• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제56권2호
• /
• pp.141-145
• /
• 2014

Vertebral artery (VA) injuries usually accompany cervical trauma. Although these injuries are commonly asymptomatic, some result in vertebrobasilar infarction. The symptoms of VA occlusion have been reported to usually manifest within 24 hours after trauma. The symptoms of bilateral VA occlusions seem to be more severe and seem to occur with shorter latencies than those of unilateral occlusions. A 48-year-old man had a C3-4 fracture-dislocation with spinal cord compression that resulted from a traffic accident. After surgery, his initial quadriparesis gradually improved. However, he complained of sudden headache and dizziness on the 5th postoperative day. His motor weakness was abruptly aggravated. Radiologic evaluation revealed an infarction in the occipital lobe and cerebellum. Cerebral angiography revealed complete bilateral VA occlusion. We administered anticoagulation therapy. After 6 months, his weakness had only partially improved. This case demonstrates that delayed infarction due to bilateral VA occlusion can occur at latencies as long as 5 days. Thus, we recommend that patients with cervical traumas that may be accompanied by bilateral VA occlusion should be closely observed for longer than 5 days.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제48권4호
• /
• pp.363-366
• /
• 2010

Vertebral artery (VA) injury is a rare and serious complication of cervical spine surgery; this is due to difficulty in controlling hemorrhage, which can result in severe hypotension and cardiac arrest, and uncertain neurologic consequences. The authors report an extremely rare case of a 56-year-old woman who underwent direct surgical repair by end-to-end anatomosis of an unanticipated VA injury during C2 pedicle screwing. Postoperatively, the patient showed no neurological deterioration and computed tomography angiography of the VA demonstrated normal blood flow. Although direct occlusion of an injured VA by surgical ligation or endovascular embolization has been used for management of an unanticipated VA injury during surgery, these methods may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, despite its technical demand, microvascular primary repair can restore normal blood flow and minimizes the risk of immediate or delayed ischemic complications. Here we report an iatrogenic VA injury during C2 pedicle screwing, which was successfully treated by end-to-end anastomosis.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
• /
• 제2권2호
• /
• pp.67-70
• /
• 2015

We propose an automatic vessel segmentation method of vertebral arteries in CT angiography using combined circular and cylindrical model fitting. First, to generate multi-segmented volumes, whole volume is automatically divided into four segments by anatomical properties of bone structures along z-axis of head and neck. To define an optimal volume circumscribing vertebral arteries, anterior-posterior bounding and side boundaries are defined as initial extracted vessel region. Second, the initial vessel candidates are tracked using circular model fitting. Since boundaries of the vertebral arteries are ambiguous in case the arteries pass through the transverse foramen in the cervical vertebra, the circle model is extended along z-axis to cylinder model for considering additional vessel information of neighboring slices. Finally, the boundaries of the vertebral arteries are detected using graph-cut optimization. From the experiments, the proposed method provides accurate results without bone artifacts and eroded vessels in the cervical vertebra.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제49권2호
• /
• pp.131-133
• /
• 2011

We performed a percutaneous vertebroplasty at the compressed L2 vertebral body of a 73-year-old female using a left-sided unilateral extrapedicular approach. She complained severe radiating pain and a tingling sensation in her left leg two hours after the vertebroplasty. Spinal computed tomographic scan showed a large retroperitoneal hematoma, and a subsequent spinal angiography revealed a left L2 segmental artery injury. Bleeding was successfully controlled by endovascular embolization. Recently, extrapedicular approaches have been attempted, allowing for the avoidance of facet and pedicle injury with only a unilateral approach. With this approach, however, the needle punctures the vertebral body directly. Therefore, this procedure carries the potential risk of a spinal segmental artery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제67권5호
• /
• pp.531-540
• /
• 2024

