Ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm successfully treated by intra-aneurysmal GDC embolization in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report]

We report a case of a ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm treated by an intra-aneurysmal Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A 57-year-old female, who had been suffering from ITP for 4 years, experienced sudden severe headache. She was diagnosed as having subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured MCA aneurysm and the hematological examination showed moderate thrombocytopenia. Considering the risk of open surgery, we treated the aneurysm by intra-aneurysmal GDC embolization in the acute stage and platelet transfusion was carried out after the therapy. She had a good clinical course and recovered without any complications or neurological symptoms. The follow-up cerebral angiogram at 1 week and 2 years after the treatment showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. Recently, endovascular treatment tends to be applied to surgically high-risk patients. A GDC embolization for a patient with thrombocytopenia has rarely been reported and the risk and efficacy is unknown. So, we conclude that for a patient with thrombocytopenia, intra-aneurysmal GDC embolization could be adopted as one of the less invasive treatment for ruptured aneurysm.     

前循环动脉瘤的介入治疗（附40例分析）

目的 探讨前循环动脉瘤介入栓塞的临床疗效及并发症的处理.方法 对40例前循环动脉瘤患者采用介入栓塞治疗（42枚）,其中颈内动脉动脉瘤2例（2枚）,大脑中动脉动脉瘤18例（20枚）,前交通动脉瘤15例（15枚）,大脑中-后交通动脉动脉瘤5例（5枚）.结果 介入栓塞动脉瘤40例（42个）,栓塞率达100％的36个,95％的5个,90％的1个.随访共37例,3例失访.所有患者均复查头颅CT,原则上要求均复查DSA,但5例因经济原因不愿意复查DSA.32例患者均于出院后6个月复查DSA,2例复发,其中1例弹簧圈向瘤内移位,瘤颈部位复发;复查头颅CTA的患者中1例为90％栓塞,6个月后出现瘤颈少许显影,2例患者均再次使用电解可脱式铂金螺旋圈后达100％栓塞.术后恢复良好.结论 采用电解可脱式铂金螺旋圈治疗前循环动脉瘤效果好、并发症少、恢复快,近期效果显著.     

Review of endovascular stent‐assisted embolization for management of intracranial aneurysms

Objective: This was a retrospective review of the results using stent‐assisted coil embolization for management of intracranial aneurysms. Methods: The records of seven patients treated with stent‐assisted Gugliemi detachable coil (GDC) embolization were retrieved from the authors’ prospectively maintained database. The clinical presentation, site and type of aneurysms, treatment procedure and complications, and outcome of these identified cases were reviewed. Results: Between January 2002 and May 2004, seven patients with intracranial aneurysms, four of which were ruptured, were treated by stent‐assisted GDC embolization. Four aneurysms were located at the anterior circulation and three were at the posterior circulation. The indications for stent use were: giant aneurysm (>2.5 cm), dissecting pseudo‐aneurysm, broad‐necked aneurysm and the need for preservation of important parent arteries or branches. Concerning the technical aspect, all except one had successful stent deployment. One stent dislodged after apparent successful deployment. GDC embolization was continued and the aneurysm was partially occluded. More than 90% occlusion of aneurysm sac was achieved in six aneurysms. Intraoperative complications included over‐coagulation, failure in stent deployment, displacement of stent, coil entrapment and thromboembolism. One patient had added focal neurological deficit after the procedure, and one became vegetative due to an unrelated cause. The patient in whom the stent was dislodged suffered another subarachnoid haemorrhage 4 months later and died. Conclusion: Percutaneous intracranial stent is a new and useful device to assist embolization of cerebral aneurysms that were previously not amenable to endovascular therapy. These preliminary results suggest that this procedure could achieve satisfactory outcomes without significant complications.     

Balloon-assisted coil placement in wide-necked cerebral aneurysms: preliminary clinical experience

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) has been limited due to coil protrusion into the artery. Seven patients with wide-necked cerebral aneurysms were treated with GDCs with temporary balloon inflation for mechanical protection during coil placement. Transarterial embolization of the aneurysm with GDCs had failed due to coil protrusion into the parent artery. The use of simultaneous temporary balloon protection achieved more dense intra-aneurysmal coil packing, especially in the neck, without compromising the parent artery.     

