• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.230-235
• /
• 2010

Objective : The aim of this study is to compare the surgical outcome of the initial and recent surgical cases, during our 15-years experience, in terms of the surgical strategies and the prognostic factors for surgically remediable epilepsy. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed and compared the surgical outcomes between the initial 256 (Group I) and recent 139 (Group II) patients according to the time period of operation for a total of 518 consecutive epilepsy surgeries at our institution since 1992. The patients of the middle intermediate period, which were subjected to changed surgical strategies, were excluded. Results : The surgical outcome data from the initial and recent groups showed a much improved outcome for patients who underwent temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgery over time. The number of patients with a good outcome (Engel class I-II) was much increased from 87.7% (178 TLE cases of Group I) to 94.8% (79 TLE cases of Group II) and this was statistically significant (p = 0.0324) on univariate analysis. Other remarkable changes were the decreased performance of intracranial invasive studies from 43.5% in Group I to 30.9% in Group II due to the advanced neuroimaging tools. The strip/grid ratio was reduced from 131/32 in Group I to 17/25 in Group II, because of a markedly reduced mesial TLE surgery and an increased extratemporal epilepsy surgery. Conclusion : Our results show that surgical outcome of epilepsy surgery has improved over time and it has shown to be efficient to control medically intractable epilepsy. Appropriate patient selection, comprehensive preoperative assessments and more extensive resection are associated with good postoperative outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.5
• /
• pp.466-471
• /
• 2012

Objective : The aim of this study was to devise an objective clustering method for magnetoencephalography (MEG) interictal spike sources, and to identify the prognostic value of the new clustering method in adult epilepsy patients with cortical dysplasia (CD). Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 25 adult patients with histologically proven CD, who underwent MEG examination and surgical resection for intractable epilepsy. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.1 years. A hierarchical clustering method was adopted for MEG interictal spike source clustering. Clustered sources were then tested for their prognostic value toward surgical outcome. Results : Postoperative seizure outcome was Engel class I in 6 (24%), class II in 3 (12%), class III in 12 (48%), and class IV in 4 (16%) patients. With respect to MEG spike clustering, 12 of 25 (48%) patients showed 1 cluster, 2 (8%) showed 2 or more clusters within the same lobe, 10 (40%) showed 2 or more clusters in a different lobe, and 1 (4%) patient had only scattered spikes with no clustering. Patients who showed focal clustering achieved better surgical outcome than distributed cases (p=0.017). Conclusion : This is the first study that introduces an objective method to classify the distribution of MEG interictal spike sources. By using a hierarchical clustering method, we found that the presence of focal clustered spikes predicts a better postoperative outcome in epilepsy patients with CD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.26-31
• /
• 2006

Objective : The authors study on the clinical presentations and the surgical outcomes of the tumors in the ventricular system. Methods : 15 patients with ventricular tumor were studied. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, different surgical approaches, and outcome were analyzed. Tumors were classified into three groups based on their locations in MRI : lateral, third and fourth ventricle. Surgical methods were transcortical approach in eight patients, transcallosal approach in four, median suboccipital approach in two, and subfrontal approach in one. Gross total removal was achieved in 10 patients. Subtotal resections were performed in the rest. Glasgow outcome scale was used for evaluation of the surgical outcome. Results : Main clinical presentations were chronic headache in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricular tumor and sudden onset of headache and consciousness change in patients with the tumor in the third and fourth ventricular tumor Development of hydrocephalus was more predominant in patients with the tumors in the third ventricle. Postoperatively, good outcome [Glasgow outcome scale IV, V] were in 73%, and better results was observed in patients with the tumors in the lateral ventricular tumor. The differences of outcome according to surgical approach were not recognized, even though it was not reliable statistically. Conclusion : In ventricular tumor, postoperative outcome is not good in patients with sudden development of headache, hydrocephalus, high grade tumor. Outcome is good in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricle relatively. There is no difference in outcome according to the approach method to the tumors. And it is necessary to be aware of various approach methods to the tumors and anatomy surrounding the ventricle for avoidance of neurological complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.62 no.3
• /
• pp.321-327
• /
• 2019

