.1°; PT, 11.9°; and PI, 47.0°. PT was found to be 4.07° higher on X-ray and 2.98° higher on CT in women, with these differences being statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.001). PI was 4.10° higher on X-ray and 2.78° higher on CT in women, with these differences also being statistically significant (p<0.001, p=0.009). We also observed a correlation between age and PI. For men, this correlation coefficient was 0.199 measured using X-ray and 0.184 measured using CT. For women, this correlation coefficient was 0.423 measured using X-ray and 0.372 measured using CT. CONCLUSION: When measured using CT compared to X-ray, SS increased by 3.5°, PT decreased by 6.7°, and PI decreased by 3.2°. There were also statistically significant differences in PT and PI between male and female subjects, while PI was found to increase with age.

Fusiform Superior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm Treated with Endovascular Treatment.

An aneurysm of the distal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) is a highly rare disease. Fusiform aneurysms of the distal SCA are particularly challenging to treat. Clipping, trapping with or without bypass using microsurgery or endovascular treatment (EVT) were used to treat this condition. We describe the case of fusiform distal SCA aneurysms treated successfully with endovascular coiling with a 3-month follow-up. A 39 year-old male was presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and a 15 mm fusiform aneurysm of the ambient segment of the left distal SCA. EVT for parent artery occlusion and packing of the aneurysm was done. Left sixth nerve palsy appeared after 1 day of EVT. The symptom completely recovered within 1 week of the post-procedural period. No neurological deficit was seen during the clinical 3-month follow-up. EVT of fusiform distal SCA aneurysms with coils is a safe and feasible option to manage this rare condition. However, the treatment options must be carefully selected depending on the neurologic condition, development of collateral circulation, and configuration of the dissection.

Preventive Suboccipital Decompressive Craniectomy for Cerebellar Infarction: A Retrospective-Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No evidence is available on the benefits of preventive suboccipital decompressive craniectomy (SDC) for patients with cerebellar infarction. The purpose of this matched case-control study was to investigate whether preventive SDC was associated with good clinical outcomes in patients with cerebellar infarction and to evaluate its predisposing factors. METHODS: Between March 2007 and September 2015, 28 patients underwent preventive SDC. We performed propensity score matching to establish a proper control group among 721 patients with cerebellar infarction during the same period. Group A (n=28) consists of those who underwent preventive SDC, and group B (n=56) consists of those who did not undergo preventive SDC. We analyzed and compared clinical outcomes between groups. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were better in group A than in group B at discharge (P=0.048) and 12-month follow-up (P=0.030). Group B had more deaths within 12 months than group A (log-rank, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that preventive SDC (odds ratio, 4.815; P=0.009) and the absence of brain stem infarction (odds ratio, 2.862; P=0.033) were independently associated with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable clinical outcomes including overall survival can be expected after preventive SDC in patients with a volume ratio between 0.25 and 0.33 and the absence of brain stem infarction. Among these patients, preventive SDC might be better than the best medical treatment alone.

Incidence and Characteristics of Remote Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Endovascular Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of remote intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). METHODS: Between March 2007 and September 2015, 11 patients with remote ICH from a series of 2258 consecutive patients with 2597 UIAs treated via EVT were identified. Baseline demographic characteristics, medical history, radiologic imaging data, characteristics of remote ICH, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of patients with remote ICH were compared with those of patients without remote ICH. RESULTS: All hematomas were single lesions located in the subcortical white matter as lobar-type in 9 patients (81.8%) and in the basal ganglia in 2 patients (18.2%). Events occurred mostly within 1 week and up to 3 weeks after EVT. Hematoma was located on the ipsilateral side in 8 patients (72.7%) and in the contralateral side in 3 patients (27.3%). Compared with patients without remote ICH, there were more aneurysms located on the internal carotid artery (ICA) (P = 0.041), more patients treated with stents (P < 0.001), more patients with hypertension (P = 0.026), and poorer clinical outcomes at discharge (P < 0.001) for patients with remote ICH. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of remote ICH after EVT of UIAs was 0.46%. This event occurred mostly in patients with stents, hypertension, and UIAs on the ICA. It presented mostly as an ipsilateral lobar-type hemorrhage within 1 week after the procedure. This complication should not be neglected because of its poor clinical outcomes.

Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Findings of Subdural Osteoma: A Case Report.

We present a case of a subdural osteoma. A 29-year-old female presented with a 3-year history of headaches. Computed tomography scan revealed a homogeneous high-density lesion isolated from the inner table of the frontal bone (a lucent dural line) in the right frontal convexity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extra-axial lesion with a broad base without dural tail sign and punctate enhancement pattern characteristic of abundant adipose tissue. Upon surgical excision, we found a hard bony mass clearly demarcated from the dura. The mass displayed characteristics of an osteoma upon histological examination. The symptom was relieved after operation.

Management strategy of surgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms based on the location of aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Advances in endovascular treatment (EVT) have greatly improved the treatment outcomes of paraclinoid aneurysms. However, EVT had the shortcoming of durability and thromboembolic complications. As well, surgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is still challenging due to the complexity of adjacent structures. The objective of this study is to report our experience with a combined surgical and endovascular treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms based on the location of aneurysms. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 185 cases of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms that underwent surgical or endovascular treatment between September 2008 and August 2012. Thirty-one aneurysms (16.8%) were treated by microsurgery and 154 (83.2%) were treated by EVT. Fifty aneurysms (27.0%) were classified to the dorsal group and 135 (73%) were classified to the non-dorsal group. RESULTS: Twenty of 50 dorsal group aneurysms (40%) were treated by microsurgery while 124 of 135 non-dorsal group aneurysms (91.9%) underwent an EVT. The rate of complete occlusion was 96.8% in surgical series and 60.4% in EVT (P < 0.001). Recanalization occurred in 9 aneurysms (5.8%) of EVT and 1 aneurysm (3.2%) of surgical series (P = 0.360). In non-dorsal group, transient complications (10 aneurysms (5.4%), P = 0.018) and morbidity at last visiting (6 aneurysms (3.2%), P = 0.021) were more present in surgically treated cases rather than in EVT cases. Diplopia and visual field defect occurred in the non-dorsal group only; in 2 of 11 surgical cases (18.2%) and in 1 of 124 EVT series (0.8%) (P = 0.017). The overall rate of excellent or good clinical outcomes (Glasgow outcome scale 5 or 4) was 98.9%. CONCLUSION: EVT is a safe and effective treatment for the non-dorsal group. Based on angiographic and clinical aspects, microsurgical clipping has prior efficacy with better outcomes in the dorsal group under proper individualized selection.

Endovascular treatment of symptomatic high-flow vertebral arteriovenous fistula as a complication after c1 screw insertion.

High-flow vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VAVF) are rare complications of cervical spine surgery and characterized by iatrogenic direct-communication of the extracranial vertebral artery (VA) to the surrounding venous plexuses. The authors describe two patients with VAVF presenting with ischemic presentation after C1 pedicle screw insertion for a treatment of C2 fracture and nontraumatic atlatoaxial subluxation. The first patient presented with drowsy consciousness with blurred vision. The diffusion MRI showed an acute infarction on bilateral cerebellum and occipital lobes. The second patient presented with pulsatile tinnitus, dysarthria and a subjective weakness and numbness of extremities. In both cases, digital subtraction angiography demonstrated high-flow direct VAVFs adjacent to C1 screws. The VAVF of the second case occurred near the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery originated from the persistent first intersegmental artery of the left VA. Both cases were successfully treated by complete occlusion of the fistulous portion and the involved segment of the left VA using endovascular coil embolization. The authors reviewed the VAVFs after the upper-cervical spine surgery including C1 screw insertion and the feasibility with the attention notes of its endovascular treatment.

Treatment for giant fusiform aneurysm located in the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery using the pipeline embolization device.

The pipeline embolization device (PED) is a new endovascular device for treatment of complex, fusiform and wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. The main mechanism of this stent is to divert the flow in the parent artery with reduction of inflow in the aneurysm leading to thrombosis. We treated a 40-year-old woman who had left facial pain and orbit discomfort. Angiography showed a giant fusiform aneurysm located in the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery. A PED was successfully deployed across the aneurysm. The procedure and post-procedural course were uneventful. After 3 months, angiography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with good patency of the branching vessels originating from the deployed segment. The patient's symptoms improved completely without complications.

