Pneumocephalus is commonly seen after craniofacial injury. The pathogenesis of pneumocephalus has been debated as to whether it was caused by ball valve effect or combined episodic increased pressure within the nasopharynx on coughing. Discontinuous exchange of air and cerebrospinal fluid due to “inverted bottle” effect is assumed to be the cause of it. Delayed tension pneumocephalus is not common, but it requires an active management in order to prevent serious complication. We represent a clinical case of a 57-year-old male patient who fell down from 3 m height, complicated by tension pneumocephalus on 5 months after trauma. We recommend a surgical intervention, but the patient did not want that so we observe the patient. The patient was underwent seizure and meningitis after 7 months after trauma, he came on emergency room on stupor mentality. Tension pneumocephalus may result in a neurologic disturbance due to continued air entrainment and it significantly the likelihood of intracranial infection caused by continued open channel. Tension pneumocephalus threat a life, so need a neurosurgical emergency surgical intervention.
Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ; Cough ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Humans ; Male ; Meningitis ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharynx ; Pneumocephalus* ; Seizures ; Stupor

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the status of the hinge gutter affected clinical and radiographic outcomes of cervical open door laminoplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 43 patients who had undergone cervical open door laminoplasty. 23 CT scans were performed at 2 days post-operation. The number of CT scans at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were 16, 12, 21 and 11, respectively. We collected perioperative and follow-up data, including clinical and radiographic results. RESULTS: There were 7 patients without a hinge fracture and 16 patients with one or more hinge fractures at 2 days postoperation. There were 90 hinges, and the rate of ideal greenstick deformation of the hinge was 63% on 2-day-postoperative CT scans. Postoperative VAS scores of neck pain (p=0.012) in patients without a hinge fracture were higher than in patients with hinge fractures. The hinge healing rates were 37% at 3 months, 57.4% at 6 months, 86.4% at 12 months, and 85.4% at 24 months. Among the patients, 14 patients had healed hinges, and 7 patients had one or more hinge(s) that was/were not healed at 12 months post-operation. However, in clinical and radiographic outcomes, there was no difference between these patients. CONCLUSION: Cervical open door laminoplasty was safe and provided stable reconstruction of laminar expansion. In radiographs, the difference between hinges that had healed and hinges that had not healed was statistically negligible. Hinge fractures might not influence the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cervical open door laminoplasty.
Cervical Vertebrae ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Neck Pain ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid malignancy and has relatively favorable prognosis. Blood-borne metastases of PTC are very rare among the thyroid malignancies. Moreover a case of blood-borne central nervous system metastasized PTC with only unilateral Horner's syndrome, and without any abnormalities in laboratory or physical examinations has not been described before. A 53-year-old female patient had been managed in ophthalmologic clinic due to vague symptoms of right monocular blurred vision with eye dryness for 3 months, but showed no signs of improvement. So it was performed a magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography to evaluate the possibilities of cerebral lesion. And a left frontal mass was incidentally found, and the tumor turned out to be a PTC that had metastasized to brain, regional lymph node, cervical, thoracic spine, and lung. We describe a PTC with extraordinary initial symptoms that metastasized to an unusual site. We recommend that if a papillary thyroid tumor with unusual symptoms or at an advanced stage is found, further investigation should be performed for distant metastasis.
Brain* ; Central Nervous System ; Female ; Horner Syndrome* ; Humans ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Physical Examination ; Prognosis ; Spine ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Neoplasms*

