• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.164-167
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• 2006

Background: There have been an increasing number of reports about infection-related complications after epidural block, and the analysis of these previous reports may offer valuable information for the prevention and treatment of such complications. Methods: We searched for complications about infection that was related to epidural blockade procedures by using the Medline Search program. We analyzed the types of infection-related complications as well as the potential risk factors, the time course from symptom development to treatment, the causative organisms and the treatment outcomes. Results: Seventeen cases were identified. The types of complications were epidural abscess, subdural abscess, spinal arachnoiditis, bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis. Five patients received a single block and twelve patients received a continuous block with catheterization. The most common site of epidural catheterization was the lumbar area and eight patients had indwelling catheters for less than fifteen days. Eight patients had a diabetes mellitus as a risk factor and fourteen patients showed less than seven days from the development of symptoms to treatment. Eleven patients received laminectomy and intravenous antibiotics as a treatment and eight patients had full recovery without neurological deficit. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for the favorable outcome of infection-related complication after epidural block. In addition, absolute sterile technique should always be performed and patient education concerning these potential complications must be accompanied.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.52-55
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• 2005

Complications following a well conducted epidural steroid injection are rare. A 50-year-old man developed a headache and neck stiffness 2 days after a lumbar epidural steroid injection. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, fluid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy was started immediately after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. The CSF was turbid, and revealed a white blood cell count, protein, glucose and pressure of $550/{\mu}l$ (98% lymphocyte), 107.9 mg/dl, 48 mg/dl (serum 113 mg/dl) and $17cmH_2O$, respectively. The CSF stain and culture, and antibody test and polymerase chain reaction for pathogens were negative. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed no abnormality, and a chest roentgenogram and the results of the neurological examination were normal. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, the condition was managed conservatively, without antibiotics. Seven days later, the clinical symptoms had improved, and the patient discharged.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권5호
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• pp.591-596
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• 2017

Objective : Frameless stereotactic aspiration of a hematoma can be the one of the treatment options for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia. Postoperative hematoma enlargement, however, can be a serious complication of intracranial surgery that frequently results in severe neurological deficit and even death. Therefore, it is important to identify the risk factors of postoperative hematoma growth. Methods : During a 13-year period, 101 patients underwent minimally invasive frameless stereotactic aspiration for basal ganglia hematoma. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether or not they had postoperative hematoma enlargement in a computed tomography scan. Baseline demographic data and several risk factors, such as hypertension, preoperative hematoma growth, antiplatelet medication, presence of concomitant intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), were analysed via a univariate statistical study. Results : Nine of 101 patients (8.9%) showed hematoma enlargement after frameless stereotactic aspiration. Among the various risk factors, concomitant IVH and antiplatelet medication were found to be significantly associated with postoperative enlargement of hematomas. Conclusion : In conclusion, our study revealed that aspirin use and concomitant IVH are factors associated with hematoma enlargement subsequent to frameless stereotactic aspiration for basal ganglia hematoma.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.152-156
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• 2021

Diplopia is a rare complication of spine surgery. The abducens nerve is one of the cranial nerves most commonly related to diplopia caused by traction injury. We report a case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with diplopia developing from abducens nerve palsy after C1-C2 fixation and fusion due to atlantoaxial subluxation with cord compression. As soon as we discovered the symptoms, we suspected excessive traction by the instrument and subsequently performed reoperation. Subsequently, the patient's symptoms improved. In other reported cases we reviewed, most were transient. However, we thought that our rapid response also helped the patient's fast recovery in this case. The mechanisms by which postoperative diplopia develops vary and, thus, remain unclear. We should pay attention to the fact that the condition is sometimes an indicator of an underlying, life-threatening condition. Therefore, all patients with postoperative diplopia should undergo thorough ophthalmological and neurological evaluations as well as careful observation by a multidisciplinary team.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.40-48
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• 2022

Objective : Placement of a single transverse stent via the nondominant A1 across the anterior communicating artery (AComA) into the contralateral A2 can provide sufficient neck coverage for wide-necked bifurcation AComA aneurysms. The authors described the feasibility, safety and long-term outcomes of this technique. Methods : Between January 2015 and February 2018, placement of a single transverse stent via the nondominant A1 was attempted in 17 wide-necked bifurcation AComA aneurysms. The authors reviewed the medical records and radiological studies. Results : The technical success rate was 94.1% (16/17). Periprocedural thromboembolic complications occurred in one patient (6.3%) without permanent neurological deficits. The mean clinical follow-up duration was 39.9±9.8 months. No deaths or delayed thromboembolic complications occurred. The mean angiographic follow-up duration was 38.9±9.8 months. The immediate and final follow-up complete occlusion rates were 87.4 and 93.7%, respectively. There was no recanalization during the follow-up period. Conclusion : Placement of a single transverse stent via the nondominant A1 across the AComA into the contralateral A2 is a feasible and relatively safe endovascular technique for the treatment of wide-necked bifurcation AComA aneurysms, with good long-term occlusion rates and a reasonable complication rate, if only the nondominant A1 is applicable.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제83권1호
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• pp.206-211
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• 2022

