Non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in aplastic or twig-like middle cerebral artery: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aplastic or twig-like middle cerebral artery (Ap/T-MCA) is a rare vascular anomaly that can cause hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Ap/T-MCA can induce aneurysms due to the fragility of the vessel wall, consequently leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. Herein, we report a case of Ap/T-MCA with subarachnoid hemorrhage without an aneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old man presented to our hospital with a sudden onset of headache. Computed tomography of the head revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the left Sylvian fissure; however, no aneurysm was observed on digital subtraction angiography. Following conservative treatment, follow-up imaging showed no aneurysm or no recurrent stroke. CONCLUSION: Non-aneurysmal SAH is a possible indication of vessel wall fragility in Ap/T-MCA; however, a standardized treatment strategy for this condition remains to be established.

A case of delayed foreshortening and disconnection of pipeline embolization device detected by chronological cone-beam computed tomography fusion image.

OBJECTIVE: The morphological changes of the pipeline embolization device (PED; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), such as delayed migration or foreshortening, can relate to the incomplete occlusion of aneurysms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old man with a giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysm was treated with two PEDs using the overlapping technique. Six months after treatment, follow-up angiography showed morphological changes of the PEDs and residual flow into the aneurysm. Chronological cone-beam computed tomography fusion imaging clearly revealed the dynamic foreshortening of the first PED and the disconnection of both PEDs, so we decided to implant an additional PED. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that a three-dimensional understanding can be useful for assessing the cause of treatment failure or recurrence.

Treatment outcome of coil embolization for distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, endovascular treatment has become the treatment of choice for distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms. In this study, we report the outcomes of coil embolization for DACA aneurysms. METHODS: Eighteen DACA aneurysms in 16 patients treated with endovascular treatment between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, data on aneurysms, the reason for the selection of endovascular treatment, treatment technique, and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: There were 18 procedures in 16 patients. The average age was 65.7 years and 56% of patients were male. The average diameter of the dome was 5.5 mm, and the location of aneurysm was A3 in 83% and A4 in 17%. We mainly selected endovascular treatment for patients with a past history of craniotomy and head trauma, or with systemic comorbidities. The technical success rate was 94%, and adequate obliteration immediately after treatment was achieved in 72%. There were no symptomatic periprocedural complications. The retreatment rate was 11.1%. CONCLUSION: Coil embolization for DACA aneurysms yielded good treatment outcomes. Endovascular treatment for DACA aneurysms will become more common with advances in endovascular devices and the establishment of stable perioperative antiplatelet therapy.

Trends in Incidence of Intracranial and Spinal Arteriovenous Shunts: Hospital-Based Surveillance in Okayama, Japan.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To date, the incidence of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to clarify recent trends in the rates of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts in Japan. METHODS: We conducted multicenter hospital-based surveillance at 8 core hospitals in Okayama Prefecture between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2019. Patients who lived in Okayama and were diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), or spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs) were enrolled. The incidence and temporal trends of each disease were calculated. RESULTS: Among a total of 393 cranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts, 201 (51.1%) cases of DAVF, 155 (39.4%) cases of cerebral arteriovenous malformation, and 34 (8.7%) cases of SAVS were identified. The crude incidence rates between 2009 and 2019 were 2.040 per 100 000 person-years for all arteriovenous shunts, 0.805 for cerebral arteriovenous malformation, 1.044 for DAVF, and 0.177 for SAVS. The incidence of all types tended to increase over the decade, with a notable increase in incidence starting in 2012. Even after adjusting for population aging, the incidence of nonaggressive DAVF increased 6.0-fold while that of SAVS increased 4.4-fold from 2010 to 2018. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous studies, we found that the incidence of DAVF is higher than that of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Even after adjusting for population aging, all of the disease types tended to increase in incidence over the last decade, with an especially prominent increase in SAVSs and nonaggressive DAVFs. Various factors including population aging may affect an increase in DAVF and SAVS.

Osseous arteriovenous fistulas in the dorsum sellae, clivus, and condyle.

