Estimation of the rupture point of the craniovertebral junction intradural arteriovenous fistula with vessel wall magnetic resonance image and its pathological findings: A case report

Background

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) and intradural AVFs are often associated with aneurysms and varics, and it is sometimes difficult to identify the ruptured point on radiological images. We report a case in which vessel wall magnetic resonance image (VW-MRI) was useful for identifying the ruptured point at the CCJ AVF.

Case Description

A 70-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of headache. He had Glasgow Coma Scale E4V5M6, world federation of neurosurgical societies (WFNS) Grade I. Fisher group 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus were found on head computed tomography. Cerebral angiography showed a spinal AVF at the C1 level of the cervical spine. Magnetic resonance image-enhanced motion sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE-method showed an enhancing effect in part of the AVF draining vein, but the vascular architecture of this lesion was indeterminate. We performed continuous ventricular drainage for acute hydrocephalus and antihypertensive treatment. Cerebral angiography was performed 30days after the onset of the disease, and was revealed an aneurysmal structure in a portion of the AVF draining vein, which VW-MRI initially enhanced. On the 38th day after onset, he underwent direct surgery to occlude the AV fistula and dissect the aneurysmal structure. Histopathology showed that the aneurysmal structure was varices with lymphocytic infiltration, and hemosiderin deposition was observed near the varices.

Conclusion

Recently, VW-MRI has been reported to show an association between the enhancement of varices in dural AVF and rupture cases. VW-MRI, especially the enhanced MSDE method, may be useful in estimating the ruptured point in arteriovenous shunt disease.

Intracranial parenchymal capillary hemangioma: A case report

Background

Capillary hemangioma is a rare benign hemangioma that occurs in the soft tissues of the skin, orbit, head, and neck. Intracranial cases, especially intraparenchymal cases, are extremely rare. In this study, we report the course of an intracranial parenchymal capillary hemangioma with left mild motor paresis and involuntary movements of the left upper extremity and was successfully treated by surgical resection, including radiological and pathological examinations.

Case Description

This is a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with motor weakness and involuntary movement of the left upper extremity. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the right frontal hemorrhagic mass lesion without enhancement of contrast medium. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography showed no vascular stain and abnormal arteriovenous shunt. Preoperatively, we diagnosed cavernous hemangioma with a hemorrhagic component located in the right motor cortex. Because this case was symptomatic, we performed a craniotomy and gross total resection of the right frontal lesion. The diagnosis of capillary hemangioma was made by histological examination, including immunohistological study.

Conclusion

Because intraparenchymal capillary hemangiomas are difficult to diagnose with preoperative imaging, surgical treatment, and histopathological examination are important.

Thrombolysis for Acute Wake-Up and Unclear-Onset Strokes with Alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg in Clinical Practice: THAWS2 Study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg for patients with acute wake-up or unclear-onset strokes in clinical practice.

METHODS

This multicenter observational study enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients with last-known-well time >4.5 h who had mismatch between DWI and FLAIR and were treated with IV alteplase. The safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after thrombolysis, all-cause deaths, and all adverse events. The efficacy outcomes were favorable outcome defined as an mRS score of 0-1 or recovery to the same mRS score as the premorbid score, complete independence defined as an mRS score of 0-1 at 90 days, and change in NIHSS at 24 h from baseline.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (35 females; mean age, 74 ± 11 years; premorbid complete independence, 54 [82%]; median NIHSS on admission, 11) were enrolled at 15 hospitals. Two patients (3%) had sICH. Median NIHSS changed from 11 (IQR, 6.75-16.25) at baseline to 5 (3-12.25) at 24 h after alteplase initiation (change, -4.8 ± 8.1). At discharge, 31 patients (47%) had favorable outcome and 29 (44%) had complete independence. None died within 90 days. Twenty-three (35%) also underwent mechanical thrombectomy (no sICH, NIHSS change of -8.5 ± 7.3), of whom 11 (48%) were completely independent at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world clinical practice, IV alteplase for unclear-onset stroke patients with DWI-FLAIR mismatch provided safe and efficacious outcomes comparable to those in previous trials. Additional mechanical thrombectomy was performed safely in them.