혈액투석 환자에서 중심정맥 협착은 비교적 흔한 합병증이다. 하지만 중심정맥 협착으로 인해 대뇌 정맥 고혈압과 이로 인한 신경학적 증상이 발생하는 것은 비교적 드물다. 중심정맥협착으로 인해 발생한 좌측 내경정맥으로부터의 역행성 혈류로 대뇌 정맥 고혈압이 발생한 63세 남성의 증례를 보고하고자 한다. 환자는 중심정맥 협착에 대한 치료를 받은 후 증상 및 치료 전 자기공명영상에서 역행성 혈류를 의미하는 time-of-flight 신호가 소실되었다.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제38권7호
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• pp.489-495
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• 2005

대동맥 박리에서 완전 순환 정지 하에 대동맥 궁의 확인 및 치환이 필요한 경우가 많다. 이런 경우 뇌의 보호를 위해 역행성 뇌 관류 또는 전방성 뇌 관류를 사용하게 된다. 최근에는 역행성 뇌관류의 한계를 극복하기 위해 전방성 뇌 관류가 보편화되고 있는 실정이다. 저자들은 이 두 가지 방법에 대해 신경학적 이상에 중점을 두고 비교하였다 대상 및 법: 2000년 5월부터 2004년 5월까지 대동맥 박리 환자 중 뇌관류를 시행한 40명을 대상으로 하였으며, 회복과정 및 신경학적 합병증에 관해 비교하였다. 결과: 동맥관 삽관은 전방성 뇌 관류군의 15예 중 10예에서 액와동맥에 시행하고, 역행성 뇌 관류군의 25예 중 24예에서 대퇴 동맥에 시행하였다. 완전 순환정지 시식도 온도와 직장 온도를 비교하여 보면, $17.2^{\circ}C,\;22.8^{\circ}C$ (전방성 뇌 관류군)와 $16.1^{\circ}C,\;19.7^{\circ}C$ (역행성 뇌 관류군)로 전방성 뇌 관류 군이 통계적으로 높게 나타났다 이는 수술시간 및 체외순환시간을 의미 있게 단축시켰다. 회복에서는 통계적 차이가 없었다. 신경학적 합병증의 발생에서도 11예와 13예로 통계적 차이가 없었다. 하지만 영구적 신경계 이상을 진단받은 각 군의 5예를 비교하여 보면, 전방성 뇌 관류군에서 영구적 신경계이상을 보인 5명의 환자 모두가 일상생활에 지장을 받지 않는 상태로 회복되었지만, 역행성 뇌 관류군에서의 5명 모두는 일상생활의 장애를 가진 채 퇴원하였다. 결론: 전방성 뇌 관류는 정방향성 혈류를 유지함으로써 중등도의 체온 저하, 수술시간 및 체외순환시간을 단축시키고 뇌의 기능을 보다 더 보호할 수 있는 것으로 생각된다. 저자들은 향후 전방성 뇌 관류법이 보다 적극적으로 사용되어져야 할 것으로 생각한다..96$이었다. 관상동맥 우회술시 다른 수술이 동반되었던 경우가 총 10예$(6.5\%)$였다. 수술 후 대동맥내 풍선펌프는 21예$(13.6\%)$에서 이용하였으나, 비체외순환하 수술에서는 4예$(5.1\%)$로 줄었으며, 전체 사망환자는 12명$(7.9\%)$이었으나, 2001년 이후에는 111예 중 5명$(4.5\%)$으로 감소하였다. 수술합병증으로 수술 전후의 심근경색증 9예$(5.8\%)$, 저심박출증 17예$(11\%)$, 부정맥 30예$(19.5\%)$등이었다. 결론: 국립의료원 흉부외과에서는 관상동맥 우회술을 시작한 이래 수술경험의 축적, 비체외순환하 관상동맥 우회술의 도입, 내흉동맥 및 요골동맥으로의 이식편 이용 변화에 따라 수술성적이 향상되었음을 알 수 있으며, 향후 더 많은 임상경험의 축적 및 장기 추적 관찰이 필요하다고 사료된다.보였으며, 난중, 난황색, 난백고 및 Haugh unit는 처리 간 차이(p>0.05)가 없었다.이고, 환자 1인당 Wedge filter의 교체작업이 $1{\sim}2$회일 때 10MV의 경우 연간선량이 $0.08{\sim}0.4mSv$로 평가되었으며, 15MV의 경우 $0.27{\sim}1.36mSv$로 평가되어 작업종사자의 연간 허용선량인 20mSv에 비해 안전한 것으로 평가되었다.서 정상조직이 적게 조사되었다. 결과 : 기존의 ICRU계획은 그 효과 및 안전성이 입증되었음에도 불구하고 CT를 이용한 CTV계획 등을 적용 한다면 잔류종양이 적은 경우 정상조직에 대한 조사를 줄이면서 잔류종양에 목표선량을 조사할 수 있을 것이다. 다만 잔류종양이

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제61권2호
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• pp.251-257
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• 2018