PURPOSE: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) located in the cavernous sinus (CS), clivus, and condyle can be osseous shunts in nature. Here, we reviewed the angioarchitecture, clinical characteristics, and treatment results of AVFs in these lesions. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with 27 lesions who underwent rotational angiography in our department between May 2013 and December 2019 were reviewed. We examined 20 CS AVFs, 2 clival AVFs, and 5 condylar AVFs. We divided the anatomical shunted pouches into five locations: the dorsum sellae (posteromedial of the CS), posterolateral wall of the CS, lateral wall of the CS, clivus, and condyle. We divided the AVFs into three categories: intraosseous, transitional, and nonosseous shunts. We analyzed the characteristics and treatment results. RESULTS: A total of 33 shunted pouches or points were identified in 27 lesions. The dorsum sellae (n = 16) was the most frequent location. Fourteen AVFs (88%) in the dorsum sellae were osseous (intraosseous or transitional) shunts. All AVFs in the clivus or condyle were also osseous shunts. Eleven lesions (92%) of intraosseous and all lesions of transitional shunts exhibited bilateral external carotid artery involvement as feeders. Ten lesions (83%) of intraosseous shunts were treated with selective transvenous embolization of the shunted pouch with or without additional partial embolization of the sinus. Eleven (92%) intraosseous shunts were completely occluded, and symptom resolution was achieved in all intraosseous shunts. CONCLUSION: Most of the CS AVFs with shunted pouches in the dorsum sellae and all of the AVFs in the clivus and condyle share similar characteristics.

Detection of the common origin of the radiculomedullary artery with the feeder of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula using slab maximum intensity projection image.

PURPOSE: Endovascular therapy to the spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) with a common origin of the radiculomedullary artery and the feeder of the shunt has the risk of spinal cord infarction. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the detection rate of normal spinal arteries from the feeder of SDAVF. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the angiographic and clinical data of SDAVFs. This study included 19 patients with 20 SDAVF lesions admitted to our department between January 2007 and December 2018. We assessed the detection rate of normal radiculomedullary artery branched from the feeder of SDAVF between the period using the image intensifier (II) and flat panel detector (FPD) and evaluated the treatment results. RESULTS: The detection rates of the radiculomedullary artery branched from the feeder of SDAVF were 10% (1/10 lesions) during the II period and 30% (3/10 lesions) during the FPD period. During the FPD period, all normal radiculomedullary arteries branched from the feeder were only detected on slab maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of rotational angiography, and we could not detect them in 2D or 3D digital subtraction angiography. All lesions that had a common origin of a normal radiculomedullary artery and the feeder were completely obliterated without complications. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The flat panel detector and slab MIP images seem to show the common origin of the normal radiculomedullary arteries from the feeder more accurately. With detailed analyses, SDAVF can be safety treated.

Safety and efficacy of staged angioplasty for patients at risk of hyperperfusion syndrome: a single-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Intracranial hemorrhage following hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially fatal complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Staged angioplasty (SAP) is a two-stage form of CAS that can prevent the abrupt increase of cerebral blood flow. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of SAP. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients who underwent CAS for high-grade carotid artery stenosis between January 2010 and December 2018 were enrolled. Patients who showed severe impairment of hemodynamic reserve in 123I-IMP SPECT with acetazolamide received SAP (SAP group), while the others received regular CAS (RS group). RESULTS: Twenty-six (19.4%) patients at risk for HPS received SAP. HPS was not observed in either group. Diffusion-weighted image (DWI)-positive lesions on postoperative MRI were observed in 56 (52.3%) cases in the RS group and 16 (64.0%) cases in the SAP group. Symptomatic procedure-related complications occurred in 5 (4.6%) cases in the RS group and 1 (3.8%) case in the SAP group. These differences were not statistically significant. Modified Rankin Scale score had declined 30 days after discharge in 4 (3.0%) cases. Distal filter protection was significantly correlated to the occurrence of new DWI-positive lesions. CONCLUSIONS: For patients at high risk of HPS, SAP was a reasonable treatment strategy to prevent HPS. SAP did not increase the rate of DWI-positive lesions or procedure-related complications compared with regular CAS.

