• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.197-204
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• 2015

Objective : Aneurysms arising from the pericallosal artery (PA) are uncommon and challenging to treat. The aim of this study was to report our experiences of the endovascular treatment of ruptured PA aneurysms. Methods : From September 2003 to December 2013, 30 ruptured PA aneurysms in 30 patients were treated at our institution via an endovascular approach. Procedural data, clinical and angiographic results were retrospectively reviewed. Results : Regarding immediate angiographic control, complete occlusion was achieved in 21 (70.0%) patients and near-complete occlusion in 9 (30.0%). Eight procedure-related complications occurred, including intraprocedural rupture and early rebleeding in three each, and thromboembolic event in two. At last follow-up, 18 patients were independent with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2, and the other 12 were either dependent or had expired (mRS score, 3-6). Adjacent hematoma was found to be associated with an increased risk of poor clinical outcome. Seventeen of 23 surviving patients underwent follow-up conventional angiography (mean, 16.5 months). Results showed stable occlusion in 14 (82.4%), minor recanalization in two (11.8%), and major recanalization, which required recoiling, in one (5.9%). Conclusion : Our experiences demonstrate that endovascular treatment for a ruptured PA aneurysms is both feasible and effective. However, periprocedural rebleedings were found to occur far more often (20.0%) than is generally suspected and to be associated with preoperative contrast retention. Analysis showed existing adjacent hematoma is predictive of a poor clinical outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.504-508
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• 2014

A 59-year-old male patient had 5-month history of gait disturbance and memory impairment. His initial brain computed tomography scan showed $3.5{\times}2.8cm$ sized mass with high density in the pineal region. The tumor was hypointense on T2 weighted magnetic resonance images and hyperintense on T1 weighted magnetic resonance images with heterogenous enhancement of central portion. The tumor was totally removed via the occipital transtentorial approach. Black mass was observed in the operation field, and after surgery, histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Whole spine magnetic resonance images and whole body 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography could not demonstrate the primary site of this melanoma. Scrupulous physical examination of his skin and mucosa was done and dark pigmented lesion on his left leg was found, but additional studies including magnetic resonance images and skin biopsy showed negative finding. As a result, final diagnosis of primary pineal malignant melanoma was made. He underwent treatment with the whole brain radiotherapy and extended local boost irradiation without chemotherapy. His preoperative symptoms were disappeared, and no other specific neurological deficits were founded. His follow-up image studies showed no recurrence or distant metastasis until 26 weeks after surgery. Primary pineal malignant melanomas are extremely rare intracranial tumors, and only 17 cases have been reported since 1899. The most recent case report showed favorable outcome by subtotal tumor resection followed by whole brain and extended local irradiation without chemotherapy. Our case is another result to prove that total tumor resection with radiotherapy can be the current optimal treatment for primary malignant melanoma in the pineal region.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.512-516
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• 2018

Background Dermoid cysts are congenital tumors that are benign. Dermoid cysts with intracranial extension can cause serious neurological complications. It is important, therefore, to determine whether a patient has a dermoid cyst when their chief concern at a doctor's visit is a mass in the head or neck area. In this study, we present a literature review of dermoid cysts and an analysis of the authors' experiences, with the goal of providing guidance useful for the diagnosis and treatment of dermoid cysts. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 62 patients who visited the two medical clinics with which the authors are affiliated. The patients were enrolled between October 2003 and January 2017. Results Of the 62 patients analyzed in this study, 32 were 0 to 5 years of age (52%) and 23 were 17 years of age or older (37%). Forty-seven patients underwent 1 or more imaging study during the process of diagnosis. Thirty-two patients were suspected to have a dermoid cyst. Forty-nine patients were analyzed to determine the depth of the cyst. Bone was seen in 43 patients through imaging tests or during actual surgery, and nine of the 43 had bony problems (21%). Conclusions This study found that dermoid cysts were present in many adults, and that a high rate of deep lesions was observed, as well as many cases in which even the bone was affected. These results suggest, therefore, that dermoid cysts should be considered, and medical professionals should actively conduct imaging studies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 1997