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the major cause of intractable focal epilepsy in childhood leading to epilepsy surgery. The overall seizure freedom after surgery ranges between 50-75% at 2 years after surgery and the long-term seizure freedom remain relatively stable. Seizure outcome after surgery depends on a various factors such as pathologic etiologies, extent of lesion, and types of surgery. Therefore, seizure outcome after surgery for FCD should be analyzed carefully considering cohorts' characteristics. Studies of pediatric epilepsy surgery emphasize the early surgical intervention for a better cognition. Early surgical intervention and cessation of seizure activity are important for children with intractable epilepsy. However, there are limited data on the cognitive outcome after surgery in pediatric FCD, requiring further investigation. This paper reviews the seizure and cognitive outcomes of epilepsy surgery for FCD in children. Several prognostic factors influencing seizure outcome after surgery will be discussed in detail.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.399-404
• /
• 2005

Objective: Aneurysms arising from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) are uncommon. We review literature on that and surgical results on aneurysmal treatment by choice of surgical approach. Methods: On the basis of radiologic findings & charts, we review retrospectively the surgical results of 12 cases from Mar 1999 to Dec 2003. Results: The mean age of the 12 patients was 55.8(ranged from 36 to 71) and female was predominant (female:male = 8:4). Locations of PICA aneurysms revealed variously(vertebral artery - PICA junction: 8, lateral medullary segment: 2, PICA - anterior inferior cerebellar artery common trunk: 1, telovelomedullary : 1). Surgical approaches & treatments were attempted in 11 cases and embolization was done in 1 case(Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach & clipping: 9, Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach and trapping: 2, suboccipital approach & clipping: 1). The surgical result were 8 of 12 patients were good outcome, 1 of 12 was severely disabled and 3 of 12 were died. Conclusion: First, we choose surgical approach by the laterality of aneurysms and surgical or interventional treatment is attempted as soon as possible. The PICA aneurysm is regarded as having a relatively good surgical outcome without drilling of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.307-312
• /
• 1994

Interictal single photon emission computed tomography of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF SPECT) in 18 intractable temporal lobe epilepsy patients(8 male and 10 female patients: average 23.5 years old) were compared with 2.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). And surgical outcome was analysed with the findings, symptom duration and lateralization of temporal lobe. Preoperatively rCBF SPECT was done in all 18 patients with intravenous injection of 740 MBq 99mTc-HMPAO. MRI was also done preoperatively in 13 patients. Surgical outcome was classified by Engel's outcome classification(four-part classification recommended at the first Palm Desert conference). rCBF SPECT detected correctly lateralising abnormality of temporal lobe hypoperfusion in 13/18(72.2%), contralateral temporal lobe hypoperfusion in 2/18(11.1%) and showed no def-inite abnormality in 3/18(16.7%). The positive predictive value of unilateral temporal lobe hypoperfusion was 87%. MRI detected correct localising abnormality in 8/13(61.5%), such as hippocampal atrophy(7/13), asymmetric temporal horn(6/13), anterior temporal lobe atrophy(1/13), increased signal intensity from hippocampus(1/13) and calcific density(1/13), and no abnormal finding was noted in 5/13(38.5%). There was no false positive findings and the positive predictive value of MRI was 100%. Only 2 cases showed same lateralization findings in rCBF SPECT and MRI. There was no significant correlation between symptom duration and no abnormal findings on SPECT or MRI. Surgical outcome showed class I in 15/18(83.3%), and class II in 2/18(11.1%). One case of no abnormal finding in both SPECT and MRI showed class III surgical outcome. No class IV surgical outcome was noted. Surgical outcome, lateralization of epileptic focus in temporal lobe and abnormal findings in rCBR SPECT or MRI were not significantly correlated.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.63-67
• /
• 2001

Objective: Atrophy and a high T2 signal of the hippocampus are known to be the principal MR imaging findings of hippocampal sclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not individual MRI findings correlate with surgical outcome in patients with this condition. Materials and Methods: Preoperative MR imaging findings in 57 consecutive patients with pathologically-proven hippocampal sclerosis who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy and were followed-up for 24 months or more were retrospectively reviewed, and the results were compared with the postsurgical outcome (Engel classification). The MR images included routine sagittal T1-weighted and axial T2-weighted spin-echo images, and oblique coronal T1-weighted 3D gradient-echo and T2-weighted 2D fast spin-echo images obtained on either a 1.5 T or 1.0 T unit. The images were visually evaluated by two neuroradiologists blinded to the outcome; their focus was the presence or absence of atrophy and a high T2 hippocampal signal. Results: Hippocampal atrophy was seen in 96% of cases (55/57) [100% (53/53) of the good outcome group (Engel class I and II), and 50% (2/4) of the poor outcome group (class III and IV)]. A high T2 hippocampal signal was seen in 61% of cases (35/57) [62% (33/53) of the good outcome group and 50% (2/4) of the poor outcome group]. All 35 patients with a high T2 signal had hippocampal atrophy. 'Normal' hippocampus, as revealed by MR imaging, occurred in 4% of patients (2/57), both of whom showed a poor outcome (Engel class III). The presence or absence of hippocampal atrophy correlated well with surgical outcome (p<0.01). High T2 signal intensity did not, however, significantly correlate with surgical outcome (p>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with a high T2 hippocampal signal, hippocampal atrophy is more common and correlates better with surgical outcome. For the prediction of this, it thus appears to be the more useful indicator.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.326-330
• /
• 2007

Objective : Stroke is the most prevalent disease involving the central nervous system. Since medical modalities are sometimes ineffective for the acute edema following massive infarction, surgical decompression may be an effective option when medical treatments fail. The present study was undertaken to assess the outcome and prognostic factors of decompressive surgery in life threatening acute, severe, brain infarction. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed twenty-six patients (17 males and 9 females; average age, 49.7yrs) who underwent decompressive surgery for severe cerebral or cerebellar infarction from January 2003 to December 2006. Surgical indication was based on the clinical signs such as neurological deterioration, pupillary reflex, and radiological findings. Clinical outcome was assessed by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results : Of the 26 patients, 5 (19.2%) showed good recovery, 5 (19.2%) showed moderate disability, 2 (7.7%) severe disability, 6 (23.1%) persistent experienced vegetative state, and 8 (30.8%) death. In this study, the surgical decompression improved outcome for cerebellar infarction, but decompressive surgery did not show a good result for MCA infarction (30.8% overall mortality vs 100% mortality). The dominant-hemisphere infarcts showed worse prognosis, compared with nondominant-hemisphere infarcts (54.5% vs 70%). Poor prognostic factors were diabetes mellitus, dominant-hemisphere infarcts and low preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Conclusion : The patients who exhibit clinical deterioration despite aggressive medical management following severe cerebral infarction should be considered for decompressive surgery. For better outcome, prompt surgical treatment is mandatory. We recommend that patients with severe cerebral infarction should be referred to neurosurgical department primarily in emergency setting or as early as possible for such prompt surgical treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.189-194
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a rare cause of thoracic myelopathy. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the surgical outcome on the basis of preoperative clinical and radiological findings. Methods : Data obtained in 26 patients whot underwent posterior decompression for thoracic myelopathy, caused by thoracic OLF, were analyzed retrospectively. Patient age, duration of symptoms, OLF type, preoperative and postoperative neurological status using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system, surgical outcome, and other factors were reviewed. We compared the various factors and postoperative prognosis. All patients had undergone decompressive laminectomy and excision of the OLF. Results : Using the JOA score, the functional improvement was excellent in 8 patients, good in 14, fair in 2, and unchanged in 2. A mean preoperative JOA score of 6.65 improved to 8.17 after an average of 27.3 months. According to our analysis, age, gender, duration of symptoms, the involved spinal level, coexisting spinal disorders, associated trauma, intramedullary signal change, and dural adhesions were not related to the surgical outcome. However, the preoperative JOA score and type of OLF were the most important predictors of the surgical outcome. Conclusion : Early diagnosis and sufficient surgical decompression could improve the functional prognosis for thoracic OLF. The postoperative results were found to be significantly associated with the preoperative severity of myelopathy and type of OLF.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 2010

Objective : To evaluate the clinical outcome of coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) compared with surgical clipping. Methods : A total of 19 patients presented with ONP caused by UIAs between Jan 2004 and June 2008. Ten patients underwent coil embolization and nine patients surgical clipping. The following parameters were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the differences in clinical outcome observed in both coil embolization and surgical clipping : 1) gender, 2) age, 3) location of the aneurysm, 4) duration of the symptom, and 5) degree of ONP. Results : Following treatment, complete symptomatic recovery or partial relief from ONP was observed in 15 patients. Seven of the ten patients were treated by coil embolization, compared to eight of the nine patients treated by surgical clipping (p = 0.582). Patient's gender, age, location of the aneurysm, size of the aneurysm, duration of symptom, and degree of the ONP did not statistically correlate with recovery of symptoms between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in mean improvement time in either group (55 days in coil embolization and 60 days in surgical clipping). Conclusion : This study indicates that no significant differences were observed in the clinical outcome between coil embolization and surgical clipping techniques in the treatment of aneurysms causing ONP. Coil embolization seems to be more feasible and safe treatment modality for the relief and recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy.