Subtemporal Approach Research Articles

Subtemporal approach for the resection of a midbrain cavernous malformation: evaluation of safe surgical corridors.

Brainstem cavernous malformation management is complex due to its critical location and deleterious effect when bleeding. Therefore, every case should be thoroughly analyzed preoperatively. We present the case of a female patient with a midbrain cavernous malformation. A comprehensive anatomical and clinical analysis of the surgical corridors is done to decide the safest route. A subtemporal approach was done and the lateral mesencephalic sulcus and vein were important anatomical landmarks to guide the safe entry zone. Nuances of technique and surgical pearls related to the safe entry zones of the midbrain are discussed and illustrated in this operative video.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/vYA-IgiT2lU.

Microsurgical laser resection of brainstem cavernous malformations.

This operative technique video demonstrates laser microsurgery for brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). In case 1 we demonstrate CO2 laser microsurgery for a symptomatic pontine CM using far lateral craniotomy and olivary zone entry. Case 2 demonstrates the subtemporal approach and removal of a paratrigeminal CM, and case 3 is a dorsal midbrain CM. We illustrate several advantages of laser microsurgery including improved visualization in narrow corridors, precise cutting with reduced thermal damage, and effective sealing of small vessels. Over the past decade at Stanford University School of Medicine, over 120 brainstem CMs have been removed using laser microsurgery with good results.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/DwwqWGv_vzo.

Pure Endoscopic Surgery via Subtemporal Extradural Keyhole Approach for Middle Cranial Fossa Tumors

Extradural subtemporal keyhole approach could provide adequate removal for some specific middle skull base tumors. The combination of endoscopy and keyhole technique might further help to minimize the complications and provide optimal surgical visualization. Here, a series of attempts with endoscopy by mini-invasive subtemporal extradural approach for 5 middle skull base tumors were successfully achieved. From November 2015 to November 2018, resections of 5 cases of middle cranial fossa tumors were performed with pure endoscopy via subtemporal extradural keyhole approach. Patient medical records, imaging data, surgical procedures, pathology results, and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Adequate extradural subtemporal space was successfully established for endoscopy, and tumor resection was performed. Postoperative pathology confirmed cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, schwannoma, granuloma, and osteoblastoma, respectively. Two patients with osteoblastoma and granuloma received subtotal resection, and the other 3 achieved total resection. One patient suffered from brain edema and was relieved after systematic mannitol treatment. No other complications were observed, and no progression was found during follow-up. This exploratory series demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of pure endoscopic surgery via subtemporal extradural route for satisfactory middle cranial base tumor resection.

Surgery for epilepsy.

Surgery for epilepsy.

The Subtemporal Approach to the Lateral Midbrain with and without Zygomatic Osteotomy: An Anatomical Study.

The subtemporal approach provides a narrow operative corridor to the crus cerebrum and adjacent structures of the crural, interpeduncular, and ambient cistern. Addition of a zygomatic osteotomy widens this narrow corridor and spares retraction of the temporal lobe. We investigate and compare the morphometric parameters of the subtemporal approach with versus without zygomatic osteotomy. On each side of four cadaveric heads, a temporal craniotomy was performed to gain access to the crus cerebrum and adjacent subarachnoid cisterns using a subtemporal approach. Operative corridor width and corridor working angle were measured with and without brain retraction on each specimen side. Next, a zygomatic osteotomy was performed followed by full downward reflection of the temporalis muscle and further drilling of the squamous part of the temporal bone. Lastly, operative corridor width and corridor working angle were measured again for comparison. The subtemporal operating corridor was (mean/SD): 5.8/2.6 mm without retraction, 11.4/4.3 mm with retraction, and 13.5/6.5° working angle. After addition of a zygomatic osteotomy, the operative corridor was 8/9.2/4.3 mm without retraction, 14.7/4.5 mm with retraction, 31.8/3.1° working angle. Zygomatic osteotomy significantly increased the operative corridor working angle of the subtemporal approach. Furthermore, we demonstrate a direct approach into the interpeduncular fossa. Clin. Anat. 32:710-714, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Surgical approaches for the lateral mesencephalic sulcus.

