• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권8호
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• pp.1013-1018
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• 2001

Objective : About 40% of patients who admit to the hospital after subarachnoid hemorrhage are poor clinical grade(Hunt-Hess grade IV, V). The majority of these patients have been excluded from early, aggressive treatment. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of urgent surgery for Hunt-Hess grade IV aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Materials and Methods : We reviewed hospital records and radiographic studies of 36 patients who were Hunt-Hess grade IV among 201 cases with ruptured intracranial aneurysm admitted between Sep. 1995 and Dec. 2000. Operated patients were treated with urgent angiography and surgery within 24 hours of presentation, except six patients, and medical records of these patients were reviewed for the clinical course and Glasgow outcome scale(GOS). Results : Overall management results of the 36 patients were good recovery in 13(36.1%), moderate disability in 12 (33.3%), severe disability in 1(2.8%), vegetative state in 1(2.8%) and 9(25.0%) of surgically treated patients had died. Conclusion : Although with limited number of patients, we conclude that urgent surgery for Hunt-Hess grade IV patients results in a better neurologic outcome and urgent surgery combined with aggressive postoperative management can minimize mortality.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.99-102
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• 2009

Objective: Cardiac dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with elevation of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnl) levels. Elevation of cTnl predicts cardiopulmonary and neurological complications, and poor outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiologic records of 114 (male: 30, female: 84) patients who developed aneurysmal SAH between January 2006 and June 2007 and had no history of previous cardiac problems. We evaluated their electrocardiography and cTnl level, which had been measured at admission. A cTnl level above 0.5 $\mu$g/L was defined as an indicator of cardiac injury following SAH. We examined various clinical factors for their association with cTnl elevation and analyzed data using chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression test with SPSS version 12.0. The results were considered significant at p< 0.05. Results: The following parameters shows a correlation with cTnl elevation: higher Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade (p = 0.000), poor Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score (p = 0.000), profound pulmonary complication (p = 0.043), higher heart rate during initial three days following SAH (p = 0.029), ruptured aneurysm on communicating segment of internal carotid artery (p = 0.025), incidence of vasospasm (p = 0.421), and duration of hyperdynamic therapy for vasospasm (p = 0.292). A significant determinants for outcome were cTnl elevation (p = 0.046) and H-H grade (p = 0.000) in a multivariate study. Conclusion: A cTnl is a good indicator for cardiopulmonary and neurologic complications and outcome following SAH. Consideration of variable clinical factors that related with cTnl elevation may be useful tactics for treatment of SAH and concomitant complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권4호
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• pp.309-315
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• 2015

Objective : An advantage of surgical treatment over conservative treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is controversial. Recent reports suggest that contrast extravasations on CT angiography (CTA) might serve as a crucial predictor of hematoma expansion and mortality. The purpose of this study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of surgical treatment in patients with spot sign positive ICH. Methods : We used our institutional medical data search system to identify all adult patients who admitted for treatment of ICH between January 1, 2007 and January 31, 2012. Patients were classified two groups into a surgical group (n=27) and a conservative treatment group (n=28). Admission criteria were the following: age 20-79 years, spontaneous supratentorial ICH, Glasgow Coma Score Ranging from 9 to 14, ICH volume ${\geq}20mL$, and treatment within 24 hours. Results : Fifty-five patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the ICU stay between the conservative treatment group ($7.36{\pm}3.66days$) and the surgical treatment group ($6.93{\pm}2.20days$; p=0.950). There was a significant difference in the in-hospital stay between the conservative treatment group ($13.93{\pm}8.87days$) and the surgical treatment group ($20.33{\pm}6.37days$; p=0.001). Overall mortality at day 90 after ICH was 36.4%; this included 16 of 28 patients (57.1%) in the conservative group and 4 of 27 patients (14.8%) in the surgical group. In univariate analysis, there was a positive effect of the surgical treatment in reducing mortality at 90 days (p=0.002), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 90-day (p=0.006), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90-day (p=0.023). In multivariate logistic analysis, there was a significant difference in mortality (odds ratio, 0.211; 95% confidence interval, 0.049-0.906; p=0.036) between the groups at 90-day follow-up. However, there was no significant difference in GOS (odds ratio, 0.371; 95% confidence interval, 0.031-4.446; p=0.434) and mRS (odds ratio, 1.041; 95% confidence interval, 0.086-12.637; p=0.975) between the groups at 90-day follow-up. Conclusion : In this study of surgical treatment of supratentorial ICH in patients with spot sign positive in CTA was associated with less mortality despite of long duration of in-hospital stay. We failed to show that clinical outcome benefit of surgical treatment compared with conservative treatment in patients with spot sign positive ICH.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권6호
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• pp.717-722
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• 2017

