Laryngo-Esophageal Dysfunction Free Survival of Chemoradiation for Cervical Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Chemoradiotherapy is often the treatment of choice for cervical esophageal cancer due to the invasiveness of surgery. However, toxicity after chemoradiotherapy often affects the quality of life related to swallowing and speech. This study evaluated laryngoesophageal dysfunction-free survival (LEDFS) in patients with cervical esophageal cancer, which has recently been used in head and neck cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We analyzed 59 patients with cervical esophageal cancer without distant metastases other than supraclavicular lymph node metastases who received radical chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracilplus platinum between 2002 and 2018. Loco-regional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), LEDFS, metachronous esophageal cancer incidence rates, and late toxicities were evaluated. LEDFS events were defined as death, local recurrence, total or partial laryngectomy, tracheostomy for more than 2 years, and feeding tube use for more than 2 years, as recommended by the Larynx Preservation Consensus Panel. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates. The generalized Wilcoxon test was used to compare the two groups. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 was used to assess toxicities.

RESULTS

The median age was 66 years (range, 38-83). There were 13 women and 46 men. Stage I, II, III, IVA, and IVB disease according to UICC 8th staging were 15, 9, 9, 10, and 16 patients, respectively. 22 received conventional radiotherapy and 37 received volumetric modulated arc therapy. The median total irradiation dose was 66 Gy. Platinum plus 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy was administered to all patients. The median follow-up for survivors was 87.5 months. The 5-year LRC, OS, and LEDFS rates were 54.2%, 48.9%, and 41.9%, respectively. The prognostic factors for OS were performance status (PS), hypopharyngeal extension, and clinical stage in univariate analysis and only clinical stage (hazard ratio [HR] 3.87, 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-9.87, p<0.01) in multivariate analysis; the prognostic factors for LEDFS were PS, hypopharyngeal extension and clinical stage in univariate analysis and hypopharyngeal extension (HR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.12-5.03, p = 0.02) and clinical stage (HR 4.07, 95% CI: 1.48-11.06, p<0.02) in multivariate analysis. Metachronous esophageal cancer was observed in 28.6% of patients at 5 years. As severe late toxicities, grade 3 pneumonitis, esophageal stricture, esophageal fistula, laryngeal stricture, and laryngeal edema were observed in 1 (2%), 1 (2%) and 4 (7%), 1 (2%) and 1 (2%), respectively. Grade 2 hypothyroidism was observed in 31 (53%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Chemoradiation for cervical esophageal cancer showed good results. The prognostic factors for LEDFS were pharyngeal extension and clinical stage. Late esophageal and laryngeal toxicity, hypothyroidism, and metachronous esophageal cancer should be noted.

Impact of the G8 Score on Treatment Strategies and Outcome in Definitive Radiotherapy for the Elderly Esophageal Cancer Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Although chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is widely used as a curative treatment for esophageal cancer, it is often difficult to perform standard CRT for the elderly in the real world. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Geriatric 8 (G8) score on treatment strategies and outcome in definitive radiotherapy (RT) for elderly esophageal cancer patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We analyzed 81 esophageal cancer patients aged ≥65 years who received definitive RT between 2018 and 2021. The G8 score was acquired at the first visit to the radiation oncology department. The treatment strategy was decided by a multi-disciplinary conference, and the G8 score was not used to determine the treatment strategy. Standard treatment (standard CRT) was defined as RT with elective nodal irradiation and a total dose ≥50 Gy, and chemotherapy with two cycles of platinum (70 mg/m2) and 5FU (700 mg/m2 for 4 days) concurrently. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate actual survival curves. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 was used to assess toxicities. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cutoff value.

RESULTS

The Median follow-up time was 30 months (range: 8-51) for survivors. The mean G8 scores by treatment strategy were 13.9 (range: 9-17) for standard CRT group (n = 26), 12.1 (range: 7-16) for reduced CRT group (n = 30), and 9.7 (range: 4.5-14) for RT alone group (n = 25). G8 score was significantly higher for standard CRT (p = 0.017) and significantly lower for RT alone (p<0.01). The cut-off value of the G8 score for standard treatment, calculated by the ROC curve, was 12.5 points. In the non-standard treatment group, the cut-off value of the G8 score for RT alone, calculated by the ROC curve, was 10.5 points. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rates for standard CRT, reduced CRT and RT alone were 74%, 71% and 35%, respectively, and significantly lower in RT alone (p<0.001). The 2-years OS rates for G8 score >10.5 points and ≤10.5 points were 69% and 48%, respectively (p = 0.039). Grade 3 or higher acute toxicities were observed in 33 patients (41%); 14 (54%) in standard CRT, 17 (57%) in reduced CRT and 2 (8%) in RT alone. Grade 5 acute toxicity was not observed. G8 scores tended to be higher in the patients with grade 3 or higher acute toxicities, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.057). Grade 3 or higher late toxicities were observed in 7 patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that there is an association between the G8 score and clinicians' treatment decisions. Although RT alone could be safely performed even in patients with low G8 scores, administration of chemotherapy strongly affected prognosis. These results suggest the importance of developing less toxic systemic therapy regimens for patients with low G8 scores.

