The authors present 4 cases of spondylolisthesis, 1 case of spondylolysis and 2 cases of Tbc spondylitis of lower lumbar spine treated by posterior lumbar interbody fusion, with follow-up periods of 3 months to 2 years. All cases had severe low back pain. Other common manifestations were radiating pain to leg. All cases were treated with laminectomy, which included a mesial facetectomy followed by posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The spondylolisthesis was reduced to zero degrees in three cases by the use of vertebral spreader. The fusion rate of intervertebral space in radiological finding was 100%. On case become pain free, 4 cases had mild degree of pain, 1 case had moderate degree of pain and 1 case was not improved. The authors conclude that posterior lumbar interbody fusion is applicable as a surgical treatment of patient with spondylolisthesis and Tbc spondylitis.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Leg ; Low Back Pain ; Spine ; Spondylitis ; Spondylolisthesis ; Spondylolysis

From January, 1984 to January, 1985 twelve patients with unstable fracture and fracture-dislocation of the thoraco . lumbar spine with neurologic deficits were treated with Harrington Instrument. Fixation by Harrington Instrumentation appeared to provide stabilization, reduction and return of neural function. Author performed Harrington Instrumentation with experience of 12 cases of unstable thoraco . lumbar spine fructure and fracture-dislocation with neurologic deficits. Results were as follows : 1) Spinal fracture and fracture-dislocation were most common in thoraco . lumbar Junction. 2) Harrington Instrumentation was very effective for keeping the spine stability in unstable fracture. 3) Six cases (50%) had a complete neurologic deficit and six cases (50%) had a incomplete neurologic deficit, two cases of the six patients with complete neurologic deficits recovered slightly but two cases with incomplete neurological deficit gained complete recovery. 4) During the postoperative period, early ambulation was possible and average admission period were 71 days. 5) Correction of spinal deformity. A. Average value of kyphotic angle (12.5 degrees). B. Average value of Iw(Index of weding) (1.32). C. Displacement was completely corrected in eight patients (100%).
Congenital Abnormalities ; Early Ambulation ; Humans ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Postoperative Period ; Spinal Fractures ; Spine*

It is well documented that elevation of intracranial pressure is accompanied by arterial blood pressure(cushing response) in laboratory animals as well as in human. When the elevation of intracranial pressure(ICP) was repeated in a rabbit at an interval of 30-60 min, the blood pressure increased more promtly than in the first elevation of ICP, suggesting that mechanism involved in the pressure might be different. Therefore, this study was undertaken to clarify the pharmacological characteristics of the response to the first and repeated(second) elevation of ICP in urethane anesthetized rabbits. Increasing ICP, induced by infusion of saline into a ballooned in the epidural space, produced arise of the arterial blood pressure. When the blood pressure reached a peak, the balloon was suddenly deflated to reduced the ICP and blood pressure declined (the first ICP elevation experiment). After 30-60 min the same procedure was repeated (the second ICP-elevation experiment) Results are summarized as follows; 1) In the first ICP elevation experiment, the arise of ICP was relatively slow at the beginning of the infusion but became sharp as the infusion proceeded. When ICP increased sharply BP also increased abruptly and heart rate decreased. 2) In the second ICP elevation experiment, the slight decrease in BP which appeard at the beginning of the first ICP elevation experiment rat observed, so that only an abrupt arise of BP was seen. 3) Intravenous chlorisondamine inhibited the pressure responses in the second ICP elevation experiment. 4) Intraventricular corynanthine had little effect on the pressure response to the first ICP elevation but inhibited the pressure response to the second ICP elevation. 5) Intraventricular clonidine, yohimbine and prazosin little effect on the pressure response to the second ICP elevation. From this results that functional integrity of central alpha 2-adrenoceptor which took part in the pressure response to the first ICP elevation might have deranged in the second ICP elevation and that central alpha 1-adrenoceptors play a dominant role in the pressure response to the second ICP elevation.
Animals ; Animals, Laboratory ; Arterial Pressure ; Blood Pressure ; Chlorisondamine ; Clonidine ; Epidural Space ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Intracranial Pressure* ; Prazosin ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Urethane ; Yohimbine

