• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.20-25
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• 2011

Objective: Due to longer life spans, patients newly diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are increasing in number. This study aimed to evaluate how management of UIAs in patients age 65 years and older affects the clinical outcomes and post-procedural morbidity rates in these patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients harboring 136 aneurysms across 12 years, between 1997 and 2009, at our institute. We obtained the following data from all patients: age, sex, location and size of the aneurysm(s), presence of symptoms, risk factors for stroke, treatment modality, and postoperative 1-year morbidity and mortality. We classified these patients into three groups: Group A (surgical clipping), Group B (coil embolization), and Group C (observation only). Results: Among the 109 patients, 56 (51.4%) underwent clipping treatment, 25 (23%) patients were treated with coiling, and 28 observation only. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 2.46% and 0%, respectively. The morbidity rate was 1.78% for Clipping and 4% for coiling. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and family history of stroke were correlated with unfavorable outcomes. Two in the observation group refused follow-up and died of intracranial ruptured aneurysms. The observation group had a 7% mortality rate. Conclusion: Our results show acceptable favorable outcome of treatment-related morbidity comparing with the natural history of unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Surgical clipping did not lead to inferior outcomes in our study, although coil embolization is generally more popular for treating elderly patients, In the treatment of patients more than 65 years old, age is not the limiting factor.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제61권6호
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• pp.761-766
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• 2018

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a rare complication of unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) clipping surgery. To prevent postoperative CSDH by reducing subdural fluid collection, we applied the modified arachnoid plasty (MAP) during the UIA clipping surgery to seal the dissected arachnoid plane. Methods : This retrospective study included 286 patients enrolled from July 2012 to May 2015. We performed arachnoid plasty in all patients, with MAP used after June 17, 2014. Patients were divided into two groups (non-MAP vs. MAP), and by using uni- and multivariate analyses, baseline characteristics, and relationships with postoperative CSDH between the two groups were analyzed. The degree of preoperative brain atrophy was estimated using the bicaudate ratio (BCR) index. Results : Ten patients (3.5%) among 286 patients had postoperative CSDH after clipping. Nine (3.1%) were in the non-MAP group, and one (0.9%) was in the MAP group. The higher BCR index showed statistical significance with occurrence of postoperative CSDH in both uni- (p=0.018) and multivariate (p=0.012; odds ratio [OR], 8.547; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.616-45.455) analyses. MAP was associated with a lower risk of postoperative CSDH (p=0.022; OR, 0.068; 95% CI, 0.007-0.683). Conclusion : This study shows that the degree of preoperative brain atrophy is associated with an increased occurrence of CSDH after clipping and that MAP could help reduce the risk of postoperative CSDH after unruptured aneurysm clipping via a lateral supraorbital approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권2호
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• pp.189-197
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• 2021

Objective : This study aims to investigate the relationship between aneurysm wall enhancement and clinical rupture risks based on the magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (MR-VWI) quantitative methods. Methods : One hundred and eight patients with 127 unruptured aneurysms were prospectively enrolled from Feburary 2016 to October 2017. Aneurysms were divided into high risk (≥10) and intermediate-low risk group (<10) according to the PHASES (Population, Hypertension, Age, Size of aneurysm, Earlier SAH history from another aneurysm, Site of aneurysm) scores. Clinical risk factors, aneurysm morphology, and wall enhancement index (WEI) calculated using 3D MR-VWI were analyzed and compared. Results : In comparison of high-risk and intermediated-low risk groups, univariate analysis showed that neck width (4.5±3.3 mm vs. 3.4±1.7 mm, p=0.002), the presence of wall enhancement (100.0% vs. 62.9%, p<0.001), and WEI (1.6±0.6 vs. 0.8±0.8, p<0.001) were significantly associated with high rupture risk. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that WEI was the most important factor in predicting high rupture risk (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.9; p=0.002). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis can efficiently differentiate higher risk aneurysms (area under the curve, 0.780; p<0.001) which have a reliable WEI cutoff value (1.04; sensitivity, 0.833; specificity, 0.67) predictive of high rupture risk. Conclusion : Aneurysms with higher rupture risk based on PHASES score demonstrate increased neck width, wall enhancement, and the enhancement intensity. Higher WEI in unruptured aneurysms has a predictive value for increased rupture risk.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권1호
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• pp.39-50
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• 2021

