• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 1968

Technetium 99m pertechnetate brain scanning were performed in 3 cases of head injury (2 chronic subdural hematomas and 1 acute epidural hematoma), 2 cases of brain abscess and I case of intracerebral hematoma associated with arteriovenous anomaly. In all the cases brain scintigrams showed "hot areas." Literatures on radioisotope scanning of intracranial lesions were briefly reviewed. With the improvement of radioisotope scanner and development of new radiopharmaceuticals brain scanning became a safe and useful screening test for diagnosis of intracranial lesions. Brain scanning can be easily performed even to a moribund patient without any discomfort and risk to the patient which are associated with cerebral angiography or pneumoencephalography. Brain scanning has been useful in diagnosis of brain tumor, brain abscess, subdural hematoma, and cerebral vascular diseases. In 80 to 90% of brain tumors positive scintigrams can be expected. Early studies were done with $^{203}Hg$-Neohydrin or $^{131}I$-serum albumin. With these agents, however, patients receive rather much radiation to the whole body and kidneys. In 1965 Harper introduced $^{99m}Tc$ to reduce radiation dose to the patient and improve statistical variation in isotope scanning.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.355-358
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• 2011

Objective : Subdural hygroma (SDG) is a complication occurring after head trauma that may occur secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC). However, the mechanism underlying SDG formation is not fully understood. Also, the relationship between the operative technique of DC or the decompressive effect and the occurrence and pathophysiology of SDG has not been clarified. Purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of SDG after DC in our series. Methods : From January 2004 to December 2008, DC was performed in 85 patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological features. For comparative analysis, we divided the patients into 2 groups : one group with SDG after craniectomy (19 patients; 28.4% of the total sample), the other group without SDG (48 patients; 71.6%). The risk factors for developing SDG were then analyzed. Results : The mean Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at discharge of the groups with and without SDG were 2.8 and 3.1, respectively (p<0.0001). Analysis of radiological factors showed that a midline shift in excess of 5 mm on CT scans was present in 19 patients (100%) in the group with SDG and in 32 patients (66.7%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). An accompanying subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was seen in 17 patients (89.5%) in the group with SDG and in 29 patients (60.4%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). Delayed hydrocephalus accompanied these findings in 10 patients (52.6%) in the group with SDG, versus 5 patients (10.4%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). On CT, compression of basal cisterns was observed in 14 members (73.7%) in the group with SDG and in 18 members of the group without SDG (37.5%) (p<0.007). Furthermore, tearing of the arachnoid membrane, as observed on CT, was more common in all patients in the group with SDG (100%) than in the group without SDG (31 patients; 64.6%) (p<0.05). Conclusion : GOS showed statistically significant difference in the clinical risk factors for SDG between the group with SDG and the group without SDG. Analysis of radiological factors indicated that a midline shifting exceeding 5 mm, SAH, delayed hydrocephalus, compression of basal cisterns, and tearing of the arachnoid membrane were significantly more common in patients with SDG.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.717-722
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• 2017

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of delayed burr hole surgery in relation to the reduction of postoperative subdural hematoma (SDH) volume in patients with acute SDH. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute SDH who received delayed burr hole surgery at our institute. Age, sex, Glasgow coma scale, maximal SDH thickness, volume of SDH, midline shifts, hounsfield unit (HU), and medical history of anticoagulant agent usage were recorded. Outcome measures were delayed operation day, reduction of SDH volume after operation, and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at discharge. The patients were divided two groups according to the postoperative reduction of volume of SDH (${\geq}50%$, group A; <50%, group B). We also analyzed variables and differences between two groups. Results : Eighteen patients were available for this analysis. The mean delayed of surgery was $13.9{\pm}7.5$ days. Maximal thickness of SDH was changed from $10.0{\pm}3.5mm$ to $12.2{\pm}3.7mm$. Volume of SDH was changed from $38.7{\pm}28.0mL$ to $42.6{\pm}29.6mL$. Midline shifts were changed from $5.8{\pm}3.3mm$ to $6.6{\pm}3.3mm$. HU were changed from $66.4{\pm}11.2$ to $53.2{\pm}20.6$. Post-operative reduction of SDH volume was $52.1{\pm}21.1%$. Eleven patients (61%) had a discharge GOS score of 1 (good recovery). Ten patients (56%) were enrolled in group A. Midline shifting was greater in group A than in group B ($7.4{\pm}3.3$ vs. $3.0{\pm}2.4mm$; p<0.02). The delay of surgery was shorter for group A than group B ($9.2{\pm}2.3$ vs. $19.8{\pm}7.7$ days; p<0.0008). Conclusion : Among well selected patients, delayed burr hole surgery in patients with acute SDH may be effective for reduction of SDH volume. Further studies will be necessary to establish the effectiveness and safety of delayed burr hole surgery in patients with acute SDH.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.723-729
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• 2017

