The development of potent and selective therapeutic approaches to glioblastoma (GBM) requires the identification of molecular pathways that critically regulate the survival and proliferation of GBM. Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) possess stem-cell-like properties, self-renewal, and differentiation into multiple neural cell lineages. From a clinical point of view, GSCs have been reported to resist radiation and chemotherapy. GSCs are influenced by the microenvironment, especially the hypoxic condition. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a tumor suppressor with the potential to suppress the proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. Previous studies have reported that deregulated expression of NDRG1 affects tumor growth and clinical outcomes of patients with GBM. This literature review aimed to clarify the critical role of NDRG1 in tumorigenesis and acquirement of resistance for anti-GBM therapies, further to discussing the possibility and efficacy of NDRG1 as a novel target of treatment for GBM. The present review was conducted by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was conducted in February 2022. We review current knowledge on the regulation and signaling of NDRG1 in neuro-oncology. Finally, the role of NDRG1 in GBM and potential clinical applications are discussed.

True posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms are rare. Although true PCoA aneurysms have been reported to be located close to the internal carotid artery, at the middle part of PCoA, or close to the posterior cerebral artery; the best surgical approach to treat true PCoA aneurysms in each location remains unclear. We conducted a literature review using data from PubMed. Data on demographics, location, and projecting direction of the aneurysm, surgical approach, and surgical complications were collected. A total of 47 true PCoA aneurysms were included. Twenty-nine aneurysms originated from the proximal portion, 10 from the middle portion, and 6 from the distal portion; there were two giant aneurysms. The ipsilateral pterional approach was used for 37 true PCoA aneurysms (27 in proximal portion, 8 in middle portion, and 2 in distal portion of PCoA). The anterior temporal approach was used for two distal-portion aneurysms and one giant aneurysm. The anterior subtemporal approach was used for one distal-portion aneurysm. The subtemporal approach was used for two middle-portion aneurysms and one giant aneurysm. The contralateral pterional approach was used for two proximal-portion and one distal-portion aneurysms. Although most true PCoA aneurysms can be treated by the pterional approach, other means such as anterior temporal and subtemporal approaches can be applicable for aneurysms in the middle and distal portions of the PCoA or giant aneurysms. Surgeons should select an appropriate approach for each aneurysm while considering the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Delayed symptomatic vasospasm after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is extremely rare. We report a case of delayed vasospasm after CAS. A 73-year-old man with asymptomatic severe right carotid stenosis underwent CAS using a filter and open-cell stent under local anesthesia. No intraoperative complications occurred. He presented with disturbance of consciousness (Japan Coma Scale II-10), left hemispatial neglect and fever elevation 20 hours after CAS. 123 I-IMP single-photon emission computed tomography ( 123 I-IMP-SPECT) showed hypoperfusion in the right middle cerebral artery area. Angiography on the same day showed vasospasm in the right middle cerebral artery. Intravenous Edaravone 60 mg, intravenous Ozagrel sodium 80 mg and oral anticonvulsant drug (lacosamide) were administered. Additionally, we performed normotension therapy. His symptoms had resolved 3 days after CAS and cerebral blood flow was recovered on 123 I-IMP-SPECT 8 days after CAS.

The vertebral artery (VA) is often affected by anatomical variations; however, it is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally. Herein, we report a case of cervical cord compression caused by bilateral aberrant VAs. A 65-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal lancinating pain in the neck that later extended to the shoulders and upper arms bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic angiography revealed an aberrant course of both VAs entering the spinal canal between the atlas and axis and compressing the cervical cord at the atlas level. Microvascular decompression was performed with transposition of the VAs, and the pain resolved immediately after the surgery. A certain number of anatomical variants of the distal VA can be explained by size variations and connection of the lateral spinal artery (LSA). Considering that an aberrant VA may correspond to an enlarged LSA, optimal transposition should be performed to prevent neurological complications.