• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.81-88
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• 2011

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and anatomic features involved in determining treatment modalities for anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms. Methods : The authors retrospectively evaluated 112 AcoA aneurysms with pretreatment clinical features including age, Hunt and Hess grade, medical or neurological comorbidity, and anatomical features including aneurysm size, neck size, dome-to-neck ratio, vessel incorporation, multiple lobulation, and morphologic scoring system. Post-treatment clinical results were classified according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale, and anatomic results in coiled patients were classified according to the modified Raymond scale. Using multivariate logistic regression, the probabilities for decision making between surgical clipping and coil embolization were calculated. Results : Sixty-seven patients (60%) were treated with surgical clipping and 45 patients (40%) with endovascular coil embolization. The clinical factor significantly associated with treatment decision was age (${\geq}$65 vs. <65 years) and anatomical factors including aneurysm size (small or large vs. medium), dome-to-neck ratio (<2 vs. ${\geq}$2), presence of vessel incorporation, multiple lobulation, and morphologic score (${\geq}$2 vs. <2). In multivariate analysis, older patients (age, 65 years) had significantly higher odds of being treated with coil embolization relative to clipping (adjusted OR=3.78; 95% CI, 1.39-10.3; p=0.0093) and higher morphological score patients (${\geq}$2) had a higher tendency toward surgical clipping than endovascular coil embolization (OR=0.23; 95% CI, 0.16-0.93; p=0.0039). Conclusion : The optimal decision for treating AcoA aneurysms cannot be determined by any single clinical or anatomic characteristics. All clinical and morphological features need to be considered, and a collaborative neurovascular team approach to AcoA aneurysms is essential.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권4호
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• pp.312-319
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• 2012

Objective : In patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the risk factors for seizure and the effect of prophylactic anticonvulsants are not well known. This study aimed to determine the risk factor for seizures and the role for prophylactic anticonvulsants after spontaneous ICH. Methods : Between 2005 and 2010, 263 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH were retrospectively assessed with a mean follow-up of 19.5 months using medical records, updated clinical information and, when necessary, direct patient contact. The seizures were classified as early (within 1 week of ICH) or late (more than 1 week after ICH). The outcomes were measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale at discharge and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at both 2 weeks and discharge. Results : Twenty-two patients (8.4%; 9 patients with early seizures and 13 patients with late seizures) developed seizures after spontaneous ICH. Out of 263 patients, prophylactic anticonvulsants were administered in 216 patients. The prophylactic anticonvulsants were not associated with a reduced risk of early (p=0.094) or late seizures (p=0.326). Instead, the factors associated with early seizure were cortical involvement (p<0.001) and younger age (60 years or less) (p=0.046). The risk of late seizure was increased by cortical involvement (p<0.001) and communicating hydrocephalus (p=0.004). The prophylactic anticonvulsants were associated with a worse mRS at 2 weeks (p=0.024) and at last follow-up (p=0.034). Conclusion : Cortical involvement may be a factor for provoked seizures. Although the incidence of early seizures tended to decrease in patients prescribed prophylactic anticonvulsants, no statistical difference was found.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제44권5호
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• pp.308-313
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• 2008

