• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.325-333
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• 2001

Objective : To clarify the benefits and therapeutic effects of intra-arterial papaverine infusion on the symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, we analyzed the results of treatment in 32 patients retrospectively. Methods : A total of 510 patients underwent surgical clipping or endovascular intra-aneurysmal treatment for ruptured intracranial aneurysm between May, 1996 and June, 1999. The delayed ischemic deficit(DID) was developed in 90 of 510 patients. Of these 90 patients, 32 developed symptomatic vasospasm inspite of using modest "3H therapy". The brain CT scan was taken before the intra-arterial infusion of papaverine. The 32 patients underwent 42 intra-arterial papaverine infusion. The symptomatic vasospasm was divided into three groups : deterioration of mental status(Group 1), appearance of a focal neurologic deficit(Group 2), or both(Group 3). We measured Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS), arterial diameters, and cerebral circulation time(CCT) at the time of pre- and postangioplasty. Results : The number of patients in group 1, 2 and 3 were 26, 7, 9 respectively. Eighteen cases showed improvement of GCS more than 2 scores, 16 more than 1, and 8 showed no change of GCS. Average cerebral circulation time(CCT) was decreased ranging from 0.0%-67.5%, and arterial diameters were increased in 21 cases ranging from 1 to 4 folds. Conclusion : Intra-arterial papaverine infusion seemed to have therapeutic effects on symptomatic vasospasm by improving the neurological signs and increasing the arterial diameter. We suggest that intra-arterial papaverine infusion would be an useful adjunctive therapeutic modality in symptomatic vasospasm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1476-1483
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• 2000

Objectives : The incidence of acute hydrocephalus(AHC) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage reported as 13-31%. The AHC resolves spontaneously in some cases(simple AHC), but about 30% of the AHC progresses to shunt-dependent hydrocephalus(SDHC). The aim of this study was to understand clinical predisposing factors causing SDHC with performing differential clinical analyses between 2 subgroups, the simple AHC and the progresed SDHC. Methods : The 250 surgically treated patients with aneurysmal SAH over last two years were evaluated. Forty four patients(17.6%) of them showed the AHC. Of theses 37 cases were retrospectively analyzed, excluding 7 patients who died within 2 weeks after hemorrhage attack. Of the 37 AHC cases, 21 patient(56.8%) were complicated with the simple AHC, and 16 cases(43.2%) were progressed SDHC. Results : The older age(p<0.05), poor clinical grade(p＝0.03), larger amount of SAH in perimesencephalic cistern on CT scan(p＝0.005) were significantly related to the SDHC. No significant difference was noted in aneurysm location, multiplicity, rebleeding, hypertension and Fisher grade between 2 subgroups. Conclusion : Of the total 37 AHC, the simple AHC was 56.8% and the progressed SDHC 43.2%. The older age, poor clinical grade, large amount of SAH in perimesencephalic cistern were significant predisposing factors causing the SDHC. The large amount of SAH in perimesencephalic cistern is the single most important predisposing factor developing the progressed SDHC.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.291-293
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• 2015

Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms sometimes present with visual symptoms when they rupture or directly compress the optic nerve. Giant or large ACoA aneurysms producing bitemporal hemianopsia are extremely rare. Here we present an unusual case of bitemporal hemianopsia caused by a large intracranial aneurysm of the ACoA. A 41-year-old woman was admitted to our neurosurgical department with a sudden-onset bursting headache and visual impairment. On admission, her vision was decreased to finger counting at 30 cm in the left eye and 50 cm in the right eye, and a severe bitemporal hemianopsia was demonstrated on visual field testing. A brain computed tomography scan revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the basal cistern, and conventional cerebral catheter angiography of the left internal carotid artery demonstrated an $18{\times}8mm$ dumbbell-shaped aneurysm at the ACoA. Microscopic aneurysmal clipping was performed. An ACoA aneurysm can produce visual field defects by compressing the optic chiasm or nerves. We emphasize that it is important to diagnose an aneurysm through cerebrovascular study to prevent confusing it with pituitary apoplexy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.653-659
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• 2018

Objective : Surgical obliteration of ruptured aneurysm of the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is challenging because of limited surgical accessibility. In recent years, coil embolization is the first-choice treatment for these lesions. However, coil embolization is not always easy in ruptured PICA aneurysm owing to the variable anatomical diversity of its shapes, its relationship to the parent artery, its low incidence, and accordingly, lesser neurointerventionist experience. Methods : The parent artery and microcatheter for easier navigation and the embolization technique for stable coiling were identified. Results : This study aimed to identify the more appropriate approach route, microcatheter, and strategies for an easier and safer, and more durable coil embolization in the treatment of lesions in the proximal PICA. Conclusion : Coil embolization for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured proximal PICA remains a challenge, but with the appropriate coiling plan, it can be treated successfully.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2001

Objective : The popular grading systems in use, such as Hunt-Hess grade and Fisher scale score, are based primarily on the patient's clinical conditions or computerized tomography score after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). The author investigated whether the need for ventriculoperitoneal(VP) shunt for chronic hydrocephalus and outcome can be predicted by Hunt-Hess grade and Fisher scale. Methods : A series of 146 patients admitted to our hospital from August 1991 to July 1999, who presented with SAH and underwent craniotomy for aneurysm clipping were studied retrospectively. Chronic hydrocephalus was defined as clinically and radiographically demonstrated hydrocephalus that lasted 2 weeks or longer after initial hemorrhage which required shunting. Patients were evaluated based on following factors : Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher scale, age, sex, hypertension, aneurysm location, and intervals from aneurysm rupture to operation. Results : The overall mortality rate of the study group was 8.2%. Hunt-Hess grade(p=0.001) or Fisher scale (p=0.001) at all pretreatment times was significantly correlated with outcome. In addition, there was an increased risk of poor outcome in older age(65<). However, there were statistically no significant relationship between outcome and sex, location of aneurysm, hypertension, and interval from aneurysmal rupture to operation(p>0.05). Of 134 surviving patients, 16 patients(12%) underwent VP shunt placement secondary to chronic hydrocephalus. Hunt-Hess grade(p=0.001) is more predictive of chronic hydrocephalus than Fisher scale(p=0.146). Aneurysm location was significantly correlated with development of chronic hydrocephalus (p<0.05), without significant correlations in sex, age, hypertension. IVH, and ICH. Conclusion : This study suggests that there is a high clinical correlation between outcome and Hunt-Hess grades and Fisher scales on admission, but Hunt-Hess grade is more predictive for chronic hydrocephalus than Fisher scale. In addition, age(<65 yrs) is the significant factor for prediction of outcome. There was a trend of increasing risk for chronic hydrocephalus according to aneurymal location.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.235-237
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• 2007

We describe a case of an unruptured basilar top aneurysm that was associated with early rupture after incomplete coiling. A 62-year-old woman with a history of several small infarctions has undergone coiling of unruptured basilar top aneurysm. Two weeks after initial coiling the patient presented with Hunt and Hess grade IV subarachnoid hemorrhage consistent with a ruptured basilar top aneurysm. Repeat angiography revealed a rupture of recanalized basilar top aneurysm. Second embolization with additional coils resulted in complete occlusion. However, her neurological status was not improved afterward and she was transferred to department of rehabilitation one month after hemorrhage with comatous state. To our knowledge, this is the first case of fatal early rupture after coiling of unruptured aneurysm. It has been speculated that coiling could cause injury to aneurysmal wall and facilitate rupture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.519-525
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• 2019

Objective : The circadian pattern of the onset time of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has been reported by various authors. However, the effect of the degree of physical exertion on the circadian pattern has not been studied in detail. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of physical exertion on the circadian pattern of aSAH. Methods : Of the 335 patients presenting with aSAH from January 2012 to December 2017, 234 patients with identifiable onset time and metabolic equivalent (MET) values were enrolled. The onset time of aSAH was divided into 4-hour intervals. The patient's physical exertion was then assessed on a scale between 1 and 8 METs using generally accepted MET values, and categorized into two groups-light exertion (1 to 4 METs) and moderate to heavy exertion (5 to 8 METs)-to determine the effect of the degree of physical exertion on the onset time distribution of aSAH. Multivariate analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) between the two groups to determine the effect of the degree of physical exertion on each set of time periods. Results : There was a definite bimodal onset pattern that peaked at 08:00-12:00 hours followed by 16:00-20:00 hours (p<0.001). MET values at all time intervals were found to be significantly higher than the night time (00:00-04:00 hours) values (p<0.031). The MET value distribution showed a unimodal pattern that slightly differed from the bimodal distribution of the onset time of aSAH. There were no significant differences in the ORs of each time interval according to the degree of the MET value. Conclusion : This study reaffirmed that aSAH occurs in a bimodal pattern, especially showing the highest prevalence in the morning. Although aSAH could be related to daily activity, there were no significant changes in diurnal variations affected by the degree of physical exertion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2006

Objective : An Intracranial aneurysm is an important acquired cerebrovascular disease that can cause a catastrophic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Atherosclerosis is one of possible mechanism, but its contribution to aneurysm formation is unclear. Human apolipoprotein E[apoE] is best known for its arterial protection from atherosclerosis. In this study we observe apoE expression in experimental cerebral aneurysms of rats to elucidate the role of apoE in the process of cerebral aneurysm formation. Methods : Twenty-four male 7-week-old Sprague-Dawley strain rats received a cerebral aneurysm induction procedure. One month[12] and three months[12] after the operation, the rats were killed, their cerebral arteries were dissected, and the regions of the bifurcation of the right anterior cerebral artery-olfactory artery [ACA-OA] bifurcations were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. Results : In the 1 month group [n=12], the ACA-OA bifurcation showed no aneurysmal change in 7 rats and early aneurysmal change in 5 rats. In the 3 months group (n=12), the bifurcation showed no aneurysmal change in 2 rats and an advanced aneurysm in 10 rats. ApoE expression were in 3 specimen in early aneurysmal change, but not in advanced aneurysms. Conclusion : ApoE expression in early aneurysmal wall suggests a possible role for apoE in early events leading to aneurysm formation. Further studios are necessary to elucidate the exact role of apoE in the pathophysiology of cerebral aneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.729-733
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• 2001

Objective : Antifibrinolytic treatment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has been shown to have no significant effect on outcome since a reduction in the rate of rebleeding was offset by an increase in the incidence of hydrocephalus and ischemic events. As the results of early aneurysm surgery and a change of strategy in the intensive medical treatment, outcome in patients with cerebral ischemia has been improved. On the other hand, rebleeding still remains as a major cause of death. A short course of tranexamic acid(TA) was tried to study its efficacy and safety in reducing the incidence of rebleeding before aneurysm surgery. Methods : A total of 507 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysm operated within 3 days after the attack from 1990 to 1999 were included in this study. Group A consisted of 302 consecutive patients treated from 1990 through 1995 served as control. Two hundred-five patients in group B were treated with TA from 1996 through 1999. Both groups were evaluated for comparability of demographic and clinical variables including age, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm location, hypertension, day of surgery, and initial hydrocephalus. The relationships of TA with rebleeding, ischemia, and chronic hydrocephalus were also studied. Results : There was no significant difference in patient demographics and clinical characteristics between group A and group B. Sixteen patients(5.3%) suffered a recurrent hemorrhage in group A and three(1.5%) in group B(p<0.05). Chronic hydrocephalus requiring a shunt was found in a significantly greater proportion in group B than in group A(p<0.05). The incidence of cerebral ischemia was not elevated in group B compared with group A. Conclusion : Considering the fact that the reduction of fatal rebleeding outweighed the increased incidence of hydrocephalus, the authors believe that a short course of TA is beneficial in diminishing the risk of rebleeding prior to early surgical intervention.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.329-335
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• 2005

Objective: Acute spontaneous subdural hematoma(SDH) secondary to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is a rare event. The authors present nine cases with aneurysmal SDH. Methods: We analyzed nine cases of aneurysmal SDH from 337 patients who underwent treatment for a ruptured aneurysm between January 1998 and May 2004. Clinical and radiological characteristics and postoperative course were evaluated by reviewing medical records, surgical charts and intraoperative videos. Results: The nine patients comprised four males and five females with a mean age of 53years (range 15-67years). The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades on admission were I in one patient, II in two patients, III in five patients and V in one patient. With respect to location, there were four internal carotid-posterior communicating artery(ICA-Pcom) aneurysms, one distal anterior cerebral artery(DACA) aneurysm, one anterior communicating artery and three middle cerebral artery aneurysms. CT scans obtained from the four patients with ICA-Pcom aneurysms revealed SDH over the convexity and along the tentorium, and two of these patients presented with pure SDH without subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH). In three patients with ICA-Pcom aneurysm, the ruptured aneurysm domes adhered to the petroclinoid fold. In the patient with the DACA aneurysm, the domes adhered tightiy to the pia mater and the falx. Conclusion: Ruptured intracranial aneurysm may cause SDH with or without SAH. In the absence of trauma, the possibility of aneurysmal SDH should be considered.