Late-onset aqueductal membranous occlusion treated neuroendoscopic procedure and consideration of its pathological findings: A case report

Background

Aqueduct of Sylvius stenosis/obstruction interferes with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and leads to the non-communicating hydrocephalus. Acquired non-neoplastic causes of aqueduct of Sylvius stenosis/ obstruction include simple stenosis, gliosis, slit-like stenosis, and septal formation, but the detailed mechanisms are not clear. In the present study, we experienced a case of late-onset aqueductal membranous occlusion (LAMO) successfully treated by neuroendoscopic procedure, which allowed us to examine the pathology of the membranous structures of the aqueduct of Sylvius occlusion.

Case Description

A 66-year-old woman presented with gradually progressive gait disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and urinary incontinenc. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed enlargement of the bilateral lateral ventricles and the third ventricle without dilatation of fourth ventricle, and heavily T2-weighted images showed an enlarged aqueduct of Sylvius and a membranous structure at its caudal end. Gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images showed no neoplastic lesions. We diagnosed this case that the hydrocephalus due to late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis or LAMO and the patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy and endoscopic aqueduct oplasty. Membranous tissue specimens were obtained from the occluded aqueduct of Sylvius at the time of treatment. Histopathological examination revealed gliosis, and inside the gliosis, there were cell clusters that appeared to be ependymal cells and were corpora amylacea. We confirmed CSF flow at the site of obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius and the stoma of the third ventricle floor by MRI images. Her symptoms were improved immediately.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of LAMO successfully treated by neuroendoscopic procedure, which allowed us to examine the pathology of the membranous structure of the aqueduct of Sylvius. The pathological study of LAMO is rare, and we report it, including a review of the literature.

DNA damage induced by radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization – an analysis in patients and operators

Background

The biological effects of low-dose radiation from cardiac imaging or intervention remain largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ionized radiation from cardiac catheterization on genomic DNA integrity and inflammatory cytokines in patients and operators.

Methods

Peripheral mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from patients (n=52) and operators (n=35) before and after coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. Expression of gammaH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks, was measured by immunofluorescence. Dicentric chromosomes (DICs), a form of chromosome aberrations, were assayed using a fluorescent in situ hybridization technique.

Results

In the patient MNCs, the numbers of gammaH2AX foci and DICs increased after cardiac catheterization by 101±75% and 28±99%, respectively (P<0.05 for both). The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and caspase-1 were significantly increased by radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization. The increase in IL-1β was significantly correlated with that of gammaH2AX, but not with dose area product. In the operators, neither gammaH2AX foci nor DICs level was changed, but IL-1β mRNA was significantly increased. Protein expression of IkappaBα was significantly decreased in both groups.

Conclusions

DNA damage was increased in the MNCs of patients, but not of operators, who underwent cardiac catheterization. Inflammatory cytokines were increased both in the patients and operators, presumably through activation of NF-kappaB. Further efforts to reduce radiation exposure from cardiac catheterization are necessary both for patients and operators.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)

Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction with cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome concomitant with vertebral artery dissection diagnosed by MRI MSDE method: A case report and review of literature

Headache is one of the most common symptoms encountered during the postpartum period. The cause may be unknown, or the following illnesses are possible: cervical artery dissection (CAD), reversible posterior cerebral encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and reversible cerebral vasoconstrictor syndrome (RCVS). It is suggested that they are interrelated and share a similar mechanism such as small vessel endothelial dysfunction, deficiencies in self‐regulation, and decreased sympathetic innervation of the posterior circulation. However, there are few reports of neuroradiological findings. We experienced a rare case of multiple postpartum vascular disease occurring at the same time. A 38‐year‐old woman suddenly developed thunderclap headache after giving birth. She was clear and had no neuropathy. Computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, including the cortical surface of the frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance image fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery revealed high‐intensity area in the bilateral basal ganglia and right occipital cortex. Angiography showed “string sausage” and extracranial left vertebral artery stenosis, but no aneurysm. Based on the clinical course and neuroradiological findings, we diagnosed her as postpartum vascular disease including CAD, PRES, RCVS, and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Three‐dimensional black blood T1‐weighted images using a motion‐sensitized driven equilibrium three‐dimensional turbo spin echo (MSDE) sequencing method revealed an intramural hematoma consistent with the extracranial vertebral artery. After 3 months, MSDE lost its abnormal signal. Our case was rare in that multiple phenomena of postpartum vascular disease occurred at the same time. In particular, we could reveal that this speculation was reversible in the MRI MSDE sequencing.

Endovascular Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm Associated with a Tentorial DAVF Using Transarterial Onyx Embolization: A Case Report

Objective

We describe a patient treated with transarterial Onyx embolization for a tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) who presented with hemifacial spasm (HFS).

Case Presentation

A 56-year-old man suffered from right blepharospasm for 4 years, and the symptom gradually spread to the right side of his face with oculo-oral synkinesis. MRI of the brain revealed abnormal multiple flow voids at the surface of brainstem and cerebellar hemisphere. MRA (time of flight) and spoiled gradient recalled echo-revealed abnormal vessels at the posterior fossa indicated arteriovenous shunting. 3D-MRI fusion images showed that a dilated vein was in contact with the root exit zone (REZ) of the right facial nerve. The right carotid angiography displayed a complex tentorial DAVF on the right side. There were multiple feeding vessels drained to the tentorial sinus at the point where the inferior cerebellar vermian vein met, and severe venous congestion was noted. We diagnosed a tentorial DAVF and thought that this was responsible for the right HFS. We used neuroendovascular treatment for this lesion. After transarterial Onyx embolization, his right HFS diminished. MRI after treatment showed that the vein in contact with the REZ of the right facial nerve had shrank.

Conclusion

We experienced a rare case of HFS associated with a DAVF. Our case supports that transarterial Onyx embolization can treat HFS associated with a tentorial DAVF. It is the first description of successful treatment that could be confirmed through postoperative MRI.

Ingenuity using 3D-MRI fusion image in evaluation before and after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm

Background

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is most often caused by blood vessels touching a facial nerve. In particular, responsible vessels compress the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve. Although we recognize these causes of HFS, it is difficult to evaluate the findings of precise lesion in radiological imaging when vessels compress REZ. Hence, we tried to obtain precise images of pre- and postoperative neuroradiological findings of HFS by creating a fusion image of MR angiography and the REZ of facial nerve extracted by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor image (DTI).

Case Description

A 52-year-old woman had a 2-year history of HFS on the left side of her face. It was confirmed that the left vertebral artery and anterior inferior cerebellar artery were presented near the facial nerve on MRI. REZ of the facial nerve was visualized using DTI and fusion image was created with vascular components, making it possible to recognize the relationship between compression vessels and REZ of the facial nerve in detail. She underwent microvascular decompression and her HFS completely disappeared. We confirmed that the REZ of the facial nerve was decompressed by MRI imaging, in the same way as before surgery.

Conclusion

We describe that the REZ of facial nerve and compressive vessels was delineated in detail on MRI and this technique is useful for pre- and postoperative evaluation of HFS.

Bioresorbable plate fracture after cranioplasty caused by head injury: a pediatric case

Background

Recently, bone fixation materials have been developed as surgical materials. Bioabsorbable materials offer several advantages over other materials and are widely used. We report a rare case of the fracture of bioresorbable plates caused by head injury and describe some considerations.

Case description

A 6-year-old boy suffered from consciousness disturbance. He was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with left frontal subcortical hemorrhage due to ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM). He received the surgery of removal of the AVM with decompressive craniectomy. He was discharged without any neurologic deficit and underwent the cranioplasty 4 months after the initial surgery. Two months after the last treatment, he was fallen and hit his left frontal head. The next day, he noticed an abnormal bulge in the injured area. We diagnosed the bulging as cerebrospinal fluid leakage because of the dural tear. The repairment of dural tear was performed. We found that two bioresorbable plates used by cranioplasty were both cracked, and the dura mater beneath them was torn. We repaired the damaged dura with an artificial dura mater. After surgery, cerebrospinal fluid leakage did not occur.

Conclusion

It has been reported that the durability of bioresorbable plates is no less than that of titanium plates. We experienced a relatively rare case in which bioabsorbable plate used for bone fixation was damaged due to head trauma. After craniotomy or cranioplasty using bioresorbable plates, special attention should be paid to head trauma that involves bone flap sinking force and side bending stress.

Coil embolization of subarachnoid hemorrhage with ruptured persistent primitive olfactory artery aneurysm

Background:

Persistent primitive olfactory artery (PPOA) is a rare anomaly of the anterior cerebral artery. We experienced a rare case of subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured saccular aneurysm of PPOA.

Case Description:

A 72-year-old man was transported to our hospital with sudden headache. On examination, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale was Grade I, and computed tomography of the head showed subarachnoid hemorrhage in Fisher Group 3. Cerebral angiography showed left PPOA and a 4-mm saccular aneurysm at the hairpin turn. No other abnormalities causing bleeding were observed. Based on these findings, subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured PPOA aneurysm was diagnosed. As the patient had a ventilatory defect due to emphysema, direct approach to the lesion would have been difficult and an endovascular surgery was performed. Three coils were inserted into the aneurysm, and complete occlusion was achieved. Cerebral vasospasm was not observed, and the patient was discharged 1 month after surgery without any neurologic deficit.

Conclusion:

Most aneurysms of the PPOA are formed at the hairpin turn, as observed in our patient; therefore, a hemodynamic mechanism may be involved in the etiology. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on treatment using intra-aneurysmal coil embolization, indicating that ours was the first case. As the long-term outcome of intra-aneurysmal coil embolization for PPOA aneurysm is unknown, careful follow-up will be necessary in the future.

Impact of chronic total occlusion in non-culprit vessels on long-term survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Around 10% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have chronic total occlusion (CTO) in non-infarct-related vessels, and they are known to be associated with higher mortality in acute phase. However, its impact on long-term prognosis after discharge remains unclear.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of presenting CTO lesion on long-term prognosis in patients with AMI.

Method

Consecutive 552 patients with AMI (male 78.3%, age 68±13 years), who had been discharged alive from our hospital, were analyzed. We divided the patients into two groups based on whether they had CTO lesion in a non-infarct-related artery or not: CTO + (n=49) and CTO - (n=503).

Results

Kaplan-Meier analysis (mean follow-up 1,424 days) revealed that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in CTO + group than in CTO - group (Figure, P<0.001). Cox hazard ratio was 2.740, indicating a higher risk of all-cause death in the CTO + group (95% CI 1.606–4.651, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Concurrent coronary CTO lesions in non-culprit arteries were associated with increased long-term mortality in patients with AMI.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Relationship between effects of riociguat and levels of methemoglobin in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background

Soluble guanyl cyclase (sGC) is a receptor for nitric oxide (NO) and plays an important role in vascular tonus. sGC stimulant is a therapeutic agent for pulmonary hypertension and an advantage of sGC stimulant over phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors is that sGC stimulant exerts its effect even when NO production is reduced. NO derived from vascular endothelial cells is immediately absorbed by hemoglobin (Hb), which leads to the production of methemoglobin (Met-Hb) when oxidized. Previous report has shown that the therapeutic effect of PDE-5 inhibitors was associated with levels of Met-Hb.

Purpose

In this study, we examined the relationship between the effect of riociguat and levels of Met-Hb in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods

The study population comprised 18 patients with CTEPH. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were assessed before and after administration of riociguat, and changes in mPAP and PVR were defined as ΔmPAP and ΔPVR, respectively. Since the level of Met-Hb was obtained as the percentage of Hb (FMet-Hb), the amount of Met-Hb was calculated by following formula:

Met-Hb (mg/dL) = Hb (g/dL) × FMet-Hb (%) × 10.

Results

The amount of Met-Hb value before administration of riociguat was significantly correlated with the degree of improvement in mPAP and PVR after administration of riocigat (R=−0.502, P<0.05 mPAP; R=−0.481, P<0.05 PVR, respectively) as shown in figures.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the level of Met-Hb before treatment may predict the therapeutic effect of sGC stimulants in patients with CTEPH.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Delayed acute subdural hematoma treated with endoscopic procedure: A case report

Background:

Delayed acute subdural hematoma (DASDH) is defined as late onset ASDH with the absence of any abnormal radiological and clinical findings at initial examination. Moreover, this entity is very rare in traumatic brain injury and its mechanism is still unclear. Recently, endoscopic surgery for ASDH has also been performed. In this case, we describe some considerations of the mechanism of DASDH and review previous literature and usefulness of endoscopic surgical procedure for ASDH.

Case Description:

A 73-year-old man fell at night, and visited a former medical institution by himself. No abnormal neurological finding was detected. Head computed tomography (CT) detected no abnormal finding. He was diagnosed minor head injury and was hospitalized at midnight and discharged after brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) next day. Brain MRI also detected no abnormal findings. Three days later, he visited our hospital himself, because of the severe headache. Neurologically, he had a mild consciousness disturbance and head CT revealed left ASDH. We performed endoscopic evacuation of hematoma under local anesthesia. Then, the clot was evacuated under the endoscopic procedure through dilated burr hole and pulsatile bleeding from the cortical artery was observed, which was considered to be the source of the ASDH. The patient’s consciousness disturbance was improved immediately after surgery and he discharged without neurological deficit.

Conclusion:

We revealed the source of bleeding of DASDH under endoscopic procedure and described hypothesis and speculation of its cause in our case. DASDH is rare entity, so we need further experiences and more considerations.

[Diffuse Leptomeningeal Glioneuronal Tumor with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage:A Case Report]

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor(DLGNT)is a rare primary neoplasm of the central nervous system, and is a condition that is newly listed in the 2016 World Health Organization(WHO)classification of tumors of the central nervous system. We report an adult case of DLGNT that was characteristically merged with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 46-year-old woman reported persistent dizziness upon walking. MRI of the brain revealed a diffuse, infiltrating lesion with high intensity on FLAIR around the cerebellopontine angle to the lateral ventricle and in the leptomeninges of the spinal cord. The lesion on the cerebellopontine angle showed high intensity on T1 weighted images with contrast enhancement. Since diffuse glioma and meningeal carcinomatosis were suspected, we performed an endoscopic biopsy for the lesion in the right lateral ventricle. Although the tumor was tentatively diagnosed as WHO grade II diffuse astrocytoma, a definitive diagnosis could not be obtained. One month after surgery, the patient presented with acute headache and dizziness. CT showed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the cerebellopontine angle. To decompress the intracranial pressure and prevent re-bleeding, and to obtain enough tissue samples for definitive diagnosis, we removed the enhanced lesion and hematoma at the cerebellopontine angle. Tumor tissue was composed of oligodendroglial-like cells and was positive for GFAP, Olig2, synaptophysin, and S100 protein, although it was negative for IDH1^R132H. Fluorescent <i>in situ</i> hybridization showed <i>KIAA1566-BRAF</i> fusion; however, neither 1p loss nor 1p19q co-deletion was observed. Together with histological and radiological findings, the tumor was ultimately diagnosed as DLGNT. The patient received maintenance chemotherapy with temozolomide, and the tumor was stable at 18 months after surgery.

TERT promoter mutation associated with multifocal phenotype and poor prognosis in patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma

Background

Although mutations in the promoter region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERTp) gene are the most common alterations in glioblastoma (GBM), their clinical significance remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of TERTp status on patient outcome and clinicopathological features in patients with GBM over a long period of follow-up.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 153 cases of GBM. Six patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or H3F3A gene mutations were excluded from this study. Among the 147 cases of IDH wild-type GBM, 92 (62.6%) had the TERTp mutation. Clinical, immunohistochemical, and genetic factors (BRAF, TP53 gene mutation, CD133, ATRX expression, O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase [MGMT] promoter methylation) and copy number alterations (CNAs) were investigated.

Results

GBM patients with the TERTp mutation were older at first diagnosis versus those with TERTp wild type (66.0 vs. 60.0 years, respectively, P = .034), and had shorter progression-free survival (7 vs. 10 months, respectively, P = .015) and overall survival (16 vs. 24 months, respectively, P = .017). Notably, magnetic resonance imaging performed showed that TERTp-mutant GBM was strongly associated with multifocal/distant lesions (P = .004). According to the CNA analysis, TERTp mutations were positively correlated with EGFR amp/gain, CDKN2A deletion, and PTEN deletion; however, these mutations were negatively correlated with PDGFR amp/gain, CDK4 gain, and TP53 deletion.

Conclusions

TERTp mutations were strongly correlated with multifocal/distant lesions and poor prognosis in patients with IDH wild-type GBM. Less aggressive GBM with TERTp wild type may be a distinct clinical and molecular subtype of IDH wild-type GBM.

[A Case of Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm with Improved Endocrinological Function after Treatment]

We experienced a case of unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm improved endocrinological function after the treatment. A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of general fatigue, dizziness, and decreased visual acuity. Radiological examination revealed unruptured large aneurysm at the right anterior carotid artery compressing on the pituitary gland. We underwent right STA-MCA bypass and trapping of right internal carotid artery. Post-operative course was uneventful. Although visual function was not improved, her endocrinological function was improved 8 months after surgery by thrombosed and shrunken aneurysm. The mechanism of panhypopituitarism due to aneurysm has been suggested to involve mechanical compression on the pituitary gland, pituitary stalk, or hypophyseal artery. Although it was unclear about the improvement of endocrine function after the treatment of aneurysm, some cases could recover the hypopituitarism after enough follow-up period.

[A Case of Atypical Meningioma with Liver Metastasis at 9 Years after Initial Surgery]

Metastatic meningiomas are extremely rare, and generally have poor prognosis. We report a case of atypical meningioma with good clinical course despite metastasis 9 years after the initial surgery. CASE:A 58-year-old woman visited a nearby hospital with complaints of hemiplegia and aphasia. MRI showed a large left frontal meningioma;she was referred to our department where she underwent a tumor resection(Simpson Grade I). Histopathological finding revealed fibrous meningioma in the prominent part of the tumor. Additionally, a small lesion with high Ki-67 labeling index was identified;therefore, the final diagnosis was atypical meningioma. Nine years postoperatively, a hepatic mass found incidentally and was resected by digestive surgery;a histological diagnosis of metastatic atypical meningioma was established. Thirteen years after the first operation, routine MRI showed enlargement of the local recurrent lesions in the tumor resection cavity. She underwent a reoperation(Simpson Grade I)at our department, and subsequently, discharged without any neurological deficits. Findings were not suggestive of atypical meningioma. Studies report three good prognostic factors in patients with metastatic meningioma-histologically benign primary tumor, long interval between initial diagnosis and metastasis, and asymptomatic metastatic lesion.

[Intracranial Pseudoaneurysm Arising after Radiotherapy for Oligodendroglioma:A Case Report]

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms arising after radiotherapy for brain tumors are a relatively rare occurrence and associated with high-volume radiotherapy such as stereotactic radiosurgery. Herein, the authors report a rare case of intracranial pseudoaneurysm after conventional radiotherapy for oligodendroglioma. Case:A 46-year-old female incidentally presented with an intracranial hemorrhage from a middle temporal artery aneurysm. Four years earlier, she underwent surgical resection and conventional radiation therapy for oligodendroglioma. The aneurysm was successfully treated with middle cerebral artery(MCA)aneurysm trapping, in conjunction with a parietal branch superficial temporal artery-MCA bypass, to prevent re-rupture. Formation of intracranial pseudoaneurysm after conventional radiotherapy is extremely rare. However, the occurrence of cerebral aneurysm(s), as well as vascular stenosis during follow-up for brain tumors treated with radiotherapy, should be considered.

[Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging Reveals a Ruptured Blood Blister-like Aneurysm:A Case Report]

Recent advances in digital subtraction angiography(DSA)and 3D-CT angiography(3D-CTA)have enabled the identification of tiny intracranial aneurysms. However, the imaging of blood blister-like aneurysms(BBAs)in the internal carotid artery(ICA)is still challenging. We report the case of a subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)with a ruptured BBA in the ICA that was revealed by magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging(MR-VWI). A 68-year-old woman presented with SAH. CT showed diffuse SAH(Fisher group 3). 3D-CTA and DSA showed a small bulge in the right ICA. MR-VWI with gadolinium showed thick wall enhancement in the supraclinoid portion of the right ICA; hence, we diagnosed SAH because of the ruptured BBA of the right ICA. Trapping combined with high-flow bypass was performed for the ruptured BBA. We concluded that MR-VWI may be useful for diagnosing ruptured BBAs under strict blood pressure management.

Preliminary Report of a New Approach to Sparing the Greater Saphenous Vein for Grafting: Valvuloplasty Combined with Axial Transposition of a Competent Tributary Vein

Purpose:

To compare a new vessel-sparing technique combining valvuloplasty with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein versus single valvuloplasty for the treatment of greater saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence.