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of delayed burr hole surgery in relation to the reduction of postoperative subdural hematoma (SDH) volume in patients with acute SDH. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute SDH who received delayed burr hole surgery at our institute. Age, sex, Glasgow coma scale, maximal SDH thickness, volume of SDH, midline shifts, hounsfield unit (HU), and medical history of anticoagulant agent usage were recorded. Outcome measures were delayed operation day, reduction of SDH volume after operation, and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at discharge. The patients were divided two groups according to the postoperative reduction of volume of SDH (${\geq}50%$, group A; <50%, group B). We also analyzed variables and differences between two groups. Results : Eighteen patients were available for this analysis. The mean delayed of surgery was $13.9{\pm}7.5$ days. Maximal thickness of SDH was changed from $10.0{\pm}3.5mm$ to $12.2{\pm}3.7mm$. Volume of SDH was changed from $38.7{\pm}28.0mL$ to $42.6{\pm}29.6mL$. Midline shifts were changed from $5.8{\pm}3.3mm$ to $6.6{\pm}3.3mm$. HU were changed from $66.4{\pm}11.2$ to $53.2{\pm}20.6$. Post-operative reduction of SDH volume was $52.1{\pm}21.1%$. Eleven patients (61%) had a discharge GOS score of 1 (good recovery). Ten patients (56%) were enrolled in group A. Midline shifting was greater in group A than in group B ($7.4{\pm}3.3$ vs. $3.0{\pm}2.4mm$; p<0.02). The delay of surgery was shorter for group A than group B ($9.2{\pm}2.3$ vs. $19.8{\pm}7.7$ days; p<0.0008). Conclusion : Among well selected patients, delayed burr hole surgery in patients with acute SDH may be effective for reduction of SDH volume. Further studies will be necessary to establish the effectiveness and safety of delayed burr hole surgery in patients with acute SDH.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.138-143
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• 2007

Purpose: $S100{\beta}$, a marker of traumatic brain injury (TBI), has been increasingly focused upon during recent years. $S100{\beta}$, is easily measured not only in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but also in serum. After TBI, serum S 10019, has been found to be increased at an early stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical correlations between serum $S100{\beta}$, and neurologic outcome, and severity in traumatic brain injury. Methods: From August 2006 to October 2006, we made a protocol and studied prospectively 42 patients who visited the emergency room with TBI. Venous blood samples for $S100{\beta}$, protein were taken within six hours after TBI and vital signs, as well as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), were recorded. The final diagnosis and the severity were evaluated using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), and the prognosis of the patients was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Results: Thirty-eight patients showed a favorable prognosis (discharge, recovery, transfer), and four showed an unfavorable prognosis. Serum $S100{\beta}$, was higher in patients with an unfavorable prognosis than in patients with a favorable prognosis, and a significant difference existed between the two groups ($0.74{\pm}1.50\;{\mu}g/L$ vs $7.62{\pm}6.53\;{\mu}g/L$ P=0.002). A negative correlation existed between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the Revised Traumatic Score (R2=-0.34, P=0.03), and a positive correlation existed between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the Injury Severity Score (R2=0.33, P=0.03). Furthermore, the correlation between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the initial GCS and the GCS 24 hours after admission to the ER were negative (R2=-0.62, P<0.001; R2=-0.47, P=0.005). Regarding the GOS, the mean serum concentration of $S100{\beta}$, was $7.62\;{\ss}{\partial}/L$ (SD=${\pm}6.53$) in the expired patients, $1.15\;{\mu}g/L$ in the mildly disable patient, and $0.727\;{\mu}g/L$ (SD=${\pm}0.73$) in the recovered patients. These differences are statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: In traumatic brain injury, a higher level of serum concentration of $S100{\beta}$, has a poor prognosis for neurologic outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.109-115
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• 2009

Objective: The decision to adopt a conservative or surgical modality for a relatively small volume of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is difficult and often controversial, especially when consciousness is tolerable. The authors examined the results of stereotactic-guided evacuation of SICH for relatively small volumes with respect to functional outcome. Methods: This prospective study was performed on 387 patients with SICH who underwent stereotactic-guided evacuation (n = 204, group A) or conservative treatment (n = 183, group B) during the past 8 years. The primary end-point was recovery of functional status, which was estimated using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results: All patients had a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of $\geq$ 13 and unilateral hemiparesis of less than motor power grade 3. Group demographic characteristics and initial neurological statuses were similar. In all cases, the volume of SICH involved was < 30 cm$^3$ and location was limited to basal ganglia and thalamus. At 6-month follow-ups, MBI was 90.9 in group A and 62.4 in group B (p < 005), and MRS was 1.2 in group A and 3.0 in group B (p < 0.05). Better motor function and stereotactic-guided evacuation had a significant effect on a functional recovery in regression analyses. Conclusion: Even in patients with a small volume of SICH, stereotactic-guided evacuation improved functional recovery in activities in daily life than conservative treatment did.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권7호
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• pp.842-848
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• 2001