Objective: The serum S100 protein has been known to reflect the severity of neuronal damage. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the serum S100 protein by Elecsys S100 immunoassay in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and to establish reference value for this new method. Methods: Serum S100 protein value was measured at admission, day 3 and 7 after bleeding in 42 consecutive patients (SAH : 20, ICH : 22) and 74 healthy controls, prospectively. Admission Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Hunt & Hess grade and Fisher grade for SAH, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage, ICH volume, and outcome at discharge were evaluated. Degrees of serum S100 elevation and their effect on outcomes were compared between two groups. Results: Median S100 levels in SAH and ICH groups were elevated at admission (0.092 versus $0.283{\mu}g/L$) and at day 3 (0.110 versus $0.099{\mu}g/L$) compared to healthy controls ($0.05{\mu}g/L;$ p<0001). At day 7, however, these levels were normalized in both groups. Time course of S100 level in SAH patient was relatively steady at least during the first 3 days, whereas in ICH patient it showed abrupt S100 surge on admission and then decreased rapidly during the next 7 days, suggesting severe brain damage at the time of bleeding. In ICH patient, S100 level on admission correlated well with GCS score (r=-0.859; p=0.0001) and ICH volume (r=0.663; p=0.001). A baseline S100 level more than $0.199{\mu}g/L$ predicted poor outcome with 92% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Logistic regression analyses showed Ln (S100) on admission as the only independent predictor of poor outcome (odd ratio 36.1; 95% CI, 1.98 to 656.3) Conclusion: Brain damage in ICH patient seems to develop immediately after bleeding, whereas in SAH patients it seems to be sustained for few days. Degree of brain damage is more severe in ICH compared to SAH group based on the S100 level. S100 level is considered an independent predictor of poor outcome in patient with spontaneous ICH, but not in SAH. Further study with large population is required to confirm this result.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.228-233
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• 2008

Objective : The standard treatment strategy of intracranial aneurysms includes either endovascular coiling or microsurgical clipping. In certain situations such as in giant or dissecting aneurysms, bypass surgery followed by proximal occlusion or trapping of parent artery is required. Methods : The authors assessed the result of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms in one institute between 2003 and 2007 retrospectively to propose its role as treatment modality. The outcomes of 15 patients with complex aneurysms treated during the last 5 years were reviewed. Six male and 9 female patients, aged 14 to 76 years, presented with symptoms related to hemorrhage in 6 cases, transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 2 un ruptured cases, and permanent infarction in one, and compressive symptoms in 3 cases. Aneurysms were mainly in the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 11 cases, middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 2, posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in one and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in one case. Results : The types of aneurysms were 8 cases of large to giant size aneurysms, 5 cases of ICA blood blister-like aneurysms, one dissecting aneurysm, and one pseudoaneurysm related to trauma. High-flow bypass surgery was done in 6 cases with radial artery graft (RAG) in five and saphenous vein graft (SVG) in one. Low-flow bypass was done in nine cases using superficial temporal artery (STA) in eight and occipital artery (OA) in one case. Parent artery occlusion was performed with clipping in 9 patients, with coiling in 4, and with balloon plus coil in 1. Direct aneurysm clip was done in one case. The follow up period ranged from 2 to 48 months (mean 15.0 months). There was no mortality case. The long-term clinical outcome measured by Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) showed good or excellent outcome in 13/15. The overall surgery related morbidity was 20% (3/15) including 2 emergency bypass surgeries due to unexpected parent artery occlusion during direct clipping procedure. The short-term postoperative bypass graft patency rates were 100% but the long-term bypass patency rates were 86.7% (13/15). Nonetheless, there was no bypass surgery related morbidity due to occlusion of the graft. Conclusion : Revascularization technique is a pivotal armament in managing complex aneurysms and scrupulous prior planning is essential to successful outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제61권1호
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• pp.42-50
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• 2018

