• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2007

Purpose: This research was performed to determine which clinical signs and symptoms of brain injury are sensitive indicators of skull fracture (SF) and intracranial injury (ICI) in head injured children. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of minor head trauma in children younger than 2 years of age for a 1-year period. Skull radiographs, brain computed tomography (CT), and data forms, including mechanism of injury, symptoms, physical findings, and hospital course, were completed for each child. Results: Of 137 study subjects, 17 (12.4%) had SF/ICI. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury, and heights of fall above 1 meter were associated with incidence of SF/ICI (p<0.05). Scalp abnormalities were not associated with incidence of SF/ICI. As for clinical symptoms, lethargy and a grouping of features (irritability & vomiting) were associated with incidence of SF/ICI (p<0.05). The incidence of seizure, loss of consciousness, vomiting, irritability, and scalp abnormality did not differ significantly between those with normal radiologic findings and those with SF/ICI. Among asymptomatic patients, 11 (14.5%) patients had SF/ICI, and among patients with normal scalp findings, 9 (12.7%) patients had SF/ICI. Conclusion: Clinical signs and symptoms, except for lethargy and a grouping of features (irritability & vomiting), were not sensitive predictors of SF/ICI. Nevertheless, SF/ICI occurred among normal children. In such a case, a liberal policy of CT scanning is warranted.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.261-270
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• 2021

Objective : Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can partially remove the unyielding skull vault and make affordable space for the expansion of swelling brain contents. The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcome according to DC surface area (DC area) and side. Methods : A total of 324 patients underwent different surgical methods (unilateral DC, 212 cases and bilateral DC, 112 cases) were included in this retrospective analysis. Their mean age was 53.4±16.6 years (median, 54 years). Neurological outcome (Glasgow outcome scale), ventricular intracranial pressure (ICP), and midline shift change (preoperative minus postoperative) were compared according to surgical methods and total DC area, DC surface removal rate (DC%) and side. Results : DC surgery was effective for ICP decrease (32.3±16.7 mmHg vs. 19.2±13.4 mmHg, p<0.001) and midline shift change (12.5±7.6 mm vs. 7.8±6.9 mm, p<0.001). The bilateral DC group showed larger total DC area (125.1±27.8 ㎠ for unilateral vs. 198.2±43.0 ㎠ for bilateral, p<0.001). Clinical outcomes were nonsignificant according to surgical side (favorable outcome, p=0.173 and mortality, p=0.470), significantly better when total DC area was over 160 ㎠ and DC% was 46% (p=0.020 and p=0.037, respectively). Conclusion : DC surgery is effective in decrease the elevated ICP, decrease the midline shift and improve the clinical outcome in massive brain swelling patient. Total DC area and removal rate was larger in bilateral DC than unilateral DC but clinical outcome was not influenced by DC side. DC area more than 160 ㎠ and DC surface removal rate more than 46% were more important than DC side.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.489-496
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• 2022

Our previous study on monitoring cerebral oxygenation with a variation of isoflurane concentration in a rat model showed that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals have potential as a new depth of anesthesia (DOA) index. However, that study obtained results from the brain in a completely invasive way, which is inappropriate for clinical application. Therefore, in this follow-up study, it was investigated whether the NIRS signals measured in a minimally invasive model including the skull and cerebrospinal fluid layer (CSFL) are similar to the previous study used as a gold standard. The experimental method was the same as the previous study, and only the subject model was different. We continuously collected NIRS signals before, during, and after isoflurane anesthesia. The isoflurane concentration started at 2.5% (v/v) and decreased to 1.0% by 0.5% every 5 min. The results showed a positive linear correlation between isoflurane concentration and ratio of reflectance intensity (RRI) increase, which is based on NIRS signals. This indicates that the quality of NIRS signals passed through the skull and CSFL in the minimally invasive model is as good as the signal obtained directly from the brain. Therefore, we believe that the results of this study can be easily applied to clinics as a potential indicator to monitor DOA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.428-430
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• 2014

Isolated traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the basilar artery are extremely rare but often fatal resulting in a mortality rate as high as 50%. A 51-year-old man presented with craniofacial injury after blunt trauma. A brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed thick basal subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with multiple craniofacial fractures, while CT angiography revealed contrast extravasation at the distal basilar artery with pseudoaneurysm formation. After this primary survey, the condition of the patient suddenly deteriorated. Conventional angiography confirmed the contrast extravasation resulted from pseudoaneurysm formation, which was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization. Decompressive craniectomy and coma therapy with propofol were also performed. However, the patient died on the 7th hospital day because of the poor initial clinical condition. The current case is the first report of acute pseudoaneurysm rupture arising from the basilar artery within the first day after trauma. Our findings suggest the possibility that pseudoaneurysm rupture should be considered if brain CT shows thick traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage on the basal cistern with a basal skull fracture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.150-154
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• 2015

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a closed head injury in pediatric patients is a rare condition, and an early spontaneous recanalization of this condition is extremely rare. A 10-year-old boy was admitted with a mild, intermittent headache and nausea five days after a bicycle accident. The brain computed tomography showed an epidural hematoma at the right occipital area with pneumocephalus due to a fracture of the occipital skull bone. The brain magnetic resonance imaging and the magnetic resonance venography demonstrated a flow signal loss from the right sigmoid sinus to the right jugular vein. The diagnosis was sigmoid sinus thrombosis, so close observations were selected as a treatment for the patient because of his gradually improving symptoms; however, he complained of vomiting 14 days the after conservative treatment. The patient was readmitted for a further examination of his symptoms. The laboratory and the gastroenterological examinations were normal. Due to concern regarding the worsening of the sigmoid sinus thrombosis, the brain magnetic resonance venography was rechecked and it revealed the recanalization of the venous flow in the sigmoid sinus and in the jugular vein.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.512-521
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• 1999