The brainstem is a compact, delicate structure. The surgeon must have good anatomical knowledge of the safe entry points to safely resect intrinsic lesions. Lesions located at the lateral midbrain surface are better approached through the lateral mesencephalic sulcus (LMS). The goal of this study was to compare the surgical exposure to the LMS provided by the subtemporal (ST) approach and the paramedian and extreme-lateral variants of the supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach. These 3 approaches were used in 10 cadaveric heads. The authors performed measurements of predetermined points by using a neuronavigation system. Areas of microsurgical exposure and angles of the approaches were determined. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences in the respective exposures. The surgical exposure was similar for the different approaches-369.8 ± 70.1 mm2 for the ST; 341.2 ± 71.2 mm2 for the SCIT paramedian variant; and 312.0 ± 79.3 mm2 for the SCIT extreme-lateral variant (p = 0.13). However, the vertical angular exposure was 16.3° ± 3.6° for the ST, 19.4° ± 3.4° for the SCIT paramedian variant, and 25.1° ± 3.3° for the SCIT extreme-lateral variant craniotomy (p < 0.001). The horizontal angular exposure was 45.2° ± 6.3° for the ST, 35.6° ± 2.9° for the SCIT paramedian variant, and 45.5° ± 6.6° for the SCIT extreme-lateral variant opening, presenting no difference between the ST and extreme-lateral variant (p = 0.92), but both were superior to the paramedian variant (p < 0.001). Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. The extreme-lateral SCIT approach had the smaller area of surgical exposure; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The extreme-lateral SCIT approach presented a wider vertical and horizontal angle to the LMS compared to the other craniotomies. Also, it provides a 90° trajectory to the sulcus that facilitates the intraoperative microsurgical technique.

Abstract WP533: Chronic Cerebral Damage Aggravates Vascular Remodeling in Cuff-Induced Vascular Injury Mouse Model

Introduction: Distant organ dysfunction has been highlighted whereby acute or chronic damage in one organ may induce dysfunctions of the other organs such as cardiorenal syndrome. Vascular injury is an important process in various vascular diseases. However, the relationship cerebral ischemic damage and peripheral vascular disorder is still unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the possible pathophysiological interactions between brain ischemia and vascular remodeling. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice underwent permanent cerebral brain ischemia by permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by electrocoagulation using a subtemporal approach. Four weeks after MCAO, vascular injury was induced by polyethylene cuff placement on the femoral artery. Neointima formation was determined 14 days after cuff placement by evaluating intima/media ratio. Mice were administrated 0.5% tempol, antioxidant agent, in drinking water from after MCAO. Macrophage fractions in spleen two weeks after MCAO were examined and M1 and M2-polarized macrophages were separated by flow cytometry and analyzed. Results: Cerebral ischemia did not influence the intima/media ratio 6 weeks after MCAO compared with sham-operated mice. Neointima formation in the injured artery was significantly increased 2 weeks after cuff placement. Interestingly, the neointima formation 2 weeks after cuff placement was more marked in MCAO-operated mice compared with sham-operated mice. We observed that treatment with tempol did not improve increased neointima formation in MCAO-operated mice. Next, we examined the macrophage fractions in spleen 2 weeks after MCAO. The macrophage fraction in SVF evaluated by F4/80 staining did not differ between sham- and MCAO-operated mice. There was no significant difference in M1 and M2 fraction with/without MCAO. Conclusion: These results suggest that cerebral ischemic injury aggravate peripheral vascular disorders, and we are addressing the possible roles of renin-angiotensin system and inflammation etc. involved in these interesting results, which could provide us with the discovery of new pathological mechanisms concerning the distant organ dysfunctions between brain and peripheral vasculature.

Intradural Subtemporal Keyhole Approach with Neuronavigational Assistance to the Petroclival and Ventrolateral Brainstem Regions: Quantitative Analysis of Anatomic Exposure and Surgical Freedom