Objective : Massive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and major infarction (MI) are devastating cerebral vascular diseases. Decompression craniectomy (DC) is a common treatment approach for these diseases and acceptable clinical results have been reported. Author experienced the postoperative intracranaial pressure (ICP) trend is somewhat different between the ICH and MI patients. In this study, we compare the ICP trend following DC and evaluate the clinical significance. Methods : One hundred forty-three patients who underwent DC following massive ICH (81 cases) or MI (62 cases) were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age was $56.3{\pm}14.3$ (median=57, male : female=89 : 54). DC was applied using consistent criteria in both diseases patients; Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score less than 8 and a midline shift more than 6 mm on brain computed tomography. In all patients, ventricular puncture was done before the DC and ICP trends were monitored during and after the surgery. Outcome comparisons included the ictus to operation time (OP-time), postoperative ICP trend, favorable outcomes and mortality. Results : Initial GCS (p=0.364) and initial ventricular ICP (p=0.783) were similar among the ICH and MI patients. The postoperative ICP of ICH patients were drop rapidly and maintained within physiological range if greater than 80% of the hematoma was removed. While in MI patients, the postoperative ICP were not drop rapidly and maintained above the physiologic range (MI=18.8 vs. ICH=13.6 mmHg, p=0.000). The OP-times were faster in ICH patients (ICH=7.3 vs. MI=40.9 hours, p=0.000) and the mortality rate was higher in MI patients (MI=37.1% vs. ICH=17.3%, p=0.007). Conclusion : The results of this study suggest that if greater than 80% of the hematoma was removed in ICH patients, the postoperative ICP rarely over the physiologic range. But in MI patients, the postoperative ICP was above the physiologic range for several days after the DC. Authors propose that DC is no need for the massive ICH patient if a significant portion of their hematoma is removed. But DC might be essential to improve the MI patients' outcome and timely treatment decision.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.89-95
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study is to analyze aneurysm morphology and define limitations and feasibility in endovascular Gugliemi detachable coil[GDC] embolization for anterior communicating artery [ACoA] aneurysms. Methods : From January 2000 through October 2003, 123patients were treated with endovascular coil embolization for ACoA aneurysms. There were 75women and 48men, with a mean age of 63years. All ruptured aneurysms were treated within 15days of rupture. Aneurysm morphology was classified according to neck size and projection of aneurysm dome as follows-A : neck of aneurysm <4mm & anterior projection, B : neck of aneurysm [4mm & anterior projection, C : neck of aneurysm<4mm & posterior [superior] projection, D : neck of aneurysm [4mm & posterior [superior] projection, E : neck of aneurysm<4mm & inferior projection, and F : neck of aneurysm [4mm & inferior projection. Endovascular procedures were categorized as either "successful" or "unsuccessful". Clinical follow-up was estimated at discharge and at 6months, post treatment results were classified according to Glasgow Outcome Scale[GOS]. Results : Successful embolization for ACoA was performed in 86patients of 123patients [69.9%]. Complete or near complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 102patients [82.9%]; a neck remnant was observed in 6patients [4.9%]; partial embolization was done in 3patients [2.4%]; and embolization was attempted in 12patients [9.8%]. Among 55patients with follow-up angiographic results, 18patients [32.7%] were defined as recanalization of the aneurysm sac. Morphological analysis demonstrated that anterior projecting aneurysms and morphological classifications [morphological classifications worsens [A - D] chances of successful coil occlusion significantly decrease] were major factors in successful embolization, and, inferiorly projecting and wide neck [${\ge}4mm$] aneurysms are highly related to recanalization of aneurysms. Conclusion : Endovascular coil embolization of ACoA aneurysms shows good outcome in our study. Nevertheless, there is a limitation in the endovascular approach to ACoA, even though advanced modern techniques evolve rapidly. Compensatory surgical approach with the endovascular approach is required for successful treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.75-81
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of a trauma team's management. Methods: A total of 181 patients with severe trauma were retrospectively divided into two groups. Of these 181 patients, 81 patients without a trauma team admitted between April and October 2008 were assigned to Group 1, and 100 patients with a Trauma team admitted between April and October 2009 were assigned to Group II. We compared general characteristics, the length of stay in the emergency department (ED) and treatment outcomes (24-h packed RBC transfusion, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, 24-h mortality) between these two groups. Results: The length of stay in the ED was significantly reduced in Group II compared to Group I ($p$=0.025). No significant differences were found in mean arterial pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score, in-hospital mortality and 24-h mortality between the two groups. However, Group II had a lower amount of 24-h packed RBC transfusion and a shorter length of ICU and hospital stay than Group I, although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Through the establishment of a trauma team, the length of stay in the ED can be reduced remarkably. Furthermore, the need for 24-h packed RBC transfusions and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital were found to be decreased in patients managed by a trauma team.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.179-186
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• 2005

