Neurologia medico-chirurgica
-
Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo) · Jan 2011
Detection of the microcatheter tip using a novel microguidewire during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms - technical note - .
Detection of the position of the microcatheter tip is important for safe and effective coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms, but is sometimes difficult, especially in the final stage with a high density of embolized coils. We report a new technique to deduce the position of the microcatheter tip using a novel microguidewire during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. The novel microguidewire (ASAHI CHIKAI 10; Asahi Intecc, Nagoya, Aichi), with a radiopaque portion of 30 mm, is advanced into the microcatheter until the distal end of the radiopaque portion reaches the coil mass edge at the neck of the aneurysm. ⋯ The position of the microcatheter tip is deduced from the distance and curve of the microguidewire. Microcatheter tips can be easily detected with this technique without complications. This technique is safe, simple, and useful for deducing the position of the microcatheter tip during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms.
-
Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo) · Jan 2011
Case ReportsGranulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris.
A 51-year-old immunocompetent Japanese woman presented with a rare case of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris. She was brought to our hospital with epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a homogeneously enhanced solitary mass in the left frontal lobe. ⋯ Autopsy revealed that the patient had GAE caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris. GAE is usually fatal, and is difficult to diagnose except at autopsy. Therefore, awareness of this disease is important, and earlier diagnosis and the development of a better therapeutic strategy will improve clinical outcome.
-
Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo) · Jan 2011
Chronological changes in astrocytes induced by chronic electrical sensorimotor cortex stimulation in rats.
Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is a treatment option for various disorders such as medically refractory pain, poststroke hemiplegia, and movement disorders. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its effects remain unknown. In this study, the effects of long-term chronic MCS were investigated by observing changes in astrocytes. ⋯ Following continuous MCS, GFAP-positive astrocytes were enlarged and their number increased in the cortex and the thalamus of the stimulated hemisphere. These findings indicate that chronic electrical stimulation can continuously activate astrocytes and result in morphological and quantitative changes. These changes may be involved in the mechanisms underlying the neuroplasticity effect induced by MCS.
-
Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo) · Jan 2011
Biography Historical ArticleObituary: Keiji SANO, MD, PhD, 1920-2011.
-
Neurol. Med. Chir. (Tokyo) · Jan 2010
ReviewTechnical advancements and utilization of spine surgery--international disparities in trend-dynamics between Japan, Korea, and the USA.
Spine surgery has made radical advancements in the last two decades and provision has expanded a great deal. The history of the technical development is briefly reviewed. ⋯ Medico-socioeconomic conditions underlying the variations are discussed. Adequate surgeon training has to be supplied in a matched volume, and the number of surgeons to balance the need is estimated.