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) by a single neurosurgeon in a single institution. Methods : Thirty-four consecutive patients with severe spinal deformities who underwent PVCR between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled. The radiographic measurements included a kyphotic angle of PVCR levels (VCR angle), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), and spinopelvic parameters. The data of surgical time, estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, complications, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring, and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire were collected using a retrospective review of medical records. Results : The VCR angle, LL, and SVA values were significantly corrected after surgery. The VCR and LL angle were changed from the average of $38.4{\pm}32.1^{\circ}$ and $-22.1{\pm}39.1^{\circ}$ to $-1.7{\pm}29.4^{\circ}$ (p<0.001) and $-46.3{\pm}23.8^{\circ}$ (p=0.001), respectively. The SVA was significantly reduced from $103.6{\pm}88.5mm$ to $22.0{\pm}46.3mm$ (p=0.001). The clinical results using SRS-22 survey improved from $2.6{\pm}0.9$ to $3.4{\pm}0.8$ (p=0.033). There were no death and permanent neurological deficits after PVCR. However, complications occurred in 19 (55.9%) patients. Those patients experienced a total of 31 complications during- and after surgery. Sixteen reoperations were performed in twelve (35.3%) patients. The incidence of transient neurological deterioration was 5.9% (two out of 34 patients). Conclusion : Severe spinal deformities can be effectively corrected by PVCR. However, the PVCR technique should be utilized limitedly because surgery-related serious complications are relatively common.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.738-746
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes and complications of spinal deformity associated with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1). Methods : From 2012 to 2018, patients suffering from spinal deformity associated with NF-1 who underwent surgical correction were identified. Demographic data and radiographic measures were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative whole spine radiograph images were used to determine both coronal and sagittal Cobb angles. All of patients underwent 3-dimentional computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan to confirm dystrophic features. For evaluation of clinical outcomes, we surveyed the pre- and postoperative scoliosis research society-22r (SRS-22r) score. Results : Seven patients with spinal deformity associated with NF-1 were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 29.5±1.2 years old. The mean follow-up period was 2.8±1.4 years. The apex of the deformity was located in cervicothoracic (n=1), thoracic (n=4), and lumbar region (n=2). Most patients have poor bone quality and decreased bone mineral density with average T-score of -3.5±1.0. All patients underwent surgical correction via posterior approach. The pre- and postoperative mean coronal and sagittal Cobb angle was 61.6±22.6° and 34.6±38.1°, 56.8±18.5° and 40.2±9.1°, respectively. Mean correction rate of coronal and sagittal angle was 44.7% and 23.1%. Ultimate follow-up SRS-22r score (average score, 3.9±0.4) improved comparing to preoperative score (average score, 3.3±0.9). Only one patient received revision surgery due to rod fracture. No serious complication occurred, such as neurological deficit, and viscerovascular injury. Conclusion : The surgical correction of patients having spinal deformity associated with NF-1 is challenging, however the radiographic and clinical outcomes are satisfactory. The all posterior approach can be a safe and effective surgical option for patients having dystrophic curves associated with NF-1.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권4호
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• pp.575-584
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• 2021

Objective : Cervical expansive laminoplasty is an effective surgical method to address multilevel cervical spinal stenosis. During surgery, the spinous processes of C2 and C7 are usually preserved to keep the insertion points of the cervical musculature and nuchal ligament intact. In this regard, dome-like laminectomy (undercutting of C7 lamina) instead of laminoplasty is performed on C7 in selected cases. However, resection of the lamina can weaken the C7 lamina, and stress fractures may occur, but this complication has not been characterized in the literature. The objective of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for C7 laminar fracture after C7 dome-like laminectomy and its impact on clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods : Patients who underwent cervical open-door laminoplasty combined with C7 dome-like laminectomy (n=123) were classified according to the presence of C7 laminar fracture. Clinical parameters (neck/arm pain score and neck disability index) and radiologic parameters (C2-7 angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, and C7-T1 angle) were compared between the groups preoperatively and at postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Risk factors for complications were evaluated, and a formula estimating C7 fracture risk was suggested. Results : C7 lamina fracture occurred in 32/123 (26%) patients and occurred at the bilateral isthmus in 29 patients and at the spinolaminar junction in three patients. All fractures appeared on X-ray within 3 months postoperatively, but patients did not present any neurological deterioration. The fracture spontaneously healed in 27/32 (84%) patients at 1 year and in 29/32 (91%) at 2 years. During follow-up, clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. However, patients with C7 fractures showed a more lordotic C2-7 angle and kyphotic C7-T1 angle than patients without C7 fractures. C7 fracture was significantly associated with the extent of bone removal. By incorporating significant factors, the probability of C7 laminar fracture could be assessed with the formula 'Risk score = 1.08 × depth (%) + 1.03 × length (%, of the posterior height of C7 vertebral body)', and a cut-off value of 167.9% demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 65.1% (area under the curve, 0.81). Conclusion : C7 laminar fracture can occur after C7 dome-like laminectomy when a substantial amount of lamina is resected. Although C7 fractures may not cause deleterious clinical outcomes, they can lead to an unharmonized cervical curvature. The chance of C7 fracture should be discussed in the shared decision-making process.