Predictive Modeling of Radiation Pneumonitis Induced by Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Radiomics and Clinical Features

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The purpose of this study is to establish a prediction model for the development of grade 2 or higher radiation pneumonitis (RP) using radiomics analysis of pretreatment CT images, PET images, and dose distribution, in addition to clinical factors, in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with radical chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 128 cases of locally advanced NSCLC treated with radical radiotherapy at our institution from 2008 to 2021. Clinical factors included age, sex, performance status (PS), KL-6, smoking history, histological type, clinical stage, and total radiation dose. Radiomics analysis was performed by analyzing treatment planning CT images, PET images, and dose distribution, and Rad-score (Radiomics-score) was calculated for the extracted features using Lasso-Cox regression. Rad-score (Radiomics-score) was calculated by Lasso-Cox regression for the extracted features. Risk factors were selected by univariate/multivariate analysis of clinical factors and Rad-score. Three models for predicting RP were developed from the identified risk factors using Nomogram: Clinical, Rad-score, and Combined model. The model was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and concordance index (C-index). RP was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The cumulative incidence of Grade 2 or higher RP was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Of the 128 cases, grade 2 or higher RP was observed in 50 cases (39%). Regarding clinical factors, gender, smoking status, and histology were selected as significant predictors of RP. Lasso-Cox analysis of radiomics features selected 11 features from CT images, 7 features from PET images, and 16 features from dose distribution as predictors of RP, yielding a total of 34 factors. The combined model (C-index: 0.96, AUC: 0.92) showed the best discrimination performance compared to the clinical model (C-index: 0.73, AUC: 0.56) and the Rad-score model (C-index: 0.87, AUC: 0.92). Risk classification using the combined model showed that the 1-year cumulative incidence of grade 2 or higher RP was 65% in the high-risk group, significantly higher than 15% in the low-risk group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The combined model with Rad-score and clinical factors can predict grade 2 or higher RP in NSCLC patients with high accuracy.

Anterolaterally Projecting Clinoid Segment Aneurysm Causing Oculomotor Palsy, with an Anatomical Review of the Clinoid Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery

We describe a rare case of an anterolaterally projecting clinoid segment aneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) causing oculomotor palsy. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our facility because of right oculomotor palsy that had been found just before surgery to remove bilateral cataracts. Neuroimaging revealed that the patient had an aneurysm at the clinoid segment that projected anterolaterally, eroding the anterior clinoid process. The aneurysm was thought to be compressing the oculomotor nerve, which runs at the upper part of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, thereby causing oculomotor palsy. Endovascular coiling of the aneurysm was successfully performed, and the oculomotor palsy was alleviated postoperatively. Anatomically, there exists the carotid collar between the arterial wall of the clinoid segment and the anterior clinoid process, containing the clinoid venous plexus in it. Hence, the anterolateral wall of the clinoid segment, although protected by a stiff bony structure, has an anatomical base that allows it to protrude centrifugally. Once protrusion occurs, the bone may be eroded by remodeling caused by the aneurysm’s pulsed beating.

[Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Chronic and Intermittent Cord Compression by Tumors upon Neck Rotation:A Case Report]

A 35-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type I presented with right arm weakness and gait disturbance that had developed gradually. MR imaging revealed bilateral intra-and extradural tumors at the C1-2 level. Although the adjacent spinal cord was narrowed, there was no evident contact between the tumors and the spinal cord. Computed tomography myelography revealed that the tumors compressed the cord only during neck rotation. The tumors were resected to make an abundant subdural space around the affected cord. The patient's neurological symptoms improved postoperatively. Because contact between the masses and spinal cord only occurred upon neck rotation, we believe it is important to consider the possibility of intermittent compression, termed dynamic rotational canal stenosis, in patients with masses at the C1-2 level, even when such masses are not seen to be in contact with the cervical cord on routine radiological examination.

Distal superior cerebellar artery aneurysm located at the newly formed anastomotic site with the long circumferential artery of the posterior cerebral artery: A case report

We describe a case of a distal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysm that arose from a unique collateral pathway between the SCA and long circumferential artery (LCA) of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The patient was a 69-year-old male who was admitted to our facility for an asymptomatic and incidentally identified cerebellar aneurysm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a saccular aneurysm arising from the right SCA in the quadrigeminal cistern. Digital subtraction angiography revealed an unusually dilated branch from the aneurysmal sac. Furthermore, this branch had retrograde flow from the quadrigeminal segment to the anterior pontomesencephalic segment, was connected to the PCA at the P1 segment, and exited from the P2 segment. We attributed this unusual angioarchitecture to collateral circulation secondary to severe P1 stenosis. Thus, the dilated unusual branch is an LCA of the PCA for supplying the distal PCA with blood flow. As a result, the aneurysm is probably formed at the junction between the SCA and LCA. Endovascular coiling for the aneurysm was successfully performed with preserved collateral system.

Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Originating from the Jugular Branch of the Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

The variation in which the posterior inferior cerebellar artery arises from the hypoglossal branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery is thought to be related to the remnant of the primitive hypoglossal artery, and is referred to as a primitive hypoglossal artery variant. Cases in which the posterior inferior cerebellar artery arises from the jugular branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery are extremely rare. The authors present a case of a 50-year-old male with vertebral artery dissection who had this extremely rare variation bilaterally. The patient also had several rare variations of the intracranial vessels. This posterior inferior cerebellar artery arising from the jugular branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery may have developed due to the anastomosis between the meningeal and the pial vessels of the posterior fossa. Alternatively, an unknown primitive anastomotic artery may have passed through the jugular foramen. Genetic factors may play an important role in the presence of this anomalous vessel.

Acceleration of blood flow as an indicator of improved hemodynamics after indirect bypass surgery in Moyamoya disease

OBJECTIVE

The ultrasonography findings in the superficial temporal artery (STA) in Moyamoya disease patients treated with indirect bypass remain unclear. We evaluated the time-related changes in ultrasonography findings of the STA main trunk and branches in patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis (EDAS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n=21, 30 sides) with Moyamoya disease who underwent EDAS at Fukuoka University Hospital were prospectively registered between 2008 and 2015. EDAS using the frontal and parietal branches of the STA was adopted in an indirect bypass procedure. Mean velocity (MV) and resistance index (RI) were used as ultrasonography markers, and their changes over time in the STA main trunk and branches were assessed.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in MV in both the STA main trunk (p=0.001) and branches (frontal: p=0.005, parietal: p=0.003) at 3 months after EDAS, whereas there was a decrease in RI at 14days after EDAS (main trunk: p <0.001, frontal: p <0.001, parietal: p=0.014). In subgroup analysis of patients divided by EDAS outcome, compared with before EDAS, there were significant differences at 3 months after EDAS in MV (responders: main trunk: p=0.002, frontal: p=0.001, parietal: p=0.001; non-responders: main trunk: p=0.093, frontal: p=0.24, parietal: p=0.96) and RI (responders: main trunk: p<0.001, frontal: p<0.001, parietal: p=0.006; non-responders: main trunk: p=0.17, frontal: p=0.12, parietal: p=0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of MV may be useful for predicting outcome at 3 months after EDAS.

Successfully Treated Isolated Posterior Spinal Artery Aneurysm Causing Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Case Report

There are very few published reports of rupture of an isolated posterior spinal artery (PSA) aneurysm, and consequently the optimal therapeutic strategy is debatable. An 84-year-old man presented with sudden onset of restlessness and disorientation. Neuroradiological imaging showed an intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with no visible intracranial vascular lesion. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a localized subarachnoid hematoma at Th10–11. Both contrast-enhanced spinal computed tomography and enhanced MRI and magnetic resonance angiography revealed an area of enhancement within the hematoma. Superselective angiography of the left Th12 intercostal artery demonstrated a faintly enhanced spot in the venous phase. Thirteen days after the onset of symptoms, a small fusiform aneurysm situated on the radiculopial artery was resected. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and he was eventually discharged in an ambulatory condition. To our knowledge, this 84-year-old man is the oldest reported case of surgical management of a ruptured isolated PSA aneurysm. This case illustrates both the validity and efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

Reversible occlusion of donor vessel caused by mouth opening after superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis in adult moyamoya patients

OBJECT

The authors experienced an intriguing phenomenon in 2 adult patients with moyamoya disease. Mouth opening caused reversible occlusion of the donor superficial temporal artery (STA), and the patients exhibited transient cerebral ischemic symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of such occlusion and the mechanism of this phenomenon.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive adult patients with moyamoya disease (15 affected sides) who underwent STA-middle cerebral artery anastomosis were included in this study. Ultrasound examination was performed more than 3 months postoperatively to determine whether mouth opening affected blood flow of the donor STA and led to any ischemic symptoms within 1 minute. Computed tomography angiography was performed during both mouth opening and mouth closing, when blood flow changes of the donor STA were recognized.

RESULTS

Under wide mouth opening, steno-occlusion of the donor STA occurred in 5 of 15 sides (33.3%). On 1 side (6.7%), complete occlusion induced ischemic symptoms. Steno-occlusion occurred by at least 2 mechanisms: either the stretched temporalis muscle pushed the donor STA against the edge of the bone window, or the redundant donor STA kinked when the muscle was stretched.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with temporary occlusion of the donor STA, ischemic symptoms seem to rarely occur. However, to avoid the "big bite ischemic phenomenon," the authors recommend securing a sufficient distance between the donor STA and the edge of the bone window and avoiding a redundant course of the donor STA within the muscle layer.

