• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.748-753
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• 2000

Objectives : A 10-year retrospective clinical study was undertaken to determine the differences between two groups according to age at presentation(group A, under 50 ; B, over 50). Methods : We analyzed 468 cases with chronic subdural hematoma admitted to the department of neurosurgery in our hospital from January 1987 to December 1996. The patients were divided into two groups according to age at presentation(group A, under 50 ; B, over 50). Results : 1) The number of group A was 126 cases(26.9%) and that of group B was 342 cases(73.1%), respectively. Males were more frequently involved than females in each group. 2) There noted a history of head trauma in 88.9% of group A and 92.4% of group B. Forty-nine patients(38.9%) of group A and 103 cases(30.1%) of group B revealed a history of alcoholism. 3) Group A patients presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure such as headache(75.% ), nausea and vomiting(68.0%). However, Group B patients had more frequent mental changes(84.0%) and focal neurological deficits such as hemiparesis(76.5%). 4) Onset of symptom and its duration was shorter in group A than group B. 5) Six patients among 441 cases(1.4%) treated with burr hole drainage and two patients of 27 cases(5.4%) with craniotomy died, and all of these were group B patients. The two cases among six patients with burr hole drainage developed huge intracerebral hemorrhage and brain stem hemorrhage, respectively. Conclusion : In treating patients with chronic subdural hematoma, distinguishing between two age groups is quite helpful to determine treatment strategies.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 1984

During last 10 years we experienced 25 cases of C.N.S. cysticercosis. Now clinical analysis and evaluation of our cases were made and the results are followings: 1. Prevalence in man and women are nearly same and about 70% of cases are distributed between 20-50 years old. 2. According to Nieto's classification, mostly are ventricular (44%) and parenchymal type (36%). 3. Clinical manifestations were IICP (92%), focal neurological deficits (68%), seizure (48%), altered mental status (36%) and others listed on table 7. 4. In ventricular type, IICP and cerebellar dysfuction signs were predominated but seizure and focal neurological deficits were commonly seen in parenchymal type. 5. Subcutaneous cysticercus nodules were palpated in 32 % of cases. 6. Positive stool ova was observed in 29% of cases. 7. Radiologic studies revealed as followings: 16 % of cases showed abnormal findings on plain film, 84% on angiography, 94% on ventriculography and 100% on computed tomography and myelography. Computed tomography looks like most helpful diagnostic method for C.N.S. cysticercosis, they ususally revealed lucent cystic lesion, hydrocephalic findings and contrast enhancement. 8. Suboccipital craniectomy, craniotomy with removal of parenchymal cyst or laminectomy were done according to location and types of lesion. 72 % of operated cases revealed good results and motarlity was 4 % of cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.821-826
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• 2020

Objective : Hyperostosis in meningiomas can be present in 4.5% to 44% of cases. Radical resection should include aggressive removal of invaded bone. It is not clear however to what extent bone removal should be carried to achieve pathologically free margins, especially that in many cases, there is a T2 hyperintense signal that extends beyond the hyperostotic bone. In this study we try to investigate the perimeter of tumour cells outside the visible nidus of hyperostotic bone and to what extent they are present outside this nidus. This would serve as an initial step for setting guidelines on dealing with hyperostosis in meningioma surgery. Methods : This is a prospective case series that included 14 patients with convexity meningiomas and hyperostosis during the period from March 2017 to August 2018 in two university hospitals. Patients demographics, clinical, imaging characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and analysed. In all cases, all visible abnormal bone was excised bearing in mind to also include the hyperintense diploe in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 weighted images after careful preoperative assessment. To examine bony tumour invasion, five marked bone biopsies were taken from the craniotomy flap for histopathological examinations. These include one from the centre of hyperostotic nidus and the other four from the corners at a 2-cm distance from the margin of the nidus. Results : Our study included five males (35.7%) and nine females (64.3%) with a mean age of 43.75 years (33-55). Tumor site was parietal in seven cases (50%), fronto-parietal in three cases (21.4%), parieto-occipital in two cases (14.2%), frontal region in one case and bicoronal (midline) in one case. Tumour pathology revealed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade I in seven cases (50%), atypical meningioma (WHO II) in five cases (35.7%) and anaplastic meningioma (WHO III) in two cases (14.2%). In all grade I and II meningiomas, bone biopsies harvested from the nidus revealed infiltration with tumour cells while all other bone biopsies from the four corners (2 cm from nidus) were free. In cases of anaplastic meningiomas, all five biopsies were positive for tumour cells. Conclusion : Removal of the gross epicentre of hyperostotic bone with the surrounding 2 cm is adequate to ensure radical excision and free bone margins in grade I and II meningiomas. Hyperintense signal change in MRI T2 weighted images, even beyond visible hypersototic areas, doesn't necessarily represent tumour invasion.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.231-236
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• 2015

