Dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery—angiographic patterns at the dissecting site on balloon test occlusion

Introduction

At present, the risk of future hemorrhage or ischemic insult from vertebral artery (VA) dissection cannot be estimated from available imaging data. We investigated the relationship between symptoms and the angiographic patterns of the dissecting site on balloon test occlusion (BTO) to develop guidelines for clinical decision-making.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with unilateral VA dissection who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or cerebral infarction. We analyzed the angiographic findings at the dissecting site on contralateral VA angiograms during BTO of the affected VA, classified the angiographic patterns into two types, and compared the symptoms they presented.

Results

Patients with dissection opacified from the distal to the proximal side are more likely to present with cerebral infarction than SAH. Conversely, patients with dissection opacified from the proximal to the distal side had a significantly higher incidence of SAH.

Conclusions

Angiographic findings at the dissecting site on contralateral VA angiograms during BTO of the affected VA are helpful for considering the treatment and prognosis of patients with VA dissecting aneurysms.     

New Treatment Strategies to Eradicate Cancer Stem Cells and Niches in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) harbors are not only rapidly dividing cells but also small populations of slowly dividing and dormant cells with tumorigenesity, self-renewal, and multi-lineage differentiation capabilities. Known as glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), they are resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy and may be a causative factor in recurrence. The treatment outcome in patients with GBM remains unsatisfactory and their mean survival time has not improved sufficiently. We studied clinical evidence and basic research findings to assess the possibility of new treatment strategies that target GSCs and their specific microenvironments (GBM niches) and raise the possibility of adding new treatments to eradicate GSCs and GBM niches.     

Jarvik 2000 with postauricular cable as destination therapy: first clinical case in Japan

Journal of Artificial Organs - Currently in Japan, a left ventricular assist device powered by an abdominal driveline is the only type of left ventricular assist device available. The driveline is...     

Journal of Artificial Organs 2019: the year in review

Journal of Artificial Organs -