Two cases of subfrontal schwannoma, including a rare case located between the endosteal and meningeal layers of the dura

Subfrontal schwannomas arising from the olfactory groove are rare and their origin remains uncertain because olfactory bulbs do not possess Schwann cells. We present two cases of subfrontal schwannomas treated with surgical resection. In one case, the tumor was located between the endosteal and meningeal layers of the dura mater. This rare case suggests that subfrontal schwannomas may originate from the fila olfactoria.

Deterioration of glaucoma after carotid endarterectomy

A 64-year-old man with a long history of untreated diabetes mellitus had suffered from visual disturbance in his right eye. Neovascular glaucoma in the right eye and diabetic retinopathy in both eyes were found, and ischemic ocular syndrome was suspected for the right eye. Neuroimaging revealed severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery. He was first treated for diabetes and glaucoma, and then, after these conditions were stabilized, right carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was carried out. Although the operation was uneventful, he suffered from headache and his right sight was blurred on the day after surgery. Right intraocular pressure was markedly increased, and corneal edema and increased iris neovascularization were also recognized. Intensive ophthalmologic care was carried out, but his right vision worsened and was eventually lost. Ocular ischemia causes not only neovascularization of the iris, which leads to insufficient resorption of the aqueous humor, but also insufficient production of the aqueous humor. After CEA, production of the humor is immediately activated, but the resorption capacity does not change, which results in an extraordinary increase in intraocular pressure. Neurosurgeons should be aware that CEA not only improves or avoids worsening of vision in patients with ischemic oculopathy, but can also rarely cause paradoxical devastating visual deterioration.

A new transvenous approach to the carotid-cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein

Object

The transvenous approach via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is commonly used as the most appropriate for carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) or cavernous sinus sampling. However, sometimes the IPS is not accessible because of anatomical problems and/or complications, therefore an alternative route is needed. In this paper, the authors present and discuss the utility of a transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein.

Methods

Four patients, 3 with dural CCFs and the other with Cushing disease, in whom endovascular surgical attempts failed using a conventional venous approach via the IPS, underwent a transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrooccipital vein (IPOV). One dural CCF case had only cortical venous drainage, the second CCF also mainly drained into the cortical vein with slight inflow into the superior ophthalmic vein and inferior ophthalmic vein, and the third demonstrated drainage into the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins and IPOV.

Results

In all cases, the cavernous sinus could be accessed successfully via this route and without complications.

Conclusions

The transvenous approach to the cavernous sinus via the IPOV should be considered as an alternative in cases when use of the IPS is precluded by an anatomical problem and there are no other suitable venous approach routes.

[A pregnant case on which EC-IC bypass was successfully performed in the acute phase of brain infarction]

A 30 year-old, 28 weeks-pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 2) suffered from a sudden onset of aphasia when she was having a chat in the upright position. Although the initial symptom soon disappeared, transient attacks of aphasia combined with weakness in the right arm occurred intermittently, particularly when she uprose. MR image disclosed a small acute infarcted focus at the genu of the left internal capsule, while MRA showed an occlusion of the intracranial portion of the left internal carotid artery. She was treated conservatively, but the transient attack continued and her consciousness was slightly lowered. Since repeated examination revealed no recanalization of the occluded artery, treatment was reinforced by using heparin and dopamine on day 1. However, her consciousness was not improved, and dopamine evoked nausea and vomiting. On day 2, superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis was carried out. Soon after surgery, she regained alertness and the transient attack subsided. Examinations could not clarify the course of the occlusion. She was treated with heparin until she delivered a sound baby in the 37th week. Although STA-MCA anastomosis for acute ischemic stroke is still debatable, it may be a good option even for a pregnant woman when suffering from intractable progressing stroke.

Microsurgical anatomy for lateral approaches to the foramen magnum with special reference to transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach

Microsurgical anatomy for lateral approaches to the foramen magnum, especially for transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach, was studied using cadavers. The transcondylar fossa approach is an approach in which extradural removal of the posterior portion of the jugular tubercle through the condylar fossa is added to the far lateral approach. Some differences between this approach and the transcondylar approach are demonstrated. The atlanto-occipital joint and the jugular tubercle are obstacles for the lateral approaches. The condylar fossa forming the external occipital surface of the jugular tubercle is located supero-posterior to the occipital condyle. The fossa is limited laterally by the sigmoid sulcus and the jugular foramen. The posterior condylar canal communicating anteriorly with the distal end of the sigmoid sulcus, the jugular foramen, or the hypoglossal canal opens at the bottom of the fossa. The condyle is situated inferior to the posterior condylar and hypoglossal canals, and the jugular tubercle is located superior to them. In the transcondylar fossa approach the posterior part of the jugular tubercle is extradurally removed, but the condyle and the atlanto-occipital joint are untouched. On the other band, in the transcondylar approach the medial parts of the condyle and the lateral mass of Cl are removed. The latter approach offers better visualization of the inferior part of the foramen magnum. The essential difference of the two approaches is in the direction of looking and the extent of resection of the atlanto-occipital joint. Both approaches offer excellent view of the ventral dural space in the lower clivus and the foramen magnum, but the level of exposure differs somewhat between them. In the lateral approaches to the foramen magnum, the condylar fossa, the posterior condylar canal, and the posterior condylar emissary vein all play an important role as intraoperative anatomical landmarks.