Objectives : The mortality rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) has been reduced recently due to refinement of microsurgical technique and improved perioperative management. Also, many survivors of SAH show excellent neurological recoveries. However, we found that a high proportion of the survivors do not fully regain their premorbid status in cognitive and memory function. Object of this study is to evaluate which factors might influence on cognitive and memory impairment in ruptured aneurysmal SAH patients. Methods : In this prospective study, a series of 66 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) from 1996 to 1998, most of whom had a "good" or "fair" neurological outcome, were assessed with various tests of cognition and memory function. All patients underwent clipping operation by pterional approach. Right side approach was performed in 16 case and left 21 cases. K-WAIS(Korean-Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) was used as method of cognition and memory function test. The time interval between SAH and assessment varied between 4 months and 8 months, averaging 6.2 months. Statistical analyses were carried out for each test score to see whether aneurysm site(A-com : non A-com), route of approach, age and sex, vasospasm, Hunt-Hess grade and Fisher CT group at admission, Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS) at discharge affect cognitive and memory function. Results : Aneurysm site was not shown to be associated with performance on any test, and the initial grade (Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher CT group) of SAH and vasospasm had only minimal predictive values. The grade at discharge( GOS) was proved to be the best predictor of impairment of cognition and memory function within 1 year after operation. Conclusion : The authors conclude that the diffuse effects of SAH are more important than focal neuropathology in relation to cognitive impairment in this group of patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권3호
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• pp.353-359
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• 2000

Objective : The fracture on the frontal bone in head-injured patients may be commonly encountered in the clinical situations. Biomechanical studies demonstrate that the anterior wall of the frontal sinus is intermediate in its ability to resist fracture on direct impact. If the frontal sinus is large and the anterior table is able to disperse the force of the impact over a greater area, the posterior table and intracranial contents usually can be spared. We analyzed the clinical features of the patients who presented with frontal skull fracture due to frontal blows. Patients and Methods : From January, 1992 to December, 1997, 172 patients with frontal skull fracture were selected among 1911 patients with head injury who were admitted to department of neurosurgery. Clinical records and radiological studies of all patients were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. Results : The neurobehavioral changes was seen in 34 cases(19.8%) and showed statistical significances in case of facial bone fractures, acute subdural hematoma(SDH), and positive frontal lobe releasing sign(p<0.05). The good glasgow outcome score group(GOS, good recovery & moderate disability) at discharge was revealed in 77.3% of total patient population. The poor GOS group(severe disability & vegetative state & death) at discharge was revealed in 22.7%. The poor GOS group at discharge have statistical significances with acute epidural hematoma(EDH), traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage(t-IVH), traumatic intracranial lesion, poor initial glasgow coma scale(GCS) scores & Revised Trauma Score(RTS)(p<0.05). Conclusion : Because of their anatomical relationships and neurobehavioral patterns due to vulnerability of the frontal lobe, the frontal injury should be considered as complicated facial injuries. Therefore, these patients are more likely to have a cosmetic or neuropsychiatric problems.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제51권5호
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• pp.268-271
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• 2012

Objective : To propose grading of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms, which helps to predict the prognosis more accurately. Methods : From August 2005 to December 2010, 27 cases of emergent hematoma evacuation and aneurysm clipping for MCA aneurysms were done in the author's clinic. Three variables were considered in grading the ICH, which were 1) hematoma volume, 2) diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that extends to the contralateral sylvian cistern, and 3) the presence of midline shifting from computed tomography findings. For hematoma volume of greater than 25 mL, we assigned 2 points whereas 1 point for less than 25 cc. We also assigned 1 point for the presence of diffuse SAH whereas 0 point for the absence of it. Then, 1 point was assigned for midline shifting of greater than 5 mm whereas 0 point for less than 5 mm. Results : According to the grading system, the numbers of patients from grade 1 to 4 were 4, 6, 8 and 9 respectively and 5, 7, 8, 4 and 3 patients belonged to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 5 to 1 respectively. It was found that the patients with higher GOS had lower ICH grade which were confirmed to be statistically significant (p<0.01). Preoperative Hunt and Hess grade and absence of midline shifting were the factors to predict favorable outcome. Conclusion : The ICH grading system composed of above three variables was helpful in predicting the patient's outcome more accurately.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.425-429
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• 2001

Objective : Patients with poor grade aneurysm usually present with increased intracranial pressure(ICP), even those without an intracranial clot. Based on this fact, the present study investigated a significance of intracranial pressure monitoring in those patients. Patients and Methods : A total of 60 patients with Hunt and Hess Grade IV(50 patients) or V(10 patients) were treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) during a 3-year-period, and intraparenchymal ICP was measured in the majority, immediately after arrival to the emergency room. Early surgery including intraoperative ventriculostomy was undertaken within 3 days after SAH. An ultraearly surgery was performed without preceding angiogram or ICP monitoring in patients with large sylvian hematomas, highly suggestive of middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Outcomes were assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS) at 6 months. Results : In overall, favorable outcome(GOS scores 1-2) was seen in 27(54.0%) of admission Grade IV and 1(10.0%) of admission Grade V patients. Of the 38 surgical patients with preoperative ICP monitorings, 25 patients (80.6%) exhibiting ICP values of less than 40mmHg showed favorable outcome, however, no patients with ICP values above 40mmHg recovered(Fisher's exact test, p=0.0001). Conclusion : It is concluded that a preoperative ICP above 40mmHg before ventriculostomy indicate significant vital brain destruction as intractable intracranial hypertension, and Grade IV patients at admission with an ICP below 40mmHg can be of benefit from early surgical intervention while Grade V patients still remains unfavorable.