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Dermoid cysts are rare benign intracranial neoplasms derived from embryonal remnant tissues. Here, we describe a case of dermoid cyst located in the right frontal lobe, which showed repeated changes on CT. An 11-year-old girl was referred to our hospital to treat a brain neoplasm. Brain CT and MRI revealed a cystic tumor in the right frontal lobe. Incidentally, brain CT had been performed 6, 2, and 1 year before the presentation, which demonstrated repeated changes in the tumor over the clinical course. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved through right frontal craniotomy. Histological findings revealed keratin flakes, mature bones, cholesterol crystals, and granulation with macrophages. The cyst wall was composed of squamous epithelium with adnexal structures, such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Therefore, we diagnosed the tumor as a dermoid cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 10 without neurological deficits. Dermoid cysts are difficult to be diagnosed on routine neuroimaging. An accurate diagnosis requires details of the clinical course and analysis of both imaging and pathological studies.

Postoperative neurological deficits frequently occur in adult moyamoya disease. In this case report, we describe the time course and disease state of a patient with adult moyamoya disease, who experienced a postoperative neurological deficit due to transient hypoperfusion in the pretreated contralateral hemisphere. A 68-year-old female presented with a sudden onset of left hemianopia due to ischemic moyamoya disease. She had severely low cerebral blood flow(CBF)in the right hemisphere and deterioration of cerebrovascular reactivity in the left hemisphere. First, right combined bypass surgery was performed; subsequently, left combined bypass surgery was performed. Two days after left hemisphere surgery, left hemiparesis gradually appeared. Hypoperfusion of the right hemisphere and hyperperfusion of the left hemisphere were revealed by SPECT and CT perfusion imaging. Blood pressure was controlled to normal levels, and an antiepileptic drug, antiplatelet drug, and edaravone were administered. The patient gradually recovered 2 weeks later, and was able to resume her normal daily life. During the clinical course, laterality of CBF was improved following improvement of clinical symptoms. Abnormal postoperative disproportion of the CBF may occur after revascularization surgery for adult moyamoya disease. Prompt assessment of CBF and proper treatment are needed.

We report the case of a patient who has progressed well over 5 years following single-stage aneurysm clipping and superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery(STA-MCA)double anastomoses in the acute phase, for a ruptured distal anterior choroidal artery(AChA)aneurysm accompanied by a twig-like MCA. The patient was a 49-year-old female who developed a sudden severe headache and disturbance of consciousness due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH). Cerebral angiography showed a right twig-like MCA associated with an abnormal vascular network and a ruptured aneurysm in the distal AChA. A day after emergency ventricular drainage for acute hydrocephalus, right frontotemporal craniotomy enabled distal AChA aneurysm clipping, together with removal of the IVH via transchoroidal fissure approach, in addition to STA-MCA double anastomoses to prevent recurrence of hemorrhage. The IVH resolved after surgery and no new infarct area was observed. Cerebral angiography revealed the disappearance of the aneurysm, good patency of the double bypass, and reduction of the abnormal vascular network. The patient gradually recovered without any neurological deficits, except for mild memory disturbance. Five years after the surgery, the patient has experienced no recurrence. The single-stage operation of aneurysm clipping and STA-MCA double anastomoses was made possible by devising an approach for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, even in the acute stage. The successful improvement of cerebral circulation and prevention of cerebral hemorrhage from an early stage could serve as a reference for the treatment of similar hemorrhagic cases.

Background and Purpose: The long-term outcome of patients with adult moyamoya disease following revascularization surgery remains unclear. Here, we investigated these outcomes more than five years after revascularization surgery., Patients and Methods: This study included 48 cerebral hemispheres from 26 patients who underwent revascularization surgery for adult moyamoya disease. The mean follow-up duration was 14.3(5.5-25.6)years. The risk factors of late-onset hemorrhage after revascularization surgery were compared between the bleeding and non-bleeding groups. We also estimated cumulative bleeding-free survival rates using Kaplan-Meier curves., Results: Four patients experienced late-onset bleeding during the follow-up period. Bleeding occurred after an average of 11(8.5-16.4)years following revascularization surgery. The annual hemorrhagic rate was 1.14%. In the bleeding group, higher Suzuki stage(p=0.02), posterior cerebral artery(PCA)involvement(p<0.01), cerebral aneurysm(p=0.04), microbleeds(p=0.03), and post-operative periventricular anastomosis, especially in the thalamus and the choroidal artery(p<0.01 and p=0.01 respectively), were significantly different from those in the non-bleeding group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the probability of late-onset bleeding was higher with postoperative periventricular anastomosis(p<0.01 for thalamic type, p=0.01 for choroidal type), higher Suzuki stage(p<0.01), PCA involvement(p<0.01), and cerebral aneurysm(p=0.02)., Conclusions: In spite of good perfusion and reduction in moyamoya vessels after revascularization surgery, the risk of bleeding persisted. Periventricular anastomosis, especially in the thalamus and choroidal artery, after surgery, higher Suzuki stage, presence of obstructive lesions in the PCA, and cerebral aneurysm may be associated with late-onset bleeding after surgery. More studies are needed to identify the risk factors for late-onset bleeding after revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease.