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages of endoscopy and navigational assistance in the intradural subtemporal keyhole approach and the intradural Kawase approach by studying anatomic exposure and surgical freedom in the posterior cranial fossa. Twenty endoscopic intradural subtemporal keyhole approaches (EISKA) were performed on 10 cadaveric heads. An intradural Kawase approach and a navigation-assisted intradural Kawase approach were then carried out on a random side of each specimen. Related anatomic structures were observed through a 0° endoscope and a microscope. Anatomic exposure and surgical freedom were measured by transparent graph paper and analyzed. Compared with the microsurgical technique, the superior, inferior, and medial limits of the endoscopic anatomic exposure increased by 2.9, 15.65, and 10.2 mm, whereas the surgical freedom increased by 2.9, 7.55, and 6 mm (P < 0.05) in the intradural subtemporal keyhole approach. In the intradural Kawase approach and the navigation-assisted intradural Kawase approach, the endoscopic anatomic exposure and surgical freedom also increased (P < 0.05). Using a frameless navigational device, the inferior limit of the anatomic exposure increased 3.8 mm by endoscopy and 3.5 mm by microscopy, whereas the surgical freedom increased by 2.7 and 2.2 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). The EISKA provides greater anatomic exposure and surgical freedom primarily in the superior, inferior, and medial directions of the brainstem region. Maximum anatomic exposure and surgical freedom of the posterior cranial fossa was obtained by navigational assistance with fewer complications.

Microsurgery 'burr hole' for intracranial tumors and mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

In recent years, neurosurgery has been characterized by a clear tendency towards the development of minimally invasive and less traumatic surgical approaches. To minimize the degree of injury to the brain tissue, we have proposed burr hole-based microsurgical approaches. In the period between February 2016 and February 2019, more than 500 microsurgical interventions were performed through a 14 mm burr hole using a technique that we called burr-hole microneurosurgery; to date, 200 of these have been analyzed. The age of patients varied from 16 to 79 years (median, 38 years). Female patients predominated - 1.6:1. Surgery for intracranial lesions with various locations was performed in 176 cases; in the remaining 24 cases, patients with hippocampal sclerosis underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy. Various surgical approaches were used: transcortical approach in 81 (40.5%) cases; retro-sigmoid approach in 38 (19%); sub-temporal approach in 32 (16%); infratentorial supracerebellar approach in 25 (12.5%); interhemispheric approach in 17 (8.5%); telovelar approach in 5 (2.5%); trans-eyebrow approach in 2 cases. The resection degree was evaluated in 167 patients with planned maximum tumor resection. Resection was total and almost total in 145 (87%) patients, subtotal in 15 (9%), and partial in 7 (4%). The surgery duration varied from 35 to 300 min (mean, 80 min). The extubation time after surgery ranged from 5 min to 5 days (mean, 70 min). In 195 (97.5%) cases, patients were verticalized within the first 3 days after surgery. The proposed burr hole technique enables successful surgery in patients with various intracranial pathologies, using a smaller trepanation window compared to that in keyhole surgery. The proposed burr hole technique minimizes injury to the brain substance, significantly reduces patient's exposure to anesthesia, and decreases the entire duration of surgery.

Tentorial Incision vs. Retraction of the Tentorial Edge during the Subtemporal Approach: Anatomical Comparison in Cadaveric Dissections and Retrospective Clinical Case Series.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare tentorial incision (group A) versus retraction and tack up suture (group B) of the tentorial edge during the subtemporal approach for surgery in the high basilar region. Design 24 cadaveric dissections and 4 clinical cases of aneurysms of the high basilar region are presented. Assessment included visibility and operability afforded by either tentorial incision creating a dural flap (group A) or retraction of the tentorial edge and tethering with a suture (group B). Four patients, two with superior cerebellar artery aneurysms and two with proximal posterior cerebral artery aneurysms were treated with each approach. Results In the quantitative evaluations, we found no significant difference in the exposure of the posterior cerebral, superior cerebellar, and perforant arteries as well as surgical working area provided by either approach. However, tentorial incision allowed a significantly greater exposure of the basilar artery and the fourth cranial nerve (both p < 0.001). Concerning operability, tentorial incision provided no objective advantage for direct clipping of the high basilar region (groups A vs. B, p > 0.05). Subjectively, clipping of the high basilar segment was feasible using tentorial tethering only. Conclusion Retraction of the free edge of the tentorium downward by tethering with a suture is simple and fast method for exposure of aneurysms in the high basilar region when the pathology does not require a proximal control. In our data the rather more invasive and time consuming tentorial incision provided an additional objectified advantage only for placement of a proximal temporary clip.

