Spinal cord arteriovenous shunts of the ventral (anterior) sulcus: anatomical, clinical, and therapeutic considerations.

INTRODUCTION: Ventral sulcus spinal cord arteriovenous shunts (SCAVS) are rare vascular lesions that are located outside the spinal cord, are exclusively vascularized by the anterior spinal axis, and drain exclusively through the anterior spinal vein. We report the anatomical, clinical, and neuro-radiological features of SCAVS managed by our team. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with SCAVSs evaluated by the senior author of this report (GR) between 1981 and 2014. Data were collected by reviewing clinical notes and by a systematic analysis of spinal angiograms and MRI. RESULTS: Among 358 patients, we identified 8 patients (3 women) with ventral sulcus spinal cord arteriovenous shunts. Mean age was 30.5 years. Six patients presented with progressive neurological symptoms, and two with acute neurological symptoms related to hematomyelia. Three shunts were located in the cervical cord, four in the thoracic cord, and one at the conus medullaris; there were two nidus type A-V shunts (AVMs) and six fistula type A-V shunts (AVFs). Seven patients were treated by endovascular therapy with glue embolization. Embolization led to anatomical cure in 5 cases, and a significant reduction of shunt volume and flow of more than 75% in 2 cases. In none of the cases we observed permanent morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: AVS of the ventral sulcus of the spinal cord are rare. Recognition of these lesions and precise localization of the anatomical space in which they are located, may allow a better understanding of their pathophysiology and clinical manifestations and guide proper therapeutic decisions.

Retrograde suction decompression of a large internal carotid aneurysm using a balloon guide catheter combined with a blood-returning circuit and STA-MCA bypass: a technical note.

It is difficult to treat large internal carotid aneurysms with simple surgical clipping. Here, we present a retrograde suction decompression (RSD) procedure for large internal carotid aneurysms using a balloon guide catheter combined with a blood-returning circuit and a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass.All patients underwent an STA-MCA bypass before the temporary occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). A 6-French sheath was inserted into the common carotid artery (CCA), and a 6-French Patrive balloon catheter was placed into the ICA 5 cm past the bifurcation. Aneurysm exposure was obtained; temporary clips were placed on the proximal M1, A1, and posterior communicating (Pcom) segments; and an extension tube was then connected to the balloon catheter. A three-way stopcock was placed, and aspiration was performed through the device to collapse the aneurysm. The aspirated blood was returned to a venous line with an added heparin to prevent anemia after aspiration. During the decompression, the blood flow to the cortical area was supplied through the STA-MCA bypass. After the aneurysm collapse, the surgeon carefully dissected the perforating artery from the aneurysm dome or neck, and permanent clips were then placed on the aneurysm neck. Our procedure has several advantages, such as STA-MCA bypass without external carotid artery occlusion for preventing ischemic complications of the cortical area, anemia may be avoided because of the return of the aspirated blood, and a hybrid operation room is not required to perform this method.

Distal Endovascular Occlusion for Incomplete Occlusion of Cavernous Carotid Aneurysms after High-flow Bypass and Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Ligation.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation for placing a high-flow extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is used in patients with aneurysms on the cavernous portion of the ICA. Recanalization and rupture after proximal ICA ligation can occur. We present four patients who underwent endovascular distal ICA occlusion and report our surgical technique and treatment results. We ligated the ICA to place an EC-IC bypass using a radial artery (RA) graft. Failure to obtain spontaneous occlusion in the distal region required endovascular treatment an average of 219 days later. A guide catheter was placed in the common carotid artery, a guide or distal access catheter was introduced in the RA graft from the external carotid artery, and a microcatheter was navigated into the cavernous aneurysm through the RA graft. Using detachable coils, endovascular ICA occlusion was from just distal to the aneurysmal neck to a site proximal to the origin of the ophthalmic artery. Aneurysmal occlusion was completed by endovascular occlusion of the distal ICA. Complications were RA graft stenosis and transient consciousness disturbance due to local subarachnoid hemorrhage. Outpatient follow-up for a mean of 109.5 months revealed no recurrences. Distal occlusion of the ICA through the implanted RA graft is simple and presents a low risk for cerebral infarction due to thrombus formation during the procedure. To treat cavernous carotid aneurysms that do not disappear after placing the EC-IC bypass after ICA ligation at the aneurysmal neck, we offer our procedure as a treatment option.