A feasibility study was performed to design an epithermal neutron beam for BNCT using the neutron of 2.45 MeV on the average produced from $^2H(d,n)^3$He reaction induced by plasma focus in the z-pinch instead of the conventional accelerator-based $^3H(d, n)^4$He neutron generator. Flux and spectrum were analyzed to use these neutrons as the neutron source for BNCT. Neutronic characteristics of several candidate materials in this neutron source were investigated Using MCNP Code, and $^7LiF$ ; 40%Al + 60%$AIF_3$, and Pb Were determined as moderator, filter, and reflector in an epithermal neutron beam design for BNCT, respectively. The skin-skull-brain ellipsoidal phantom, which consists of homogeneous regions of skin-, bone-, or brain-equivalent material, was used in order to assess the dosimetric effect in brain. An epithermal neutron beam design for BNCT was proposed by the repeated work with MCNP runs, and the dosimetric properties (AD, AR, ADDR, and Dose Components) calculated within the phantom showed that the neutron beam designed in this work is effective in tumor therapy. If the neutron source flux is high enough using the z-pinch plasma, BNCT using the neutron source produced from $^2H(d,n)^3$He reaction will be very feasible.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.9
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• pp.354-357
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• 2015

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare, acquired disorder characterized by progressive unilateral facial atrophy of the skin, soft tissue, muscles, and underlying bony structures that may be preceded by cutaneous induration. It is sometimes accompanied by ipsilateral brain lesions and neurological symptoms. Here we present the case of a 10-year-old girl with right-sided PRS and recurrent monoplegic ataxia of the left leg. At 4 years of age, she presented with localized scleroderma over the right parietal region of her scalp; her face gradually became asymmetric as her right cheek atrophied. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hemiatrophy of the face and skull base, and T2-weighted images showed increased signal in the right hemipons and hemicerebellar peduncle. Magnetic resonance angiography findings were unremarkable. She was treated with oral prednisolone, and her recurrent gait ataxia diminished within 2 months of the follow-up period. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second case of PRS presenting with an abnormal involvement of the ipsilateral hemipons.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.298-302
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• 2015

This case report describes the symptoms and clinical course of a 35-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a temporo-sphenoidal encephalocele. It is characterized by herniation of cerebral tissue of the temporal lobe through a defect of the skull base localized in the middle fossa. At the time of first presentation the patient complained about recurrent nasal discharge of clear fluid which had begun some weeks earlier. She also reported that three months earlier she had for the first time suffered from a generalized seizure. In a first therapeutic attempt an endoscopic endonasal approach to the sphenoid sinus was performed. An attempt to randomly seal the suspicious area failed. After frontotemporal craniotomy, it was possible to localize the encephalocele and the underlying bone defect. The herniated brain tissue was resected and the dural defect was closed with fascia of the temporalis muscle. In summary, the combination of recurrent rhinorrhea and a first-time seizure should alert specialists of otolaryngology, neurology and neurosurgery of a temporo-sphenoidal encephalocele as a possible cause. Treatment is likely to require a neurosurgical approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.451-458
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• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors that are associated with intracranial lesion, and to propose criteria for classification of mild head injury (MHI), and appropriate treatment guidelines. Methods : The study was based on 898 patients who were admitted to our hospital with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 to 15 between 2003 and 2007. The patients' initial computerized tomography (CT) findings were reviewed and clinical findings that were associated with intracranial lesions were analyzed. Results : GCS score, loss of consciousness (LOC), age and skull fracture were identified as independent risk factors for intracranial lesions. Based on the data ana lysed in this study, MHI patients were divided into four subgroups : very low risk MHI patients are those with a GCS score of 15 and without a history of LOC or headache; low risk MHI patients have a GCS score of 15 and with LOC and/or headache; medium risk MHI patients are those with a GCS score of 15 and with a skull fracture, neurological deficits or with one or more of the risk factors; high risk MHI patients are those with a GCS score of 15 with abnormal CT findings and GCS score of 14 and 13. Conclusion : A more detailed classification of MHI based on brain CT scan findings and clinical risk factors can potentially improve patient diagnosis. In light of our findings, high risk MHI patients should be admitted and treated in same manner as those with moderate head injury.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.81-84
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• 2008

Purpose: The goals of cranioplasty are to protect the brain from trauma and restore normal cranial contour with as few complication as possible. In patient who suffered from cranial defect, the most satisfactory form of cranioplasty may be archived with autogenous bone grafts. We report on the treatment of large frontal bone defect using pericranial flap and split-rib graft. Methods: A 29-year-old male was referred to our department. He was involved in an automobile accident resulting in large frontal bone and sinus defect and skull basal defect. The reconstruction was undertaken using galeal frontalis myofascial flap and split-rib cranioplasty using bicoronal incision. Results: The postoperative course was successful. For 9 months follow up period, there was no complication about hematoma, infection, CSF leakage and washboard deformity. He was pleased with the results even when absolute symmetry was not achieved. Conclusion: We experienced large frontal bone and sinus defect and skull basal defect patient and successfully treated with split-rib graft and galeal frontalis myofascial flap.