The architecture of the arcuate eminence-a microanatomical study and its application to the transpetrosal approach

This study was performed to determine if the arcuate eminence can be drilled down without opening the semicircular canal to obtain a flatter operative field during an anterior or posterior transpetrosal approach. The depth of the superior semicircular canal from the top of the arcuate eminence was measured in 43 dry temporal bones. We found that the arcuate eminence was situated approximately 20 mm from the petrosigmoid intersection, and the superior semicircular canal was located 2.0 mm deep from the top of the arcuate eminence (range, 0.2 mm to 4.2 mm). The arcuate eminence consists of either (1) the otic capsule and additional overlying bone, (2) the naked otic capsule of normal thickness, or (3) the thinned otic capsule. In cases strictly selected by preoperative computed tomography, it may be possible to drill down the arcuate eminence with meticulous manipulation. The relationship between opening the semicircular canal and hearing preservation is also discussed.

Marked difference between adults and children in Bordetella pertussis DNA load in nasopharyngeal swabs

Bordetella pertussis is the aetiologic agent of whooping cough, a common cause of severe respiratory illness in children and prolonged mild cough in adults. To understand some of the reasons for differences in clinical symptoms between adults and children, we measured B. pertussis DNA loads in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from 19 adults and 40 children (including 14 infants) by quantitative IS481 real-time PCR. All cases had been pre-diagnosed with the B. pertussis-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification method. The mean PCR threshold cycles for adult and child NPS were 34.9 and 27.1, respectively, indicating a significantly lower B. pertussis DNA load in adults than in children (p <0.001). Moreover, adults had very low DNA loads during both early and later stages of the disease. When corresponding bacterial loads in NPS were calculated for B. pertussis Tohama cells using a standard curve, the mean number of bacterial cells taken with a rayon-tipped swab from an adult, older child and infant was estimated to be 320 (95% CI 120-910), 2.1 × 10⁴(95% CI 5.3 × 10³ to 8.3 × 10⁴) and 1.1 × 10⁶ cells (95% CI 1.2 × 10⁵ to 8.9 × 10⁶), respectively. This indicates that the B. pertussis load in NPS is closely correlated with patient age. Our observations suggest that adult pertussis is characterized by a lower bacterial load in the nasopharynx, resulting in milder symptoms and negative cultures.

A patient with a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor who underwent epilepsy surgery after initial seizure

BACKGROUND

Since dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are benign tumors that are frequently associated with long-standing medically intractable epilepsy, it is well known that the surgical strategy is resection of the associated epileptogenic zone as well as the tumor. However, the surgical strategy for DNT with a single seizure has not been fully discussed.

METHODS

We report an 8-year-old boy with DNT in the nondominant frontal lobe who underwent epilepsy surgery at 3 months after his initial seizure.

RESULTS

An intraoperative electrocorticogram revealed frequent paroxysmal cortical activity lateral to the tumor. Since resection of the tumor resulted in persistent paroxysmal activity in this cortex, additional resection was performed. The histological findings in the cortex revealed the presence of cortical dysplasia (CD) (Palmini type IIA). Lesionectomy alone might have left the epileptogenic CD.

CONCLUSION

It is thought that epilepsy surgery should be recommended in patients with typical neuroimaging findings of DNT, even if the patients had only one episode of seizure.

Risk factors of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Although acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a well known clinical condition, predicting risk factors remain unknown. We evaluated the frequency, risk factors and impact on survival of AE-IPF.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients diagnosed with IPF based on the criteria of the ATS/ERS consensus statement and followed them for periods of more than 3 years except in dead cases. Initial characteristics including the level of dyspnoea, which was assessed with the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, and decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) defined by at least 10% decline at 6 months, were evaluated as possible risk factors for AE.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients with IPF were studied. One-year, two-year, and three-year incidence of AE were 8.6%, 12.6%, and 23.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher body mass index (BMI) [hazard ratio (HR), 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.40], higher modified MRC scale [HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.46-5.85], and a decline in FVC at 6 mounths [HR, 0.97-2.60 (per mo); 95% CI, 1.01-7.45] were independent risk factors for AE-IPF. The causes of death were assessed to be AE in 20 of 57 expired patients. A stepwise multivariate Cox regression model evaluating AE-IPF, adjusted for %FVC and decline in FVC, demonstrated a statistically significant impact on overall survival [HR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.59-4.88; p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that initial high modified MRC scale, high BMI, and decline in FVC at 6 months were significant independent risk factors for AE-IPF. AE was an independent prognostic factor in IPF.