Objective : The treatment of large aneurysms of the posterior circulation is complicated and remains challenging. We here analyzed our institutional clinical outcomes of large unruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation. Methods : This study included 56 patients who presented with a large (>10 mm) unruptured aneurysm of the posterior circulation between 2002 and 2018. Results : There were 18 (32.1%) male and 38 (67.9%) female patients, with a mean age of 53.4 years. The most common location was the vertebral artery, followed by the basilar tip and posterior cerebral artery. The median follow-up duration was 29 months. Eighteen patients (32.1%) were treated by transcranial surgery and 38 (67.9%) were treated by endovascular treatment (EVT). Post-treatment complications occurred in 16 patients (28.6%), with there being no significant difference between the transcranial surgery and EVT groups. Complete obliteration was achieved in 30 patients (53.6%), with there being no statistically significant difference between the transcranial surgery and EVT groups. Recurrence occurred in 17 patients (30.4%), and the rate of recurrence was higher in the EVT group than in the transcranial surgery group (39.5% vs. 11.1%, p=0.03). Forty-four (84%) of 56 patients showed a favorable functional outcome. In saccular aneurysm, EVT was negative predictor of worsening of functional status. Conclusion : Treatment of these aneurysms harbors an inherent high risk of morbidity. No superiority was found between transcranial surgery and EVT in terms of complications and complete obliteration, but transcranial surgery showed a higher treatment durability than EVT.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.657-661
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• 2001

Intracranial giant aneurysms have been known to cause clinical signs and symptoms, either by rupture, compression of surrounding structures, repeated minor leakage, or cerebral ischemia due to thromboembolism. A giant aneurysm which manifests only a seizure disorder comprises relatively few contributions. The authors present a case of a giant, unruptured aneurysm solely presenting with generalized tonic-clonic type seizure in a 43-year-old man. Brain computed tomogram(CT) and 3-D CT angiogram demonstrated a huge calcified aneurysm at the bifurcation of right middle cerebral artery. Complete neck clipping and aneurysmectomy followed by uneventful neurologic recovery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.159-162
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• 2015

Neurological deficits after brain surgery are not uncommon, and correct and prompt differential diagnosis is essential to initiate appropriate treatment. We describe a patient suffering from loss of consciousness due to hyperammonemia, following valproic acid treatment after surgery for an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. A 57-year-old female patient underwent successful aneurysmal neck clipping to correct an unruptured aneurysm. Her postoperative course was good, and she received anti-epileptic therapy (valproic acid) and a soft diet. Within a few days the patient experienced mental deterioration. Her serum valproic acid reached toxic levels (149.40 mg/L), and serum ammonia was fifteen times the upper normal limit (553 mmol/L; normal range, 9-33 mmol/L). After discontinuation of valproic acid and with conservative treatment, the patient recovered without any complications. Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is an unusual but serious neurosurgical complication, and should not be disregarded as a possible cause of neurological deficits after neurovascular surgery. Early diagnosis is crucial, as discontinuation of valproic acid therapy can prevent serious complications, including death.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.355-360
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• 2009

배경: 양성 기형종은 대부분은 무증상이지만 적은 빈도에서 늑막, 심외막, 폐실질, 기관지 내로 파열 되어 심한 증상 유발과 함께 치료가 어려워 술 전 파열여부에 대한 정확한 진단이 수술적 치료에 있어서 중요하다. 따라서, 이 연구에서는 파열된 양성 기형종의 임상적 증상, 영상학적 소견과 수술적 소견에 대해서 알아보고 파열되지 않은 기형종과의 차이를 알아 보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 24명의 완전 절제된 양성 기형종의 환자를 후향적으로 조사하였다. 수술 전 임상 증상, 흉부 CT 소견, 수술 소견과 수술 성적의 차이를 파열된 군과 파열되지 않은 두 군에서 비교하였다. 특히 흉부 CT 소견에서는 종괴 크기, 피막 두께, 종괴의 위치, 분엽 정도, 균일성, 종괴 내용물, 주위 장기와의 관계 등을 조사하였다. 결과: 총 24명의 환자에서 수술 소견 결과, 7명의 환자(29.2%)가 파열된 양성 기형종으로 진단되었다. 15명(62.5%)의 환자에서 술 전 흉통, 기침 등의 증상이 있었으며 파열된 양성 기형종에서 증상이 심하고 빈도가 높았으나 통계적으로 차이는 없었다(p=0.37). 흉부 CT 소견에서는 두 군간에 종괴의 크기, 피막 두께, 종괴의 위치, 분엽정도, 균일성에는 차이가 없었다. 하지만 석회화 정도와(p=0.04), 종괴 주변 소견으로 폐경화, 폐허탈의 빈도가 파열 양성 기형종에서 통계적으로 유의하게 높았다(p=0.03). 파열된 양성 기형 종에서 수술적 접근은 모두 흉골 절개 또는 개흉술을 통해서 이루어 졌으며 동반된 폐절제 건수도 많았다. 결론: 술 전 흉부 CT는 파열된 기형종을 정확하게 진단할 수 있었고, 종괴 내에 석회화가 존재하거나 폐병변이 동반된 경우 파열된 기형종의 확률이 높았다. 따라서, 술 전 임상 소견 및 흉부 CT 소견에 의한 정확한 진단은 적절한 수술적 시기를 정하거나 접근 방법을 정하는 데에도 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.564-569
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• 2016

