• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2001

Objective : Aneurysms of vertebral artery and its branches make up approximately 3% of all intracranial aneurysms. As the aneurysm have an intimate relationship with lower cranial nerves and medulla, surgical management of the aneurysms are one of the challenging neurosurgical problems. The authors analyzed the management outcomes for aneurysms arising from vertebral artery and its branches. Methods : At the authors' institution between May 1989 and Jan. 2000, 42 patients were treated with transcranial and endovascular surgery for aneurysms of vertebral artery and its branches. The medical records and neuroimaging studies of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Forty two patients were comprised of 28 female and 14 male patients aged from 26-80 year old(mean : 51.8). Of the 42 patients, 37 patients(88%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Of the 37 patients with subarachnoid hemorrahge, 35 patients(95%) were in good neurological status(Hunt Hess grade I-III), 2 patients(5%) in poor grade(H-H grade IV-V) before operation. Location of the aneurysm were 16 in vertebral artery, 12 in vertebro-PICA junction, and 14 in the peripheral PICA. Twenty nine patients were treated with transcranial surgery and 13 patients with endovascular surgery. The management outcome of the transcranial surgery was : Glasgow outcome scale(GOS) I and II ; 24, GOS III ; 2, GOS IV ; 1 and GOS V(death) ; 2. The causes of mortality related to transcranial surgery were rebleeding after failure in clipping in one and suspected brainstem infarct in one. Morbidity was attributed to vasospasm(3), lower CN palsy(7, including temporary dysfunction) and pseudomeningocele(1). The management outcome of the endovascular surgery was : Glasgow outcome scale(GOS) I-II ; 9, GOS III ; 1, GOS IV ; 1, and GOS V(death) ; 2. The causes of mortality related to endovascular surgery were sepsis from pneumonia(1) and vasospasm(1). There were one cerebellar infarct and one lateral medullary syndrome. Conclusion : Excellent and good surgical results can be expected in 80% of the patients with aneurysms of vertebral arery and its branches. The outcomes of endovascular surgery in treating vertebral artery aneurysm were satisfactory and endovascular surgery may offer a therapeutic alternative especially in vertebral dissecting aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 2011

Objective : Posttraumatic cerebral infarction (PTCI), an infarction in well-defined arterial distributions after head trauma, is a known complication in patients with severe head trauma. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of PTCI, and to assess the effect on outcome of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in patients with PTCI. Methods : We present a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with PTCI who were treated between January 2003 and August 2005. Twelve patients among them showed malignant PTCI, which is defined as PTCI including the territory of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA). Medical records and radiologic imaging studies of patients were reviewed. Results : Infarction of posterior cerebral artery distribution was the most common site of PTCI. Fourteen patients underwent DHC an average of 16 hours after trauma. The overall mortality rate was 75%. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of survivors showed that one patient was remained in a persistent vegetative state, two patients were severely disabled and only two patients were moderately disabled at the time of discharge. Despite aggressive treatments, all patients with malignant PTCI had died. Malignant PTCI was the indicator of poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at the admission was the most valuable prognostic factor. Significant correlation was observed between a GCS less than 5 on admission and high mortality (p<0.05). Conclusion : In patients who developed non-malignant PTCI and GCS higher than 5 after head injury, early DHC and duroplasty should be considered, before occurrence of irreversible ischemic brain damage. High mortality rate was observed in patients with malignant PTCI or PTCI with a GCS of 3-5 at the admission. A large prospective randomized controlled study will be required to justify for aggressive treatments including DHC and medical treatment in these patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.296-301
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• 2013

Objective : We conducted a retrospective study examining the outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to identify parameters associated with prognosis. Methods : From January 2001 to June 2008, we treated 32 ICH patients (21 men, 11 women; mean age, 62 years) with CKD. We surveyed patients age, sex, underlying disease, neurological status using Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), ICH volume, hematoma location, accompanying intraventricular hemorrhage, anti-platelet agents, initial and 3rd day systolic blood pressure (SBP), clinical outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and complications. The severity of renal functions was categorized using a modified glomerular filtration rate (mGFR). Multifactorial effects were identified by regression analysis. Results : The mean GCS score on admission was $9.4{\pm}4.4$ and the mean mRS was $4.3{\pm}1.8$. The overall clinical outcomes showed a significant relationship on initial neurological status, hematoma volume, and mGFR. Also, the outcomes of patients with a severe renal dysfunction were significantly different from those with mild/moderate renal dysfunction (p<0.05). Particularly, initial hematoma volume and sBP on the 3rd day after ICH onset were related with mortality (p<0.05). However, the other factors showed no correlation with clinical outcome. Conclusion : Neurological outcome was based on initial neurological status, renal function and the volume of the hematoma. In addition, hematoma volume and uncontrolled blood pressure were significantly related to mortality. Hence, the severity of renal function, initial neurological status, hematoma volume, and uncontrolled blood pressure emerged as significant prognostic factors in ICH patients with CKD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.293-299
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• 2012