Preoperative liquid embolization of cerebeller hemangioblastomas using N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to present and discuss clinical outcomes of preoperative liquid embolization of hemangioblastomas (HB) using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). METHODS: From 1999 through 2010, 19 patients presenting with symptoms of vertigo and/or headaches were diagnosed with HB based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiographic findings at our institution. Preoperative embolization with NBCA was performed on tumors in 10 of 21 operations for 19 patients. For each of these patients, the lesion was pathologically confirmed as HB. RESULTS: Embolization had a favorable outcome in all patients. No permanent neurological complications were observed after preoperative embolization using NBCA. However, thalamic infarction and minor hemorrhage were observed in two patients with cerebellar HB. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend NBCA as an embolization material for large cerebellar HB.

Superficial temporal arteriovenous fistula as a complication of rhytidectomy.

A 67-year-old woman who had undergone rhytidectomy 5 years before her presentation experienced increasing pulsatile tinnitus on the left side that had begun 2 years earlier. Angiography revealed a direct arteriovenous fistula between the superficial temporal artery and superficial temporal vein in front of her left ear. There was a scar from the earlier cosmetic surgery at the site. The fistula was embolized with N-butyl cyanoacrylate, and her tinnitus disappeared. We posit that the fistula was a complication of rhytidectomy and that a small arteriovenous fistula formed at the time of surgery and enlarged over time. This case indicates that arteriovenous fistulae can occur as a delayed complication of cosmetic surgery.

Successful balloon-assisted coil embolization for a diagnostically difficult case of spontaneous vertebrovertebral arteriovenous fistula.

BACKGROUND: We describe a rare case of idiopathic lower cervical vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VVAVF) with compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord, successfully treated with detachable coils utilizing the transarterial balloon-assisted technique without complication of coil mass. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 68-year-old woman was admitted for numbness of the left upper limb and pain in the left neck. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed compression of nerve roots and spinal cord by a large vascular lesion. The left vertebral angiography demonstrated a VVAVF draining into the vertebral venous plexus at C5 level. Under general anesthesia, the fistula site was accessed with a microcatheter through the right femoral artery, and successful embolization performed by compactly placing several detachable coils using balloon-assisted technique. The patient made a full recovery, with long-term MRI-documented left vertebral artery patency and no fistular leakage, and without postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Target occlusion utilizing the balloon-assisted technique in this case of VVAVF with compression of nerve roots and spinal cord, was effective in improving neurological symptoms, and achieved long-term occlusion when preservation of the VA was desired.

The meningeal branches of the superior cerebellar artery: a surgical observation study.

OBJECT The tentorial branch of the posterior cerebral artery was first identified in a cadaver dissection study. However, the tentorial branch of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) has not been clearly described in autopsy or normal anatomical studies. In this study, a dural branch of the SCA that was found during the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is described. METHODS Between April 2011 and March 2014, 70 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia underwent microvascular decompression. The records of 58 patients were reviewed to investigate the meningeal branch of the SCA. RESULTS The meningeal branch of the SCA was visualized in 15 of the 58 patients (25.9%). In 4 patients, it was necessary to divide this branch in order to achieve decompression of the trigeminal nerve without eliciting postoperative neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS This is the first identification of the meningeal branch of the SCA in living subjects, and such branches were rather frequently found. Recognition of this branch is important for the management of lesions in the cerebellopontine angle and tentorial lesions, using either an open microsurgical or endovascular method.

The long-term effects of transluminal balloon angioplasty for vasospasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage: analyses of cerebral blood flow and reactivity.

BACKGROUND: Transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) has come into wide use for management of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The long-term effects of TBA in this clinical context on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the functional properties of the arterial wall after aneurysmal SAH remain controversial. We therefore studied these effects. METHODS: All patients underwent unilateral TBA. Xenon-enhanced computed tomography was performed for an average of 18 days after TBA to measure CBF and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). Cerebral blood flow and CVR were compared between the side of TBA and the contralateral side. RESULTS: Nineteen vascular territories were treated successfully with TBA in 12 patients. Angiographic improvement of vasospasm was demonstrated in all 12 patients, and 9 (75%) patients showed neurological improvement. After balloon angioplasty, global CBF was 35.1 +/- 8.2 mL/100 g per minute, with CBF on the side with TBA (37.8 +/- 10.3 mL/100 g per minute) being essentially the same as that on the other side (P = .0671, paired Student t test). Likewise, reactivity to acetazolamide did not differ significantly between sides (P = .0817). CONCLUSION: Transluminal balloon angioplasty increased proximal vessel diameters but showed no significant influence on CBF or vascular reactivity 3 weeks later. Benefits presumably were short term, but the procedure was clinically safe.

Efficacy of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, for the treatment of acute lacunar infarction.