[Growing skullbase fracture--a case report with special reference to its pathogenesis]

This report describes a growing skullbase fracture in a six-year-old girl. She had a history of anterior skullbase fracture three years previously and meningitis two years later. She was referred to our hospital because of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Neuroimaging disclosed a bone defect and meningocele at the same site as the previous fracture. Although a growing skull fracture of the anterior cranial base is extremely rare, the reported cases include not only pediatric patients but also adults. Furthermore, posttraumatic pseudo-meningocele or encephalocele can be considered to be part of the same entity as growing skullbase fracture. Therefore, "weakness of surrounding tissue" seems to be another important factor as well as "the expanding force of the growing brain" and "dural tear", which are well-known to be essential in the growth of a fracture. Since a growing fracture at the anterior skullbase is difficult to identify from the outside, it is very important to follow-up changes in the fracture line from the acute stage of injury.

Ectopic pituitary adenoma in the cavernous sinus causing oculomotor nerve paresis--case report

A 24-year-old woman presented with a rare adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-positive pituitary adenoma in the cavernous sinus, manifesting as sudden onset of oculomotor nerve paresis. Neuroimaging revealed a tumor in the cavernous sinus bulging into the subdural space. There was no continuity between the tumor and the pituitary gland in the sella turcica. Gross total removal of the tumor was performed through the orbitozygomatic approach followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. The oculomotor nerve paresis was resolved. Histological examination revealed an adenoma positive for ACTH. Ectopic pituitary adenoma occurs mostly in the sphenoid sinus or the suprasellar region. This extremely rare case of ectopic macroadenoma in the cavernous sinus manifested as oculomotor nerve paresis without signs of Cushing's syndrome.

Distinctions between pituicytoma and ordinary pilocytic astrocytoma. Case report

The authors present a rare case of pituicytoma. A dynamic magnetic resonance study performed after Gd injection revealed a markedly, homogeneously enhanced, early-phase pituitary lesion in a 32-year-old woman with a 1-year history of amenorrhea. The tumor bled easily during transsphenoidal resection. The lesion consisted of plump spindle cells and lacked Rosenthal fibers and granular bodies, and thus was different from ordinary pilocytic astrocytoma or any other form of this tumor. Although pituicytoma is often confused with pilocytic astrocytoma when it appears in the sellar region, these two kinds of gliomas should be distinguished on the basis of histological differences.

[A case of cerebral syphilitic gumma]

A 38-year-old man experienced an intermittent low-grade fever with generalized eruption, followed by rapidly progressive right hemiplegia. Neuroimaging revealed a ring-like enhanced mass in the left premotor cortex surrounded by marked perifocal edema. The syphilitic titer was high both in the serum and in the cerebrospinal fluid. Open biopsy of the lesion revealed the tumor consisted of inflammatory cells associated with plasmacyte infiltration to the perivascular region as well as to the dura, which is consistent with the definition of syphilitic gumma. The abnormalities in neurology and in neuroimaging improved dramatically after antisyphilitic treatment. Difficulties in differentiating a cerebral gumma from other diseases are discussed.

Cutaneous necrosis after superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis: is it predictable or avoidable?

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to determine whether a relationship exists between cutaneous necrosis after superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis and background risk factors or surgical methods, and to determine whether such necrosis is predictable or avoidable.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients (a total of 51 sides) with atherosclerotic lesions of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery who underwent superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis at the National Kyushu Medical Center Hospital between September 1, 1994, and August 31, 1999, were reviewed. Each procedure was analyzed to determine whether cutaneous necrosis was present postoperatively around the donor site, whether preexisting risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and arteriosclerosis obliterans) were present, and whether a flap or cutdown method or a single or double anastomosis was performed.

RESULTS

Postoperative necrosis was clearly related to arteriosclerosis obliterans (P < 0.003). The tendency for a relationship between necrosis and smoking was noted. Although statistical analysis failed to demonstrate a significant difference, necrosis was found with the flap method but not with the cutdown method.

CONCLUSION

Further study is needed using greater numbers to clarify the relationship between the surgical method and the presence of necrosis. To prevent cutaneous necrosis, however, it may be preferable to use the cutdown method in patients with the preexisting risk factors of arteriosclerosis obliterans or in smokers.

Hearing restoration from deafness after resection of a large cerebellopontine angle meningioma--case report

A 61-year-old man presented with a large cerebellopontine angle meningioma manifesting as a 1-year history of deafness on the right side, in whom hearing was restored from the deaf state immediately after tumor resection. Neuroimaging demonstrated a large mass in the right cerebellopontine angle, originating at the region adjacent to the jugular foramen. Audiometry showed his hearing was off-scale (> 105 dB) on the right. The tumor was successfully removed through the retrosigmoid approach, and the integrity of the 7th and 8th cranial nerves was maintained. The patient regained hearing on the day after the operation, which continued to improve until near-normal. The 8th cranial nerve function may recover dramatically after removal of non-acoustic tumors, even if preoperative hearing loss is profound. To maximize the opportunity to regain hearing, approaches which devastate cochlear function should be avoided and more meticulous manipulation during tumor removal is needed.

[Extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma to the lung and heart with a histological resemblance to small cell carcinoma of the lung: an autopsy case]

An autopsy case of small cell glioblastoma, showing multiple extracranial metastases, is reported with special reference to histopathological differentiation from metastatic small cell carcinoma. Widely spread lesions in the bilateral lungs were developed after an operation and chemo-radiotherapy for glioblastoma, and the lung lesions led to fatal respiratory failure. Postmortem examination revealed multiple tumors in the lung, lymph nodes, and the heart, as well as local invasion of the primary tumor to the dura, skull, and the scalp. The mechanism of extracranial metastasis of brain tumor is discussed.

[A case of gliomatosis cerebri: remarkable improvement after radiation therapy]

A 30-year-old female case of gliomatosis cerebri, which showed remarkable improvement after radiation therapy is reported. The lesion had spread widely in the frontal and parietal lobes of both sides, causing diffuse swelling of the cerebral hemispheres. A specimen obtained by open biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of astrocytic (GFAP positive) tumor cells, associated with little tissue destruction. After whole-brain radiation of 60 Gy, the lesion shrunk gradually but markedly. Hemiparesis and mild dementia, which the patient had experienced before treatment, subsided completely within 6 months, until she was able to restart her job as a dentist. Although gliomatosis cerebri is thought to have a poor prognosis, this case demonstrates the potential of radiotherapy for this disease. Factors which may lead to a better outcome are discussed.

Interleukin-8 and SDF1-alpha mRNA expression in colonic biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) as an alpha-chemokine recruits and activates neutrophils, which are abundant in the intestinal lesions of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1-alpha) is a new chemokine that is chemotactic to neutrophils. The aims of this study were to assess the relative expression of SDF1-alpha and IL-8 mRNA in different colonic regions and patients with inflammatory bowel disease with varied degrees of inflammation in the colon.

METHODS

Colon biopsy samples were obtained from 19 patients with UC, 12 with CD, and 5 with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who underwent colonoscopy. Levels of IL-8 and SDF1-alpha mRNA expression were measured semiquantitatively by reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification. The cytokine mRNA levels were corrected for glyceraldelyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression.

RESULTS

IL-8 mRNA expression was significantly correlated with SDF1-alpha expression in normal biopsies from IBS patients (r = 0.58, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in cytokine mRNA expression (IL-8 or SDF1-alpha) across different regions of the colon or rectum in uninflamed normal biopsies. The IL-8 mRNA expression ratios in UC (mean +/- SD, 1.03 +/- 0.52) and CD (0.90 +/- 0.38) patients were significantly higher than in IBS (0.52 +/- 0.17) (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). The SDF1-alpha mRNA expression ratio in UC (0.30 +/- 0.52) was higher than in both CD (0.21 +/- 0.10) and IBS patients (0.22 +/- 0.11) (p < 0.01, <0.05, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was found between the IL-8 mRNA expression and the colonic inflammation in UC patients (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) but not for SDF1-alpha expression in UC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-8 but not SDF1-alpha mRNA expression was associated with inflammation in UC. This suggests that IL-8 may play a more important role in inflammatory bowel disease than does SDF1-alpha.

Proximal gastrectomy and gastric tube reconstruction for early cancer of the gastric cardia

BACKGROUND

Advances in diagnostics and techniques have increased the number of detections of early cancer of the gastric cardia. The aim of this report is to describe a new technique of proximal gastrectomy and gastric tube reconstruction using an autosuture stapler.

METHODS

At operation, the upper part of the stomach was fully mobilized, and the abdominal esophagus was transected. The stomach was cut between the points of the distal three fourths of the lesser curvature and a half of the greater curvature, and a gastric tube measuring 20 cm in length and 4 cm in width was made. A circular stapler was inserted through a stapled line, and direct anastomosis between the esophagus and gastric tube was completed.

RESULTS

When compared with the patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy and jejunal interposition, those who underwent gastric tube reconstruction showed a significantly shorter operation time. All 3 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy and gastric tube reconstruction recovered uneventfully and took foods satisfactorily. Good passage through the gastric tube was recognized on roentgenography, and reflux esophagitis or stomal ulcer was not found on fiberscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe the procedure is technically simple and safe, and provides good postoperative results in patients with early cancer of the gastric cardia.