Thromboembolic complication following neurointervention in ruptured anomalous hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery aneurysm.

The anterior choroidal artery (AchA) is an important cerebral artery despite its small diameter and relatively short course, because it provides blood supply to several important structures. Hyperplastic AchA is an extremely rare anomaly, and its clinical significance is the increased occurrence of intracranial aneurysm formation compared with an ordinary AchA. Because it has many small choroidal branches, subtle injury to the artery may result in severe complications. We describe a patient with a ruptured aneurysm in anomalous hyperplastic AchA, who developed an acute internal capsule infarction after coil embolization in spite of saving the parent artery.

Assessment of stroke and concomitant cerebrovascular disease with heart disease requires invasive treatment: analysis of 249 consecutive patients with heart disease.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), heart problems, and stroke in patients who required an invasive cardiac procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 249 consecutive patients who required to or underwent invasive cardiac treatment and divided into a non-CVD group (n = 116) and a CVD group (n = 133). The latter group was divided into a coronary artery disease (CAD) group (n = 118) and a non-CAD group such as cardiac structural lesions (n = 15). RESULTS: No significant relationship with significant cerebrovascular stenosis was observed in either the CADs or non-CADs. The incidence of past stroke was significantly higher in the CVD group than that in the non-CVD group (12.8 vs. 3.4%; p = 0.017). Previous stroke event had increased odds of having significant cerebrovascular stenosis (odds ratio, 3.919, p = 0.006). In patients with both cardiac disease and the CVD, perioperative stroke was only one case (0.9%). The main source of stroke was cardiogenic in the immediate results and cerebrovascular lesions in the delayed results (1-12 months). CONCLUSION: The risk of perioperative stroke was very low in combined cardiac disease and the CVD. However, for preventing ischemic stroke due to the predetected cerebrovascular lesions, precautionary efforts could be needed for patients undergoing an invasive cardiac procedure, and concomitant cerebrovascular lesions should be considered as main source of delayed ischemic stroke.

Head Injury by Pneumatic Nail Gun: A Case Report.

A 56-year-old man had five nail gun-shots on his skull due to attempted suicide and was transferred to the emergency room. Because the nail head played a role as a brake, the launched nail made a hole in the skull but did not entirely pass through it. If major artery or sinuses are not involved, cautious retrieval after a small scalp incision can be performed and prophylactic antibiotics be administered for treatment.

Thromboembolic Events Associated with Electrolytic Detachment of Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Target Coils : Comparison with Use of Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate and compare the incidence of diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesions between the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) and the Target coil for treating unruptured intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: From 2010 to 2011, consecutive 222 patients with an intracranial aneurysm underwent coil embolization. Inclusion criterias were : 1) unruptured intracranial aneurysm, 2) one or more GDC or Target coils used with or without other coils, 3) DWI examination within 24 hours after coiling, and 4) coiling performed without a balloon or stent. RESULTS: Ninety patients (92 cases) met the inclusion criteria. DWI lesions were detected in 55 (61.1%) of 90 patients. In the GDC group (n=44), DWI lesions were detected in 31 (70.5%). The average number of DWI lesions was 5.0±8.7 (mean±SD; range, 1-40) in aneurysm-related territory. In the Target coil group (n=48), DWI lesions were detected in 24 (50.0%). The number of DWI lesion was 2.1±5.4 (range, 1-32) in aneurysm-related territory. There was no significant correlation between a number of coils and DWI lesions. No significant differences were also observed in the number of DWI lesions in each group. CONCLUSION: The GDC and Target coils, which have an electrolytic detachable system, showed no differences in the incidence of DWI lesion.

