• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2013

Objective : Surgical results for anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms have previously been reported as unsatisfactory due to inadvertent occlusion of the AChA, while the low incidence of AChA aneurysms hampers the accumulation of surgical experience. The authors reviewed their related surgical experience to document the ischemic complications and surgical outcomes. Methods : Identification of the AChA at its origin by rigorous visual scrutiny, careful microdissection, and meticulous clip placement to avoid the AChA origin are all crucial surgical maneuvers. A retrospective review of a surgical series of 62 consecutive cases of an AChA aneurysm between 2004 and 2012 was performed. Results : All patients, except for five (8.1%) with a small residual neck, showed complete aneurysm obliteration in postoperative angiographic evaluations. There was no incidence of procedure-related permanent AChA syndrome or oculomotor nerve palsy, while three (4.8%) patients suffered from transient AChA syndrome. The clinical outcomes [the 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS)] of the patients were related to their preoperative World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons (WFNS) grade. As regards the 3-month mRS, significant differences were found between patients with an unruptured aneurysm (WFNS grade 0; n=20), good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (WFNS grade 1-3; n=30), and poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (WFNS grade 4-5; n=4). Conclusion : In surgical treatment of AChA aneurysms, a risk of AChA insufficiency can be minimized by taking every precaution to preserve the AChA patency and intraoperative monitoring. In addition, the surgical outcome is primarily determined by the preoperative clinical state.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.931-937
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• 2007

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare disease of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, low platelet count and renal impairment. HUS usually occurs in young children after hemorrhagic colitis by shigatoxin-producing enterohemorrhagic E. coli (D+HUS). HUS is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children, and is a substantial cause of acute mortality and morbidity; however, renal function recovers in most of them. About 10% of children with HUS do not reveal preceding diarrheal illness, and is referred to as D- HUS or atypical HUS. Atypical HUS comprises a heterogeneous group of thrombomicroangiopathy (TMA) triggered by non-enteric infection, virus, drug, malignancies, transplantation, and other underlying medical condition. Emerging data indicate dysregulation of alternative complement pathway in atypical HUS, and genetic analyses have identified mutations of several regulatory genes; i.e. the fluid phase complement regulator Factor H (CFH), the integral membrane regulator membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) and the serine protease Factor I (IF). The uncontrolled activation of the complement alternative pathway results in the excessive consumption of C3. Plasma exchange or plasma infusion is recommended for treatment of, and has dropped the mortality rate. However, overall prognosis is poor, and many patients succumb to end-stage renal disease. Clinical presentations, response to plasma therapy, and outcome after renal transplantation are influenced by the genotype of the complement regulators. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), another type of TMA, occurs mainly in adults as an acquired disease accompanied by fever, neurologic deficits and renal abnormalities. However, less frequent cases of congenital or hereditary TTP associated with ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease, with thrombospondin 1-like domains 13) gene mutations have been reported, also. Recent advances in molecular genetics better allow various HUS to be distinguished on the basis of their pathogenesis. The genetic analysis of HUS is important in defining the underlying etiology, predicting the genotype-related outcome and optimizing the management of the patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.359-370
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• 2022

Purpose: Physical therapists are required to properly choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF model). The aims of this study were to determine whether neurological physical therapists in clinical settings in South Korea know about the ICF model and to investigate the current trends of outcome measures (OMs) used by them. Methods: Two hundred and one physical therapists who worked with patients with neurological disorders participated in this study. The survey was conducted via e-mail and asked about commonly used OMs and the considerations for selecting OMs. Results: All physical therapists involved in this study responded completely, and 45.8% of participants learned about the ICF model, while 37.3% understood the detailed information related to the ICF model. The rest of the participants did not know or just heard about the ICF model. The most frequently used tools at the body function/structure level were the Range of Motion (98%), Manual Muscle Test (97%), Berg Balance Scale (83.1%), and Modified Ashworth Scale (70.6%) when allowing repetition. At the activity level, the 10-meter walk test (71.1%), 6-minute walk test (54.2%), and Functional Ambulatory Category (43.3%) were used, while the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (23.9%) was used at the participation level. There was a positive relationship between the number of tools used and years of work, as well as the level of understanding of the ICF model. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to learn the ICF model in a clinical setting. In addition, the medical system needs to be modified to encourage physical therapists in South Korea to use proper OMs within the ICF model.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.415-421
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• 2022

Objective : Seizure recurrence after the first-ever seizure in patients with a supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is almost certain, so the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy is justified. The optimal method of management of these patients is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with postoperative seizure control and assess the surgical morbidity rate. Methods : We retrospectively analysed 45 consecutive patients with a supratentorial CCM and symptomatic epilepsy in a single centre. Pre- and postoperative epidemiological data, seizure-related patient histories, neuroimaging results, surgery details and outcomes were obtained from hospital medical records. Seizure outcomes were assessed at least 12 months after surgery. Results : Thirty-five patients (77.8%) were seizure free at the long-term follow-up (Engel class I); six (13,3%) had rare, nocturnal seizures (Engel class II); and four (8.9%) showed meaningful improvement (Engel class III). In 15 patients (33%) in the Engel I group; it was possible to discontinue antiepileptic medication. Although there was not statistical significance, our results suggest that patients can benefit from early surgery. No deaths occurred in our study, and mild postoperative neurologic deficits were observed in two patients (4%) at the long-term follow-up. Conclusion : Surgical resection of CCMs should be considered in all patients with a supratentorial malformation and epilepsy due to the favourable surgical results in terms of the epileptic seizure control rate and low postoperative morbidity risk, despite the use of different predictors for the seizure outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.468-471
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• 2009

Objective : The adolescent presentation of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is well-recognized, but continues to pose significant diagnostic and management controversies. The authors conducted a retrospective study of clinical outcomes after surgical intervention in 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS. Methods : All 83 patients with a lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) underwent untethering surgery for caudal cord tethering between 1987 and 2007. The clinical charts and follow-up data were reviewed. Of these patients, 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS were studied with respect to the clinical, radiologic, pathologic features, and surgical outcomes. Results : Untethering procedures were performed in 24 patients (age range, 7-25 years) for TCS of various origins (lipoma, lipomyelomeningocele, and tight filum terminale). Specific circumstances involving additional tugging of the already tight conus, and direct trauma to the back precipitated the onset of symptom in 50% of the patients. Diffuse and non-dermatomal leg pain, often referred to the anorectal region, was the most common presenting symptom. Progressive sensorimotor deficits in the lower extremities, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction, were also common findings, but progressive foot and spinal deformities were noted less frequently. The most common tethered lesions were intradural lipomas, thickened filum and fibrous band adhesions into the placode sac. The surgical outcome was gratifying in relation to pain and motor weakness, but disappointing with respect to resolution of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Of the 24 patients with TCS, pre-operative deficits improved after surgery in 14 (58.3%). remained stable in 8 (33.4%). and worsened in 2 (8.3%). Conclusion : The pathologic lesions of tethered cord syndrome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults, are mostly intradural lipomas and tight filum. It is suggested that the degree of cord traction results in neurologic dysfunction in late life due to abnormal tension, aggravated by trauma or repeated tugging of the conus during exercise. Early diagnosis and adequate surgical release might be the keys to the successful outcome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.1047-1051
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• 2008

Purpose : This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sedatives for pediatric patients using noninvasive procedures. Methods : We performed a prospective study in 446 (aged 1 month-21 y) consecutive pediatric patients undergoing sedation to study noninvasive sedation techniques from February to August 2007. We reviewed demographic data, sedative drugs, dosage, complications, and successful rates of sedation according to the underlying diseases. Results : The overall successful rate of sedation was 435/446 (97.5%). The overall rate of successful sedation using chloral hydrate was 99.1% (420/424), and was 70.6% (12/17) and 60.0% (3/5) with ketamine and midazolam, respectively. Of the neurologic patients (n=172, aged 1 month to 21 years), 136 patients were sedated for EEGs, 5 patients for renal scans, and 31 patients for neuroimaging studies such as brain CT or MRI. All non-neurological patients (n=274, aged 1 month to 5 years) were diagnosed with urinary tract infection and sedated for renal scan. The overall success rate of sedation for this group was 99.6% (273/274). A total of 14 adverse events were observed (3.1%). Most adverse reactions were mild in severity and clinically insignificant. Conclusion : Using chloral hydrate alone has enough effect to sedate non-neurologic patients. However, neurologic patients in the severe course group, especially those suffering from intractable epilepsy, autism, or severe cerebral palsy, must be medicated with chloral hydrate 2 times at most; instead, injections of ketamine or midazolam in the early stage may result in a more promising outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.923-928
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• 2000

Objective : The reliability of transcranial doppler sonography(TCD) for predicting delayed ischemic neurologic deficit( DIND) was investigated in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). Methods : The velocity of blood flow through the middle cerebral artery was measured by TCD in 70 patients treated surgically within 72 hours due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm. A correlation between measured maximal mean blood flow velocities and clinical factors including age, hypertension, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, DIND, and outcome was made. Results : An age-dependent reduction of the measured maximal mean velocities was found(r＝-0.4043, p<0.001). Flow velocities in hypertensive patients were significantly lower than in the normotensive individuals(two-tailed T test, p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the flow velocities and evaluated other clinical factors. When the flow velocities of 14 patients who developed DIND were compared with those of patients without deficits, no significant difference was seen. A significant increase in flow velocities in the days before the onset of DIND was found only in 4 of 14 cases. High flow velocities did not necessarily mean impending neurological deficits : 6 of 70 patients tolerated flow velocities over 160cm/s. Conclusion : We suggest that TCD readings have limited utility for predicting DIND following SAH, especially in older or hypertensive patients. More direct measurements of blood flow are necessary to adequately predict which patients are at high risk of DIND.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.187-192
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• 2012

Objective : Stent-assisted coiling on intracranial aneurysm has been considered as an effective technique and has made the complex aneurysms amenable to coiling. To achieve reconstruction of intracranial vessels with preservation of parent artery the use of stents has the greatest potential for assisted coiling. We report the results of our experiences in ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using Y-stent coiling. Methods : From October 2003 to October 2011, 12 patients (3 men, 9 women; mean age, 62.6) harboring 12 complex ruptured aneurysms (3 middle cerebral artery, 9 basilar tip) were treated by Y-stent coiling by using self-expandable intracranial stents. Procedural complications, clinical outcome, and initial and midterm angiographic results were evaluated. The definition of broad-necked aneurysm is neck diameter over than 4 mm or an aneurysm with a neck diameter smaller than 4 mm in which the dome/neck ratio was less than 2. Results : In all patients, the aneurysm was successfully occluded with no apparent procedure-related complication. There was no evidence of thromboembolic complication, arterial dissection and spasm during procedure. Follow-up studies showed stable and complete occlusion of the aneurysm in all patients with no neurologic deficits. Conclusion : The present study did show that the Y-stent coiling seemed to facilitate endovascular treatment of ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. More clinical data with longer follow-up are needed to establish the role of Y-stent coiling in ruptured aneurysms.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.97-101
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• 1983

The steadily increasing number of operations performed on the heart has given rise to occasional complications involving the nervous system, and this has been interested to cardiac surgeons and neurologists. This survey has been carried out on all Gases submitted to open heart surgery at Seoul National University Hospital during 1982 to determine which operative features were associated with the occurrence of neurological damage. 514 subjects were studied and neurological damage was noted in twenty-five patients [4.9%]. Eight of these 25 patients died in the postoperative period, but neurological damage contributed to the fatal outcome in six cases. Remaining seventeen patients were discharged without problems except one Cortical blindness and one hemiplegic patients who were survived without other problems . A number of features were found to be related to the development of neurological damage, which were age, duration of perfusion, nature of operation, cardiac rhythm and presence of the thrombi or calcification and hypothermic arrest. But many unknown etiological factors are remained out of our sight. A significant increase in the incidence of neurological damage was shown in older age group [13.3% in over 40 year of age], and also the duration of the bypass was associated with subsequent neurological injury especially more than 120 minutes [11.6%]. The presence of atrial fibrillation with intracardiac thrombi or calcification was also a contributing factor to developing neurological complication [16.7%]. These factors were regarded to influence the postoperative neurological complications and more effective method for prevention of these neurologic complication should be studied.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.43-46
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• 2001

Acute pandysautonomic neuropathy(APN) is an uncommon clinical entitiy involving vasomotor, sudomotor, pupilomotor, secretomotor and other autonomic systems. Both sympathetic or parasympathetic fibers are involved with relative preservation of somatic sensory and motor function. Although APN shares several clinical features with GBS, it is not clear whether APN is a subvariety of GBS. We report two young patients with APN. Patient 1 was a 18-year-old girl with recurrent fainting spells. Patient 2 was a 23-year-old man sufferring from unexplained nausea and vomiting. Both had a history of previous upper respiratory infection. They presented with gastroparesis, anhydrosis and orthostatic hypotension. Mild numbness and tingling sense was present, but motor power was intact. Neurologic examination showed bilateral tonic pupil, decreased pain and vibration sense, and absent tendon reflexes. Nerve conduction study indicated diffuse sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Nerve biopsy in patient 2 revealed axonal degeneration. After conservative management, gastrointestinal symptoms were improved in patient 2, however, patient 1 suffered from the symptoms lasting more than several months. These cases suggest that post-infectious dysautonomic symptoms in young patient may indicate the diagnosis of APN. Although the natural course is generally benign, accurate diagnosis and proper management may be mandatory for the better clinical outcome.