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Ran C, Peng G, Shen R, Liao Q, Liao M, Wang Q, Zhou L, Zheng H, Long M. Efficacy of GnRH Pulses in Hypogonadism Secondary to Primary Empty Sella: Case Report. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01637-1. [PMID: 38958919 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pulsed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) micropump replacement therapy in the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) caused by primary empty sella (PES).The efficacy of pulsed GnRH replacement therapy using the micropump was evaluated in a middle-aged male patient with HH who had experienced the loss of his only child. Relevant literature was also consulted to compare the differences between pulse GnRH treatment and conventional treatment in terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, sex hormone levels, sperm production rate, and sperm activity rate in male patient with HH.In this report, a 45-year-old male diagnosed with HH and PES presented with fatigue and decreased libido. The main characteristics included decreased follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of 0.03 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of 0.02 mIU/mL, and testosterone (T) levels of 0.72 nmol/L. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an empty sella. Semen analysis showed a small number of normal sperm with reduced motility. During treatment with the micropump pulse GnRH, the patient experienced no side effects and showed improvements in fatigue, reduced libido, sexual urge, anxiety, and feelings of inferiority. LH, FSH, and T levels returned to normal, while sperm activity rate increased to 79.9%. Ultimately, the patient's spouse achieved a natural pregnancy.Pulsed gonadotropin delivery using the micropump demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability, and aligns more closely with the physiological rhythm of GnRH secretion in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Ran
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Guiliang Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Rufei Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Mingyu Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Qixian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Hongting Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, No.83 Xinqiao Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, PR China.
| | - Min Long
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Zhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
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Lundholm MD, Yogi-Morren D. A Comprehensive Review of Empty Sella and Empty Sella Syndrome. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:497-502. [PMID: 38484938 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Incidental radiographic findings of an empty sella are prevalent in up to 35% of the general population. While empty sella was initially considered clinically insignificant, a subset of patients exhibits endocrine or neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations which are diagnostic of empty sella syndrome (ESS). Recent studies suggest that more patients are affected by ESS than previously recognized, necessitating a deeper understanding of this condition. This comprehensive review describes a practical approach to evaluating and managing ESS. METHODS Literature review was conducted on etiologies and risk factors associated with primary and secondary empty sella, the radiologic features that differentiate empty sella from other sellar lesions, and the role of clinical history and hormone testing in identifying patients with ESS, as well as treatment modalities. RESULTS Pituitary function testing for somatotroph, lactotroph, gonadotroph, corticotroph, and thyrotroph abnormalities is necessary when suspecting ESS. While an isolated empty sella finding does not require treatment, ESS may require pharmacologic or surgical interventions to address hormone deficits or intracranial hypertension. Targeted hormone replacement as directed by the endocrinologist should align with guidelines and patient-specific needs. Treatment may involve a multidisciplinary collaboration with neurology, neurosurgery, or ophthalmology to address patient symptoms. CONCLUSION This review underscores the evolving understanding of ESS, stressing the significance of accurate diagnosis and tailored management to mitigate potential neurologic and endocrine complications in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle D Lundholm
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Divya Yogi-Morren
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Das L, Dutta P. Unusual and lesser-known rare causes of adult growth hormone deficiency. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 37:101820. [PMID: 37704550 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone is among the most common hormones to be deficient in pituitary insult. It can occur either in isolation or combined with other hormone deficiencies. Growth hormone deficiency in adults (AGHD) can be due to causes acquired in adulthood or have a childhood-onset etiology, but the former is about three times more common. Usual causes of AGHD include mass effects due to a pituitary tumour, and/or its treatment (surgery, medical therapy, or radiotherapy), or radiotherapy to the head and neck region for non-pituitary lesions. The unusual or lesser-known causes of AGHD, are usually due to non-tumoral etiology and range from vascular and infective to inflammatory and miscellaneous causes. These not only expand the spectrum of AGHD but may also contribute to increased morbidity, adverse metabolic consequences, and mortality due to the primary condition, if unrecognised. The review features these lesser-known and rare causes of AGHD and highlights their clinical and diagnostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Das
- Department of Telemedicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Pinaki Dutta
- Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