Metal artifact reduction algorithm for image quality improvement of cone-beam CT images of medium or large cerebral aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess image quality improvement using a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm in cases of medium or large cerebral aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC), and to analyze factors associated with the usefulness of the MAR algorithm. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data sets of 18 patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with SAC. For subjective analysis, images of all cases with and without MAR processing were evaluated by five neurosurgeons based on four criteria using a five-point scale. For objective analysis, the CT values of all cases with and without MAR processing were calculated. In addition, we assessed factors associated with the usefulness of the MAR by analyzing the nine cases in which the median score for criterion 1 improved by more than two points. RESULTS: MAR processing improved the median scores for all four criteria in 17/18 cases (94.4%). Mean CT values of the region of interest at the site influenced by metal artifacts were significantly reduced after MAR processing. The maximum diameter of the coil mass (< 17 mm; odds ratio [OR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-13.9; p = 0.02) and vessel length covered by metal artifacts (< 24 mm; OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.7; p = 0.03) was significantly associated with the usefulness of the MAR. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the feasibility of a MAR algorithm to improve the image quality of CBCT images in patients who have undergone SAC for medium or large aneurysms.

A prediction model of functional outcome at 6 months using clinical findings of a person with traumatic spinal cord injury at 1 month after injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective statistical analysis of database. OBJECTIVES: Prediction of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III Total Score (SCIM-TS) at 6 months after injury based on physical findings at 1 month after injury is an important index for rehabilitation approach in the recovery phase. SETTING: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan. METHODS: The study participants were selected from patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries who were registered in the Japan Single Center Study for Spinal Cord Injury Data Base (JSSCI-DB) of the Japan Spinal Injuries Center specializing in spine and spinal cord injuries. Of the 534 participants registered with the JSSCI-DB between January 2012 and October 2018, we retrospectively extracted 137 participants for 6 months after injury, and these participants were included in this study. RESULTS: According to multiple regression analysis, SCIM-TS at 6 months after injury could be predicted based on only six variables, i.e., age at injury, three key muscles (C6 wrist extensors, C8 finger flexors, and L3 knee extensors), and two mobility assessments (WISCI and SCIM-item13) (Adjusted R-Squared: 0.83). These six independent variables were significant factors reflecting SCIM-TS at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In rehabilitation after traumatic spinal cord injuries, a simple and reliable prognostic model can help accurately predict the achievable activity of daily living competency to set a goal. In addition, if the procedure is simple, evaluation can be completed in a short period of time, and the physical burden on both treating staff and patients can be reduced.

Cerebellar Blood Flow and Gene Expression in Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis after Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats.

Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is a state of hypoperfusion and hypometabolism in the contralesional cerebellar hemisphere caused by a supratentorial lesion, but its pathophysiology is not fully understood. We evaluated chronological changes in cerebellar blood flow (CbBF) and gene expressions in the cerebellum using a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). CbBF was analyzed at two and seven days after MCAO using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). DNA microarray analysis and western blotting of the cerebellar cortex were performed and apoptotic cells in the cerebellar cortex were stained. CbBF in the contralesional hemisphere was significantly decreased and this lateral imbalance recovered over one week. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that a gene set for "oxidative phosphorylation" was significantly upregulated while fourteen other gene sets including "apoptosis", "hypoxia" and "reactive oxygen species" showed a tendency toward upregulation in the contralesional cerebellum. MCAO upregulated the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the contralesional cerebellar cortex. The number of apoptotic cells increased in the molecular layer of the contralesional cerebellum. Focal cerebral ischemia in our rat MCAO model caused CCD along with enhanced expression of genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis.

[A Case of Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation Successfully Treated with Target Embolization for Pseudoaneurysm Detected Using Chronological Three-dimensional Digital Subtraction Angiography Fusion Images].

We herein report a case of ruptured arterio-venous malformation(AVM)detected using three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography(3DDSA)fusion images and successfully treated with target embolization for pseudoaneurysm. A 50-year-old man with a history of AVM was admitted to our department for the treatment of ruptured high-grade AVM in the right parietal lobe. Although a bleeding point was not evident on DSA, the patient had re-rupture in the right ventricle, one month after admission. Chronological 3DDSA fusion images generated from 3DDSA images taken on admission and after re-rupture revealed a newly visualized intranidal pseudoaneurysm near a hematoma. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed vessel wall enhancement along the posterior horn of the right ventricle;this enhancement corresponded to the location of the pseudoaneurysm. We planned target embolization for the intranidal pseudoaneurysm to prevent re-bleeding. The origin of the feeder was so steep that a microcatheter could not be advanced deeply, and embolization with 20% n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate resulted in proximal occlusion. Follow-up angiography 1 week after embolization showed complete disappearance of the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient had no recurrence of aneurysm until one year.

