Makoto Isozaki

Can the detection of misery perfusion in chronic cerebrovascular disease be based on reductions in baseline CBF and vasoreactivity

Abstract:Purpose:The aim of this study was to clarify whether decreases in baseline regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and in residual cerebral vasoreactivity (CVR), assessed by the acetazolamide (ACZ) challenge, can detect misery perfusion in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease (CVD).Methods:Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and other haemodynamic parameters were measured in 115 patients (64±9 years old) with unilateral cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease (>70% stenosis) using 15O-gas and water PET. A significant elevation of OEF, by greater than the mean+2SD compared with healthy controls, was defined as misery perfusion. CBF, CVR determined by percent change in CBF after ACZ administration, OEF and other haemodynamic parameters in the territories of the bilateral middle cerebral arteries were analysed. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of misery perfusion using the criteria determined by baseline CBF and CVR was evaluated in all patients and in only those patients with occlusive lesions.Results:Ten of 24 patients with misery perfusion showed a significant reduction in CVR. Using criteria determined by significant decreases in CVR and baseline CBF, misery perfusion was detected with a sensitivity of 42% and a specificity of 95% in all patients. In patients with occlusive lesions (n=50), sensitivity was higher but specificity was slightly lower. The diagnostic accuracy of the threshold determined by baseline CBF alone was similar in all patients and in only those patients with occlusive lesions, and was higher than that achieved using the asymmetry index of OEF.Conclusion:Reductions in CVR and baseline CBF in the ACZ challenge for CVD would detect misery perfusion with high specificity. Reduction in baseline rCBF is more accurate than reduction in CVR alone for the detection of misery perfusion.

Arterial Transit Time Mapping Obtained by Pulsed Continuous 3D ASL Imaging with Multiple Post-Label Delay Acquisitions: Comparative Study with PET-CBF in Patients with Chronic Occlusive Cerebrovascular Disease

Arterial transit time (ATT) is most crucial for measuring absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) by arterial spin labeling (ASL), a noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion assessment technique, in patients with chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease. We validated ASL-CBF and ASL-ATT maps calculated by pulsed continuous ASL (pCASL) with multiple post-label delay acquisitions in patients with occlusive cerebrovascular disease. Fifteen patients underwent MR scans, including pCASL, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans with 15O-water to obtain PET-CBF. MR acquisitions with different post-label delays (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 sec) were also obtained for ATT correction. The theoretical framework of 2-compartmental model (2CM) was also used for the delay compensation. ASL-CBF and ASL-ATT were calculated based on the proposed 2CM, and the effect on the CBF values and the ATT correction characteristics were discussed. Linear regression analyses were performed both on pixel-by-pixel and region-of-interest bases in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. There were significant correlations between ASL-CBF and PET-CBF both for voxel values (r = 0.74 ± 0.08, slope: 0.87 ± 0.22, intercept: 6.1 ± 4.9) and for the MCA territorial comparison in both affected (R2 = 0.67, y = 0.83x + 6.3) and contralateral sides (R2 = 0.66, y = 0.74x + 6.3). ASL-ATTs in the affected side were significantly longer than those in the contralateral side (1.51 ± 0.41 sec and 1.12 ± 0.30 sec, respectively, p <0.0005). CBF measurement using pCASL with delay compensation was feasible and fairly accurate even in altered hemodynamic states.

Shorter Examination Method for the Diagnosis of Misery Perfusion with Count-Based Oxygen Extraction Fraction Elevation in 15O-Gas PET

15O-Gas PET is useful for evaluating hemodynamic status in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. To reduce examination time and exposure to radioactive gas, we assessed a count-based method with shorter continuous 15O2 gas inhalation. Methods: Twenty-five patients (66 ± 13 [mean ± SD] y old) with unilateral cerebrovascular stenoocclusive disease were examined by use of measurements of asymmetric oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) elevation. Dynamic PET scans of 1 min per frame were obtained starting 2 min after the beginning of 15O2 inhalation at a constant flow rate (740 MBq/min). Each subject also underwent C15O and H215O PET with the bolus administration method. To evaluate the effects of different scan start times and durations during 15O2 inhalation, we extracted and summed individual 15O2 PET data from the dynamic 15O2 dataset. Count-based OEF (cbOEF) images were calculated from 15O2 and H215O PET images. The asymmetric indices (AI) of cbOEF (cbOEF-AI) were obtained from regions of interest drawn on territories of the bilateral middle cerebral artery. These AI were compared with the AI of quantitative OEF (qOEF-AI). Results: The slopes of the regression lines and the coefficients of correlation between qOEF-AI and cbOEF-AI were close to 1.00 and greater than 0.79, respectively, regardless of different scan start times and durations. The cbOEF-AI obtained with a longer scan duration were closer to the qOEF-AI than those obtained with a shorter scan duration. Longer scan durations also provided better coefficients of correlation between cbOEF-AI and qOEF-AI regardless of scan start times. The coefficients of correlation between cbOEF-AI and qOEF-AI were greater than 0.90, except for cbOEF-AI obtained from 15O2 images at 2–3 min after 15O2 inhalation. Conclusion: The cbOEF obtained by 15O2 imaging from 4 min after 15O2 inhalation to 7 min or longer can correctly diagnose misery perfusion. The less invasive count-based PET method used in this study will be able to reduce examination time, exposure time, and stress for patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Predictive Factors for the Occurrence of Visual and Ischemic Complications After Open Surgery for Paraclinoid Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery

OBJECTIVE To investigate the predictive factors for visual and ischemic complications after open surgery for paraclinoid aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-eight consecutive patients with unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms of ICA operated on between 2009 and 2013 were included in this study. The male:female ratio was 6:32 and the ages ranged from 33 to 81 (mean: 60 ± 2). Twenty cases were asymptomatic and 18 had ophthalmological symptoms. The sizes of the aneurysms ranged from 2 to 35 mm (mean: 10.6 ± 9 mm). Twenty-three patients were treated by clipping and 15 by trapping with bypass (high-flow bypass in 11, and low-flow in 4). Twenty-four patients underwent removal of the anterior clinoid process. Among them, 8 underwent en bloc anterior clinoidectomy with a high-speed drill, and 16 had piecemeal excision with a microrongeur or ultrasonic bone curette. Intraoperative monitoring was performed using motor-evoked potentials (MEP) and visual-evoked potentials (VEP) in 27 and 15 cases, respectively. RESULTS Complete obliteration of the aneurysm was achieved in 37 cases (97.4 %). The patency rate of bypass was 100 %. Postoperative worsening of visual acuity, including one case of blindness, was observed in six cases (11 %). Worsening of visual field defects occurred in 14 cases (38 %), but 10 of them were transient. Transient oculomotor nerve palsy occurred in six cases (15 %). Postoperative stroke was detected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in five cases (13 %), four of which were symptomatic. Statistical analysis showed that piecemeal anterior clinoidectomy was significantly safer than en bloc removal in preserving visual function. Trapping with high-flow bypass had a significantly greater risk of postoperative stroke than direct clipping. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative VEP monitoring might be useful for preventing postoperative worsening of visual function. Two-stage treatment with bypass and endovascular trapping might be safer than single-stage trapping alone.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a patient with acquired Factor X deficiency secondary to systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis

Abstract Background Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is relatively rare. SSEH with anticoagulants including warfarin and rivaroxaban (Factor Xa inhibitor) have been reported; however, SSEH with Factor X deficiency has not been described yet. Methods Case report. Findings An 82-year-old woman with acquired Factor X deficiency complained of sudden onset of severe posterior neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an epidural hematoma from C3 to T3 levels. Because she showed tetraparesis on the third hospital day, we performed surgery. Just before surgery, her prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was 2.49, which was immediately reversed by infusion of prothrombin complex concentrate. The patient safely underwent an emergency laminectomy from C3 to T2, in which the epidural hematoma was evacuated. Post-operatively, the patient recovered completely without rebleeding. Hematologists found acquired deficiency of Factor X in this patient with systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of SSEH with Factor X deficiency. A blood coagulation disorder should be considered in patients with SSEH.

Thin-film electroencephalographic electrodes using multi-walled carbon nanotubes are effective for neurosurgery

BackgroundIntraoperative morphological and functional monitoring is essential for safe neurosurgery. Functional monitoring is based on electroencephalography (EEG), which uses silver electrodes. However, these electrodes generate metal artifacts as silver blocks X-rays, creating white radial lines on computed tomography (CT) images during surgery. Thick electrodes interfere with surgical procedures. Thus, thinner and lighter electrodes are ideal for intraoperative use.MethodsThe authors developed thin brain electrodes using carbon nanotubes that were formed into thin sheets and connected to electrical wires.ResultsThe nanotube sheets were soft and fitted the curve of the head very well. When attached to the head using paste, the impedance of the newly developed electrodes was 5 kΩ or lower, which was similar to that of conventional metal electrodes. These electrodes can be used in combination with intraoperative CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or cerebral angiography. Somatosensory-evoked potentials, auditory brainstem responses, and visually evoked potentials were clearly identified in ten volunteers. The electrodes, without any artifacts that distort images, did not interfere with X-rays, CT, or MR images. They also did not cause skin damage.ConclusionsCarbon nanotube electrodes may be ideal for neurosurgery.

Pathological examination of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in patients who underwent removal of lobar hemorrhages

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a degenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the brain microvessels. CAA is also known to contribute not only to cortical microbleeds but also lobar hemorrhages. This retrospective study examined CAA pathologically in patients who underwent direct surgeries for lobar hemorrhage. Thirty-three patients with lobar hemorrhage underwent open surgery with biopsy from 2007 to 2016 in our hospital. Cortical tissues over hematomas obtained surgically were pathologically examined using hematoxylin, eosin stain, and anti-Aβ antibody to diagnose CAA. We also investigated the advanced degree of CAA and clinical features of each patient with lobar hemorrhage. In the 33 patients, 4 yielded specimens that were insufficient to evaluate CAA pathologically. Twenty-four of the remaining 29 patients (82.8%) were pathologically diagnosed with CAA. The majority of CAA-positive patients had moderate or severe CAA based on a grading scale to estimate the advanced degree of CAA. About half of the CAA-positive patients had hypertension, and four took anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. In five patients who were not pathologically diagnosed with CAA, one had severe liver function disorder, three had uncontrollable hypertension, and one had no obvious risk factor. Our pathological findings suggest that severe CAA with vasculopathic change markedly contributes to lobar hemorrhage. The coexistence of severe CAA and risk factors such as hypertension, anticoagulants or antiplatelets may readily induce lobar hemorrhage.

Evaluation of obliteration of arteriovenous malformations after stereotactic radiosurgery with arterial spin labeling MR imaging

Abstract Purpose: Complete obliteration of treated arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be diagnosed only by confirming the disappearance of arterio-venous (A-V) shunts with invasive catheter angiography. The authors evaluated whether non-invasive arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to diagnose the obliteration of AVMs facilitate the diagnosis of AVM obliteration after treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Material and methods: Seven patients with a cerebral AVM treated by SRS were followed up with ASL images taken with a 3T-MR unit, and received digital subtraction angiography (DSA) after the AVM had disappeared on ASL images. Three patients among the seven received DSA also after the postradiosurgical AVM had disappeared on conventional MR images but A-V shunt was residual on ASL images. Four patients among the seven received contrast-enhanced (CE) MR imaging around the same period as DSA. Results: ASL images could visualize postradiosurgical residual A-V shunts clearly. In all seven patients, DSA after the disappearance of A-V shunts on ASL images demonstrated no evidence of A-V shunts. In all three patients, DSA after the AVM had disappeared on conventional MR images but not on ASL images demonstrated residual A-V shunt. CE MR findings of AVMs treated by SRS did not correspond with DSA findings in three out of four patients. Conclusions: Findings of radiosurgically treated AVMs on ASL images corresponded with those on DSA. The results of this study suggest that ASL imaging can be utilized to follow up AVMs after SRS and to decide their obliteration facilitate to decide the precise timing of catheter angiography for the final diagnosis of AVM obliteration after SRS.

Super-selective Balloon Test Occlusion of the Posterior Communicating Artery in the Treatment of a Posterior Cerebral Artery Fusiform Aneurysm: a Case Report

We report the case of a 49-year-old man with underlying hypertension who developed diplopia lasting 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography showed multi-lobular unruptured aneurysms in the P2 portion of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) migrating into the interpeduncular cistern of the midbrain. Because the shapes of the aneurysms were serpentine fusiform and the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was the fetal type, we planned anastomosis of the occipital artery to the P4 portion of the PCA followed by endovascular obliteration of the parent artery including the aneurysms. Endovascular treatment was performed via a femoral approach one week after the anastomosis. Super-selective balloon test occlusion (BTO) of the PCoA was performed by using an occlusion balloon microcatheter before endovascular treatment. Occlusion of the proximal segment of the PCoA induced disturbance of consciousness of the patient. Occlusion of the distal segment other than the first point of the PCoA did not induce any neurological symptoms. The information from this super-selective BTO helped us to perform precise endovascular obliteration. The aneurysm was successfully obliterated, and the diplopia almost disappeared in a few months. Super-selective BTO of the PCoA might be a useful method for preventing ischemic complications due to occlusion of invisible perforators.