Aortic dissection extending from the brachiocephalic artery during transradial coronary catheterization: a case report.

Background: Iatrogenic acute aortic dissection (AD) is an extremely rare but devastating complication during cardiac catheterization. It can be treated conservatively if it develops in a retrograde form or manifests as an intramural hematoma (IMH) with a micro-intimal tear in the absence of instability. However, only a few reports exist on its natural course and long-term outcomes.

Release of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 from alginate microcapsule encapsulating genetically engineered cells.

Background: In this study, 293T cells were genetically engineered to secrete tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) and encapsulated into alginate microcapsules to continuously release TIMP2 protein.

Methods: The anti-invasive potential of the microcapsules was studied in vitro using brain tumor cells. The TIMP2 gene was transfected to 293T cells, and genetically engineered 293TIMP2 cells were encapsulated into alginate microcapsules.

Fragmentectomy versus Conventional Microdiscectomy in Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniations : Comparison of Clinical Results and Recurrence Rates.

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to compare clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief and recurrence rate between fragmentectomies and conventional microdiscectomies in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods: Between January 2008 and May 2011, a total of 175 patients met the inclusion criteria of this study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of back and radicular pains were recorded before surgery, 2 and 6 weeks after surgery.

Post-traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in an adult: a case report.

Study Design: A case report.

Objective: To describe an interesting patient who underwent open reduction and C1-C2 transpedicular screw fixation with interspinous wiring due to high-riding vertebral artery.

Summary Of Background Data: Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) is a rare complication found most frequently after trauma in children and young adults; the clinical diagnosis is difficult and often made late.

Aortic aneurysm complicated with pyogenic spondylitis following vertebroplasty.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a commonly used procedure for the treatment of painful vertebral fractures induced by osteoporosis or metastatic disease. It is generally considered to be safe and effective. However, infectious complications can be serious.

Transdural approach for calcified central disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine. Technical note.

Disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine (L1-2 and L2-3) have a frequency of 1 to 2% of all disc herniations. During posterior discectomy after laminectomy, significant manipulation of the exiting nerve root is unavoidable because of the narrow lamina and the difficulty in mobilizing the nerve root. The authors adopted a transdural approach in patients with calcified central disc herniation at the L1-2 level to reduce the risk of nerve root injury.

Photochemically induced cerebral ischemia in a mouse model.

Background: MCAO has been widely used to produce ischemic brain lesions. The lesions induced by MCAO tend to be variable in size because of the variance in the collateral blood supply found in the mouse brain.

Methods: We modified the rat photothrombosis model for use in mice.

Endovascular embolization of iatrogenic vertebral artery injury during anterior cervical spine surgery: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Study Design: Case description.

Objectives: To report 2 cases of vertebral artery injury (VAI) during anterior cervical decompression surgery and review the pertinent medical literature.

Summary Of Background Data: The incidence of VAI during an anterior surgical approach to the cervical spine is rare but potentially lethal.

Osteochondroma of the cervical spine extending multiple segments with cord compression.

Involvement of the cervical spinal cord by a solitary osteochondroma is rare. We describe a case of cervical osteochondroma extending from C5 to C7 in a 16-year-old male. The tumor, arising from the inner aspect of the C6 spinous process, projected longitudinally into the spinal canal and compressed the spinal cord; this caused clinical symptoms associated with myelopathy and radiculopathy.