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to report our experiences in managing seventeen cases of residual intracranial aneurysms following surgical or endovascular treatment and discuss the incidence of residual aneurysms, the indications and technique of retreatment of residual aneurysms. Methods: During a period of 42 months, we treated 391 aneurysms in 339 patients with microsurgical clipping or GDC embolization as a primary treatment. In 39 of them, follow-up angiography revealed residual aneurysms and seventeen of whom were retreated. There were eleven cases in ACoA, three cases in distal ICA, one, in each of MCA, ACA and basilar artery. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical notes, operation records and cerebral angiograms of seventeen patients who had been treated for residual aneurysms. Results: Complementary treatment was performed in 8 cases by means of surgery and in 9 cases by means of GDC embolization. There were eleven females and six males with an age variation between 29 and 78 years. The mean duration of angiographic follow-up was 17.3 months. Of the seventeen cases that were treated for residual aneurysms, fourteen achieved complete occlusion. Of 17 retreated patients, fifteen patients had good recovery according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Conclusion: When occlusion after endovascular or surgical treatment is incomplete, a new multidisciplinary approach should be carried out. Given our experiences, we recommend coil embolization of the choice in cases that the residual aneurysmal neck had been narrowed by previous clipping. On the other hand, if the residual aneurysm has enough space to clip but not enough to coil, we recommend the microsurgical clipping.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.89-94
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• 2011

Objective : D-dimer is a breakdown product of fibrin mesh after factor XIII stabilization. Previously, many authors have demonstrated a relationship between D-dimer level and stroke progression or type. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between D-dimer level and stroke volume. Methods : Between January 2008 and December 2009, we analyzed the D-dimer levels of 59 acute ischemic stroke patients in our neurosurgical department both upon admission and after seven days of initial treatment. Each patient's National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scales score, Glasgow outcome score, and infarction volume were also evaluated. Results : Mean D-dimer level at admission was 626.6 ${\mu}g/L$ (range, 77-4,752 ${\mu}g/L$) and the mean level measured after seven days of treatment was 238.3 ${\mu}g/L$ (range, 50-924 ${\mu}g/L$). Mean D-dimer level at admission was 215.3 ${\mu}g/L$ in patients with focal infarctions, 385.7 ${\mu}g/L$ in patients with multiple embolic infarctions, 566.2 ${\mu}g/L$ in those with 1-19 cc infarctions, 668.8 ${\mu}g/L$ in 20-49 cc infarctions, 702.5 ${\mu}g/L$ in 50-199 cc infarctions, and 844.0 ${\mu}g/L$ in >200 cc infarctions (p=0.044). On the 7th day of treatment, the D-dimer levels had fallen to 201.0 ${\mu}g/L$, 293.2 ${\mu}g/L$, 272.0 ${\mu}g/L$, 232.8 ${\mu}g/L$, 336.6 ${\mu}g/L$, and 180.0 ${\mu}g/L$, respectively (p=0.530). Conclusion : Our study shows that D-dimer level has the positive correlation with infarction volume and can be use to predict infarction-volume.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.211-216
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• 2008

Objective : The cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operation have been used to treat a large cranial defect with posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH). The aim of this study was to evlauate the difference of outcomes between in the shunting after the cranioplasty (group 1) and the cranioplasty after the shunting (group 2) in a large flaccid cranial defect with PTH. Methods : In this study, a retrospective review was done on 23 patients undergoing the cranioplasty and VP shunt operation after the decompressive craniectomy for a refractory intracranial hypertension from 2002 to 2005. All of 23 cases had a large flaccid concave cranial defect and PTH. Ten cases belong to group 1 and 13 cases to group 2. The outcomes after operations were compared in two groups 6 months later. Results : The improvement of Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was seen in 8 cases (80.0%) of total 10 cases in group 1, and 6 cases (46.2%) of 13 cases in group 2. Three (75.0%) of 4 cases with hemiparesis in group 1 and 3 of 6 cases (50.0%) in group 2 were improved. All cases (2 cases) with decrease of visual acuity were improved in each group. Dysphasia was improved in 3 of 5 cases (60%) in group 1 and 4 of 6 cases (66.6%) in group 2. Conclusion : These results suggest that outcomes in group 1 may be better than in group 2 for a large flaccid concave cranial defect with PTH.