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The safety and feasibility of using staged flow diverter (FD) for ruptured cerebral aneurysms, in which coil embolization is performed in the acute phase and FD is deployed in the subacute phase, has recently been reported. This strategy requires assuming the rupture point and performing coil embolization. Although vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) has been reported to be useful in predicting the rupture point of aneurysms, its use with staged FD has not yet been reported. We report the first case of staged FD with preoperative contrast-enhanced VW-MRI to predict the rupture point for partially thrombosed vertebral artery dissecting large aneurysm involving posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) origin. This approach achieved a very good outcome, not only completely occluding the aneurysm, but also reconstructing the parent artery while maintaining the patency of the PICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis (RI-CS) is known as one of long-term side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, the clinical time course after irradiation has been poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the natural history of radiation-induced carotid atherosclerosis, comparing the patients who received radiotherapy for HNC with the patients who were treated without radiotherapy. Methods: The patients who received treatment of HNC at Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of Kyoto University Hospital, from November 2012 to July 2015 were enrolled. The patients were assigned into the RT group and the control group, depending on whether radiotherapy was planned or not. Annual carotid ultrasound was performed from the enrollment to 5 years. The increase of mean intima-media thickness (IMT) at common carotid artery from the enrollment (Δmean IMT) was evaluated. Results: Fifty-six patients in the RT group and 25 patients in the control group were enrolled. From 5-year follow-up data, the significant higher increase of Δmean IMT was consistently observed in the RT group than in the control group after 2 years. The RT group presented a 7.8-fold increase of mean IMT compared to the control group (0.060 mm per year in the RT group and 0.008 mm per year in the control group). Cumulative incidence curves obtained from the analysis of all vessels revealed that the RT group presented higher incidence of Δmean IMT ≥0.25 mm than the control group (p < 0.01). In the RT group, the patients with mean IMT ≥1.0 mm at enrollment exhibited significantly higher incidence of Δmean IMT ≥0.25 mm than the patients with mean IMT <1.0 mm (p < 0.01). Discussion: Radiotherapy for HNC induces continuous carotid mean IMT progression. The irradiated carotid arteries with mean IMT ≥1.0 mm before radiotherapy presented earlier IMT progression than those with mean IMT <1.0 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic lineage tracing studies have shown that phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) results in less-differentiated cells, including macrophage-like cells that lack traditional VSMC markers. This switching contributes to the formation of necrotic core in plaques and promotes atherosclerosis, which is important for plaque stability. Niclosamide, a commonly used anti-helminthic drug, has recently attracted attention as an anti-cancer drug that inhibits multiple signaling pathways. The expression of the S100A4 protein is upregulated in synthetic VSMCs and inhibited by niclosamide on metastatic progression in colon cancer. We aimed to test the effect of niclosamide on VSMC phenotype switching and plaque stability. To examine murine atherosclerosis, we induced experimental lesions by blood flow cessation in apolipoprotein E knockout mice fed a high-fat diet. Oral administration of niclosamide changed 4-week-old plaques to collagen-rich and less-necrotic core phenotypes and downregulated the expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in vivo. In vitro analysis indicated that niclosamide reduced LOX-1 expression in VSMCs in a concentration-dependent and S100A4-independent manner. The inhibitory effect of niclosamide on LOX-1 and collagen type I was associated with the inactivation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. We demonstrated that the administration of niclosamide reduced LOX-1 expression and altered the composition of murine carotid plaques. Our results highlight the potential of niclosamide as an atheroprotective agent that enhances atherosclerotic plaque stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material properties and damage characteristics of lead zirconate titanate(PZT) ceramics were investigated at various temperatures. A positive voltage was obtained when the sample was cooled from 20°C to −190°C, while a negative voltage was obtained when the sample was heated from −190°C to 180°C. The difference between the positive and negative values depended on the thermal stress. Compressive stress generated a more positive voltage in the cooling process, while tensile stress led to a more negative voltage in the heating process. The voltage values also depended on the cooling (or heating) rate of the sample, e.g. the greater the cooling (or heating) rate, the greater the voltage. When cyclic loading was conducted mechanically at −190°C, the voltage reduced, but it was recovered after heating to 20°C. Damage of the PZT ceramic (90° domain switching) was detected when the sample was cooled to −190°C due to the high thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) agenesis with trans-sellar anastomosis associated with a right aortic arch, and discuss the embryonic development and clinical implications of this condition. A 26-year-old woman without significant medical history was referred to our hospital complaining of tinnitus. She denied any other symptoms, and examination did not reveal any other neurological deficits. Radiological examinations showed agenesis of the right ICA with trans-sellar anastomosis, and a right aortic arch. This vascular configuration reflects the anatomical homology with avian vascular structure. Recognition of this anomaly has important implications for clinical situations, such as the planning of carotid or transsphenoidal surgery, the management of thromboembolic disease, and the surveillance and detection of associated cerebral aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: prevention of rebleeding is the most important aspect of the management of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease because rebleeding causes significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation: a 68-year-old female patient presented with intraventricular hemorrhages abutting the atrium of the right ventricle. Cerebral angiography showed internal carotid artery occlusion with moyamoya vessels on the right side and internal carotid artery stenosis with moymoya vessels on the left side. The posterior cerebral artery was enlarged on the right side, and a lateral posterior choroidal intraventricular aneurysm was identified. The aneurysm was successfully excised transcortically using a neuronavigation system to minimize damage to collateral vessels and shorten the surgical corridor. Histopathology revealed a pseudoaneurysm. Three months later, indirect revascularization at the right hemisphere was performed. Conclusion: the management of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease should be modified based on the source of hemorrhage. Because of the rebleeding risk, we recommend early intervention to treat ruptured intracranial aneurysms using minimally invasive surgical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Periventricular anastomosis (PA), a recently recognized cause of hemorrhage in moyamoya disease, is reducible after bypass surgery. The timing of the reduction, however, remains poorly understood. The objectives of the present study were to demonstrate radiological reduction of PA occurring within 48 hours after surgery and to identify factors associated with reduction., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 16 years or older who were diagnosed with moyamoya disease and underwent direct bypass surgery. PAs were assessed using sliding thin-slab maximum intensity projection MR angiography images acquired before surgery and on postoperative day 1. The signal ratio of PA, the ratio of the signal value of the medullary artery to that of the brain parenchyma, was measured at the same point on automatically aligned baseline and postoperative images. The location of bypass was defined as either targeted or nontargeted to the PA., Results: A total of 68 PAs were analyzed. The signal ratio of PA significantly decreased (mean change [95% CI] -0.16 [-0.21 to -0.11]), while that of cerebellar arteries increased (mean change [95% CI] 0.20 [0.09-0.31]). The interrater reliability measurement of the signal ratio change was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that targeted bypass (regression coefficient [95% CI] -0.1063 [-0.1558 to -0.0569]) and cross-sectional area of the donor artery (regression coefficient [95% CI] -0.1317 [-0.2101 to -0.0534]) were significant factors contributing to signal reduction of the PA. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that early signal reduction well predicted late-phase reduction (area under the curve 0.78)., Conclusions: PA could be reduced within 48 hours after direct bypass surgery, suggesting an early preventive effect against hemorrhage. Early reduction, a potential predictor for late-phase reduction, might be promoted by targeted bypass surgery.

Objective: Certain patients must undergo frequent postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after flow diversion (FD) therapy. No imaging modality with an efficacy comparable to that of DSA has been established. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of contrast-enhanced delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) T1-sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolution (SPACE), a high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging technique for evaluating the occlusion status of intracranial aneurysms after FD treatment, with DSA serving as the reference standard., Methods: This retrospective study included 23 patients with 26 aneurysms who had undergone FD treatment between April 2016 and May 2022. Contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE and DSA were performed as postoperative follow-up imaging studies at 45 time points, both in the same period. The agreement rates for aneurysm occlusion status in the 45 imaging studies were examined., Results: Contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.3% (26/27) and 83.3% (15/18), respectively, for detecting aneurysm remnants. Overall, 91.1% (41/45) of findings detected on contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE were consistent with those on DSA. The findings detected on contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE were completely consistent with those of intraaneurysmal residual blood flow identified on DSA or high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography images in 74.1% (20/27) of the examinations that showed incomplete occlusion on DSA. Furthermore, parent artery status after FD treatment on contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE was consistent with that observed on DSA in 97.8% (44/45) of examinations., Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced DANTE T1-SPACE is a very useful option in the follow-up of aneurysms after FD treatment.

Background: Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVFs) with intraosseous shunts are rare, and their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear., Observations: A female in her 70s presented with rapidly progressive weakness in both lower extremities and urinary retention. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord edema and flow voids due to venous dilation and compression fractures of the L1 and L2 vertebral bodies. Spinal angiography revealed ventral and dorsal somatic branches of the lumbar arteries at L1 and L2 flowing into the shunt. High-resolution cone-beam computed tomography revealed a shunt within the compression-fractured vertebral body bone of L2. The intravertebral shunt blood flowed into the ventral epidural venous plexus (VEVP) and returned into the perimedullary vein (PMV). Transarterial embolization was performed using N-butyl cyanoacrylate and Onyx-18 for feeder L1 and feeder L2, respectively. Onyx-18 was injected from the VEVP into the PMV, and complete occlusion of the shunt was achieved. The patient showed symptomatic improvement postoperatively., Lessons: Vertebral compression fractures are common but rarely associated with SEAVFs. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2457.

Background and Purpose: Although aneurysm shrinkage often occurs after flow diversion treatment for intracranial aneurysms, no reports have addressed the factors associated with aneurysm shrinkage., Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center study was performed to examine patients with unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms who were treated using flow diversion and followed up by imaging for at least 12 months. The study outcome was aneurysm shrinkage (volume reduction of ≥10%) 12 months after treatment. Aneurysm volume was quantitatively assessed using the MRIcroGL software. Patient and aneurysm characteristics were statistically analyzed., Results: This study involved 81 patients with 88 aneurysms. At the 6 months, 12 months, and last follow-ups, the proportion of aneurysms that had shrunk was 50, 64, and 65%, respectively. No adjunctive coiling (odds ratio, 56.7; 95% confidence interval, 7.03-457.21; p  < 0.001) and aneurysm occlusion (odds ratio, 90.7; 95% confidence interval, 8.32-988.66; p  < 0.001) were significantly associated with aneurysm shrinkage. In patients treated by flow diversion with adjunctive coiling, only the volume embolization rate was a factor significantly associated with aneurysm shrinkage ( p  < 0.001). Its cutoff value was 15.5% according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve, 0.87; sensitivity, 0.87; specificity, 0.83)., Conclusion: The rate of aneurysm shrinkage after flow diversion increased during the first 12 months after treatment, but not thereafter. No adjunctive coiling and aneurysm occlusion were predictors of aneurysm shrinkage, respectively. If adjunctive coiling is required, a volume embolization rate of ≤15.5% may be suggested for aneurysm regression., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Akiyama, Ishii, Kikuchi, Okawa, Yamao, Abekura, Ono, Sasaki, Tsuji, Matsukawa and Miyamoto.)

The pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) differs in terms of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and imaging-related characteristics. A 51-year-old man presented with optic nerve papillary edema, visual disturbance, bilateral abducens nerve palsy, and a wide-based gait. Imaging showed characteristic findings of IIH and disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) - characteristic of iNPH. A CSF examination revealed marked CSF hypertension. IIH with iNPH-like imaging features (DESH) was diagnosed, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery was performed. Postoperatively, the visual acuity and visual field improved. This report also describes the distinct and overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms of IIH and iNPH.

Background: Cerebral aneurysms of perforating arteries are rare and can be difficult to detect on computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography. Treatment is challenging and associated with a significant risk of morbidity. Endovascular treatment of a thalamoperforating artery (TPA) aneurysm within the midbrain has not previously been reported., Observations: A 13-year-old girl with no previous medical history presented with unconsciousness and anisocoria. Head computed tomography showed a right midbrain hemorrhage. CTA showed a midbrain arteriovenous malformation fed by a TPA aneurysm arising from the P1 segment of the right posterior cerebral artery. The feeder had a small distal aneurysm, which increased in size over time. Endovascular embolization was then performed., Lessons: Cerebral aneurysms of perforating arteries are rare and can be difficult to treat. This is the first report of the endovascular treatment of a TPA aneurysm within the midbrain. Understanding the individual patient's brainstem perforator anatomy and the associated blood flow is essential before occluding a TPA aneurysm to avoid causing ischemia or infarction. Arteriovenous malformation embolization within the brainstem should be avoided because of interperforator anastomoses.

Background: The effect of vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) enhancement in partially thrombosed aneurysms has previously indicated aneurysmal instability and a rupture risk. However, whether the contrast effect of the wall changes before or after flow diversion treatment is still under investigation., Observations: The authors report a case of a partially thrombosed basilar artery aneurysm that increased in size over a short period, worsened brainstem compression symptoms, and was treated with a flow diverter stent with good results. In this case, VW-MRI after surgery showed a reduced contrast effect on the intraluminal thrombus within the aneurysm. The aneurysm thrombosed and markedly regressed over the next 5 months, with remarkable improvement in the brainstem compression symptoms., Lessons: This finding on VW-MRI may indicate an attenuation of neovascularization in the thrombus wall and be a sign of aneurysm stabilization.

Background: Although flow diversion plays a pivotal role in treating internal carotid artery aneurysms presenting with cranial neuropathy, predictors of symptom improvement have not been established., Objective: To investigate improvement of symptoms after flow diversion treatment in patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms causing cranial neuropathy, with sufficient follow-up period. Additionally, to examine factors associated with improvement of symptoms., Methods: This retrospective multicenter study examined patients with unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms presenting with cranial neuropathy who were treated using flow diversion and followed up for at least 12 months. Study outcomes were transient worsening of symptoms and symptom status 12 months after treatment. Patient and aneurysm characteristics were statistically analyzed., Results: Seventy-seven patients were included. Data needed for outcome analysis were available for 66 patients. At the 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-month, and last follow-ups, the proportion of patients with resolved or improved symptoms was 26% (20/77), 51% (39/77), 74% (57/77), 83% (64/77), and 79%(62/77), respectively. Symptom onset-to-treatment time <6 months (OR=24.2; 95% CI 3.09 to 188.84; p=0.002) and aneurysmal regression (OR=23.1; 95% CI 1.97 to 271.75; p=0.012) were significantly associated with symptom improvement. Transient symptom worsening and worse symptoms at 12 months occurred in 19/77 (25%) and 2/77 (3%) patients, respectively., Conclusions: The rate of cranial neuropathy symptom improvement after flow diversion increased over the first 12 months after treatment, but not thereafter. Treatment within 6 months of symptom onset and aneurysmal regression were predictors of symptom improvement., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Recurrent cervical internal carotid artery vasospasm syndrome (RCICVS) causes cerebral infarction, ocular symptoms, and occasionally chest pain accompanied by coronary artery vasospasm. The etiology and optimal treatment remain unclear., Observations: The authors report a patient with drug-resistant RCICVS who underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS). Magnetic resonance angiography revealed recurrent vasospasm in the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Vessel wall imaging during an ischemic attack revealed vascular wall thickening of the ICA, similar to that in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. The superior cervical ganglion was identified at the anteromedial side of the stenosis site. Coronary artery stenosis was also detected. After CAS, the symptoms of cerebral ischemia were prevented for 2 years, but bilateral ocular and chest symptoms did occur., Lessons: Vessel wall imaging findings suggest that RCICVS is a sympathetic nervous system-related disease. CAS could be an effective treatment for drug-resistant RCICVS to prevent cerebral ischemic events.

Objective: Posterior condylar canal dural arteriovenous fistula (PCC DAVF) is extremely rare, with only four previously reported cases in the English literature. Cases may present tinnitus and radiculopathy. In cases where the drainer is around the brainstem, subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhages (IVHs) may occur. We describe the clinical presentation, angiographic imaging, and endovascular treatment strategy of a PCC DAVF., Case Presentation: A 30-year-old woman presented to our hospital with tinnitus and stiffness of the shoulder. Neuroimaging studies showed DAVF with fistulous points around right PCC consisted of a high-flow shunt, fed mainly by the occipital artery, and drained to the suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS) and internal jugular vein. The lesion was treated with a combination of transvenous coil embolization and transarterial Onyx injection. The patient recovered immediately after intervention and had no neurological deficits in the follow-up visit., Conclusion: In this case, endovascular treatment was performed safely without recurrence so far. A strategy combining transvenous coil embolization and transarterial Onyx injection may be an effective treatment for PCC DAVF with high-flow shunt. Further case accumulation is desired., Competing Interests: We declare no conflicts of interest., (©2022 The Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy.)

Background: Selecting therapeutic options for moyamoya disease (MMD)-associated anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm, a rare pathology in children, is challenging because its natural course remains unclear., Observations: A 4-year-old boy exhibiting transient ischemic attacks was diagnosed with unilateral MMD accompanied by an unruptured ACoA aneurysm. Although superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis eliminated his symptoms, the aneurysm continued to grow after surgery. Since a previous craniotomy and narrow endovascular access at the ACoA precluded both aneurysmal clipping and coil embolization, the patient underwent a surgical anastomosis incorporating an occipital artery graft between the bilateral cortical anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs). This was intended to augment blood flow in the ipsilateral ACA territory and to reduce the hemodynamic burden on the ACoA complex. The postoperative course was uneventful, and radiological images obtained 12 months after surgery revealed good patency of the bypass and marked shrinkage of the aneurysm in spite of the intact contralateral internal carotid artery., Lessons: Various clinical scenarios should be assessed carefully with regard to this pathology. Bypass surgery aimed at reducing flow to the aneurysm might be an alternative therapeutic option when neither coiling nor clipping is feasible., Competing Interests: Disclosures The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper., (© 2021 The authors.)