Objective : The use of reconstructive treatment with a double-overlapping stents has proven to be effective and safe in the current treatment of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs). We employed a combination of overlapping stents, using low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) within the Enterprise stent. This combination was chosen to minimize the outward bulging of the inner LVIS by overlapping it with the Enterprise stent while maintaining flow diversion and stability. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic outcomes following the use of double-overlapping stents with LVIS within the Enterprise stent for the treatment of VADAs. Methods : From March 2016 to January 2022, total 28 patients with unruptured VADAs were treated with the double-overlapping stent technique using LVIS within an Enterprise stent in our institute. The Enterprise stent was deployed first, followed by the LVIS stent. Patient clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural complications, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results : All 28 patients (18 males and 10 females) were successfully treated with double-overlapping stent deployment. There were no procedural complications or new neurological deficits in any patient. Of the 28 patients, four VADAs had posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement. Procedure-related parent artery occlusion did not occur during the angiographic follow-up conducted 6 to 12 months after the procedure. Out of 28 patients, 24 showed complete healing, three had focal residual stenosis or dilatation with residual sac and only one had a residual dissecting flap with aneurysm. All patients, including the four patients, did not require any additional procedures. The postoperative modified Rankin scale scores were 0-1 for all patients. Conclusion : A double-overlapping stent, with a flow-diversion effect, is a safe and effective treatment for patients with VADAs. In particular, when using the LVIS stent within an Enterprise stent, it minimizes the bulging of the inner LVIS stent while maintaining flow diversion and stability. Therefore, both can be effectively utilized as overlapping stents.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제52권6호
• /
• pp.513-516
• /
• 2012

Objective : It is rare that the medial loop in the V2 segment of the vertebral artery (VA) causes compression of the proximal cervical root of the spinal cord without leading to bony erosion and an enlarged foramen. We evaluated the clinical significance and incidence of the medial loop in the V2 segment of the VA. Methods : We reviewed the records from 1000 consecutive patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the cervical spine between January 2005 and January 2008. The inclusion criteria were that over a third of the axial aspect of the VA located in the intervertebral foramen was inside the line between the most ventral points of the bilateral lateral mass, and that the ipsilateral proximal root deviated dorsally because of the medial loop of the VA. We excluded cases of bone erosion, a widened foramen at the medial loop of the VA, any bony abnormalities, tumors displacing VA, or vertebral fractures. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively to search for factors of clinical significance. Results : In six patients (0.6%), the VA formed a medial loop that caused compression of the proximal cervical root. One of these patients had the cervical radiculopathy that developed after minor trauma but the others did not present with cervical radiculopathy related to the medial loop of the VA. Conclusion : The medial loop of the VA might have a direct effect on cervical radiculopathy. Therefore, this feature should be of critical consideration in preoperative planning and during surgery.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제28권2호
• /
• pp.49-58
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is examining the effects of appling acupressure to acupuncture points (study group) and Interferential current therapy (ICT) to cervical region (control group) on the cerebral blood flow of 20 tension-type headache patients and the reduction of their headaches. For approaching this examination, clinical research was conducted for three weeks those two groups, each contains 10 patients. Methods : We stimulated 7 acupuncture points for headache with the acupressure (for three weeks) and applied ICT to cervical region. Also we measured VAS (visual analogue scale) and the blood flow of the vertebral arteries with TCD (transcranial doppler ultrasonography). Results : (1) When the left and right vertebral artery of study group was compared each time, significant differences were found after the 1st treatment (p<.001). Also the significant differences were found after 2, 3weeks treatment (p<.05). (2) When the Visual Analog Scale of study group were compared periodically, the significant reductions were found after the 1 week treatments (p<.05). Also the significant differences were found after 2, 3 weeks treatments (p<.001). In the case of the control group, the significant reduction were found after the 2 and 3 weeks treatments (p<.001). Conclusions : The acupressure applied to acupuncture points reduced the headache and increased the ratio of cerebral blood flow.

• 대한영상의학회지
• /
• 제82권3호
• /
• pp.743-748
• /
• 2021

추골동맥의 기시부 변이의 다양성은 여러 문헌에서 보고되어 왔다. 그러나, 양측 추골동맥이 직접 대동맥궁으로부터 기시하는 변이는 매우 드물다. 이번 증례는 갑작스럽게 발생한 우측 편마비를 주소로 내원한 60세의 남자 환자에서 우연히 발견된 드문 양측 추골동맥 기시부의 변이를 보여준다. CT 혈관조영술에서 우측 추골동맥은 대동맥궁의 좌측 쇄골하정맥의 원위부에서 기시하였고, 좌측 추골동맥은 대동맥궁의 좌측 총경동맥과 쇄골하정맥의 사이에서 기시하였다. 이 변이와 연관이 있을 수 있는 발생학적인 기전도 고찰하였다. 추골동맥 기시부의 드문 변이의 가능성은 추골동맥이 일반적인 위치에서 보이지 않을 때 고려되어야 한다. 이 변이를 이해하는 것은 혈관 내 치료나 수술 중에 예기치 않은 합병증을 피하기 위해 중요하다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제58권6호
• /
• pp.499-503
• /
• 2015

Objective : The transradial catheterization (TRC) is becoming widespread, primarily for neurointerventions. Therefore, the evaluation of radial artery puncture in clinical practice and a better understanding of the anatomy are important to improve the safety of neuroendovascular surgery. Methods : Ten formalin-fixed adult Korean cadavers were dissected to expose radial artery (RA), brachial artery (BrA) and subclvian artery (ScA), bilaterally. Vessel lengths and diameters were meaured using a caliper and distance between the specific point of vessels and the anatomical landmarks including the radial styloid process, the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the sternoclavicular joint, and the vertebral artery orifice were also measured. Results : The average length between the radial (RAPS) and the BrA puncture sites (BrAPS) and between the vertebral artery orifice (VAO) and the BrA bifurcation (BrAB) did not differ between sides (p>0.05). The average length between the radial styloid process (RSP) and the RAPS was $13.41{\pm}2.19mm$, and the RSP was $26.85{\pm}2.47mm$ from the median nerve (MN). The mean length between the medial epicondyle (ME) and the BrAPS as $44.23{\pm}5.47mm$, whereas the distance between the ME and the MN was $42.23{\pm}4.77mm$. The average VAO-ScA angle was $70.94{\pm}6.12^{\circ}$, and the length between the ScA junction (SCJ) and the VAO was $60.30{\pm}8.48mm$. Conclusion : This study provides basic anatomical information about the radial artery and the brachial route and can help improving new techniques, selection of size and shape of catheters for TRC. This can help neurointerventionists who adopt a transradial neuroendovascular approach and offers comprehensive and safe care to their patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제47권5호
• /
• pp.332-337
• /
• 2010

Objective : Although a transradial angiography is accepted as the gold standard for cardiovascular procedures, cerebral angiography has been performed via transfemoral approach in most institutions. The purpose of this study is to present our experience concerning the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a transradial approach to cerebral angiography as an alternative to a transfemoral approach. Methods : Between February 2007 and October 2009, a total of 1,240 cerebral angiographies were performed via a transradial approach in a single center. The right radial approach was used as an initial access route. The procedure continued only after the ulnar artery was proven to provide satisfactory collateral perfusion according to two tests (a modified Allen's test and forearm angiography). Results : The procedural success rate was 94.8% with a mean duration of 28 minutes. All supra-aortic vessels were successfully catheterized with a success rate of 100%. The success rates of selective catheterization to the right vertebral artery, right internal carotid artery, left internal carotid artery, and left vertebral artery were 96.1%, 98.6%, 82.6% and 52.2%, respectively. The procedure was performed more than twice in 73 patients (5.9%), including up to 4 times in 2 patients. The radial artery occlusion was found in 4 patients (5.4%) on follow-up cerebral angiography, but no ischemic symptoms were observed in any of the cases. Conclusion : This study suggests that cerebral angiography using a transradial approach can be performed with minimal risk of morbidity. In particular, this procedure might be useful for follow-up angiographies and place less stress on patients.