The purpose of this study was to understand the general features of pulmonary embolism in neurosurgical patients. The authors retrospectively reviewed 24 cases of pulmonary embolism from 1981 to 1994. The overall incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.2%, but in the most prevalent year(194) it was 1.3%. Lower extremity weakness and immobilization was the most common predisposing condition. Of 24 patients with pulmonary embolism, 23 patients showed lower extremity weakness, and the mean duration of immobilization was 47 days. Most patients(80%) had symptoms of pulmonary embolism within 4 weks after operation. Medical prophylactic method had not been used in patients other than physical prophylactic method-graduated compression stocking, position change or physical therapy. Heparinization was given to 18 patients(75%), and minor hemorrhagic complication developed in 2 patients, but no major bleeding occurred. Inferior vena cava filter was applied in 2 patients. Only one patient suffered from recurrence and it w as not fatal. Of the 24 patients, 7 died, however only one patient died of pulmonary embolism. In our study, the prognosis of pulmonary embolism was not as serious as it has been reported in the literature. However, more precise studies will be needed to understand the fate of pulmonary embolism in Korean neurosurgical patients.
Hemorrhage ; Heparin ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Incidence ; Lower Extremity ; Neurosurgery ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stockings, Compression ; Vena Cava Filters

We describe the case of a patient with symptomatic left cervical ICA stenosis and aneurysm of the left distal anterior cerebral artery. She presented with chronic headache and recurrent attack of right hemiparesis, and underwent staged operations. Using the interhemispheric approach, the intracranial aneurysm was clipped, and there was no postoperative neurologic deterioration. Two months later, a carotid endarterectomy was performed. The patient recovered without complications and angiography revealed relief of carotid stenosis and non-visualization of the aneurysm. The coexistence of symptomatic carotid stenosis and an unruptured intracranial aneurysm poses a therapeutic dilemma; correction of significant stenosis of the internal carotid artery may increase the pressure and turbulence to which the aneurysm is subjected, while the intracranial approach to an aneurysm, when blood flow is decreased by carotid stenosis, may also involve increased risk. In view of the theoretical risk of increased blood flow and turbulence after carotid endarterectomy, aneurysm neck clipping followed by this procedure either in a single stage or separate stages seems to be the another safest management strategy.
Aneurysm* ; Angiography ; Anterior Cerebral Artery ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; Carotid Stenosis* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; Headache Disorders ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Neck ; Paresis

Chromoendoscopy using Lugol's iodine solution is widely used to improve the detection of esophageal dysplasia or early squamous carcinoma. Although the solution helps to notice esophageal lesions and to delineate the lesions more clearly, it can cause mucosal irritation leading to retrosternal pain and epigastric discomfort infrequently. We report a case of acute gastric mucosal injury after application of Lugol's solution during chromoendoscopy in a 63-year-old woman.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Iodides ; Iodine ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a shortage of medical resources and the need for proper treatment guidelines for brain tumor patients became more pressing. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, has undertaken efforts to develop a guideline that is tailored to the domestic situation and that can be used in similar crisis situations in the future. As part II of the guideline, this consensus survey is to suggest management options in specific clinical scenarios during the crisis period. Methods: The KSNO Guideline Working Group consisted of 22 multidisciplinary experts on neuro-oncology in Korea. In order to confirm a consensus reached by the experts, opinions on 5 specific clinical scenarios about the management of brain tumor patients during the crisis period were devised and asked. To build-up the consensus process, Delphi method was employed. Results: The summary of the final consensus from each scenario are as follows. For patients with newly diagnosed astrocytoma with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant and oligodendroglioma with IDH-mutant/1p19q codeleted, observation was preferred for patients with low-risk, World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) ≥60, while adjuvant radiotherapy alone was preferred for patients with high-risk, WHO grade 2, and KPS ≥60. For newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma, the most preferred adjuvant treatment strategy after surgery was radiotherapy plus temozolomide except for patients aged ≥70 years with KPS of 60 and unmethylated MGMT promoters. In patients with symptomatic brain metastasis, the preferred treatment differed according to the number of brain metastasis and performance status. For patients with newly diagnosed atypical meningioma, adjuvant radiation was deferred in patients with older age, poor performance status, complete resection, or low mitotic count. Conclusion It is imperative that proper medical care for brain tumor patients be sustained and provided, even during the crisis period. The findings of this consensus survey will be a useful reference in determining appropriate treatment options for brain tumor patients in the specific clinical scenarios covered by the survey during the future crisis.

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for appropriate treatment guidelines for patients with brain tumors was indispensable due to the lack and limitations of medical resources. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, has undertaken efforts to develop a guideline that is tailored to the domestic situation and that can be used in similar crisis situations in the future. Methods: The KSNO Guideline Working Group was composed of 22 multidisciplinary experts on neuro-oncology in Korea. In order to reach consensus among the experts, the Delphi method was used to build up the final recommendations. Results: All participating experts completed the series of surveys, and the results of final survey were used to draft the current consensus recommendations. Priority levels of surgery and radiotherapy during crises were proposed using appropriate time window-based criteria for management outcome. The highest priority for surgery is assigned to patients who are life-threatening or have a risk of significant impact on a patient’s prognosis unless immediate intervention is given within 24–48 hours. As for the radiotherapy, patients who are at risk of compromising their overall survival or neurological status within 4–6 weeks are assigned to the highest priority. Curative-intent chemotherapy has the highest priority, followed by neoadjuvant/adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy during a crisis period. Telemedicine should be actively considered as a management tool for brain tumor patients during the mass infection crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion It is crucial that adequate medical care for patients with brain tumors is maintained and provided, even during times of crisis. This guideline will serve as a valuable resource, assisting in the delivery of treatment to brain tumor patients in the event of any future crisis.