Objective : Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is generally considered a condition that should be managed surgically. However, some patients initially receive conservative treatment, a subset of whom require surgical intervention later. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of delayed surgical intervention in ASDH patients who are initially managed conservatively. Methods : From January 2007 to December 2015, 842 patients diagnosed with ASDH were treated at our institution. Among them, 158 patients with convexity ASDH were initially treated conservatively. Patients were divided into a delayed surgery group and a conservative group. Demographic characteristics, past medication and medical histories, and radiological and laboratory data were collected by retrospective chart review. Independent risk factors were identified with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results : Twenty-eight patients (17.7%) underwent delayed surgical intervention. Their mean age was 69.0 years, and 82.1% were male. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease prevalence and use of anti-platelet agents did not significantly differ from the conservative group. However, age (p=0.024), previous cerebral infarction history (p=0.026), increased maximal hematoma thickness (p<0.001), midline shifting (p=0.001) and accompanying subarachnoid hemorrhage (p=0.022) on initial brain computed tomography (CT) scan, low hemoglobin level (p<0.001), high leukocyte count (p=0.004), and low glucose level (p=0.002) were significantly associated with delayed surgical intervention. In multivariate analysis, increased maximal hematoma thickness (odds ratio [OR]=1.279, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.075-1.521; p=0.006), low hemoglobin level (OR=0.673, 95% CI 0.467-0.970; p=0.034), and high leukocyte count (OR=1.142, 95% CI 1.024-1.272; p=0.017) were independent risk factors for delayed surgical intervention. Conclusion : Due to the high likelihood of delayed surgical intervention among minimal ASDH patients with a thicker hematoma on initial brain CT, lower hemoglobin level, and higher leukocyte count, these patients should receive more careful observation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2009

Objective: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common types of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, usually occurring in the older patients, with a good surgical prognosis. Burr hole craniostomy is the most frequently used neurosurgical treatment of CSDH. However, there have been only few studies to assess the role of the number of burr holes in respect to recurrence rates. The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative recurrence rates between one and two burr craniostomy with closed-system drainage for CSDH. Methods: From January 2002 to December 2006, 180 consecutive patients who were treated with burr hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage for the symptomatic CSDH were enrolled. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used for radiological evaluation. The number of burr hole was decided by neurosurgeon's preference and was usually made on the maximum width of hematoma. The patients were followed with clinical symptoms or signs and CT scans. All the drainage catheters were maintained below the head level and removed after CT scans showing satisfactory evacuation. All patients were followed-up for at least 1 month after discharge. Results: Out of 180 patients, 51 patients were treated with one burr hole, whereas 129 were treated with two burr holes. The overall postoperative recurrence rate was 5.6% (n = 10/180) in our study. One of 51 patients (2.0%) operated on with one burr hole recurred, whereas 9 of 129 patients (7.0%) evacuated by two burr holes recurred. Although the number of burr hole in this study is not statistically associated with postoperative recurrence rate (p> 0.05), CSDH treated with two burr holes showed somewhat higher recurrence rates. Conclusion: In agreement with previous studies, burr hole craniostomy with closed drainage achieved a good surgical prognosis as a treatment of CSDH in this study. Results of our study indicate that burr hole craniostomy with one burr hole would be sufficient to evacuate CSDH with lower recurrence rate.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.446-455
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• 2023