Objective : To evaluate the surgical efficacy of and factors associated with decompressive craniectomy in patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) territory infarction. Methods : Seventeen patients (8 men and 9 women, average age 61.53 years, range 53-77 years) were treated by decompressive craniectomy for an ICA territory infarction at our institute. We retrospectively reviewed medical records, radiological findings, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation and before surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results : Of the 17 patients, 15 (88.24%) achieved a poor outcome (Group A, GOS 1-3) and 2 (11.76%) a good outcome (Group B, GOS 4-5). The mortality rate at one month after surgery was 52.9%. Average preoperative NIHSS was $27.6{\pm}10.88%$ in group A and $10{\pm}4.24%$ in group B. Mean cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level before surgery in group A and B were 33.67% and 23.72%, respectively. Mean preoperative NIHSS (p=0.019) and cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level (p=0.017) were found to be significantly associated with a better outcome. However, no preexisting prognostic factor was found to be of statistical significance. Conclusion : The rate of mortality after ICA territory infarction treatment is relatively high, despite positive evidence for surgical decompression, and most survivors experience severe disabilities. Our findings caution that careful consideration of prognostic factors is required when considering surgical treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.543-551
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• 2023

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the current status of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) in Korea and the association between ICP monitoring and prognosis. In addition, a survey was administered to Korean neurosurgeons to investigate the perception of ICP monitoring in patients with sTBI. Methods : This study used data from the second Korea Neurotrauma Databank. Among the enrolled patients with sTBI, the following available clinical data were analyzed in 912 patients : Glasgow coma scale score on admission, ICP monitoring, mortality, and extended Glasgow outcome scale score at 6 months. In addition, we administered a survey, entitled "current status and perception of ICP monitoring in Korean patients with sTBI" to 399 neurosurgeons who were interested in traumatic brain injury. Results : Among the 912 patients, 79 patients (8.7%) underwent ICP monitoring. The mortality and favorable outcome were compared between the groups with and without ICP monitoring, and no statistically significant results were found. Regarding the survey, there were 61 respondents. Among them, 70.4% of neurosurgeons responded negatively to performing ICP monitoring after craniectomy/craniotomy, while 96.7% of neurosurgeons responded negatively to performing ICP monitoring when craniectomy/craniotomy was not conducted. The reasons why ICP monitoring was not performed were investigated, and most respondents answered that there were no actual guidelines or experiences with post-operative ICP monitoring for craniectomy/craniotomy. However, in cases wherein craniectomy/craniotomy was not performed, most respondents answered that ICP monitoring was not helpful, as other signs were comparatively more important. Conclusion : The proportion of performing ICP monitoring in patients with sTBI was low in Korea. The outcome and mortality were compared between the patient groups with and without ICP monitoring, and no statistically significant differences were noted in prognosis between these groups. Further, the survey showed that ICP monitoring in patients with sTBI was somewhat negatively recognized in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.120-124
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• 2006

Objective : This study is aimed to assess the clinical outcome in early and minimally invasive surgery using incision for the patients with poor grade aneurysm. Methods : The authors retrospectively reviewed all 46 poor grade patients of Hunt and Hess[H-H] grade IV and V who suffered aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage[SAH] between 1999 and 2004. All 35 patients harboring 43 aneurysms who underwent early surgery within 72 hours were included in this study. Clinical outcome was assessed by Glasgow outcome scale[GOS] and compared with that of conventional pterional approach. Results : Twenty four patients were operated with conventional pterional approach and 11 with eyebrow approach within 72 hours after SAH. Seven multiple aneurysm patients harbor 15 aneurysms, Forty one aneurysms were treated with clippings. All 11 patients of eyebrow surgery group[ESG] were in H-H grade IV, 3 in Fisher grade III and 8 in Fisher grade IV. Among 24 patients of pterional approach group[PAG]. 20 were in H-H grade IV and 4 in H-H grade V, 3 were in Fisher grade III and 21 in Fisher grade IV. Overall favorable outcome was achieved in 41.7% and 54.5% in PAG and ESG, respectively. Favorable outcome of H-H grade IV in PAG showed 45.0%. Overall mortality rate was 14.3%. Conclusion : It is concluded that the clinical outcome of early and minimally invasive aneurysmal surgery using eyebrow incision in the selected poor grade aneurysm patients can be compatible with that of conventional pterional surgery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.261-270
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• 2021