Endovascular treatment for unruptured aneurysm associated with persistent primitive trigeminal artery: a case report and literature review.

The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is the most common carotid-basilar anastomosis, and the incidence of cerebral aneurysms associated with the PPTA is approximately 4%. Since PPTA aneurysms often have a wide neck and other vascular anomalies, endovascular treatment using an adjunctive technique is the current first-line therapy. Here, we report a case of PPTA aneurysm treated by coil embolization with a stent-assisted technique. A detailed evaluation of the size and course of all vessels and collateral flow, including the Allcock test and balloon test occlusion, is necessary when deciding on the treatment strategy.

A comparison of the prevalence and risk factors of complications in intracranial tumor embolization between the Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 2 (JR-NET2) and JR-NET3.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Registry of NeuroEndovascular Therapy 2 (JR-NET2) and 3 (JR-NET3) were nationwide surveys that evaluated clinical outcomes after neuroendovascular therapy in Japan. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and risk factors of complications of intracranial tumor embolization between JR-NET2 and JR-NET3. METHODS: A total of 1018 and 1545 consecutive patients with intracranial tumors treated with embolization were enrolled in JR-NET2 and JR-NET3, respectively. The prevalence of complications in intracranial tumor embolization and related risk factors were compared between JR-NET2 and JR-NET3. RESULTS: The prevalence of complications in JR-NET3 (3.69%) was significantly higher than that in JR-NET2 (1.48%) (p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis in JR-NET2 showed that embolization for tumors other than meningioma was the only significant risk factor for complication (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-12.10; p = 0.032), and that in JR-NET3 revealed that embolization for feeders other than external carotid artery (ECA) (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.03-6.25; p < 0.001) and use of liquid materials (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.50-4.68; p < 0.001) were significant risks for complications. The frequency of embolization for feeders other than ECA in JR-NET3 (15.3%) was significantly higher than that in JR-NET2 (9.2%) (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference in the frequency of use of liquid materials between JR-NET2 (21.2%) and JR-NET3 (41.2%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Embolization for feeders other than ECA and use of liquid materials could increase the complication rate in intracranial tumor embolization.

Coronary Subclavian Steal Syndrome Successfully Treated with Subclavian Artery Stenting: A Report of 2 Cases.

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) is a well-recognized phenomenon secondary to coronary artery bypass grafting and may cause myocardial ischemia. We report 2 cases of CSSS successfully treated with subclavian artery (SA) stenting. In both cases, an Optimo balloon guiding catheter was placed in the SA immediately proximal to the vertebral artery (VA) origin as a double protection system for the VA and left internal thoracic artery (LITA) graft. There were no periprocedural complications. Balloon protection for both the VA and LITA using a single balloon guiding catheter is a reasonable and safe technique for preventing distal embolisms.

[A Case of Arteriovenous Malformation of the Parotid Gland Associated with Cowden Disease].

We report a rare case of arteriovenous malformation(AVM)of the parotid gland associated with Cowden disease successfully treated with preoperative embolization followed by surgical removal. A 39-year-old man with a history of Cowden disease presented with a pulsating and growing mass on his left lower jaw. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and angiography revealed a high-flow AVM in the deep lobe of the left parotid gland. After intravascular embolization of the feeding arteries, surgery was performed using the NIM-response®3.0, facial nerve monitoring system. The AVM was almost completely removed and the facial nerves were morphologically preserved. Interestingly, the intraoperative findings revealed that the enlarged vasa nervorum of the facial nerve also fed the AVM. Although left facial nerve palsy appeared after the surgery, the nerve function gradually improved over one year. No recurrence of the AVM has been observed for one year.

Stenting for Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Associated with Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery Using Proximal Flow Blockade and Distal Protection System: A Technical Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a very rare case of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) treated by stenting using a proximal flow blockade and distal filter protection system. A 77-year-old man with a medical history of repeated cerebral infarction was referred to our hospital for treatment of progressive ICA stenosis. Cerebral angiography revealed that the degree of stenosis was 50% and the PPHA branched just distal to the stenosis at the C2 vertebral level. Black-blood magnetic resonance imaging indicated vulnerable plaque. The stenosis was at a high location, so carotid artery stenting was employed. Under the proximal flow blockade system with occlusion of the external and common carotid artery, distal filter protection was placed in the ICA to prevent distal embolization. A self-expanding stent was successfully deployed and the patient was discharged without any neurological deficits. In stenting for the ICA stenosis associated with PPHA, the combination of a proximal flow blockade and distal protection system is reasonable and safe.

Power suppression in EEG after the onset of SAH is a significant marker of early brain injury in rat models.

We analyzed the correlation between the duration of electroencephalogram (EEG) recovery and histological outcome in rats in the acute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to find a new predictor of the subsequent outcome. SAH was induced in eight rats by cisternal blood injection, and the duration of cortical depolarization was measured. EEG power spectrums were given by time frequency analysis, and histology was evaluated. The appropriate frequency band and recovery percentage of EEG (defined as EEG recovery time) to predict the neuronal damage were determined from 25 patterns (5 bands × 5 recovery rates) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Probit regression curves were depicted to evaluate the relationships between neuronal injury and duration of depolarization and EEG recovery. The optimal values of the EEG band and the EEG recovery time to predict neuronal damage were 10-15 Hz and 40%, respectively (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.97). There was a close relationship between the percentage of damaged neurons and the duration of depolarization or EEG recovery time. These results suggest that EEG recovery time, under the above frequency band and recovery rate, may be a novel marker to predict the outcome after SAH.

Changing trends in traumatic spinal cord injury in an aging society: Epidemiology of 1152 cases over 15 years from a single center in Japan.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) causes an insult to the central nervous system, often resulting in devastating temporary or permanent neurological impairment and disability, which places a substantial financial burden on the health-care system. This study aimed to clarify the up-to-date epidemiology and demographics of patients with TSCI treated at the largest SCI center in Japan. Data on all patients admitted to the Spinal Injuries Center with TSCI between May 2005 and December 2021 were prospectively collected using a customized, locally designed SCI database named the Japan Single Center Study for Spinal Cord Injury Database (JSSCI-DB). A total of 1152 patients were identified from the database. The study period was divided into the four- or five-year periods of 2005-2009, 2010-2013, 2014-2017, and 2018-2021 to facilitate the observation of general trends over time. Our results revealed a statistically significant increasing trend in age at injury. Since 2014, the average age of injury has increased to exceed 60 years. The most frequent spinal level affected by the injury was high cervical (C1-C4: 45.8%), followed by low cervical (C5-C8: 26.4%). Incomplete tetraplegia was the most common cause or etiology category of TSCI, accounting for 48.4% of cases. As the number of injuries among the elderly has increased, the injury mechanisms have shifted from high-fall trauma and traffic accidents to falls on level surfaces and downstairs. Incomplete tetraplegia in the elderly due to upper cervical TSCI has also increased over time. The percentage of injured patients with an etiology linked to alcohol use ranged from 13.2% (2005-2008) to 19% (2014-2017). Given that Japan has one of the highest aging populations in the world, epidemiological studies in this country will be very helpful in determining health insurance and medical costs and deciding strategies for the prevention and treatment of TSCI in future aging populations worldwide.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation May Not Stop Glutamate Release in the Cerebral Cortex.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may not be sufficient to halt the progression of brain damage. Using extracellular glutamate concentration as a marker for neuronal damage, we quantitatively evaluated the degree of brain damage during resuscitation without return of spontaneous circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracellular cerebral glutamate concentration was measured with a microdialysis probe every 2 minutes for 40 minutes after electrical stimulation-induced cardiac arrest without return of spontaneous circulation in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups (7 per group) according to the treatment received during the 40 minutes observation period: mechanical ventilation without chest compression (group V); mechanical ventilation and chest compression (group VC) and; ventilation, chest compression and brain hypothermia (group VCH). Chest compression (20 min) and hypothermia (40 min) were initiated 6 minutes after the onset of cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Glutamate concentration increased in all groups after cardiac arrest. Although after the onset of chest compression, glutamate concentration showed a significant difference at 2 min and reached the maximum at 6 min (VC group; 284±48 µmol/L vs. V group 398±126 µmol/L, P =0.003), there was no difference toward the end of chest compression (513±61 µmol/L vs. 588±103 µmol/L, P =0.051). In the VCH group, the initial increase in glutamate concentration was suddenly suppressed 2 minutes after the onset of brain hypothermia. CONCLUSIONS: CPR alone reduced the progression of brain damage for a limited period but CPR in combination with brain cooling strongly suppressed increases in glutamate levels.