Methods and time schedule for follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular embolization: a systematic review

Background and purposeTo review the diagnostic value of angiographic methods and the optimal timetable for follow-up imaging of patients after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.Material and methodsA comprehensive computer-aided search for relevant primary papers was performed using the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Collaboration database from January 1991 to March 2011. Original papers were included that reported either diagnostic value of angiographic modalities for follow-up vs. digital subtracted angiography (DSA) or comparison of aneurysm occlusion rate in delayed vs. early follow-up.ResultsThe systematic review identified 35 relevant studies: 3 on the diagnostic value of three-dimensional (3D) DSA, 30 on the performance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and 3 on time schedules for follow-up. 3D DSA had sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 58.3-94.7%. Magnetic resonance angiography had sensitivity of 28.4-100%, and specificity of 50.0-100%. The proportion of aneurysms that recanalized between the early follow-up examination at 6 months and the delayed imaging at 1.5-6.0 years was 0-2.5%.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance angiography seems to be the best imaging method for the follow-up. In selected cases, when invasive angiography is necessary, 3D DSA should be considered to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Most patients who present with stable and adequate aneurysm occlusion at 6 months after coiling may not require further follow-up.     

Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization: a new treatment strategy for complex intracranial aneurysms. Results of medium length follow-up

Background and purposeWe present detailed results of using Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization to treat complex cerebral aneurysms over a three-year period.Material and methodsOnly patients who underwent Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization were included in this study. We assessed patients' history, aneurysm morphology, indications for stenting, and technical details of the procedures, as well as complications and the midterm follow-up data.ResultsThis study included 26 patients with 39 aneurysms. A total of 32 of 39 aneurysms were treated by Neuroform stent-assisted embolization (SAC), whereas 3 aneurysms were stented without coiling, 2 aneurysms coiled without stenting and 2 aneurysms surgically clipped. The indications for use of stent included broad-neck aneurysms (n = 28), giant or large aneurysms (n = 6), and fusiform aneurysms (n = 5). Of the 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC, we achieved complete (100%) and near complete (> 95%) occlusion in 27 aneurysms, and partial (< 95%) occlusion in 5 aneurysms. Follow-up angiographic data available in 22 of 32 aneurysms treated with Neuroform SAC (68.7%) demonstrated recanalization in 3 aneurysms (13.6%), and stable occlusion in 19 aneurysms (86.4%). There was no delayed progressive embolization or in-stent stenosis.ConclusionsDirect and midterm follow-up results confirmed that Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization was a safe and effective technique in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms. Although clinically significant complications were uncommon and the evaluation at midterm follow-up is encouraging, further studies need to assess the long-term stability and durability of the stent.     

Sonographic diagnosis and endovascular recanalization of the internal carotid artery in a patient with carotid thromboembolism following coiling of cerebral aneurysm

Thromboembolism after brain aneurysm embolization involves high morbidity/mortality and its conservative treatment is still a standard policy. We report the practical utility of transcranial colour-coded Doppler sonography (TCCS) in the early diagnosis and effectiveness of prompt intravascular intervention in the treatment of this condition. A 50-year-old woman developed acute neurological deficit after intravascular re-embolization of a brain aneurysm. Severely decreased blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery was revealed with TCCS and angiography confirmed nearly complete occlusion of the carotid artery. After heparin administration, intravascular thrombectomy was performed at the same session with implantation of a stent. The symptoms faded away within hours and the patient recovered fully. Prompt intravascular intervention could be a valuable and efficient alternative in the treatment of thromboembolism after embolization of cerebral aneurysm. TCCS enables early differential diagnosis of this potentially devastating sequel.     

血管内栓塞术和开颅夹闭手术治疗颅内动脉瘤的对比分析

目的 探讨血管内栓塞术和开颅夹闭术治疗颅内动脉瘤的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年12月收治的86例颅内破裂动脉瘤的临床资料,其中43例采用血管内栓塞术治疗（栓塞组）,43例采用开颅夹闭术治疗（夹闭组）。结果 术后4周,栓塞组改良Rankin量表（mRS）评分0分22例,1分6例,2分5例,3分4例,4分2例,5分3例;夹闭组mRS评分0分20例,1分7例,2分5例,3分4例,4分3例,5分2例。栓塞组恢复良好率（76.7%,33/43）与夹闭组（74.4%,32/43）无统计学差异（P>0.05）。栓塞组术后并发症发生率（16.2%,7/43）明显低于夹闭组（37.2%,16/43;P<0.05）。结论 血管内栓塞术和开颅夹闭术治疗均是治疗颅内破裂动脉瘤的有效方法,疗效基本相同,但血管内栓塞治疗术后并发症发生率低于开颅夹闭术。     

颅内动脉瘤破裂急性期的电解可脱式弹簧圈栓塞治疗技巧与并发症

目的总结颅内动脉瘤破裂急性期的电解可脱式弹簧圈(GDC)栓塞治疗操作技巧、并发症及其防治经验。方法1998年10月至2002年10月我科用GDC栓塞治疗破裂急性期颅内动脉瘤41例,动脉瘤大小3.6～25mm;位于Willis环前循环39例,后循环2例。结果术后造影100%栓塞33例,90%～99%栓塞5例,90%以下栓塞3例。产生与栓塞技术相关的并发症6例,与蛛网膜下腔出血相关的并发症5例。平均住院时间12 d;术后随访12～48个月,无再出血,恢复良好36例,中度致残,生活能自理4例,死亡1例。结论GDC栓塞治疗急性期的破裂颅内动脉瘤安全有效。正确处理术中并发症,提高栓塞技术有助于减少术后并发症,提高治愈率。