The effect of edaravone as an inhibitor of ischemic brain damage in addition to routine treatment was retrospectively examined in 70 patients with lacunar infarction who were admitted within 24 hours of symptom onset. Clinical status was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was used to assess clinical outcomes at 3 months after onset, with a good outcome defined as MRS score < or =2. Risk factors were also evaluated, including evidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and a history of smoking longer than 2 months. The probability of a good outcome and independence at 3 months was assessed by backward stepwise logistic regression analysis based on the maximum likelihood ratio. Administration of edaravone yielded an odds ratio with multivariate adjustment of 6.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.35 to 50.32; p < 0.05) for a good outcome at 3 months. Higher baseline NIHSS score and higher age also adversely affected the outcome at 3 months (p < 0.005). Administration of edaravone improves the outcome of patients with lacunar infarction.

Ambient Temperature Change Increases in Stroke Onset: Analyses Based on the Japanese Regional Metrological Measurements.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between various climate factors and stroke have long been a subject of investigation. The present study investigated in a single medical center the effects of periodic temperature changes on the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), atherothrombotic infarction (AI), lacunar infarction (LI), cardiogenic embolism (CE), and transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHODS: The subjects were 4,310 patients who had been hospitalized because of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke from January 2000 through December 2005. Ambient temperature data were collected from the Japan Meteorological Agency Database. The following factors were analyzed: number of stroke onsets per day; mean, maximum, and minimum ambient temperatures; and differences between the mean temperatures on the onset day and the previous week. Relationships between temperature factors and totals based on stroke subtypes were assessed by means of regression analyses with a standard least squares model controlling for specific covariates. RESULTS: The daily admissions for ICH, SAH, AI, LI, and CE increased when the mean temperature on the onset day was 1°C lower than that of the previous week. Decreases in minimum ambient temperature predicted increased numbers of admissions for ICH and for SAH. Conversely, a 1°C increase in maximum ambient temperature significantly affected ICH, AI, and CE admissions. There was no definitive relationship between temperature change and admissions for TIA. CONCLUSION: Both absolute and comparative changes in ambient temperature are related to increased onsets of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in Japan.

Middle cerebral artery thrombolysis through the contralateral internal carotid artery--case report.

A 63-year-old male presented with sudden onset of right hemiplegia and global aphasia. On admission he was stuporous. Computed tomography (CT) revealed no abnormalities except for right intraventricular meningioma found incidentally. Emergency angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) and left M1 trunk whereas the left ICA bifurcation remained patent. The ipsilateral ICA was permanently occluded with two detachable balloons to prevent thrombus migration into the distal ICA and middle cerebral artery (MCA), followed by thrombolysis of the clot in the ipsilateral M1 through the contralateral ICA with urokinase (total dose 420,000 U) under systemic heparinization. Partial recanalization of the ipsilateral MCA was accomplished. The time interval from onset to recanalization was about 3 hours. Postoperative CT showed no hemorrhagic transformation. Slight right paresis and mild motor aphasia persisted 2 months later and he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Thrombolysis of the MCA embolism can be performed through the contralateral ICA in the presence of ipsilateral ICA occlusion.

Successful treatment of a ruptured flow-related aneurysm in a patient with hemangioblastoma: Case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: No cerebral aneurysms on the feeder associated with hemangioblastomas that ruptured before resection have been reported. We report a patient with a ruptured flow-related aneurysm associated with cerebellar hemangioblastoma and a tumor feeder treated simultaneously by a single procedure of embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate before tumor removal. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old female with a cerebellar tumor was admitted to our institute. Four days later, she suffered a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage mainly in the posterior fossa. Left vertebral angiograms showed an aneurysm on the feeding artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Both the aneurysm and its main feeder were simultaneously treated by a single procedure of embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate. Their complete obliteration was confirmed angiographically. Four days after the procedure, we removed the tumor and the embolized aneurysm. The pathological diagnosis was hemangioblastoma and flow-related ruptured aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Cerebral angiography should be performed to rule out vascular abnormalities such as cerebral aneurysms adjacent to the tumor in patients with hemangioblastoma who present with intracranial hemorrhage. We emphasize the usefulness of embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate for hemangioblastoma with ruptured feeder aneurysm, by which the aneurysm and the feeder could be simultaneously embolized.

Endovascular Repair of a Middle Meningeal Artery Aneurysm after Cranial Surgery.