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical disease and generally treated with burr-hole surgery alone. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that potentially reduces recurrence rates and the residual hematoma volume. However, the role of postoperative TXA medication remains unclear to date. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of adjunctive TXA in the view of early hematoma resolution. Methods : Between January 2018 and September 2021, patients with CSDH who underwent burr-hole trephination in a single tertiary institute were reviewed. The study population was divided into three groups, TXA, non-TXA, and antithrombotics (AT) groups, according to the medical history of cardio-cerebrovascular disease and TXA administration. The primary endpoint was CSDH recurrence, defined as re-appearance or re-accumulation of CSDH requiring neurosurgical interventions. The secondary outcome was CSDH resolution, defined as complete or near-complete resorption of the CSDH. The CSDH resolution time and serial changes of hematoma thickness were also investigated. Results : A total of 240 patients was included in the analysis consisting of 185 male and 55 female, with a median age of 74 years. During the median imaging follow-up period of 75 days, 222 patients were reached to the primary or secondary endpoint. TXA was administered as an adjunctive therapy in 41 patients (TXA group, 16.9%) while 114 patients were included in the non-TXA group (47.9%) and 85 were in the AT group. The recurrence rate was the lowest in the TXA group (2.4%), followed by non-TXA (7.0%) and AT (8.2%) groups. However, there was no statistical significance due to the small number of patients with recurrence. CSDH resolution was achieved in 206 patients, and the median estimated time to resolution was significantly faster in the TXA group (p<0.001). Adjunctive TXA administration was a significant positive factor for achieving CSDH resolution (p<0.001). The hematoma thickness was comparable among the three groups at the initial time and after surgery. However, CSDH thickness in the TXA group decreased abruptly in a month and showed a significant difference from that in the other groups (p<0.001). There was no TXA-related adverse event. Conclusion : The adjunctive use of TXA after CSDH surgery significantly facilitated the resorption of residual CSDH and resulted in the early CSDH resolution. Adjunctive TXA may be an effective treatment option to reduce recurrence by enhancing CSDH resolution in the selective patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.726-734
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• 2023

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) patients using antithrombotic agents (AT) at high risk for cardiovascular disease are increasing. The authors aimed to analyze the factors influencing outcome by targeting patients using AT and to establish a desirable treatment strategy. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 462 patients who underwent burr hole trephination (BHT) surgery for CSDH at five hospitals from March 2010 to June 2021. Outcomes included incidence of postoperative acute bleeding, recurrence rate, and morbidity or mortality rate. Patients were divided into the following four groups based on their history of AT use : no AT. Only antiplatelet agents (AP), only anticoagulants (AC), both of AP and AC. In addition, a concurrent literature review was conducted alongside our cohort study. Results : Of 462 patients, 119 (119/462, 25.76%) were using AT. AP prescription did not significantly delay surgery (p=0.318), but AC prescription led to a significant increase in the time interval from admission to operation (p=0.048). After BHT, AP or AC intake significantly increased the period required for an in-dwelling drain (p=0.026 and p=0.037). The use of AC was significantly related to acute bleeding (p=0.044), while the use of AP was not (p=0.808). Use of AP or AC had no significant effect on CSDH recurrence (p=0.517 and p=1.000) or reoperation (p=0.924 and p=1.000). Morbidity was not statistically correlated with use of either AP or AC (p=0.795 and p=0.557, respectively), and there was no significant correlation with mortality for use of these medications (p=0.470 and p=1.000). Conclusion : Elderly CSDH patients may benefit from maintenance of AT therapy during BHT due to reduced thromboembolic risk. However, the use of AC necessitates individualized due to potential postoperative bleeding. Careful post-operative monitoring could mitigate prognosis and recurrence impacts.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.146-157
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• 2024

Objective : Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) are generally known to result from traumatic tears of bridging veins. However, the causes of repeat spontaneous cSDHs are still unclear. We investigated the changes in vasculature in the human dura mater and outer membrane (OM) of cSDHs to elucidate the cause of their spontaneous repetition. Methods : The dura mater was obtained from a normal control participant and a patient with repeat spontaneous cSDHs. The pathological samples from the patient included the dura mater and OM tightly adhered to the inner dura. The samples were analyzed with a particular focus on blood and lymphatic vessels by immunohistochemistry, 3-dimensional imaging using a transparent tissue clearing technique, and electron microscopy. Results : The dural border cell (DBC) layer of the dura mater and OM were histologically indistinguishable. There were 5.9 times more blood vessels per unit volume of tissue in the DBC layer and OM in the patient than in the normal control. The DBC layer and OM contained pathological sinusoidal capillaries not observed in the normal tissue; these capillaries were connected to the middle meningeal arteries via penetrating arteries. In addition, marked lymphangiogenesis in the periosteal and meningeal layers was observed in the patient with cSDHs. Conclusion : Neovascularization in the OM seemed to originate from the DBC layer; this is a potential cause of repeat spontaneous cSDHs. Embolization of the meningeal arteries to interrupt the blood supply to pathological capillaries via penetrating arteries may be an effective treatment option.

• 대한예방의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1997.10b
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• pp.223-225
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• 1997

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.43-46
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• 2021

Arachnoid cysts are benign lesions that are formed between the inner and outer layers of the arachnoid, accounting for 1% of all intracranial space occupying lesions. Usually, arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic. It can be symptomatic in case of complication such as intracystic hemorrhage or acute cyst expansion. We present a case of incidentally prediagnosed arachnoid cyst which undergone intracystic hemorrhage combined with ipsilateral SDH in a young male.