Here, we report a case of primary intracranial tumor in a chronic hemodialysis patient in which neurosurgery was successful. A 50-year-old man who had been on hemodialysis for 4 years was admitted to our hospital with general fatigue. Neurological examination on admission revealed mild restless. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging performed on admission revealed a large (55 mm×40 mm) tumor mass in contact with the falx. The size of this tumor rapidly increased over the next month. 201Thallium-chloride single photon emission computed tomography revealed abnormal uptake in the same location as the lesion. This suggested a malignant brain tumor and surgical excision was scheduled. Two weeks prior to surgery, frequent hemodialysis was performed using nafamostat mesilate instead of heparin to prevent bleeding and to maintain electrolyte balance, and red cell concentrates and erythropoietin were administered for the improvement of anemia. A triple lumen catheter was inserted in the right internal jugular vein in preparation for emergency continuous hemodiafiltration to maintain homeostasis of circulatory dynamics. Surgery was completed without incident and the tumor was resected totally. During surgery, cerebral edema was well controlled by hyperventilation and a slightly upturned head position. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed atypical meningioma. Continuous hemodiafiltration was performed for 24 hours after surgery, and hemodialysis was initiated on the third day after surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful. Three weeks after surgery, the patient was discharged with no neurological deficit and resumed his daily life on maintenance hemodialysis.

We report a case treated successfully by emergency carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for progressing stroke resulting from pseudo-occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). A 67-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with dysarthria. Neurological examination on admission revealed mild left-sided motor weakness and dysarthria. Computed tomography (CT) showed cerebral infarction in the territory of the perforating artery of right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging indicated similar findings and cervical MR angiography revealed occlusion of right cervical ICA. Cerebral conventional angiography and CT angiography revealed pseudo-occlusion of the right ICA. ECD-single photon emission tomography (SPECT) indicated low perfusion in the territory of the right ICA. Conservative therapy was performed using free radical scavengers and antiplatelet drugs, but neurological signs deteriorated. Revascularization using CEA was therefore performed. After surgery, the patient was restless with neurological abnormalities, and trans-cranial Doppler (TCD), INVOS-3100 and MRA revealed hyperperfusion. Strict control of blood pressure under propofol anesthesia allowed effective management of hyperperfusion syndrome. After a 1-month follow-up period, the patient was discharged with only mild left hemiparesis.

We report a case in which C2 neurinoma was completely removed with preservation of the surrounding supportive tissue. A 47-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with gait disturbance and spinal tumor identified in other hospital. Neurological examination on admission revealed hyperreflexia in bilateral limbs and pathological reflexes. Cervical plain X-radiography showed erosion of the left C2 lamina. Axial Gd-enhanced T1 weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images showed partial enhancement of a dumbbell shaped tumor at the C1-2 level, revealing compression of the spinal cord to the right and extending to postero-laterally, and coronal MR images demonstrated that the tumor was clearly surrounded by the semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis and inferior oblique muscles. The tumor was resected through a posterior approach without injuring the surrounding supportive tissue. Post operatively, she did not complain of nuchal pain during neck movement. After a 6-month follow-up period, cervical plain X-radiography showed preservation of cervical alignment, and coronal Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MR images demonstrated preservation of the posterior group of cervical muscles. It is desirable to preserve the surrounding supportive tissue as far as possible in order to minimize the postoperative neck pain and instability of cervical spine, like this case.

We report a case of left common carotid artery dissection showing complete remission in the short term. A 48-year-old man presented a 1-week history of weakness in the right arm. Neurological findings revealed mild motor weakness of the right upper extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed sporadic cerebral infarction and hemorrhagic infarction in the area of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the posterior border zone. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed irregular stenosis with a smooth surface in the left common carotid artery and ultrasonography indicated an iso-echoic lesion in the same area. ECD-single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) showed low perfusion only in the infarcted territory. Conservative therapy using a free radical scavenger and aspirin was carried out and the patient displayed full neurological recovery. After a 3-week follow-up period, carotid angiography and CTA showed almost complete disappearance of the stenotic lesion.

We report a patient suffering from delayed facial palsy after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm, in whom the pathogenesis was proved. A 56-year-old man with a left hemifacial spasm was admitted to our hospital. Preoperative MR imaging showed that the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) was compressing the left facial nerve. The causative vessel was defined as AICA during surgery, and MVD was performed successfully. Seven days later, the patient showed severe left facial palsy. Serum antibody of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was increased, and Gd enhanced MR imaging demonstrated an enhancement of a geniculate ganglion of the left facial nerve, indicating inflammation. These findings suggested that delayed facial palsy after MVD was caused by a re-activation of VZV. The facial palsy disappeared completely over a period of nine months.

It has been reported that the incidence of malignant transformation of meningioma is 10 to 38%. However, it is rare for a benign meningioma to recur with malignant transformation shortly after surgery. We reported a case of recurrent meningioma with malignant transformation 4 months after the initial surgery. A 64-year-old female was admitted for meningioma in the right parietal convexity on July 1, 1999. The tumor was totally resected on August 31st. There were no surgically nor histologically detected malignancies. The tumor was diagnosed as a psammomatous meningioma, but there was a co-exsisting transitional meningioma-like area. There were no postoperative neurological deficits, but, left hemiparesis and numbness on the left side of the body appeared around the end of December, and the patient was re-hospitalized on January 11, 2000. The CT scan and MRI showed that a cystic tumor had formed at the site of the previous tumor. Using Gd-DTPA, this new tumor showed ring enhancement. The tumor was extirpated again on February 3, 2000. It was histologically diagnosed as a malignant transformation of the meningioma. The Patient died of tumor recurrence on December 17, 2000. We speculated that the mechanism of recurrence as follows: Tumor cells with the possibility of becoming malignant, remained in the brain after the initial surgery. Postoperatively, these cells underwent malignant transformation and the tumor recurred.

We report a case of bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis treated with stenting. A 78-year-old man suffered from vascular dementia and left hemiparesis, and, by magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), was diagnosed as having bilateral ICA stenosis. Cerebral angiogram showed severe, bilateral ICA stenosis (right; 88%, left; 93%) and xenon single photon emission tomography (SPECT) showed severely decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). We performed bilateral carotid angioplasty with self-expanding stents. Both CBF and CVR were improved bilaterally after the operation. The patient was discharged without neurological deficits. Carotid stenting may be an alternative treatment for severe ischemia caused by severe, bilateral ICA stenosis.

Preoperative identification of precentral gyrus and intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were performed to preserve postoperative motor function in seven patients with gliomas near the primary motor cortex. Tumors were astrocytomas in 3 patients, glioblastomas in 2 patients, anaplastic astrocytoma and mixed glioma in one patient each. Preoperative identification of the primary motor cortex was performed by three-dimensional (3D) display of magnetic resonance (MR) images and by functional images using MR imaging and single-photon emission tomography. The primary motor cortex identified by 3D display of MR images coincided well with that identified by functional images. 3D display of MR images was also useful for detecting the relationship between the tumor and the primary motor cortex. Intraoperatively, the central sulcus was confirmed by the finding of phase reversal of cortical somatosensory evoked potential, and this corresponded with the preoperative identifications by 3D display and by functional mapping. The primary motor cortex was stimulated electrically, and MEP (corticospinal evoked potential) was continuously monitored during surgery using electrodes inserted in the cervical epidural space. The amplitude of direct waves of MEPs during surgery was maintained above half of that recorded at the beginning of tumor removal, and all patients showed preservation of preoperative motor function. These results suggest that preoperative identification of precentral gyrus and intraoperative MEP monitoring provide useful information for preserving motor function in patients with gliomas near the primary motor cortex.

To determine the usefulness of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in determining recurrence of HCC after interventional angiography (IVA) and to define the relation between AFP and the imaging diagnosis of HCC recurrence, changes in AFP values in 160 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated by IVA > or = two times were classified into four patterns: A: the AFP value was decreased after the first IVA, increased at recurrence and decreased again after the second IVA; B: the AFP value was unchanged after the first IVA, but increased at recurrence and decreased after the second IVA; C: the AFP value was decreased after the first IVA, but was not increased at recurrence; D: the AFP value showed no change. The frequency of each AFP pattern and the diagnosis of recurrence by AFP were determined. The relation between tumor type and AFP was defined. Pattern A was the most frequently detected. In 62.6%, AFP was increased at recurrence (A and B), and there was a positive correlation between changes in the AFP value and the findings of imaging diagnosis. In another 37.5%, AFP was not increased at recurrence (C and D), and therefore, the diagnosis of HCC recurrence by imaging methods was very important.

To determine the effect of appraising subsegmental or segmental transarterial embolization with Lipiodol mixed with anticancer drugs followed by gelatin particles (Segmental Lp-TAE) on inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma, we examined CT patterns and therapeutic results in 57 patients after Segmental Lp-TAE. Fifty-six tumors including 47 tumors less than 5 cm in size were the nodular type and 1 tumor was the massive type. The mean tumor size was 3.6 cm and the mean amount of Lipiodol was 4.4 ml. Portal veins in the embolized segment were highly visualized by injected Lipiodol on plain film immediately after Segmental Lp-TAE. On the follow-up CT, the size of the tumor with dense Lipiodol accumulation were reduced in all cases, and atrophy of the embolized segment was recognized. Forty-four of the 57 patients are alive, with the longest surviving patient still alive at 4 years and 5 months. Seventeen patients have survived for more than 2 years (direct crude survival rate: 65.0%), with the cumulative survival rates 93.2% at 1 year, 71.6% at 2 years. No recurrence was recognized in 33 of the 41 patients (80.0%) that were followed up for more than 1 year after Segmental Lp-TAE is a useful therapeutic method for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The practical limitations of catheters used for infusion were studied by their types in 47 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated by Segmental Lp-TAE. For catheterization into the arterial branches of S5 and S8, a coaxial infusion catheter was helpful. However, a coaxial infusion catheter was seldom used for catheterization into the arterial branches of S6 and S7. For infusion into vessels having diameters of less than 1.9 mm at the tip end of the catheter, positive use of a coaxial infusion catheter is strongly recommendable. A Tracker-18 catheter was especially helpful for catheterization into the vessels of S5.

A biliary endoprosthesis constructed of Gianturco self-expanding metallic stents was placed in twenty-nine patients with obstructive jaundice, 27 malignant and 2 benign. All endoprostheses were placed successfully. External drainage catheters were removed in twenty-seven patients. At the follow-up, ranging from two to 59 weeks, the 30 day mortality rate was 7.4%. Twenty-eight patients had obvious clinical improvement with relief of jaundice. Seven patients experienced recurrent jaundice. In two of these patients, the obstruction was relieved by additional metallic stents. The expandable metallic biliary endoprosthesis is suggested as an effective treatment for biliary obstruction.

The evaluation of TAE was studied for 73 patients with metastatic liver cancers but without metastasis in other organs, who were treated with initial TAE more than 2 years ago. Seventeen patients survived for more than 2 years. The primary lesions consisted of colon cancer in 9 patients, the Langerhans islet cell tumor of the pancreas in 4, gastric cancers in 2, breast cancer in 1 and leiomyosarcoma of the colon in 1. The overall 2-year survival rate calculated by the direct method was 23.3% and mean survival period was 15.8 months. The prognosis was good in H1 and V3. Lp-TAE produced better effects but no statistically significant difference was found between the 2-year survivals by Lp-TAE and by GS-TAE.

We analyzed the ultrasonic detectability of multiple daughter nodules accompanied by 18 hepatocellular carcinomas and multiple small nodules in 11 metastatic liver tumors identified by infusion hepatic angiography. In the cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, ultrasonic detectability of daughter nodules was remarkably limited. If any daughter nodules are detected by US, there is the great possibility that many other daughter nodules are undetected. However, US is effective in detecting small nodules in the metastatic liver tumor.

One case of chronic subdural hematoma associated with an unruptured cerebral aneurysm detected by cerebral computed angiotomography is reported. A 44-year-old female slipped and hit her head without loss of consciousness, one month ago. Recently she complained of headaches and visited the department of Neurosurgery, Washokai Sadamoto Hospital on May 21, 1985. There were no physical and neurological signs on examination. Plain CT scans showed a crescent-shaped high density area in the left frontal region with a slight mass sign. She was diagnosed as having a possible chronic subdural hematoma and further examination was recommended. Biplane ultrafast overlapping cerebral computed angiotomograms clearly demonstrated a so-called avascular area delineated by enhanced superficial cerebral vessels with contrast medium. Furthermore, a marked high density mass measuring 8 mm X 10 mm X 6 mm in diameters was simultaneously demonstrated around the right anterior clinoid process on the same image, suggesting a cerebral aneurysm. Right carotid angiograms showed a right internal carotid-posterior communicating junction aneurysm. The irrigation of the left chronic subdural hematoma was carried out on May 24 and the neck clipping of the right IC-PC junction aneurysm was done two weeks later. During the operation, there were no findings suggesting a previous subarachnoid hemorrhage from the aneurysm, but a bleb was found on the aneurysm. The post-operative course was uneventful. Since the introduction of the CT scanner, chronic subdural hematomas are usually operated without cerebral angiograms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)