Objective : Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can partially remove the unyielding skull vault and make affordable space for the expansion of swelling brain contents. The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcome according to DC surface area (DC area) and side. Methods : A total of 324 patients underwent different surgical methods (unilateral DC, 212 cases and bilateral DC, 112 cases) were included in this retrospective analysis. Their mean age was 53.4±16.6 years (median, 54 years). Neurological outcome (Glasgow outcome scale), ventricular intracranial pressure (ICP), and midline shift change (preoperative minus postoperative) were compared according to surgical methods and total DC area, DC surface removal rate (DC%) and side. Results : DC surgery was effective for ICP decrease (32.3±16.7 mmHg vs. 19.2±13.4 mmHg, p<0.001) and midline shift change (12.5±7.6 mm vs. 7.8±6.9 mm, p<0.001). The bilateral DC group showed larger total DC area (125.1±27.8 ㎠ for unilateral vs. 198.2±43.0 ㎠ for bilateral, p<0.001). Clinical outcomes were nonsignificant according to surgical side (favorable outcome, p=0.173 and mortality, p=0.470), significantly better when total DC area was over 160 ㎠ and DC% was 46% (p=0.020 and p=0.037, respectively). Conclusion : DC surgery is effective in decrease the elevated ICP, decrease the midline shift and improve the clinical outcome in massive brain swelling patient. Total DC area and removal rate was larger in bilateral DC than unilateral DC but clinical outcome was not influenced by DC side. DC area more than 160 ㎠ and DC surface removal rate more than 46% were more important than DC side.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2023

Purpose: Sports offer several health benefits but are not free of injury risk. Activity dynamics vary across sports, impacting the injury profile and thereby influencing healthcare resource utilization and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate sports-related major trauma cases and compare differences across sports and activity groups. Methods: A retrospective case notes review of sports-related major traumas over a 5-year period was conducted. Demographic, hospital episode-related, and health outcome-related data were analyzed, and differences were compared across sports and activity groups. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge was used as the primary outcome measure and the length of hospital stay as the secondary outcome measure. Results: In total, 76% of cases had good recovery at discharge (GOS, 5), 19% had moderate disability (GOS, 4), and 5% had severe disability (GOS, 3). The mean length of hospital stay was 11.2 days (range, 1-121 days). The most severely injured body region was the limbs (29.1%) and vertebral/spinal injuries were most common (33%) in terms of location. A significant difference (P<0.05) existed in GOS across sports groups, with motor sports having the lowest GOS. However, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in other health-outcome variables or injury patterns across sports or activity groups, although more competitive sports cases (67%) required admission than recreational sports cases (33%). Conclusions: Spinal injuries are the most frequent sports injuries, bear the worst health outcomes, and warrant better preventive measures. Head injuries previously dominated the worst outcomes; this change is likely due to better preventive and management modalities. Competitive sports had a higher injury frequency than recreational sports, but no difference in health outcomes or injury patterns.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.489-503
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was conducted to test criterion-related validity of the Critical Patients' Severity Classification System (CPSCS) developed by the Hospital Nurses' Association by examining relationships with brain injury severity measured by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), recovery state measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), and days of stay in ICU of brain injury patients. Methods: Prospective correlational research design was adopted by including 194 brain injury patients admitted to ICU of one university hospital. Results: The score of CPSCS appeared to significantly discriminate the severity of brain injury. Among nursing activities in CPSCS, Respiratory therapy, IV Infusion and Medication, Monitoring, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Treatment and Procedure were significant to discriminate the severity of brain injury. Respiratory therapy, Vital Signs, and Monitoring appeared to significantly discriminate the recovery states of 1- and 3-months. Nursing activities significantly contributed to predict the days of ICU stay were Respiratory therapy, ADL, and Teaching and Emotional Support. Conclusion: CPSCS developed by the Hospital Nurses Association appeared to be valid to discriminate or predict brain injury severity, recovery states, and days of stay in ICU for brain injury patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.363-367
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility and validity of using a pupillometer to assess patients with acute brain lesions. Methods : Pupillary examinations using an automated pupillometer ($NeurOptics^{(R)}NPi^{TM}$-100 Pupillometer) were performed every 4 hours and were simultaneously assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and for intracranial pressure (ICP), from admission to discharge or expire in neuro-intensive care unit (NICU). Manual pupillary examinations were also recorded for comparison. By comparing these data, we evaluated the validity of using automated pupillometers to predict clinical outcomes. Results : The mean values of the Neurologic Pupillary index (NPi) were different in the groups examined manually. The GCS correlated well with NPi values, especially in severe brain injury patients (GCS below 9). However, the NPi values were weakly correlated with intracranial pressure (ICP) when the ICP was lower than 30 cm $H_2O$. The NPi value was not affected by age or intensity of illumination. In patients with a "poor" prognosis who had a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 1 or 2, the mean initial NPi score was $0.88{\pm}1.68$, whereas the value was $3.89{\pm}0.97$ in patients with a "favorable" prognosis who had a GOS greater than 2 (p<0.001). For predicting clinical outcomes, the initial NPi value of 3.4 had the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion : An automated pupillometer can serve as a simple and useful tool for the accurate measurement of pupillary reactivity in patients with acute brain lesions.