Surgical Management of Brainstem Cavernous Malformation: Report of 67 Patients

Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) are benign lesions, often show an acute onset, and result in a high rate of morbidity. Surgical resection could inhibit the progressive deterioration of neurologic function caused by repetitive hemorrhage. This study aimed to summarize timing, approaches, and techniques of surgery and to evaluate outcomes of treatment. Between March 2011 and May 2013, 67 patients (32 male, 35 female; average age 40 years; range, 14-68 years) with brainstem CMs received surgical treatment. Clinical presentation, surgical approaches, and results of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Seven surgical approaches were used: orbitozygomatic approach (1 case), suboccipital transtentorial approach (Poppen approach; 3 cases), subtemporal transtentorial approach (32 cases), subtemporal transtentorial/anterior petrosectomy approach (9 cases), suboccipital retrosigmoid approach (3 cases), midline suboccipital approach (16 cases), and far lateral approach (3 cases). Total resection of the brainstem CM was achieved in all cases (100%). No operative mortality was encountered. Nine patients had new symptoms after surgery: 3 had diplopia, 3 had facial numbness, 1 had numbness of contralateral limbs, 1 had transient aphasia, and 1 had reduced muscle strength of contralateral limbs. Symptoms significantly improved in 23 patients (34.3%), symptoms were unchanged in 36 patients (53.7%), and new postoperative symptoms occurred in 9 patients (13.4%). Choosing a proper surgical approach and using appropriate techniques are fundamental for favorable outcomes of patients with brainstem CMs.

Microsurgical Treatment of Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm (P2P Segment): Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) represent ∼ 1% of all intracranial aneurysms and usually present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Objective The aim of the present study is to describe the case of an adult man presenting a saccular aneurysm of the right PCA at the posterior half of the postcommunicating (P2P) segment, and to discuss the technical nuances of the approach and of the clipping process. Case Report An investigation of a chronic headache in a 55-year-old man found a saccular aneurysm located just posterior to the most lateral portion of the right cerebral peduncle. A digital subtraction arteriography revealed a 7.8 mm × 5.6 mm × 4.8 mm posterior-medial projecting aneurysm of the right PCA at the P2P segment. A subtemporal approach was performed with partial aspiration of the right parahippocampal gyrus for a better exposure of the vascular structures. A proximal temporary occlusion of the PCA was performed at the anterior half of the postcommunicating P2A segment. The aneurysm was clipped with two semi-curved clips. The patient presented an uneventful recovery and was discharged from the hospital on the third postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits. Conclusion Aneurysms of the PCA are an uncommon vascular disease that challenges the ability of the neurosurgeons due to their many anatomical nuances, to their vast number of perforators, and to the risk of bleeding. However, the operative management of aneurysms of the PCA is technically feasible, safe and effective when performed respecting microsurgical principles.

Occipital Artery to Posterior Cerebral Artery Bypass Using Descending Branch of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Graft for Treatment of Fusiform, Unruptured Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms can be technically challenging lesions due to the intricacy of perforating branches and the relationship to cranial nerves and the brainstem. Fusiform aneurysms of the perimesencephalic segment of the PCA are a rare finding which does not favor direct clip occlusion or reconstruction. In such cases, proximal parent vessel occlusion is an option for aneurysm treatment. Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass can be used to revascularize beyond the lesion when considering proximal occlusion. Based on previous literature for occipital artery (OA) bypass and the time-consuming dissection required for OA harvest, an interposition graft was chosen. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DLCFA) is a good alternative interposition graft with a diameter that is favorable for revascularizing smaller, more distal vessels.This 3-dimensional video presents the case of a 26-year-old female with severe headaches who was found to have unruptured, fusiform aneurysmal dilatations of the PCA. Given the patient's youth and the morphology of the aneurysms, an EC-IC bypass with proximal occlusion was recommended. The DLCFA was used as an interposition graft. The left OA was found to be a suitable donor. A subtemporal approach was used to access the PCA for proximal occlusion. An occipital interhemispheric approach was performed to isolate a suitable recipient segment of the ipsilateral PCA branch for microvascular end-to-side anastomosis. Postoperative catheter angiography showed significant thrombosis of the fusiform aneurysms and a patent EC-IC bypass. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed no infarcts and the patient was discharged neurologically intact.The patient was consented for inclusion in a prospective institutional review board (IRB) approved database from which this IRB approved retrospective report was performed. The consent for intraoperative video and picture use was also obtained.Images in the video between 0:49 and 1:11, © University of Southern California Neurorestoration Center. Used with permission, all rights reserved.