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Dumitrascu AG, Chindris AM, Matei C, Chirila RM. When a "Low T" Diagnosis Can Be the Clue to a More Complex Problem. Cureus 2023; 15:e51215. [PMID: 38288223 PMCID: PMC10823205 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Male hypogonadism remains a poorly evaluated and managed clinical condition despite the availability of clinical guidelines. We present a case of a male patient diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism related to partial empty sella syndrome, whose clinical course was complicated by a hypotensive near-syncopal event. Although initial hypopituitarism symptoms could be subtle and nonspecific and could involve only one hormonal axis, a thorough evaluation of the pituitary function may identify additional deficiencies such as a subclinical chronic adrenal insufficiency that may become manifest during situations of increased physiological stress with potential life-threatening consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudiu Matei
- Neurological Surgery, Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, ROU
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Zhao KM, Hu JS, Zhu SM, Wen TT, Fang XM. Persistent postoperative hypotension caused by subclinical empty sella syndrome after a simple surgery: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:5817-5822. [PMID: 37727724 PMCID: PMC10506010 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i24.5817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empty sella is an anatomical and radiological finding of the herniation of the subarachnoid space into the pituitary fossa leading to a flattened pituitary gland. Patients with empty sella may present with various symptoms, including headache due to intracranial hypertension and endocrine symptoms related to the specific pituitary hormones affected. Here, we report a female patient who developed persistent postoperative hypotension caused by subclinical empty sella syndrome after a simple surgery. CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old woman underwent vocal cord polypectomy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. She denied any medical history, and her vital signs were normal before the surgery. Anesthesia and surgery were uneventful. However, she developed dizziness, headache and persistent hypotension in the ward. Thus, intravenous dopamine was started to maintain normal blood pressure, which improved her symptoms. However, she remained dependent on dopamine for over 24 h without any obvious anesthesia- and surgery-related complications. An endocrine etiology was then suspected, and further examination showed a high prolactin level, a low normal adrenocorticotropic hormone level and a low cortisol level. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an empty sella. Therefore, she was diagnosed with empty sella syndrome and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Her symptoms disappeared one week later after daily glucocorticoid supplement. CONCLUSION Endocrine etiologies such as pituitary and adrenal-related dysfunction should be considered in patients showing persistent postoperative hypotension when anesthesia- and surgery-related factors are excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Mei Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sanmen People’s Hospital, Sanmen 317100, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sheng-Mei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiang-Ming Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
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Xu J, Ye M, Li P, Xu S, Zhang M, Shi L, He J. A case report and literature review of Carney complex with atrial adenomyxoma. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:35. [PMID: 36740703 PMCID: PMC9901083 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carney complex (CNC) is a rare multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome characterized by mucocutaneous lentigines/ blue nevi, cardiac myxoma and endocrine overactivity. Here, we report a CNC case with PRKAR1A gene mutation characterized by left atrial adenomyxoma to explore the diagnosis and treatment of CNC. CASE PRESENTATION A 42-year-old woman with a history of cardiac tumour surgery presented with typical features of Cushing syndrome, including central obesity, buffalo hump, mild facial plethora, purple striae on the lower abdomen, and spotty skin pigmentation. Left atrial adenomyxoma and thyroid papillary carcinoma were identified by postoperative histologic assays. Genetic screening revealed a pathogenic germline heterozygous mutation of c.682C > T (p.R228X) in exon 7 of the PRKAR1A gene. The clinical features and normal ACTH levels suggest this patient suffered the ACTH-independent primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) with cyclic hypercortisolism or ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. CONCLUSION CNC is uncommon, however, if a patient develops clinical features involving multiple endocrine and non-endocrine tumors, especially Cushing syndrome and cardiac myxoma, CNC should be considered. Genetic analysis is recommended in patients with suspected CNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Meng Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Po Li
- Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Lixin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Juan He
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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Paragliola RM, Locantore P, Corsello SM, Salvatori R. Treating Hypopituitarism in the Over 65s: Review of Clinical Studies. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:423-439. [PMID: 36974195 PMCID: PMC10039666 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s370782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The current increase of life expectancy is associated with the presence of endocrine diseases in the elderly. The management of hypopituitarism in this group of patients is a challenging task. A correct diagnosis, which represents an essential requisite for an appropriate medical treatment, can be difficult because of the physiological changes occurring in pituitary function with aging, which may lead to challenges in the interpretation of laboratory results. Furthermore, the treatment requires several careful considerations: the need to restore the hormonal physiology with replacement therapies must be balanced with the need to avoid the risks of the over-replacement, especially in the presence of concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Interactions with other drugs able to modify the absorption and/or the metabolism of hormonal replacement therapies should be considered, in particular for the treatment of hypoadrenalism and hypothyroidism. The most important challenges stem from the lack of specific studies focused on the management of hypopituitarism in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Locantore