In the article, name of the first author, "Sang Hyuk Im", was printed mistakenly as "Sang Hyuk Yim" by negligence of the authors. Additionally, the correspondence author's address has been also corrected as follow at their request: Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic Neuroscience Center, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University, 82 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-713, Korea.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing intracranial operations often suffer from post-operative epidural hematoma (EDH). The incidence and risk factors for with the occurrence of EDH after intracranial operations are not well described previously. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors and the incidence of post-operative EDH adjacent and regional to the craniotomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 23 (2.4%) patients, between January 2005 and December 2011, who underwent epidural hematoma evacuation after primary intracranial during this period, 941 intracranial operations were performed. The control group (46 patients) and hematoma group (23 patients) were categorized on the basis of having undergone the same pre-operative diagnosis and treatment within 3 months of their operations. The ages of the hematoma and control group were individually matched to similar ages within 10 years of each other to minimize bias of age. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the significant pre-operative and intra-operative factors associated with post-operative EDH were a pre-operative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scored <8 (crude odds ratio 8.295), prothrombin ratio >1.0 (p=0.014), prothrombin time (PT) >11.3 sec (p=0.008), intra-operative blood loss >650 mL (p=0.003) and craniotomy size >7,420 mm2 (p=0.023). In multivariate analysis, intra-operative blood loss exceeding 650 mL (median of total patients) placed a patient at significantly increased risk for post-operative EDH. CONCLUSION: Recognizing the limitations of the study, large intra-operative blood loss, wide craniotomy area, prolonged PT and a pre-operative GCS <8 are presented implicated with an increased risk of post-operative EDH after intracranial surgery.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Craniotomy ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Hematoma ; Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial ; Humans ; Incidence ; Multivariate Analysis ; Odds Ratio ; Prothrombin ; Prothrombin Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the annual detection rate of patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) and to describe the prevalence and epidemiological features of the Moyamoya patients in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed the epidemiological data of Korean patients taken from the National Health Insurance Corporation in Korea among Moyamoya patients who were treated from 2004 until 2008. RESULTS: Based on 2004 data, 2,539 MMD patients were treated in Korea and the prevalence rate was 5.2 per 100,000 people. There were 2,987 in 2005, 3,429 in 2006, 4,051 in 2007, and 4,517 cases in 2008, and the prevalence rates per 100.000 people were 6.3, 7.0, 8.6, and 9.1, for those respective years. This represents an annual increase of 15% of new cases during this period. In 2008, 466 people were newly diagnosed with MMD, representing an incidence rate of 1 per 100,000 persons. The gender ratio was 1,547 men (34%) and 2,970 women (66%). Women had a higher incidence rate than men (1.94 times). There were two age peaks: teenagers and those in their forties. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the number of Moyamoya patients in Korea is increasing. This increase could partly be explained by a recent increase in newly diagnosed cases, suggesting that a more careful consideration of the disease and better diagnostic techniques should be promoted among clinicians.
Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Moyamoya Disease ; National Health Programs ; Prevalence

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most frequently performed operative procedures in neurosurgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent EVD to determine the incidence rate of post-procedural intracranial hemorrhage and to identify underlying risk factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent EVD between January 2003 and January 2011 were selected. Catheter-induced hemorrhage (CIH) was defined as any evidence of new hemorrhage on the post-procedural computerized tomography (CT) scan obtained within 24 hours of catheter insertion. The rate of hemorrhage was calculated, and the possible risk factors were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The data of 229 patients were analyzed. Twenty-one patients developed CIH, for an incidence rate of 9.17%. The factors that increased the rate of CIH were age > or =60 years, bilateral catheter insertion, and pre-existing heart disease. The patients > or =60 years of age had a 2.8-fold increased risk of CIH. A history of heart disease contributed to a 20-fold increased risk of CIH (p < 0.001). Those three parameters were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis and patients who had all three risk factors were 18 times more likely to have CIH than patients with no factors. CONCLUSION: CIH is a frequent complication that cannot be over looked in patients who undergo EVD insertions. Age > or =60 years, bilateral catheter insertion, and a history of heart disease are the three most significant risk factors for CIH. Since these risk factors are not modifiable, all possible contributors should be considered to minimize the risk such as skilled maneuvers and techniques or high blood pressure.
Catheters ; Drainage ; Heart Diseases ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Logistic Models ; Neurosurgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Surgical Procedures, Operative

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most frequently performed operative procedures in neurosurgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent EVD to determine the incidence rate of post-procedural intracranial hemorrhage and to identify underlying risk factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent EVD between January 2003 and January 2011 were selected. Catheter-induced hemorrhage (CIH) was defined as any evidence of new hemorrhage on the post-procedural computerized tomography (CT) scan obtained within 24 hours of catheter insertion. The rate of hemorrhage was calculated, and the possible risk factors were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The data of 229 patients were analyzed. Twenty-one patients developed CIH, for an incidence rate of 9.17%. The factors that increased the rate of CIH were age > or =60 years, bilateral catheter insertion, and pre-existing heart disease. The patients > or =60 years of age had a 2.8-fold increased risk of CIH. A history of heart disease contributed to a 20-fold increased risk of CIH (p < 0.001). Those three parameters were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis and patients who had all three risk factors were 18 times more likely to have CIH than patients with no factors. CONCLUSION: CIH is a frequent complication that cannot be over looked in patients who undergo EVD insertions. Age > or =60 years, bilateral catheter insertion, and a history of heart disease are the three most significant risk factors for CIH. Since these risk factors are not modifiable, all possible contributors should be considered to minimize the risk such as skilled maneuvers and techniques or high blood pressure.
Catheters ; Drainage ; Heart Diseases ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Logistic Models ; Neurosurgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Surgical Procedures, Operative

OBJECTIVE: It has been demonstrated that cervical laminoplasty is an effective and safe method of treating multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. However, recent reports have suggested that axial neck pain is frequently encountered after cervical laminoplasty. The aim of the present study was to determine clinical significance of the C7 spinous process on axial neck pain after cervical laminoplasty. METHODS: A total of 31 consecutive patients that underwent cervical laminoplasty between March 2002 and December 2008 were reviewed. The authors evaluated and compared axial neck pain and lordotic angle in patients that underwent C7 spinous process preserving surgery (group 1, n = 16) and in patients in which the C7 spinous process was sacrificed (group 2, n = 15). RESULTS: Severe or moderate early axial pain occurred in 56.2% of patients in group 1 and in 86.6% in group 2. Severe or moderate late axial pain occurred in 12.5% in group 1 and in 73.3% in group 2. Eighty-Six percent of patients in group 2 and 43% in group 1 experienced aggravation of their axial neck pain during the early postoperative period. Aggravation of axial neck pain during early postoperative period was less common in group 1 but not statistically significant (p = 0.073). Sixty-six percent of patients in group 2 and 12% in group 1 had aggravated axial neck pain at late postoperative period and aggravation of late axial neck pain was significantly less common in group 1 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that C7 spinous process preserving laminoplasty decreases the incidence of aggravated axial neck pain after cervical laminoplasty.
Humans ; Incidence ; Longitudinal Ligaments ; Neck ; Neck Pain ; Postoperative Period ; Spinal Cord Diseases

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, CyberKnife has emerged as an important treatment modality in the management of pituitary adenomas. Treatment results after performing CyberKnife and the complications of this procedure are reviewed. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with pituitary adenomas received stereotactic radiosurgery with the CyberKnife (CKRS). The follow-up periods ranged from 7 months to 47 months (mean+/-SD : 30+/-12.7 months). The patients consisted of 17 with non-functioning adenomas, 3 with prolactinomas and 6 with acromegaly. The change in the tumor volume, visual acuity, hormonal function, and complications by this therapy were analyzed in each case. RESULTS: The tumor control rate was 92.3%. Hormonal function was improved in all of the 9 (100%) functioning adenomas. Hormonal normalization was observed in 4 of the 9 (44%) patients with a mean duration of 16 months. In two patients (7.6%), visual acuity worsened due to cystic enlargement of the tumor after CKRS. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSION: CyberKnife is considered safe and effective in selected patients with pituitary adenomas. However, longer follow-up is required for a more complete assessment of late toxicity and treatment efficacy.
Acromegaly ; Adenoma ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; Prolactinoma ; Radiosurgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Burden ; Visual Acuity