Hemiparkinsonism secondary to an epidermoid cyst with complete recovery after surgical resection: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract Hemiparkinsonism is an exceptionally rare form of secondary Parkinsonism that manifests with unilateral symptoms and is often accompanied by ipsilateral body atrophy. Epidermoid cysts are benign, slow-growing tumors that can present with varying neurological symptoms. We report a case of a 30-year-old male who exhibited symptoms of Hemiparkinsonism secondary to a right-sided epidermoid cyst. The patient presented with three months of progressive resting left arm tremor and two weeks of left hand weakness. The patient exhibited a central left facial droop and left arm weakness with rigidity and bradykinesia. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III score was 13. Gross total resection was achieved using a right frontotemporal craniotomy via a preauricular, subtemporal approach. Complete reversal of symptoms occurred after surgical resection.

Nationwide Shift From Percutaneous Rhizotomy to Microvascular Decompression for Treatment of Trigeminal and Other Cranial Nerve Neuralgias.

The aim of this study was to report the trends in the use of common surgical interventions over the past decade to treat cranial nerve neuralgias. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Part B National Summary Data File from 2000 to 2016 were studied. A total of 57.1 million persons were enrolled in 2016, up from 39.6 million persons in 2000. Suboccipital craniectomy done for cranial nerve decompressions (including cranial nerves V, VII, and IX) increased by 33.9 cases per year so that in 2016 the number of cases was 167% of what it was 17 years earlier (ie, from 655 cases in 2000 to 1096 cases in 2016). The less commonly used subtemporal approach craniectomy to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN) increased by 1.13 cases per year (ie, from 25 cases in 2000 to 46 cases in 2016). The less invasive percutaneous rhizotomy procedures, including glycerol and radiofrequency ablation, for treatment of TN decreased by 42.9 cases per year (64%; ie, from 2578 cases in 2000 to 1206 cases in 2016). Overall trends show increased use of open surgery and decreased use of percutaneous rhizotomy, including destruction of the trigeminal nerve using balloon compression, glycerol injection, or thermal injury. These trends may be related to differences in outcomes between treatment modalities.

A Practical Cadaveric Model for Intracranial Bypass Training

Intracranial bypass is technically challenging and difficult to learn owing to its relative rarity and complexity. Although multiple training models for intracranial bypass exist, a detailed depiction of the use and fidelity of cadaveric specimens for bypass training is lacking in the literature. This study describes use of preserved cadaveric specimens as a practical training model for performance of multiple intracranial bypasses and discusses the surgical setup for a cadaveric bypass laboratory. Using a cadaveric specimen and basic microneurosurgical instruments and supplies, 5 intracranial bypasses were performed (superficial temporal artery [STA]-to-middle cerebral artery [MCA], MCA-to-MCA, STA-to-posterior cerebral artery [PCA], anterior cerebral artery-to-anterior cerebral artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery-to-posterior inferior cerebellar artery) using pterional, subtemporal, interhemispheric, and suboccipital approach. Bypass integrity was assessed by direct fluid injection into the adjacent vessel segment. All procedures were recorded. Procedural steps mirrored actual bypass surgery and included vessel marking, performance of arteriotomy, and completion of an end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side anastomosis. Simulations included anatomically appropriate exposures of common intracranial (MCA, PCA, posterior inferior cerebellar artery, anterior cerebral artery) and extracranial (STA) vessels encountered during cerebral bypass surgery and high-fidelity recreations of the operative corridors associated with deeper anastomoses, such as STA-to-PCA bypass. Vessel diameters were 1.5-2.1 mm, and anastomosis times were 20-40 minutes. Immediate feedback on anastomotic integrity was achieved via direct fluid injection adjacent to the anastomosis site. The cadaveric specimen trainee model is a relatively simple yet high-fidelity approach for learning intracranial bypass.

Anatomical and Objective Evaluation of the Main Surgical Approaches to Pontine Intra-Axial Lesions