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine and Pituitary Center Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Roberto Salvatori, Johns Hopkins University, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 1830 East Monument Street #333, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA, Tel +1- 410 955-3921, Fax +1-410 367-2042, Email
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Das L, Dutta P. Approach to a case with an unusual cause of hypopituitarism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1488-1504. [PMID: 36573291 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypopituitarism refers to insufficiency of one or more hormones of the pituitary and can be due to myriad causes. The clinical and radiological spectrum of the condition is heterogeneous, based on the age, gender, clinical setting and/or other past medical history. Hypopituitarism includes central hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency. Both hypo- and hyperprolactinemia can be associated with hypopituitarism, with low prolactin signifying more extensive pituitary damage. Posterior pituitary insufficiency (arginine vasopressin deficiency), occurs either in isolation or with anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Clinical symptomatology of hypopituitarism is usually non-specific and insidious in onset and progression. Overall, the most common cause of hypopituitarism is a pituitary adenoma and/or its management (surgery, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy or a combination of these). However, it is this subset of patients which is more likely to be identified and managed timely, possibly alleviating the premature mortality associated with hypopituitarism. What is more challenging is the recognition of hypopituitarism in less common settings, which may be either due to direct involvement of the pituitary (infection, traumatic brain injury, or infiltrative causes) or indirectly as a consequence of the primary process (thalassemia, vasculotoxic snakebite, subarachnoid hemorrhage). These entities are often under-recognised, and increased awareness can help in greater recognition of the problem burden. Further, pituitary insufficiency in most of these settings is dynamic, which may progress, or rarely, show recovery of function. This renders complexity to the problem, but makes it even more imperative to suspect, screen and appropriately manage patients with less common causes of hypopituitarism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Das
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
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Tahara S, Hattori Y, Suzuki K, Ishisaka E, Teramoto S, Morita A. An Overview of Pituitary Incidentalomas: Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174324. [PMID: 36077858 PMCID: PMC9454484 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A pituitary incidentaloma is a pituitary tumor or mass that is incidentally discovered in imaging studies which have been performed for reasons other than the symptoms of pituitary lesions. The majority of pituitary incidentalomas are pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) and Rathke cleft cysts. PitNETs have received attention because of their distinction from pituitary adenoma in the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The natural history of PitNETs is partially known, and the management of pituitary incidentalomas has been determined based on this history; however, the pathology of PitNETs has significantly changed with the new WHO classification, and studies with a high level of evidence are required to consider treatment guidelines for pituitary incidentalomas. Abstract Pituitary incidentalomas are tumors or mass lesions of the pituitary gland. These are incidentally discovered during imaging studies for symptoms that are not causally related to pituitary diseases. The most common symptom that triggers an examination is headache, and the most common type of pituitary incidentalomas are pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) and Rathke cleft cysts. The existing treatment strategy is controversial; however, surgical resection is recommended in cases of clinically non-functioning PitNETs with optic chiasm compression. In contrast, cystic lesions, such as Rathke cleft cysts, should be followed if the patients are asymptomatic. In this case, MRI and pituitary function tests are recommended every six months to one year; if there is no change, the follow-up period should be extended. The natural history of PitNET is partially known, and the management of pituitary incidentalomas is determined by this history. However, the pathogenesis of PitNET has significantly changed with the new World Health Organization classification, and follow-up is important based on this new classification. Therefore, a high level of evidence-based research is needed to consider treatment guidelines for pituitary incidentalomas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyuki Tahara
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yujiro Hattori
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Koji Suzuki
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Eitaro Ishisaka
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Teramoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 3-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
| | - Akio Morita
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
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