Angiographic characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms: risk factors for rupture.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms has been increasing with the recent advent of diagnostic tools and less invasive endovascular therapeutic options. Considering the low incidence of rupture, investigation of the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysm is important to predict rupture risk of the paraclinoid aneurysms. The objective of this study is to evaluate probable factors for rupture by analyzing the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. METHODS: A total of 2,276 aneurysms (1,419 ruptured and 857 unruptured) were diagnosed and treated endovascularly or microsurgically between 2001 and 2011. Among them, 265 were paraclinoid aneurysms, of which 37 were ruptured. Removing 12 blister-like aneurysms, 25 ruptured and 228 unruptured saccular aneurysms were included and the medical records and radiological images were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 25 aneurysms, 16 (64.0%) were located in the superior direction. Five were inferior located lesions (20%) and four were medially located lesions (16.0%). Laterally located lesions were not found. The mean size of aneurysms was 9.4 ± 5.6 mm. Ten aneurysms (40.0%) were ≥ 10 mm in size. Thirteen aneurysms (52.0%) were lobulated. The superiorly located aneurysms were larger than the other aneurysms (10.3 ± 5.8 mm vs. 7.7 ± 4.9 mm) and more frequently lobulated (ten of 16 vs. three of nine). In a comparative analysis, the ruptured aneurysms were located more in the superior direction compared with unruptured aneurysms (64 vs. 23.2%, p < 0.0001). Large aneurysms (36.0 vs. 7.9%, p < 0.0001), longer fundus diameter (mean 9.4 ± 5.6 vs. 4.8 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.001), dome-to-neck ratio (mean 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001), and lobulated shape aneurysms were more likely to be ruptured aneurysms (13 of 25 ruptured aneurysms, 52.0%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rupture risk of the paraclinoid aneurysm is very low. However, superiorly located paraclinoid aneurysms appear more likely to rupture than other locations. Angiographically, more conservative indication for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysm should be recommended except for superior located lesions.

Transvenous Embolization of Cavernous and Paracavernous Dural Arteriovenous Fistula through the Facial Vein: Report of 12 Cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the transfacial venous embolization of cavernous or paracavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in which approach via inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) was not feasible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified the cases of transfacial venous embolization of cavernous sinus (CS) or adjacent dural sinuses from the neurointerventional database of three hospitals. The causes and clinical and angiographic outcomes of transfacial venous embolization were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with CS (n = 11) or lesser wing of sphenoid sinus (LWSS, n = 1) DAVF were attempted to treat by transvenous embolization via ipsilateral (n = 10) or contralateral (n = 2) facial vein. Trans-IPS access to the target lesion was impossible due to chronic occlusion (n = 11) or acute angulation adjacent the target lesion (n = 1). In all twelve cases, it was possible to navigate through facial vein, angular vein, superior ophthalmic vein, and then CS. It was also possible to further navigation to contralateral CS through intercavernous sinus in two cases, and laterally into LWSS in one case. Post-treatment control angiography revealed complete occlusion of the DAVF in eleven cases and partial occlusion in one patient, resulting in complete resolution of presenting symptom in eight and gradually clinical improvement in four patients. There was no treatment-related complication during or after the procedure. CONCLUSION: In the cavernous or paracavernous DAVF in which trans-IPS approach is not feasible, the facial vein seems to be safe and effective alternative route for transvenous embolization.

Clinical features of acute subdural hematomas caused by ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous acute subdural hematomas (aSDH) secondary to ruptured intracranial aneurysms are rarely reported. This report reviews the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatments, and outcomes of this unusual and often fatal condition. METHODS: We performed a database search for all cases of intracranial aneurysms treated at our hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms who presented with aSDH on initial computed tomography (CT) were selected for inclusion. The clinical conditions, radiologic findings, treatments, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 551 patients were treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms during the review period. We selected 23 patients (4.2%) who presented with spontaneous aSDH on initial CT. Ruptured aneurysms were detected on initial 3D-CT angiography in all cases. All ruptured aneurysms were located in the anterior portion of the circle of Willis. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade on admission was V in 17 cases (73.9%). Immediate decompressive craniotomy was performed 22 cases (95.7%). Obliteration of the ruptured aneurysm was achieved in all cases. The Glasgow outcome scales for the cases were good recovery in 5 cases (21.7%), moderate disability to vegetative in 7 cases (30.4%), and death in 11 cases (47.8%). CONCLUSION: Spontaneous aSDH caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is rare pattern of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. For early detection of aneurysm, 3D-CT angiography is useful. Early decompression with obliteration of the aneurysm is recommended. Outcomes were correlated with the clinical grade and CT findings on admission.