Objective To observe the effect of methylprednisolone (MP) pre-intervention on ex-pressions of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in cells in rat spinal cord following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods One hundred and fifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: group A (control) in which the abdominal aorta was exposed without any treatment, group B in which the abdominal aorta was clipped for 30 minutes before reperfusion for 3 bours to establish a model of ischemia- reperfusion injury, and group C in which intravenous MP injection was conducted 30 minutes before the establishment of the ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Three hours later the spinal cords were harvested. Pathological changes of spinal cord cells were observed with HE staining and expressions of HSP27 and TNF-α in spinal cord cells were observed with immunohistochemical staining. The motor function of hind-limbs before was evaluated before sample harvest. The data were analyzed with SPSS software. Results There were significant differences between groups A and B in the expressions of TNF-α and HSP27. Compared with group B, the expression of TNF-α decreased and HSP27 increased in group C, with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The motor function score of hind-limbs decreased in group B but improved in group C. Conclusions Since MP can decrease the expression of TNF-α and up-regulate the expression of HSP27, it has a potency of neuro-protection. Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury can be avoided or decreased after MP pre-intervention.

Objective To analyze the vascular architecture characteristics of the complex direct cavernous arteriovenous fistula (cd-CAVF) and to discuss its treatment and the curative effect of interventional embolization. Methods The hospitalization records, imaging features and operation records of 12 patients with cd-CAVF were retrospectively analyzed. Results In the 12 patients with cd-CAVF, the lesion’s blood supply arteries included internal carotid artery (ICA,n=8), primary trigeminal artery (PTA,n=1), middle cerebral artery (MMA,n=2) and basilar artery (BA,n=1). Different degrees of “arterial steal” phenomenon could be observed in all patients. The drainage routes included the superior ophthalmic vein and the inferior petrosal sinus (n=10), and cortical vein (n=2). Interventional embolization was carried out via ICA (n=4), through both ICA and BA (n=5), through MMA (n=2), or through BA (n=1). For the embolization of the lesion the balloons were used in 8 patients, steel coils were adopted in 2 patients, and balloons together with coils were employed in 2 patients. All the patients were followed up for 3-6 months. After the treatment the clinical symptoms and signs disappeared, and the lesions were completely cured in all patients with no complications. During the follow-up period of (60.2 ±26.8) months no recurrence of CAVF was observed. Conclusion The blood supply of cd-CAVF comes directly from the rupture of the blood vessels surrounding the cavernous sinus wall, the “arterial steal” phenomenon is prone to occur, and the drainage via the superior ophthalmic vein and the inferior petrosal sinus is more often seen. Transarterial balloon embolization is very effective for the treatment of cd-CAVF, and the use of coils together with multi-artery approaches is an effective supplementary method.

OBJECTIVESTo analyse the characteristics of interventional treatment for anterior communicating artery aneurysm (AcoAA) and improve curative effects.

METHODSIn 126 patients, detachable microcoils were used to embolize the AcoAA via endovascular approach. Those patients failed to be embolized were treated by surgical clipping.

RESULTSOf the 109 patients who were embolized successfully, 97 were achieved 100% occlusion, 12 95% - 98% occlusion. In the other 17 patients who failed to interventional treatment 15 were treated surgically and 2 no treatment because of cerebral vascular spasm. 123 patients were cured, one died, and 2 had aneurysms disappeared without any operations, as proved by follow-up for 5 months to 1 years. Of 32 patients checked by cerebral angiography 3 weeks to 30 months after operation, 30 showed disappeared of aneurysms and 2 had recurrence. The recurred aneurysms were successfully reembolized.

CONCLUSIONSMost of AcoAAs can be cured by endovascular interventional treatment. Those who failed to be treated by embolization can be cured surgically. Few patients may be healed spontaneously. The long term effects of treatment should be followed-up for a long time.

Adult ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVESTo summarize the characteristics of interventional treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) and improve clinical curative effects.

METHODSThe clinical data from 135 patients with DAVFs were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSSeventy-four patients were cured, 53 were significantly improved, 8 unchange, and 1 died of intracranial haemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONSClinical presentations and prognosis of DAVF depend on the types of venous drainage. Compression of the affected carotid artery and endovascular embolization are safe and effective.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; congenital ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Dura Mater ; blood supply ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged