• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.469-473
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• 2023

Anomalies of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) include aplasia, hypoplasia and variations in number. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique for assessment of anomalies of cerebral arteries. The aim of the study was to determine the role of MRA in detection of variants of ACA in adults. This study is an observational retrospective study. This study included forty-nine adult cases (28 males and 21 females), mean age 48±12.9 SD with anomalies of ACA in MRA. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and MRA were done to all patients. Cerebral MRA and magnetic resonance images were evaluated for frequency and distribution of variants of anterior cerebral arteries, associated aneurysms and infarctions. Odds ratios (ORs) and relative risk were calculated to determine risk of occurrence of cerebral infarctions in patients with anomalies of ACA. Hypoplasia of ACA was the commonest anomaly of ACA (51% of cases). Risk of occurrence of cerebral infarctions was higher in cases with azygos variant (OR, 3.3; P=0.35) than in those with hypoplastic ACA (OR, 2; P=0.58). MRA was highly reliable in identification of different variants of ACA and concomitant vascular changes.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.318-323
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• 2024

Cranial nerve palsies can be presenting signs of intracranial aneurysms. There is a classic pairing between an aneurysmal vessel and adjacent nerves leading to cranial neuropathy. Isolated abducens nerve palsy can be a localizing sign of an unruptured vertebrobasilar circulation aneurysm. Aneurysms involving Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) have been reported to be associated with abducens nerve palsy. The symptoms in unruptured aneurysms are due to the mass effect on adjacent neurovascular structures. Most of the abducens nerve palsy resolves following microsurgical clipping. Here, we present a rare case of an unruptured Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA) aneurysm presenting with abducens nerve palsy and diplopia associated with contralateral hemianopsia which markedly improved following endovascular coil embolization.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.117-126
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of Semen Persicae (SP) on infarct volume, COX-2 protein expression in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) rats. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four groups (MCAo experimental group, MCAo control group, sham experimental group, control group). The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded in the MCAo group by proximal focal cerebral ischemia rat model, while the MCA was not occluded in the sham group. SP extraction was administrated for 4 days to each experimental group. Neuroprotective effects were investigated by measurement of brain damage using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and analysis of COX-2 protein expression by western blotting. Results: The occurrence of infarct volume in the SP oral administration group decreased compared to the control group. COX-2 protein expression in the SP oral administration group decreased compared to the control group. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the effect of SP in reducing infarct volume and decreasing COX-2 expression.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.501-504
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• 2012

Objective : To report our surgical experience using in situ end-to-side bypass for giant serpentine distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm, unsuitable for microsurgical clipping. Methods : A 49-year-old woman presented with headache and intermittent loss of consciousness. The brain computed tomography scan revealed a partially calcified mass in the interhemispheric fissure. On cerebral angiography, that was giant ($30{\times}18mm$ sized), serpentine aneurysm originating from the A2 to A3 segment of the distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA). The aneurysm was trapped with clips, and the right A3 segment to left A3 segment of DACA, end-to-side in situ bypass was performed. Surgical result was favorable, with no newly developed ischemic event in the acute recovery period. Postoperative angiography showed total occlusion of the aneurysm and good patency, with preserved distal flow. Conclusion : Giant fusiform aneurysms of the DACA are extremely rare and can be particularly challenging to treat. End-to-side A3 : A3 bypass with aneurysm trapping could be a treatment modality for these locations.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.289-292
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• 2009

Objective : Although there are several descriptions of this vessel, there is no detailed angiographic study of the accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA) in Korea. We describe the angiographic characteristics of the cortical territory and origin of AMCA and discuss the clinical significance of this anomaly. Methods : We searched for patients with AMCAs from a retrospective review of 1,250 conventional cerebral angiograms. We determined the origins, diameters and cortical territories of these AMCAs. Results : Fifteen patients (15 of 1250 = 1.2%) had 16 AMCAs (one patient had bilateral AMCAs). AMCAs originated from the distal A1 in eleven cases, middle A1 in two, proximal A1 in two, and proximal A2 in one case. All AMCAs followed a course parallel to the main middle cerebral artery (MCA). All but three of these arteries were smaller than the main MCA. Thirteen of the smaller diameter AMCAs had cortical distribution to the orbito-frontal and prefrontal, and precentral areas. Three AMCAs had diameter as large as the main MCA. These three supplied the orbito-frontal, prefrontal, precentral, central and anterior-parietal arteries. Conclusion : The AMCAs originated from A1 or A2. Most had smaller diameter than the main MCA. The AMCAs coursed along the horizontal portion of the MCA, but supplied the orbital surface, the anterior frontal lobe and sometimes wider cortical territory, including the precentral, central, anterior-parietal areas.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.159-162
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• 2008

Stenting is a useful alternative treatment modality in carotid artery stenosis patients who are too high-risk to undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We report a case of contralateral cerebral infarction after stenting for extracranial carotid stenosis. A 78-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with left-sided weakness. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and conventional angiography, she was diagnosed with an acute watershed infarct of the right hemisphere secondary to severe carotid stenosis. Stenting was performed for treatment of the right carotid artery stenosis after a one-week cerebral angiogram was completed. Thirty minutes after stent placement, the patient exhibited a generalized seizure. Four hours later, brain MRI revealed left hemispheric cerebral infarction. Complex aorta-like arch elongation, tortuosity, calcification, and acute angulation at the origin of the supra-aortic arteries may increase the risk of procedural complications. In our case, we suggest that difficult carotid artery catheterization, with aggressive maneuvering during stenting, likely injured the tortuous, atherosclerotic aortic arch, and led to infarction of the contralateral cerebral hemisphere by thromboemboli formed on the wall of the atherosclerotic aorta.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.196-203
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• 2024

Isolated middle cerebral artery dissection (MCAD) is rare but increasingly recognized as a significant clinical entity, particularly in younger adults. Ischemic stroke is the most common manifestation in symptomatic cases but symptoms can vary in severity from headaches to severe neurologic deficits. Due to its rarity and unpredictable clinical course, there is no established treatment strategy for isolated MCAD. Through two case reports, we reviewed the post-operative clinical course of MCAD under different treatment modalities. Case 1 was a 21-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with headaches and left-side hemiparesis. Isolated MCAD was diagnosed and she was successfully treated with the placement of a self-expandable stent and subsequent chemical angioplasty for post-stent vasospasm. Case 2 was a 35-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with left-side hemiparesis and dysarthria. Isolated MCAD was diagnosed and she was successfully treated with superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.29-41
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine the effects of SSP(silver-spike point) therapy, applied to acupuncture points, on the middle cerebral arteries blood flows of sample group(tention-type headache patients, n=12) and control group(non tension-type headache patients, n=12), and on the reduction of their headaches, when applied to acupuncture points. Methods : We stimulated 6 acupuncture points for headache with the SSP(three times a week for three weeks), and measured VAS(visual analogue scale) and the blood flow of the middle cerebral arteries with TCD(transcranial doppler ultrasonography). Results : The blood flow of the middle cerebral artery and VAS of the sample group and the control group were compared four times(initial, 1weeks, 2weeks, 3weeks) and significant differences in the measurements were found at 3 weeks(p<.05). The blood flow of the middle cerebral artery of the sample group was significantly increased, and VAS was significantly decreased in both groups. Conclusions : The silver-spike-point low-frequency electrical-stimulation treatment, applied to acupuncture points, can significantly increase the blood flow of the middle cerebral arteries in headache patients and can thus alleviate their headaches.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.11-15
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• 2009

Objective : The aim of study was to review our patient population to determine whether there is a critical aneurysm size at which the incidence of rupture increases and whether there is a correlation between aneurysm size and location. Methods : We reviewed charts and radiological findings (computed tomography (CT) scans, angiograms, CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography) for all patients operated on for intracranial aneurysms in our hospital between September 2002 and May 2004. Of the 336 aneurysms that were reviewed, measurements were obtained from angiograms for 239 ruptured aneurysms by a neuroradiologist at the time of diagnosis in our hospital. Results : There were 115 male and 221 female patients assessed in this study. The locations of aneurysms were the middle cerebral artery (MCA, 61), anterior communicating artery (ACoA, 66), posterior communicating artery (PCoA, 52), the top of the basilar artery (15), internal carotid artery (ICA) including the cavernous portion (13), anterior choroidal artery (AChA, 7), A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (3), A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (11), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA, 8), superior cerebellar artery (SCA, 2), P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (1), and the vertebral artery (2). The mean diameter of aneurysms was $5.47{\pm}2.536\;mm$ in anterior cerebral artery (ACA), $6.84{\pm}3.941\;mm$ in ICA, $7.09{\pm}3.652\;mm$ in MCA and $6.21{\pm}3.697\;mm$ in vertebrobasilar artery. The ACA aneurysms were smaller than the MCA aneurysms. Aneurysms less than 6 mm in diameter included 37 (60.65%) in patients with aneurysms in the MCA, 43 (65.15%) in patients with aneurysms in the ACoA and 29 (55.76%) in patients with aneurysms in the PCoA. Conclusion : Ruptured aneurysms in the ACA were smaller than those in the MCA. The most prevalent aneurysm size was 3-6 mm in the MCA (55.73%), 3-6 mm in the ACoA (57.57%) and 4-6 mm in the PCoA (42.30%). The more prevalent size of the aneurysm to treat may differ in accordance with the location of the aneurysm.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.134-144
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Jukryuk and Saengkang-juices on cerebral vascular ischemia (CVI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Method : By admiuistration Jukryuk and Saengkang-juices, we compared treated groups with untreated groups, in view of five points as follows: 1) cerebral damage; 2) damaged area of ischemia; 3) cerebral edema; 4) the number of neuronal cells adjacent to the areas damaged by ischemia; and 5) the number of neuronal cells adjacent to the areas damaged by ischemia Results : In this experiment, the effect of Jukryuk and Saengkang-juices was determined by inducing cerebral vascular ischemia after occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice, and making observations and comparisons such as alterations in damaged areas and neuronal cellular changes in the brain. Conclusions : According to the above results, Jukryuk and Saengkang-juices can protect the cerebral vascular ischemia.