A 17-year-old girl presented with complaints of headache and decreasing vision of one month's duration, without any history of fever, weight loss, or any evidence of an immuno-compromised state. Her neurological examination was normal, except for papilledema. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits, except for a slightly increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). Non-contrast computerized tomography of her head revealed complex mass in left frontal lobe with a concentric, slightly hyperdense, thickened wall, and moderate perilesional edema with mass effect. Differential diagnoses considered in this case were pilocytic astrocytoma, metastasis and abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained in 3.0 Tesla (3.0T) scanner revealed a lobulated outline cystic mass in the left frontal lobe with two concentric layers of T2 hypointense wall, with T2 hyperintensity between the concentric ring. Moderate perilesional edema and mass effect were seen. Post gadolinium study showed a markedly enhancing irregular wall with some enhancing nodular solid component. No restricted diffusion was seen in this mass in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed increased lactate and lipid peaks in the central part of this mass, although some areas at the wall and perilesional T2 hyperintensity showed an increased choline peak without significant decrease in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) level. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) enhanced perfusion study showed decrease in relative cerebral blood volume at this region. These features in MRI were suggestive of brain abscess. The patient underwent craniotomy with excision of a grayish nodular lesion. Abundant acid fast bacilli (AFB) in acid fast staining, and epithelioid cell granulomas, caseation necrosis and Langhans giant cells in histopathology, were conclusive of tubercular abscess. Tubercular brain abscess is a rare manifestation that simulates malignancy and cause diagnostic dilemma. MRI along with MRS and magnetic resonance perfusion studies, are powerful tools to differentiate lesions in such equivocal cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.903-906
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• 2001

Objective : The brain temperature is about $0.4-1^{\circ}C$ higher than that of the other peripheral body area. But most of these results have been obtained in normothermic condition. The objective of this study is to evaluate the temperature difference between the brain and axilla, in patients under hypothermia. Methods : Sixty-three patients(37 women and 26 men) who underwent craniotomy with implantation of the thermal diffusion flowmetry sensor were included in this study. The temperature of the cerebral cortex and axilla was measured every 2 hours, simultaneously. The patient group was divided according to axillary temperature hyperthermia( over $38^{\circ}C$), normothermia($36-38^{\circ}C$) and hypothermia(under $36^{\circ}C$). Total 1671 paired sample data were collected and analyzed. Results : The temperature difference between the cerebral cortex and the axilla was $0.45{\pm}1.04^{\circ}C$ in hyperthermic patients, $0.97{\pm}1.1^{\circ}C$ in normothermic patients and $1.04{\pm}0.81^{\circ}C$ in hypothermic patients. The temperature difference has statistical significance in each group(unpaired t-test, p<0.05). Conclusion : From our study the temperature difference between the brain and the axilla in hypothermic condition increased more than that of normothermic state. And in hyperthermic condition, the temperature difference decreased.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.317-323
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• 2000