PURPOSE: Homeobox (HOX) genes are essential developmental regulators that should normally be in the silenced state in an adult brain. The aberrant expression of HOX genes has been associated with the prognosis of many cancer types, including glioblastoma (GBM). This study examined the identity and role of HOX genes affecting GBM prognosis and treatment resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The full series of HOX genes of five pairs of initial and recurrent human GBM samples were screened by microarray analysis to determine the most plausible candidate responsible for GBM prognosis. Another 20 newly diagnosed GBM samples were used for prognostic validation. In vitro experiments were performed to confirm the role of HOX in treatment resistance. Mediators involved in HOX gene regulation were searched using differentially expressed gene analysis, gene set enrichment tests, and network analysis. RESULTS: The underexpression of HOXA11 was identified as a consistent signature for a poor prognosis among the HOX genes. The overall survival of the GBM patients indicated a significantly favorable prognosis in patients with high HOXA11 expression (31±15.3 months) compared to the prognoses in thosewith low HOXA11 expression (18±7.3 months, p=0.03). When HOXA11 was suppressed in the GBM cell lines, the anticancer effect of radiotherapy and/or temozolomide declined. In addition, five candidate mediators (TGFBR2, CRIM1, TXNIP, DPYSL2, and CRMP1) that may confer an oncologic effect after HOXA11 suppression were identified. CONCLUSION: The treatment resistance induced by the underexpression of HOXA11 can contribute to a poor prognosis in GBM. Further investigation will be needed to confirm the value of HOXA11 as a potential target for overcoming the treatment resistance by developing chemo- or radiosensitizers.
Adult ; Brain ; Cell Line ; Genes, Homeobox ; Glioblastoma* ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Microarray Analysis ; Prognosis* ; Radiotherapy

Background: To date, there has been no practical guidelines for the prescription of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in brain tumor patients in Korea. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, had begun preparing guidelines for AED usage in brain tumors since 2019. Methods: The Working Group was composed of 27 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea.References were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of the keywords. Results: The core contents are as follows. Prophylactic AED administration is not recommended in newly diagnosed brain tumor patients without previous seizure history. When AEDs are administered during peri/postoperative period, it may be tapered off according to the following recommendations. In seizure-naïve patients with no postoperative seizure, it is recommended to stop or reduce AED 1 week after surgery. In seizure-naïve patients with one early postoperative seizure (<1 week after surgery), it is advisable to maintain AED for at least 3 months before tapering. In seizure-naïve patients with ≥2 postoperative seizures or in patients with preoperative seizure history, it is recommended to maintain AEDs for more than 1 year. The possibility of drug interactions should be considered when selecting AEDs in brain tumor patients. Driving can be allowed in brain tumor patients when proven to be seizure-free for more than 1 year. Conclusion The KSNO suggests prescribing AEDs in patients with brain tumor based on the current guideline. This guideline will contribute to spreading evidence-based prescription of AEDs in brain tumor patients in Korea.

Background: There have been no guidelines for the management of adult patients with diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3K27M-mutant in Korea since the 2016 revised WHO classification newly defined this disease entity. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, had begun preparing guidelines for DMG since 2019. Methods: The Working Group was composed of 27 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea.References were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of keywords. As ‘diffuse midline glioma’ was recently defined, and there was no international guideline, trials and guidelines of ‘diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma’ or ‘brain stem glioma’ were thoroughly reviewed first. Results: The core contents are as follows. The DMG can be diagnosed when all of the following three criteria are satisfied: the presence of the H3K27M mutation, midline location, and infiltrating feature. Without identification of H3K27M mutation by diagnostic biopsy, DMG cannot be diagnosed. For the primary treatment, maximal safe resection should be considered for tumors when feasible. Radiotherapy is the primary option for tumors in case the total resection is not possible. A total dose of 54 Gy to 60 Gy with conventional fractionation prescribed at 1-2 cm plus gross tumor volume is recommended. Although no chemotherapy has proven to be effective in DMG, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (± maintenance chemotherapy) with temozolomide following WHO grade IV glioblastoma’s protocol is recommended. Conclusion The detection of H3K27M mutation is the most important diagnostic criteria for DMG. Combination of surgery (if amenable to surgery), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy based on comprehensive multidisciplinary discussion can be considered as the treatment options for DMG.

Background: To date, there has been no practical guidelines for the prescription of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in brain tumor patients in Korea. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, had begun preparing guidelines for AED usage in brain tumors since 2019. Methods: The Working Group was composed of 27 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea.References were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of the keywords. Results: The core contents are as follows. Prophylactic AED administration is not recommended in newly diagnosed brain tumor patients without previous seizure history. When AEDs are administered during peri/postoperative period, it may be tapered off according to the following recommendations. In seizure-naïve patients with no postoperative seizure, it is recommended to stop or reduce AED 1 week after surgery. In seizure-naïve patients with one early postoperative seizure (<1 week after surgery), it is advisable to maintain AED for at least 3 months before tapering. In seizure-naïve patients with ≥2 postoperative seizures or in patients with preoperative seizure history, it is recommended to maintain AEDs for more than 1 year. The possibility of drug interactions should be considered when selecting AEDs in brain tumor patients. Driving can be allowed in brain tumor patients when proven to be seizure-free for more than 1 year. Conclusion The KSNO suggests prescribing AEDs in patients with brain tumor based on the current guideline. This guideline will contribute to spreading evidence-based prescription of AEDs in brain tumor patients in Korea.

