• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2009

Objective: Although prophylactic antiepileptic drug (AED) use in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common practice, lack of uniform definitions and guidelines for seizures and AEDs rendered this prescription more habitual instead of evidence-based manner. We herein evaluated the incidence and predictive factors of seizure and complications about AED use. Methods: From July 1999 to June 2007, data of a total of 547 patients with aneurysmal SAH who underwent operative treatments were reviewed. For these, the incidence and risk factors of seizures and epilepsy were assessed, in addition to complications of AEDs. Results: Eighty-three patients (15.2%) had at least one seizure following SAH. Forty-three patients (79%) had onset seizures, 34 (6.2%) had perioperative seizures, and 17 (3.1%) had late epilepsy. Younger age (< 40 years), poor clinical grade, thick hemorrhage, acute hydrocephalus, and rebleeding were related to the occurrence of onset seizures. Cortical infarction and thick hemorrhage were independent risk factors for the occurrence of late epilepsy. Onset seizures were not predictive of late epilepsy. Moreover, adverse drug effects were identified in 128 patients (23.4%) with AEDs. Conclusion: Perioperative seizures are not significant predictors for late epilepsy. Instead, initial amount of SAH and surgery-induced cortical damage should be seriously considered as risk factors for late epilepsy. Because AEDs can not prevent early postoperative seizures (< 1 week) and potentially cause unexpected side effects, long-term use should be readjusted in high-risk patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 2010

Objective : Aneurysmal rebleeding is a major cause of death and disability. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of rebleeding, and the factors related with patient's outcome. Methods : During a period of 12 years, from September 1995 to August 2007, 492 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) underwent surgery at our institution. We reviewed the patient's clinical records, radiologic findings, and possible factors inducing rebleeding. Also, we statistically analyzed various factors between favorable outcome group (FG) and unfavorable outcome group (UG) in the rebleeding patients. Results : Rebleeding occurred in 38 (7.7%) of 492 patients. Male gender, location of aneurysm (anterior communicating artery) were statistically significant between rebleeding group and non-rebleeding group (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively). Rebleeding occurred in 26 patients (74.3%) within 2 hours from initial attack. There were no statistically significant factors between FG and UG. However, time interval between initial SAH to rebleeding was shorter in the UG compared to FG (FG=28.71 hrs, UG=2.9 hrs). Conclusion : Rebleeding occurs more frequently in the earlier period after initial SAH. Thus, careful management in the earlier period after SAH and early obliteration of aneurysm will be necessary.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.75-79
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• 2012

Objective : The study examined the difference in the incidence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm with magnesium supplementation in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a Korean population. Methods : This retrospective analysis was performed in 157 patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH from January 2007 to December 2011 at a single center. Seventy patients (44.6%) received a combination treatment of nimodipine with magnesium and 87 patients (55.4%) received only nimodipine. A matched case-control study using propensity scores was conducted and 41 subjects were selected from each group. A dosage of 64 mmol/day of magnesium was administrated. Results : The infusion of magnesium did not reduce the incidence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (n=7, 17.1%, p=0.29) compared with simple nimodipine injection (n=11, 26.8%). The ratios of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2) at 6 months were similar, being 78% in the combination treatment group and 80.5% in the nimodipine only group (p=0.79). The proportions of delayed cerebral infarction was not significantly lower in patients with combination treatment (n=2, 4.9% vs. n=3, 7.3%; p=0.64). There was no difference in the serum magnesium concentrations between the patients with symptomatic vasospasm and without vasospasm who had magnesium supplementation. No major complications associated with intravenous magnesium infusion were observed. Conclusion : Magnesium supplementation (64 mmol/day) may not be beneficial for the reduction of the incidence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal SAH.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.273-276
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• 2014

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) during pregnancy is quite rare, however it has a high maternal mortality rate. A pregnant woman in the 16th gestational week was admitted to our hospital with a drowsy level of consciousness. A brain magnetic resonance (MR) image showed hemorrhage on the prepontine cistern, and both sylvian fissures, and MR angiography and cerebral digital subtraction angiography demonstrated an aneurysm at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). We performed endovascular coil embolization attempting to minimize radiation exposure. She was discharged with no neurologic deficit and delivered a healthy baby by cesarean section at the 38th week of gestation. This case study reported the shortest gestational period and this is the first report on an aneurysmal rupture arising from PICA which was treated using an endovascular method. Using an appropriate technique for reduced radiation exposure to the fetus and limited alterations in maternal-fetal physiology, endovascular coil embolization could guarantee good results in treatment of aneurysmal SAH in pregnant women.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.167-173
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• 2015

Objective : Removal of blood from subarachnoid space with a lumbar drainage (LD) may decrease development of cerebral vasospasm. We evaluated the effectiveness of a LD for a clinical vasospasm and outcomes after clipping of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods : Between July 2008 and July 2013, 234 patients were included in this study. The LD group consisted of 126 patients, 108 patients in the non LD group. We investigated outcomes as follow : 1) clinical vasospasm, 2) angioplasty, 3) cerebral infarction, 4) Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at discharge, 5) GOS score at 6-month follow-up, and 6) mortality. Results : Clinical vasospasm occurred in 19% of the LD group and 42% of the non LD group (p<0.001). Angioplasty was performed in 17% of the LD group and 38% of the non LD group (p=0.001). Cerebral infarctions were detected in 29% and 54% of each group respectively (p<0.001). The proportion of GOS score 5 at 6 month follow-up in the LD group was 69%, and it was 58% in the non LD group (p=0.001). Mortality rate showed 5% and 10% in each group respectively. But, there was no difference in shunt between the two groups. Conclusion : LD after aneurysmal SAH shows marked reduction of clinical vasospasm and need for angioplasty. With this technique we have shown favorable GOS score at 6 month follow-up.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.177-185
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• 2024

Objective : Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major cause of disability in patients who survive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systemic inflammatory markers, such as peripheral leukocyte count and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) score, have been considered predictors of DCI in previous studies. This study aims to investigate which systemic biomarkers are significant predictors of DCI. Methods : We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center study of 170 patients with SAH admitted between May 2018 and March 2022. We analyzed the patients' clinical and laboratory parameters within 1 hour and 3-4 and 5-7 days after admission. The DCI and non-DCI groups were compared. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate logistic analysis (p<0.05) were entered into a multivariate regression model. Results : Hunt-Hess grade "4-5" at admission, modified Fisher scale grade "3-4" at admission, hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infection showed statistical significance (p<0.05) on a univariate logistic regression. Lymphocyte and monocyte count at admission, SII scores and C-reactive protein levels on days 3-4, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts on days 5-7 exhibited statistical significance on the univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that monocyte count at admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.65; p=0.036) and SII score at days 3-4 (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02-2.47; p=0.049) were independent predictors of DCI. Conclusion : Monocyte count at admission and SII score 3-4 days after rupture are independent predictors of clinical deterioration caused by DCI after aSAH. Peripheral monocytosis may be the primer for the innate immune reaction, and the SII score at days 3-4 can promptly represent the propagated systemic immune reaction toward DCI.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.159-163
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• 2006

Objective : Unique Internal carotid artery angiographic findings have been found especially in very poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage[SAH] patients before and during the endovascular coiling. The author investigates their patterns and classifies them into lour subtypes. Methods : Among Hunt&Hess grade IV, V SAH patients, the author could gather eight patients who showed abnormal intracranial circulation in cerebral catheter-based angiography. Results : The author introduces new term 'misery collaterals' first and has classified them into four types with the case illustrations. Type 1 is the worst condition defined as almost no intracranial circulation. Type 2 is the condition of little intracranial circulation with contrast filling just only at vessels of brain base, type 3 is of no or little cortical circulation with contrast filling at bilateral large vessels of brain base through circle of Willis channel and type 4 is of visible bilateral cortical circulation but delayed intracranial circulation time. The prognosis of these eight patients showed misery collaterals were disappointed. Conclusion : These finding can be used as the supportive information in deciding a management plan in poor grade SAH patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.289-295
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• 2013

Objective : Cerebral vasospasm is a common and potentially devastating complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Inflammatory processes seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. C-reactive protein (CRP) constitutes a highly sensitive inflammatory marker. Elevation of serum CRP levels has been demonstrated in patients with aSAH. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possible relationship between CRP levels in the serum and transcranial Doppler (TCD) and the development of vasospasm in patients with aSAH. Methods : A total of 61 adult patients in whom aSAH was diagnosed were included in the study from November 2008 to May 2011. The patients' demographics, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, CT scans, digital subtraction angiography studies, and daily neurological examinations were recorded. Serial serum CRP measurements were obtained on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 and TCD was measured on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. All patients underwent either surgical or endovascular treatment within 24 hours of their hemorrhagic attacks. Results : Serum CRP levels peaked on the 3rd postoperative day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 3rd day in the mean middle cerebral artery velocities on TCD. Conclusion : Patients with high levels of CRP on the 1st postoperative day and high velocity of mean TCD on the 3rd postoperative day may require closer observation to monitor for the development of vasospasm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.664-671
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• 2023

Objective : The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD)/eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) ratio is a more reliable marker of intracranial pressure than the ONSD alone. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of the ONSD/ETD ratio (OER) for neurological outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods : Adult patients with aSAH who visited the emergency department of a tertiary hospital connected to a South Korean university between January 2015 and December 2021 were included. Data on patient characteristics and brain computed tomography scan findings, including the ONSD and ETD, were collected using a predefined protocol. According to the neurological outcome at hospital discharge, the patients were divided into the unfavorable neurological outcome (UNO; cerebral performance category [CPC] score 3-5) and the favorable neurological outcome (FNO; CPC score 1-2) groups. The primary outcome was the association between the OER and neurological outcomes in patients with aSAH. Results : A total of 171 patients were included in the study, of whom 118 patients (69%) had UNO. Neither the ONSD (p=0.075) nor ETD (p=0.403) showed significant differences between the two groups. However, the OER was significantly higher in the UNO group in the univariate analysis (p=0.045). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the OER for predicting UNO was 0.603 (p=0.031). There was no independent relationship between the OER and UNO in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.010; p=0.576). Conclusion : The OER was significantly higher in patients with UNO than in those with FNO, and the OER was more reliable than the ONSD alone. However, the OER had limited utility in predicting UNO in patients with aSAH.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.95-99
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this reports is to describe the influence of continuous external ventricular drainage [EVD] on delayed ischemic neurologic deficit [DIND] after early surgery in ruptured aneurysmal patients. Methods : The authors reviewed 229 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH] who had been treated with clipping at a single institution between 1998 and 2004. Of these, 121 patients underwent continuous EVD [Group A] postoperatively, whereas 108 patients did not [Group B]. EVD was performed at ipsilateral Kocher's point and maintained 2 to 14 days postoperatively. Results : DIND occurred in 15.7% [19 cases] of patients in Group A, 25% [27 cases] from Group B [P value=0.112]. Compared with Group A, Group B was more likely to suffer acute symptom of DIND and showed poor response to 3- H therapy. Major symptoms of DIND in Group A were mild confusion [36.8%] and mild deterioration of mental state [26.3%], contrary to weakness of extremities [59.2%] in Group B. At discharge, Glasgow Outcome Scales [GOS] of Group A were : good recovery [63.2%], moderately disabled [21%], severely disabled [10.5%], dead [5.3%] and Group B : good recovery [48.1%], moderately disabled [37%], severely disabled [14.8%] and dead [0%]. Of 121 patients from group A, 35 patients [28.9%] suffered ventriculitis. Conclusion : Continuous EVD after aneurysmal clipping in patients with SAH reduced the risk of DIND and its sequelae, relieved its symptoms, and improved the outcome.