Trajectory of the hypoglossal nerve in the hypoglossal canal: significance for the transcondylar approach

A microanatomical study of the hypoglossal canal and its surrounding area was carried out using dry skulls and cadaveric heads to determine the course of the hypoglossal nerve in the hypoglossal canal, especially the significance for the transcondylar approach. The hypoglossal nerve enters the superomedial part of the hypoglossal canal as two bundles, which then change course abruptly to an anterosuperior direction, and unite as one trunk before exiting the canal. The hypoglossal nerve has an oblique course in the canal rather than being located in the center, and exits through the inferolateral part of the canal. A venous plexus surrounds the entire length of the nerve bundles in the canal. The present results suggest that during drilling the occipital condyle toward the hypoglossal canal from behind, the surgeon does not need to be overly concerned even if some bleeding occurs from the posterolateral edge of the hypoglossal canal.

[Infratemporal fossa approach for mid-skull base lesion: its usefulness, surgical anatomy, and intraoperative device]

The usefulness of the infratemporal fossa type C approach is reported through a presentation of a case of clival chordoma, which was successfully treated by this approach. Although it is complicated and includes some demerits, this approach gives a shorter and wider access to mid-skull base pathology than other approaches. Among the demerits, deformity of the temporal region caused by extensive drilling of the bone could be minimized by cosmetic mastoidectomy, which was first applied during this approach by the authors. The surgical anatomy for this approach is demonstrated using a cadaver specimen.

[A case of severe stenosis of bilateral distal vertebral artery successfully treated with anastomosis operation]

A 65-year-old male complained of loss of consciousness for several minutes, transient diplopia and dizziness. He had no neurological deficits nor abnormalities in MR imaging. However, flow velocity of bilateral vertebral artery on ultrasonography indicated severe stenosis of bilateral distal vertebral artery. Brain angiography revealed severe stenosis of bilateral distal vertebral artery as well as occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Single photon emission CT (SPECT: ECD-RVR method with acetazolamide loading) showed decreased cerebral blood flow and poor perfusion reserve in bilateral cerebellar hemisphere and right MCA territory. Superficial temporal artery-superior cerebellar artery (STA-SCA) anastomosis was performed. The patient turned out to have no episodes of unconsciousness attack, transient diplopia and dizziness after operation. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the posterior circulation was also improved. Evaluating quantitative CBF measurement by means of ECD-RVR method was useful for evaluating CBF. In cases who have severe stenosis of bilateral distal vertebral artery with complaints of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, STA-SCA anastomosis may be one of the most effective treatments.

[Anesthetic management for a patient with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita]

An 11-year-old girl with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita in the spine was scheduled for virectomy under general anesthesia. She had slight scoliosis in the thoracic and lumbar spine, moderate funnel chest and slight thoracic kyphosis. Preoperative laboratory data were within normal range and her intelligence was normal. Her Mallanpathi's score, however, was Grade 3 and effective mandibular length/posterior depth of mandible ratio was 3.48 on the lateral view of head X-ray. From these data, difficult intubation was expected. Although anesthesia was induced uneventfully using thiamylal and vecuronium, her vocal cord was not visualized under laryngoscope. Using cricoid pressure procedure, slightly left-shifted vocal cord was exposed. However a 26 Fr. size endotracheal tube without cuff was too large and finally a 22 Fr. tube was inserted. During the operation patient's general condition was stable and the operation was finished without any episodes. She did not have any complications in the postoperative period. In a case of SDC, pathological changes in laryngotracheal resion should be examined and evaluated preoperatively and difficult intubation should also be always taken into account.

Development of a 1 MV field-emission transmission electron microscope

We developed a 1 MV field-emission transmission electron microscope. This paper reports details and specifications of the instrument. The microscope was designed to obtain a bright and coherent electron beam by using the field emission gun equipped with a pre-accelerating magnetic lens and the high-voltage power supply with high stability (0.5 ppm min(-1)). Using this microscope, the brightness of 1.8 x 10(10) A cm(-2) sr(-1) and the lattice resolution of 49.8 pm were attained.

Distribution of brainstem somatosensory evoked potentials following upper and lower limb stimulation

OBJECTIVE

Because somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to lower limb stimulation have not been recorded from the brainstem to the extent that upper limb SEPs have been studied, we compared brainstem recordings in response to both median nerve (MN) and posterior tibial nerve (PTN)stimulation.

METHODS

SEPs were recorded directly from the dorsal surface of the brainstem in four patients with fourth ventricle tumors.

RESULTS

Following MN stimulation, medullary SEPs were characterized by a major negativity (N1) preceded by a small positivity (P1) and followed by a large positivity (P2). In the pons, triphasic waves with predominant negativity were obtained. With PTN stimulation, similar medullary SEPs with a P1'-N1'-P2' configuration and pontine SEPs with a triphasic waveform were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the distribution of PTN SEP was identical to that of MN SEP, PTN SEPs are thought to be generated by mechanisms similar to those for MN SEP. Thus, the P1' and N1' of medullary SEP would be generated by the dorsal column fibers that terminate in the nucleus, with P2' possibly arising postsynaptically in the nucleus. The triphasic PTN SEP from the pons reflects an axonal potential generated in the medial lemniscal pathway.