With the introduction of new cardiac prosthesis, it behooves surgeons and cardiologists to monitor its performance carefully. ATS (Advancing The Standard) prosthetic valve has been used first in Guro hospital in Korea, since August 1994. Between August 1994 and July 1995, 21 patients received 28 ATS prosthesis(9 aortic, 19 mitral).19mi1ra1 valves were implanted through the "Extended Transseptal Approach" 10 were ma e and 11 were female, ranging from 20 to 54 years of age(Mean age : 37 years). The follow up period 126 patient-months(mean 6.1 months), varied from 1 month to 12 months. NYHA functional class was improved significantly, from $2.9\pm0.7$ preoperatively to $1.4\pm0.5$ postoperatively. Ejection fraction was also improved from $55.5\pm6.1%$ preoperatively to 59.8 $\pm7.4%$ postoperatively. Lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) was used as an indicator of hemolysis. The value of LDH changed from 483.3 $\pm$ 162 lUlL preoperatively to $527\pm274$ lUff postoperatively with no clinical significailce. Valve related complications, such as thromboembolism, valve thrombosis, anticoagulant related hemorrhage and prosthetic valve endocarditis did not develop except one anticoagulant related intracranial hemorrhage. There were no mortalities. This experience encourages us to continue using the ATS prosthetic valve, and this study will help those patients who need to have their heart valves replaced. replaced.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.16-21
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• 2007

Objective : Civilian gunshot injuries to the brain are relatively rare and study of these injuries has been neglected in South Korea. We present our experience with penetrating gunshot injuries to the brain and review the outcome of surgical management, as well as other clinical predictors influencing the prognosis. Methods : We present a retrospective analysis of 13 patients with penetrating gunshot injuries to the brain who were treated at our hospital over a period of 22 years. Results : The Glasgow Coma Scale[GCS] score on admission was recorded to be : 3-5 in 1 patient, 6-8 in 3 patients, 9-12 in 2 patients and 13-15 in 7 patients. There were 11 patients who underwent surgical treatment, and the surgical mortality rate was 0%. The admission GCS score was the most valuable prognostic factor. The best results were found to be in patients admitted with an initial GCS higher than 13. There were no favorable outcomes in patients admitted with a GCS of 8 or lower. There was a correlation between the presence of a transventricular or bihemispheric trajectory and poor outcome. The patients admitted with unilobar wounds resulted in better outcome than those with bilobar or multilobar wounds. Retained deep intracranial bone or metal fragments were the most common postoperative complication. However, retained fragments did not increase the risk of infection or seizure. Conclusion : Our results suggest that a less aggressive approach, consisting of minimal local debridement and removal of the bone and metal fragments that are easily accessible, can be successfully used in civilian gunshot wounds to the brain.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.131-134
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• 2008

Objective: The surgical approach for anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysm is typically similar to those used for other supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) lesions. However, the surgical clipping of this aneurysm is complicated and as a result. can result in postoperative ischemic complications. The purpose of this study was to clarify the risk of clip-induced ischemic complication in AChA aneurysm and to get the benefits for helping decision making. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 53 cases (4.0%) of AchA aneurysm treated surgically. We divided the AChA aneurysm to 3 subtype according to the origin of aneurysmal neck; A type originating from the AChA itself. J type from junction of AChA and ICA and I type from the ICA itself. We evaluated brain CT about 1 week post-operative day to confirm the low density in AChA territory. Results: Ruptured aneurysm was 26 cases and unruptured aneurysm 27 cases. The aneurysmal subtype of A, J, and I was 13, 17, and 23 cases. Of the 53 cases who performed surgical neck clipping, twelve (22.6%) had postoperative AChA distribution infarcts. Increased infarct after neck clipping had statistic significance in non-I subtype (r=0.005) Conclusion: AChA aneurysm surgery carries a significant risk of postoperative stroke. Don't always stick to clipping only, especially in non-I type of incidental small aneurysm, which has high risk of post-clip ischemic complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.335-339
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• 2006

Objective : The authors present eight cases of immediate post-operative epidural hematomas[EDHs] adjacent to the craniotomy site, describe clinical details of them, and discuss their pathogenesis. Methods : Medical records of eight cases were retrospectively reviewed and their clinical data, operation records, and radiological findings analyzed. Any risk factors of the EDHs were searched. Results : In 5 of 8 cases, adjacent EDHs developed after craniotomies for the surgical removal of brain tumors. Three cases of adjacent EDHs developed after a pterional approach and neck clipping of a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and a craniotomy for a post-traumatic EDH, respectively. In all eight cases, brain computed tomography[CT] scans checked immediately or a few hours after the surgery, revealed large EDHs adjacent to the previous craniotomy site, but there was no EDH beneath the previous craniotomy flap. After emergent surgical removal of the EDHs, 7 cases demonstrated good clinical outcomes, with one case yielding a poor result. Conclusion : Rapid drainage of a large volume of cerebrospinal fluid or intra-operative severe brain collapse may separate the dura from the calvarium and cause postoperative EDH adjacent to the previous craniotomy site. A high-pressure suction drain left in the epidural space may contribute to the pathogenesis. After the craniotomy for brain tumors or intracranial aneurysms, when remarkable brain collapse occurs, an immediate postoperative brain CT is mandatory to detect and adequately manage such unexpected events as adjacent EDHs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.257-261
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• 2011

Objective : Successful coil embolization of anterior communicating (A-com) artery aneurysms requires good visualization and understanding of the entire H complex. Bilateral carotid angiography may optimize anatomical understanding and visualization of the H complex. We therefore assessed the efficacy of simultaneous bilateral internal carotid angiography during coil embolization for A-com artery aneurysms. Methods : Of the 153 patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms who underwent embolization between July 2008 and December 2009, 12 had A-com artery aneurysms and were embolized under bilateral carotid angiography. Patients were evaluated angiographically, immediately and 6 months (n=11) after embolization, using a 3-point scale (complete, residual neck, residual aneurysm). The safety, performance and efficacy of this approach were retrospectively evaluated. Results: In all patients, bilateral internal carotid artery angiography provided more detailed anatomical information and understanding around the A-com artery, and, in complex situations, it allowed for more effective coil embolization through bilateral routes to the A-com artery. Angiography immediately after embolization showed occlusion of 11 of the 12 (92%) aneurysms, with none of these 11 showing evidence of recanalization at 6 months. Conclusion : These findings indicate that simultaneous bilateral carotid angiography during coil embolization of selected complex A-com artery aneurysms provided improved anatomical understanding, and resulted in more effective and safer procedures than typical unilateral angiography.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.211-217
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• 2016

Background: Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis is a relatively common craniofacial anomaly and various techniques were introduced to achieve its operative goals. Authors found that by using smaller bone fragments than that used in conventional cranioplasty, sufficiently rigid bone union and effective regeneration capacity could be achieved with better postoperative outcome, only if their stable fixation was ensured. Methods: Through bicoronal incisional approach, involved synostotic cranial bone together with its surrounding areas were removed. The resected bone flap was split into as many pieces as possible. The extent of this 'multi-split osteotomy' depends on the degree of dysmorphology, expectative volume increment after surgery and probable dead space caused by bony gap between bone segments. Rigid interosseous fixation was performed with variable types of absorbable plate and screw. In all cases, the pre-operational three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) was checked and brain CT was taken immediately after the surgery. Also about 12 months after the operation, 3D CT was checked again to see postoperative morphology improvement, bone union, regeneration and intracranial volume change. Results: The bony gaps seen in the immediate postoperative brain CT were all improved as seen in the 3D CT after 12 months from the surgery. No small bone fragment resorption was observed. Brain volume increase was found to be made gradually, leaving no case of remaining epidural dead space. Conclusion: We conclude that it is meaningful in presenting a new possibility to be applied to not only nonsyndromic craniosynostosis but also other reconstructive cranial vault surgeries.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.81-85
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• 2013

Objective : Transfemoral catheter angiography (TFCA) is a basic procedure in neurovascular surgery with increasing importance in surgical and non-invasive treatments. Unfortunately, resident neurosurgeons have relatively few opportunities to perform TFCA in most institutions. We report a method developed in our hospital for training resident neurosurgeons to perform TFCA and evaluate the efficacy of this training. Methods : From May 2011 to September 2011, a total of 112 consecutive patients underwent TFCA by one resident neurosurgeon supervised by two neuroendovascular specialists. Patients who underwent elective diagnostic procedures were included in this study. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment were excluded. Demographic data, indications for TFCA, side of approach, number of selected arteries, and complications were analyzed. Results : This study included 64 males and 48 females with a mean age of 51.6 (12-81) years. All procedures were performed in the angiography suite. Common indications for procedures were as follows : stroke-induced symptoms in 61 patients (54.5%), Moyamoya disease and arteriovenous malformation in 13 patients (11.6%), and unruptured intracranial aneurysm in eight patients (7.1%). Right and left femoral puncture was performed in 98.2% and 1.8% of patients, respectively. A total of 465 selective angiographies were performed without complications. Angiographic examination was performed on 4.15 vessels per patient. Conclusion : TFCA can be performed safely by resident neurosurgeons based on anatomical study and a meticulous protocol under the careful supervision of neuroendovascular specialists.