Objective : This study used the intradural procedural time to assess the overall technical difficulty involved in surgically clipping an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm via a pterional or superciliary approach. The clinical and radiological variables affecting the intradural procedural time were investigated, and the intradural procedural time compared between a superciliary keyhole approach and a pterional approach. Methods : During a 5.5-year period, patients with a single MCA aneurysm were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selection criteria for a superciliary keyhole approach included : 1) maximum diameter of the unruptured MCA aneurysm <15 mm, 2) neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm <10 mm, and 3) aneurysm location involving the sphenoidal or horizontal segment of MCA (M1) segment and MCA bifurcation, excluding aneurysms distal to the MCA genu. Meanwhile, the control comparison group included patients with the same selection criteria as for a superciliary approach, yet who preferred a pterional approach to avoid a postoperative facial wound or due to preoperative skin trouble in the supraorbital area. To determine the variables affecting the intradural procedural time, a multiple regression analysis was performed using such data as the patient age and gender, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm neck diameter, and length of the pre-aneurysm M1 segment. In addition, the intradural procedural times were compared between the superciliary and pterional patient groups, along with the other variables. Results : A total of 160 patients underwent a superciliary (n=124) or pterional (n=36) approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm. In the multiple regression analysis, an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm neck (p<0.001) was identified as a statistically significant factor increasing the intradural procedural time. A Pearson correlation analysis also showed a positive correlation (r=0.340) between the neck diameter and the intradural procedural time. When comparing the superciliary and pterional groups, no statistically significant between-group difference was found in terms of the intradural procedural time reflecting the technical difficulty (mean${\pm}$standard deviation : $29.8{\pm}13.0min$ versus $27.7{\pm}9.6min$). Conclusion : A superciliary keyhole approach can be a useful alternative to a pterional approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm with a maximum diameter <15 mm and neck diameter <10 mm, representing no more of a technical challenge. For both surgical approaches, the technical difficulty increases along with the neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.85-89
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• 2009

Objective : The International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) reported that the 5-year cumulative rupture rate of small unruptured aneurysms less than 7 mm in diameter is very low depending on the aneurysm's location. However, we have seen a large number of ruptured aneurysms less than 7 mm in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to review our experience and to measure the size and location at which aneurysms ruptured in our patient population. Methods : We reviewed the characteristics of aneurysms, such as size and location, from the original angiograms of patients who were admitted to our hospital between January 2004 and December 2007. All aneurysms were treated surgically or through endovascular procedures. Results : Interventional or surgical treatment was given to a total of 889 patients, including 568 females and 321 males. At the time of our study, 627 cases were ruptured aneurysms and 262 cases were unruptured aneurysms. Of the ruptured cases, the mean diameter of the aneurysm was 6.28 mm. We found that 71.8% of ruptured aneurysms were smaller than 7 mm in diameter, and 87.9%, were smaller than 10 mm. Based on location, the data show that anterior communicating artery aneurysms most often presented with rupture sizes less than 7 mm (76.8%) and 10 mm (92.1%) in diameter. Most ruptured aneurysms were less than 7 mm in size, although recent studies have noted that small aneurysms are less likely to rupture. Conclusion : Although the natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial, the aneurysm size and location play a signigicant role in determining the risk of rupture. Larger sample sizes and a long term study are needed to reveal the natural history and the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms because the size of most ruptured aneurysms was less than 7 mm in diameter in our series.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.155-158
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• 2015

The equipment and techniques associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have rapidly evolved. The development of 3.0 Tesla MRI has enabled high-resolution imaging of the intracranial vessel wall. High-resolution MRI (HRMRI) can yield excellent visualization of both the arterial wall and lumen, thus facilitating the detection of the primary and secondary features of intracranial arterial dissection. In the present report, we describe the manner in which HRMRI affected our endovascular treatment planning strategy in 2 cases with unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissection aneurysm. HRMRI provides further information about the vessel wall and the lumen of the unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm, which was treated by an endovascular approach in the 2 current cases.