This report describes a case of middle meningeal artery aneurysm caused after cranial surgery. A 55-year-old woman who experienced a ruptured internal carotid artery anterior wall aneurysm was treated by internal carotid artery trapping and high-flow bypass using a radial artery graft. Eight days after surgery, we performed cerebral angiography to confirm patency of the radial artery graft and discovered a middle meningeal artery aneurysm, which was not identified in preoperative angiography. The aneurysm was treated by endovascular embolization using n-butyl cyanoacrylate and complete obliteration was confirmed by angiography. This middle meningeal artery aneurysm was associated with prior surgical procedures, particularly craniotomy or dural tenting sutures. Our study suggests that middle meningeal artery aneurysms can be a rare complication associated with brain surgery. Endovascular embolization using a liquid material may provide an effective and safe treatment for such cases.

Efficacy of tracheostomy for central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome caused by lateral medullary infarction.

Central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome (CAHS) is a rare and potentially fatal condition. However, respiratory care for patients with CAHS caused by lateral medullary infarction (CAHS-LMI) remains an important unsolved problem. We describe 2 patients with CAHS-LMI and review the case reports for 17 previously described patients. Patient 1 was a 78-year-old man who was referred to our hospital because of dizziness. After admission, Wallenberg syndrome developed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed left LMI. He had hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis the next afternoon and temporarily received mechanical ventilation. A tracheotomy was performed on the 12th hospital day, and the patient was weaned from the ventilator on the 18th hospital day. Patient 2 was 72-year-old man who was referred to our hospital because of dizziness and gait disturbance. Wallenberg syndrome was diagnosed after admission, and magnetic resonance imaging showed right LMI. His consciousness deteriorated, and hypercapnia developed on the ninth hospital day. The patient received ventilatory support, and a tracheotomy was performed on the 12th hospital day. He was weaned from the ventilator by the 16th hospital day. Consistent with our findings, most previously reported cases of CAHS-LMI were initially associated with mild symptoms, which subsequently worsened. Five of the 19 patients (26.3%) died within 1 month after onset, and 7 patients (36.8%) died within 1 year. Tracheotomy was performed in 12 patients, 2 of whom died 1 month after onset (16.7%); another patient died of chronic renal failure after 2 years. Tracheotomy seemed to be an effective procedure in patients with CAHS-LMI. We speculate that tracheotomy assists alveolar ventilation by reducing dead space ventilation. Closure of the tracheotomy should, therefore, be avoided in patients with CAHS-LMI, even if respiratory status is good.

Ruptured feeder aneurysm associated with cerebellar arteriovenous malformation.

We report 2 cases of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery associated with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The aneurysm and AVM were simultaneously embolized with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. In one case both the aneurysm and the AVM were totally obliterated; in the other case the AVM was subsequently treated with radiosurgery. In both cases the aneurysms were successfully occluded. The effectiveness and limitations of this treatment are discussed.

Cerebral artery restenosis following transluminal balloon angioplasty for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a widely used less invasive method to treat coronary artery stenosis, 10% of treated patients experience restenosis. Restenosis also occurs in approximately 5% of patients subjected to carotid artery stenting. Animal and human data suggested that restenosis is a response to injury incurred during PTA. As PTA has come into wide use to manage symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) we studied the incidence of restenosis after PTA for cerebral vasospasm. METHODS: Our study population consisted of 32 patients who had undergone PTA. They were followed by cerebral or 3DCT angiography or MRA for 6 126 months post-PTA (mean 48.65 months) to diagnose restenosis of the cerebral artery. We compared the size of the cerebral artery on the PTA and the contralateral side. RESULTS: All 32 patients underwent successful PTA of 38 vascular territories and all manifested angiographic improvement of vasospasm. None suffered restenosis during the follow up period. CONCLUSION: PTA resulted in a significant improvement in the vessel diameter in patients with vasospasm after SAH and they did not suffer restenosis in the course of prolonged follow-up.

Administration of free radical scavenger edaravone associated with higher frequency of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with cardiogenic embolism.

Free radicals are known to activate coagulation and inhibit fibrinolysis. Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, protects vascular endothelial cells and neurons during acute brain ischemia in in vitro models. Hemorrhagic transformation and treatment outcomes were retrospectively examined in 76 patients with acute cardiogenic embolism treated with edaravone in addition to routine treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Hemorrhagic transformation was categorized according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-II. Patient characteristics were also evaluated, including evidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, history of smoking, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on arrival, and modified Rankin scale at 3 months post-onset. Edaravone administration was one of the factors that contributed to increased frequency of hemorrhagic transformation, but had showed no significant relationship with the outcome. The present study showed that edaravone administration increased the frequency of hemorrhagic transformation with heparin in patients with cardiogenic embolism. Free radical scavenging may have promoted the coagulating conditions. Edaravone administration may allow reduction of the dose of heparin and tissue plasminogen activator in patients with acute ischemic stroke.