Apparently similar intra-axial pontine lesions may demand distinct surgical approaches. Selecting the optimal approach reduces unnecessary manipulation of tracts and nuclei. This study aims to reveal a quantitative analysis of main surgical corridors dealing with intrinsic pontine pathology. Six approaches were performed repeatedly in 10 cadaveric heads: 1) retrosigmoid, 2) retrolabyrinthine, 3) subtemporal transtentorial, 4) anterior petrosectomy, 5) combined petrosal approach, and 6) suboccipital telovelar. Six safe entry zones were studied: peritrigeminal, supratrigeminal, lateral pontine, supracollicular, infracollicular, and median sulcus of fourth ventricle. A neuronavigation device was used to collect 3-dimensional coordinates from fixed points over the edge of craniotomies and brainstem surface; 4 variables were studied: 1) angles of attack; 2) areas of exposure; 3) lengths of exposure; and 4) trajectories. The mean area of exposure generated by theretrosigmoid approach over the brainstem was 538.6 ± 161.0 mm2, whereas that yielded by the retrolabyrinthine was 475.0 ± 173.4 mm2. There were no significant differences between both when considering areas of exposure and angles. Adding a tentorial cut to the subtemporal approach exposed the superior part of the lateral surface ofpons; the area of exposure increased a mean of 33% (P<0.001). In addition to producing similar areas and angles of attack, the retrolabyrinthine yields a more orthogonal trajectory to lateral pons than the retrosigmoid approach. Adding a tentorial cut and anterior petrosectomy significantly increased areas and lengths of exposure of a regular subtemporal approach. The combined approach significantly increased angles of attack to both the supratrigeminal and lateral pontine safe zones.

Surgical Treatment for Primary Brainstem Hemorrhage to Improve Postoperative Functional Outcomes

It remains controversial whether primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBH) should be managed conservatively or treated promptly by surgical evacuation of the hematoma. In the present study, we discuss 5 cases of PBH that were treated surgically and the ability of surgical management to improve postoperative functional outcomes. The 4 patients with pontine and medullary hemorrhage underwent surgery via the lateral or midline suboccipital and trans-rhomboid fossa approach in the half-sitting position. The patient with a midbrain hemorrhage underwent surgery via the subtemporal approach in the supine lateral position. We analyzed the postoperative functional outcomes 1 week after surgery and the modified Rankin scale scores 6 months after discharge. Three patients with disturbance of consciousness experienced improvement in their level of consciousness. Four patients with hemiparesis improved in motor function. Oculomotor nerve function improved in 2 of 3 cases. Facial nerve function improved in 2 of 2 cases. Spontaneous respiration improved in 1 patient. The postoperative modified Rankin scale scores improved in all 5 cases. Because of the good results with these 5 patients with PBH, this surgical strategy could be encouraged with exclusion criteria for early initiation of rehabilitation strategies. We hope to increase our number of patients to accumulate further evidence.

Abstract P269: Chronic Cerebral Ischemic Injury Worsens Vascular Dysfunction

Introduction: Distant organ dysfunction has been highlighted whereby acute or chronic damage in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunctions of the other organs such as cardiorenal syndrome. Vascular remodeling is an important process in various vascular diseases. However, the relationship cerebral ischemic damage and peripheral vascular disorder is still unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the possible pathophysiological interactions between brain ischemia and vascular remodeling. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice underwent permanent cerebral brain ischemia by permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by electrocoagulation using a subtemporal approach. Four weeks after MCAO, vascular injury was induced by polyethylene cuff placement on the femoral artery. Neointima formation was determined 14 days after cuff placement by evaluating intima/media ratio. Macrophage fractions in spleen two weeks after MCAO were examined and M1 and M2-polarized macrophages were separated by flow cytometry and analyzed. Results: Body weight after MCAO and cuff placement did not differ among all groups. Cerebral ischemia did not influence the intima/media ratio 6 weeks after MCAO (MCAO-Cuff (-), 0.123) compared with sham-operated mice (sham-Cuff (-), 0.120). Neointima formation in the injured artery was significantly increased 2 weeks after cuff placement (sham-Cuff (+), 0.258). Interestingly, the neointima formation 2 weeks after cuff placement was more marked in MCAO-operated mice (MCAO-Cuff (+), 0.369) compared with sham-Cuff (+). Next, we examined the macrophage fractions in spleen 2 weeks after MCAO. The macrophage fraction in SVF evaluated by F4/80 staining did not differ between sham- (7.5%) and MCAO-operated (7.6%) mice. There was no significant difference in M1 and M2 fraction with/without MCAO. Conclusion: These results suggest that cerebral ischemic injury aggravate peripheral vascular disorders, and we are addressing the possible roles of renin-angiotensin system and oxidative stress etc. involved in these interesting results, which could provide us with the discovery of new pathological mechanisms concerning the distant organ dysfunctions between brain and peripheral vasculature.

Complications Associated With Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Review of the Literature.

Complications Associated With Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Review of the Literature.