Background: There have been no guidelines for the management of adult patients with diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3K27M-mutant in Korea since the 2016 revised WHO classification newly defined this disease entity. Thus, the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO), a multidisciplinary academic society, had begun preparing guidelines for DMG since 2019. Methods: The Working Group was composed of 27 multidisciplinary medical experts in Korea.References were identified through searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL using specific and sensitive keywords as well as combinations of keywords. As ‘diffuse midline glioma’ was recently defined, and there was no international guideline, trials and guidelines of ‘diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma’ or ‘brain stem glioma’ were thoroughly reviewed first. Results: The core contents are as follows. The DMG can be diagnosed when all of the following three criteria are satisfied: the presence of the H3K27M mutation, midline location, and infiltrating feature. Without identification of H3K27M mutation by diagnostic biopsy, DMG cannot be diagnosed. For the primary treatment, maximal safe resection should be considered for tumors when feasible. Radiotherapy is the primary option for tumors in case the total resection is not possible. A total dose of 54 Gy to 60 Gy with conventional fractionation prescribed at 1-2 cm plus gross tumor volume is recommended. Although no chemotherapy has proven to be effective in DMG, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (± maintenance chemotherapy) with temozolomide following WHO grade IV glioblastoma’s protocol is recommended. Conclusion The detection of H3K27M mutation is the most important diagnostic criteria for DMG. Combination of surgery (if amenable to surgery), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy based on comprehensive multidisciplinary discussion can be considered as the treatment options for DMG.

Background: : The Guideline Working Group of the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO)conducted the nationwide questionnaire survey for diverse queries facing to treat patients with braintumor. As part III of the survey, the aim of this study is to evaluate the national patterns of clinical practicefor patients with brain metastasis and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: : A web-based survey was sent to all members of the KSNO by email. The survey included7 questions of brain metastasis and 5 questions of PCNSL, focused on the management strategiesin specific situations. All questions were developed by consensus of the Guideline WorkingGroup. Results: " In the survey about brain metastasis, respondents preferred surgical resection withadjuvant treatment for patients with a surgically accessible single brain metastatic lesion less than 3cm in size without extracranial systemic lesions. However, most respondents considered radiosurgeryfor surgically inaccessible lesions. As the preferred treatment of multiple brain metastases according tothe number of brain lesions, respondents tended to choose radiotherapy with increasing number of lesions.Radiosurgery was mostly chosen for the brain metastases of less than or equal to 4. In the surveyabout PCNSL, a half of respondents choose high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy asthe first-line induction therapy for PCNSL. The consolidation and salvage therapy showed a little variationamong respondents. For PCNSL patients with cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, intrathecal chemotherapywas most preferred. Conclusion : The survey demonstrates the prevailing clinical practice patterns for patients withbrain metastasis and PCNSL among members of the KSNO. This information provides a point of referencefor establishing a practical guideline in the management of brain metastasis and PCNSL.

Background: : The Guideline Working Group of the Korean Society for Neuro-Oncology (KSNO)conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey for diverse queries faced in the treatment of brain tumors.As part I of the survey, the aim of this study is to evaluate national patterns of clinical practiceabout antiepileptic drug (AED) and steroid usage for management of brain tumors. Methods: : A web-based survey was sent to all members of the KSNO by email. The survey included9 questions of AED usage and 5 questions of steroid usage for brain tumor patients. All questionswere developed by consensus of the Guideline Working Group. Results: : The overall response rate was 12.8% (54/423). Regarding AED usage, the majority ofrespondents (95.2%) routinely prescribed prophylactic AEDs for patients with seizure at the peri/postoperativeperiod. However, as many as 72.8% of respondents prescribed AED routinely for seizure-naïvepatients, and others prescribed AED as the case may be. The duration of AED prophylaxis showedwide variance according to the epilepsy status and the location of tumor. Levetiracetam (82.9%) wasthe most preferred AED for epilepsy prophylaxis. Regarding steroid usage, 90.5% of respondents usesteroids in perioperative period, including 34.2% of them as a routine manner. Presence of peritumoraledema (90.9%) was considered as the most important factor determining steroid usage followed bydegree of clinical symptoms (60.6%). More than half of respondents (51.2%) replied to discontinue thesteroids within a week after surgery if there are no specific medical conditions, while 7.3% preferredslow tapering up to a month after surgery. Conclusion : The survey demonstrated the prevailing practice patterns on AED and steroid usagein neuro-oncologic field among members of the KSNO. This information provides a point of referencefor establishing a practical guideline in the management of brain tumor patients.