Methods:

In 55 patients with GSV incompetence, 29 of 57 limbs were treated by angioscopic valvuloplasty of the subterminal valve alone, whereas the remaining 28 limbs underwent angioscopic valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein identified preoperatively by duplex scanning. After angioscopic valvuloplasty in the latter group, the competent tributary vein was exposed and cut 1.5 cm distal to its insertion point on the GSV. The transected vein was anastomosed end to side to the GSV, which was ligated between the tributary insertion site and the anastomosis. Changes in venous hemodynamics, including venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF), were analyzed by use of air plethysmography.

Results:

In the 1-year follow-up, no venous thrombosis was detected in either group. In the valvuloplasty-only group, 22 (75.9%) limbs exhibited reflux in the proximal GSV; recurrent varicose veins were detected in 5 (17.2%) limbs. In contrast, only 2 (7.1%) limbs showed reflux in the valvuloplasty + transposition group. There were no significant differences in EF and RVF between the groups before or after the operation, although a significant difference was seen in VFI at 1 year (p = 0.005, Wilcoxon rank sum test).

Conclusions:

Valvuloplasty combined with tributary vein transposition gives a better result than valvuloplasty alone at 1 year. This new treatment option may be useful for both reducing the rate of varicose veins and sparing the GSV for grafting.

Quantification of venous reflux parameters using duplex scanning and air plethysmography

Objective: To compare different duplex-and air plethysmography (APG)-derived parameters between patients with relatively early and those with advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and to investigate the indicative parameters reflecting the progression of CVI.

Methods: Design: Prospective study at the University Hospital. Patients: In total 686 limbs in 574 patients at various clinical stages of CVI were included. The clinical manifestations were categorized according to the CEAP (clinical, aetiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic) classification, and the patients were divided into two groups: group I (C1-3EP,SAS,D,PPR,O, relatively early stage of CVI) and group II (C4-6EP,SAS,D,PPR,O, advanced CVI). The distribution of venous insufficiency including the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ), great saphenous vein (GSV), sapheno–popliteal junction (SPJ), common femoral vein (CFV), femoral vein (FV), popliteal vein (POPV), thigh perforators (TPV) and calf perforators (CPV) was determined by duplex ultrasound. The main duplex-derived parameters assessed were the reflux time (RT; s), peak reflux velocity (PRV; cm/s) and peak reflux flow (PRF; mL/s). The venous reflux was assumed to be present if the duration of reflux was ≥0.5 s. The data obtained by APG were on VV (mL), VFI (mL/s), EF (%) and RVF (%).

Results: There was no significant difference in overall superficial venous reflux between the groups ( P=0.331). The frequency of deep and perforating vein incompetence differed only when superficial reflux was included in group II. The VFI and RVF were significantly higher in secondary CVI than in primary CVI ( P=0.0001, 0.003, respectively). In the secondary CVI, patients with reflux and obstruction showed significantly higher RVF than those with reflux alone ( P=0.003). The RT did not improve the discrimination power between the groups. In contrast, the PRV had significant discrimination power at the SFJ ( P<0.0001) and SPJ ( P=0.022), and in the GSV ( P<0.0001), the FV ( P=0.017), and the POPV ( P=0.0003). The PRF was significantly higher in group II at the SFJ ( P<0.0001), in the GSV ( P=0.002), in the CFV ( P=0.011), in the FV ( P=0.027), and the POPV ( P=0.016).

Conclusions: This present study has suggested the importance of superficial venous insufficiency in the development of advanced CVI. In the secondary CVI, obstruction affects the RVF alone. The PRV and PRF are better parameters than the RT for discrimination of clinical severity in both superficial and deep venous insufficiency, and should be used to quantify venous valvular insufficiency.

Measurement and comparison of individual external doses of high-school students living in Japan, France, Poland and Belarus-the 'D-shuttle' project

Twelve high schools in Japan (of which six are in Fukushima Prefecture), four in France, eight in Poland and two in Belarus cooperated in the measurement and comparison of individual external doses in 2014. In total 216 high-school students and teachers participated in the study. Each participant wore an electronic personal dosimeter 'D-shuttle' for two weeks, and kept a journal of his/her whereabouts and activities. The distributions of annual external doses estimated for each region overlap with each other, demonstrating that the personal external individual doses in locations where residence is currently allowed in Fukushima Prefecture and in Belarus are well within the range of estimated annual doses due to the terrestrial background radiation level of other regions/countries.