Objective : To evaluate the role of stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery in treatment of meningiomas, the authors retrospectively analyzed the result of radiosurgery in our institute. Method: During last ten years, twenty patients underwent stereotactic LINAC radiosurgery(LINAC SRS) for meningiomas. The mean age of the patients was 51 years(22-78 years). The most common tumor location for radiosurgery was parasagittal, sphenoid wing and tentorial area. With regards to indications of radiosurgery for meningiomas, LINAC radiosurgery was done for primary treatment in six patients, for postoperative residual tumors in eleven patients, for postoperative regrowth in three patients. Mean tumor volume was $5.14cm^3$($0.28-15.1cm^3$), mean field diameter was 2.01cm(1.2-3cm). The mean marginal dose was 20.55Gy(13-30Gy). The follow-up evaluation was done annually with radiologic findings and clinical status. The mean follow-up period was 46.8(24-120) months. Result : In the radiologic response, the tumor volume was reduced in five(25%) of twenty patients, fourteen showed arrested growth(70%), but one patient showed increased growth(5%). In the clinical response, nine patients improved clinically(45%), ten patients was stable(50%) and one patient worsened during follow-up period. With regards to correlation with radiologic and clinical response, in nineteen patients who showed radiologic response to radiosurgery(decreased and arrested growth after radiosurgery), nine patients(47.4%) improved and ten patients (52.6%) showed no change, one patient(5%) had symptomatic radiation necrosis at four years after SRS, which needed craniotomy. Conclusion : The overall control rate of meningiomas with LINAC radiosurgery was 95% in radiologic follow up and 95% clinically. The radiation complication rate was 5%. These results indicate that LINAC radiosurgery can be considered as safe and effective method for meningiomas.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.536-542
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• 2000

Objective : This study was performed to evaluate the relationships among intracranial pressure(ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure(CPP), and cerebral arteriovenous oxygen difference($AVDO_2$) which were used as parameters of adequacy of cerebral blood flow to support cerebral metabolism after severe head injury and also to examine the association between delayed cerebral infarction and outcome. Material and Method : The authors studied the ICP, CPP and $AVDO_2$ before and after treatment on 34 head-injured patients from June 1996 to December 1997 and examined the association with the change of an ICP, CPP and $AVDO_2$ following treatment and the development of delayed cerebral infarction. Sixteen patients underwent craniotomy for hematoma evacuation and eighteen patients received mannitol to decrease ICP. Results : The development of delayed cerebral infarction was demonstrated in 3(42.9%) out of 7 patients in no improvement group and 13(48.1%) out of 27 patients in improvement group with an increased ICP following treatment. Also, the development of delayed cerebral infarction was demonstrated in 8(50%) out of 16 patients in no improvement group and 8(44.4%) out of 18 patients in improvement group with a decreased CPP following treatment. The association with changes of ICP and CPP following treatment and development of delayed cerebral infarction was not statistically significant(p>0.01). However, 11(78.6%) out of 14 patients who demonstrated an increase in $AVDO_2$ and 5(25%) out of 20 patients who demonstrated a decrease in $AVDO_2$ following treatment developed delayed cerebral infarction. No improvement(reduction) in $AVDO_2$ following treatment was significantly associated with the development of delayed cerebral infarction(p<0.01). All of 16 patients with delayed cerebral infarction showed poor prognosis. Conlcusion : The change of $AVDO_2$ rather than those of ICP and CPP was considered more important factor for the development of the delayed cerebral infarction and poor outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.584-590
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• 2017

Objective : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children under age 24 months has characteristic features because the brain at this age is rapidly growing and sutures are opened. Moreover, children this age are completely dependent on their parents. We analyzed the demographic data and risk factors for outcomes in TBI patients in this age group to elucidate their clinical characteristics. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiological films of children under 24 months who were admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2013 for TBI. Specifically, we analyzed age, cause of injury, initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, radiological diagnosis, seizure, hydrocephalus, subdural hygroma, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score, and we divided outcomes into good (GOS 4-5) or poor (GOS 1-3). We identified the risk factors for post-traumatic seizure (PTS) and outcomes using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results : The total number of patients was 60, 39 males and 21 females. Most common age group was between 0 to 5 months, and the median age was 6 months. Falls were the most common cause of injury (n=29, 48.3%); among them, 15 were falls from household furniture such as beds and chairs. Ten patients (16.7%) developed PTS, nine in one week; thirty-seven patients (61.7%) had skull fractures. Forty-eight patients had initial GCS scores of 13-15, 8 had scores of 12-8, and 4 had scored 3-7. The diagnoses were as follows : 26 acute subdural hematomas, 8 acute epidural hematomas, 7 focal contusional hemorrhages, 13 subdural hygromas, and 4 traumatic intracerebral hematomas larger than 2 cm in diameter. Among them, two patients underwent craniotomy for hematoma removal. Four patients were victims of child abuse, and all of them had PTS. Fifty-five patients improved to good-to-moderate disability. Child abuse, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis found that the salient risk factor for a poor outcome was initial GCS on admission. Conclusion : The most common cause of traumatic head injury in individuals aged less than 24 months was falls, especially from household furniture. Child abuse, moderate to severe TBI, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS. Most of the patients recovered with good outcomes, and the risk factor for a poor outcome was initial mental status.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.652-663
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• 2023

Objective : This study compared the quality of recovery (QoR) after minicraniotomy for clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) between patients with and without scalp nerve block (SNB). Methods : Patients were randomly assigned to the SNB (SNB using ropivacaine with epinephrine, n=27) and control (SNB using normal saline, n=25) groups. SNB was performed at the end of surgery. To assess postoperative QoR, the QoR-40, a patient-reported questionnaire, was used. The QoR-40 scores were measured preoperatively, 1-3 days postoperatively, at hospital discharge, and 1 month postoperatively. Pain and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) consumption were evaluated 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours and 1-3 days postoperatively. Results : All QoR-40 scores, including those measured 1 day postoperatively (primary outcome measure; 155.0 [141.0-176.0] vs. 161.0 [140.5-179.5], p=0.464), did not significantly differ between the SNB and control groups. The SNB group had significantly less severe pain 3 (numeric rating scale [NRS]; 3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs. 5.0 [3.5-5.5], p=0.029), 9 (NRS; 3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-5.0], p=0.048), and 12 (NRS; 3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-5.0], p=0.035) hours postoperatively. The total amount of IV-PCA consumed was significantly less 3 hours postoperatively in the SNB group (2.0 [1.0-4.0] vs. 4.0 [2.0-5.0] mL, p=0.044). Conclusion : After minicraniotomy for clipping of UIAs, SNB reduced pain and IV-PCA consumption in the early postoperative period but did not improve the QoR-40 scores.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.4
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• pp.411-417
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• 2024

Objective : To confirm the usefulness of the extradural anterior clinoidectomy during the clipping of a low riding posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm through cadaver dissection. Methods : Anatomic measurements of 12 adult cadaveric heads (24 sides total) were performed to compare the microsurgical exposure of the PCoA and internal carotid artery (ICA) before and after clinoidectomy. A standard pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach were performed in all cadavers. The distance from the ICA bifurcation to the origin of PCoA (D1), pre-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the ICA bifurcation to tentorium (D2), post-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the ICA bifurcation to tentorium (D3), pre-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the tentorium to the origin of PCoA (D4) and post-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the tentorium to the origin of PCoA (D5) and the distance of the ICA obtained after anterior clinoidectomy (D6) were measured. We measured the precise thickness of the blade for the Yasargil clip with a digital precision ruler to confirm the usefulness of the extradural anterior clinoidectomy. Results : Twenty-four sites were dissected from 12 cadavers. The age of the cadavers was 79.83±6.25 years. The number of males was the same as the females. The space from the proximal origin of the PCoA to the preclinoid-tentorium (D4) was 1.45±1.08 mm (max, 4.01; min, 0.56). After the clinoidectomy, the space from the proximal origin of the PCoA to the postclinoid-tentorium (D5) was 3.612±1.15 mm (max, 6.14; min, 1.83). The length (D6) of the exposed proximal ICA after the extradural clinoididectomy was 2.17±1.04 mm on the lateral side and 2.16±0.89 mm on the medial side. The thickness of the Yasargil clip blade used during the clipping surgery was 1.35 mm measured with a digital precision ruler. Conclusion : The proximal length obtained by performing an external anterior clinoidectomy is about 2 mm, sufficient for proximal control during PCoA aneurysm surgery, considering the thickness of the aneurysm clips. In a subarachnoid hemorrhage, performing an extradural anterior clinoidectomy could prevent a devastating situation during PCoA aneurysm clipping.