Transluminal visualization of intra-aneurysmal blood flow with transluminal flow imaging of three-dimensional MR angiography

As a preliminary investigation, we report transluminal flow imaging with perspective volume rendering of magnetic resonance angiography in patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Selective change in signal intensities, based on using a square curve, was superimposed onto the transluminal image of the vessel and aneurysmal walls. This imaging technique provided direct visualization of flow-related information within the aneurysm in relation to its morphologic features. Transluminal flow imaging of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography may be a useful adjunct for the evaluation of intra-aneurysmal blood flow in clinical cases.     

Detection of the residual lumen of intracranial aneurysms immediately after coil embolization by three-dimensional digital subtraction angiographic virtual endoscopic imaging

OBJECTIVE: Detection of a small residual lumen after coil embolization is often difficult because of the coil mass and the overlap of the cerebral arteries. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of virtual endoscopic (VE) analysis of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images for evaluation of aneurysmal occlusion immediately after the procedure. METHODS: Twenty-seven intracranial aneurysms were treated with coil embolization using a three-dimensional DSA system. Biplane and rotational DSA scanning was performed before and immediately after the procedures. VE images were obtained at a separate workstation, after transfer of the rotational images. Two-dimensional (2D) DSA images and VE images obtained after the procedure were assessed with respect to aneurysmal occlusion. Morphological outcomes and other factors, including location, size, volumetric ratio (coil volume/aneurysm volume), and residual sites, were also evaluated. RESULTS: Seven aneurysms were evaluated as complete occlusion (CO) on both 2D DSA images and VE images. Twelve aneurysms exhibited residual lumina on both 2D DSA images and VE images. Five aneurysms were evaluated as CO on 2D DSA images and as incomplete occlusion on VE images. There were no recurrences among the aneurysms that were evaluated as CO on VE images. Two of five aneurysms that were evaluated as CO on 2D DSA images and as incomplete occlusion on VE images demonstrated regrowth in follow-up examinations. Residual sites and volumetric ratios were correlated with aneurysmal regrowth. CONCLUSION: VE imaging can demonstrate a residual lumen more frequently than can 2D DSA imaging and is useful for evaluating aneurysmal occlusion after coil embolization.     

电解可脱性弹簧圈血管内栓塞颅内动脉瘤的技术及并发症防治

目的总结以电解可脱性弹簧圈(GDC)血管内栓塞治疗颅内动脉瘤的技术要点、并发症及其防治经验。方法采用GDC对168例颅内动脉瘤患者进行动脉瘤囊内栓塞。结果成功栓塞168个动脉瘤,其中100%闭塞的144个,95%闭塞的14个,90%闭塞的10个;全组6例死亡,死亡率3.6%。术中并发动脉瘤破裂3例,脑血管痉挛9例,脑梗死2例,术后弹簧圈末端逸出2例;3例复发者经二次补充GDC栓塞而治愈。随访5~54个月,全组术后均无再出血。结论动脉瘤的血管内治疗应根据病情进行个体化设计,并采用与之相应的栓塞技术才能最大限度的提高动脉瘤栓塞的治愈率、降低并发症。     

Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms: 11 years' experience

OBJECT: The authors report on their 11 years' experience with embolization of cerebral aneurysms using Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC) technology and on the attendant anatomical and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Since December 1990, 818 patients harboring 916 aneurysms were treated with GDC embolization at University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center. For comparative purposes, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A included their initial 5 years' experience with 230 patients harboring 251 aneurysms and Group B included the later 6 years' experience with 588 patients harboring 665 aneurysms. Angiographically demonstrated complete occlusion was achieved in 55% of aneurysms and a neck remnant was displayed in 35.4% of lesions. Incomplete embolization was performed in 3.5% of aneurysms, and in 5% occlusion was attempted unsuccessfully. A comparison between the two groups revealed a higher complete embolization rate in patients in Group B compared with that in Group A patients (56.8 and 50.2%, respectively). The overall morbidity/mortality rate was 9.4%. Angiographic follow ups were obtained in 53.4% of cases of aneurysms, and recanalization was exhibited in 26.1% of aneurysms in Group A and 17.2% of those in Group B. The overall recanalization rate was 20.9%. Note that recanalization was related to the size of the dome and neck of the aneurysm. Overall incidence of delayed aneurysm rupture was 1.6%, a rate that improved in the past 5 years to 0.5%. Ten of 12 delayed ruptures occurred in large or giant aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and postembolization outcomes in patients treated with the GDC system have improved in the past 5 years. Aneurysm recanalization, however, is still a major limitation of current GDC therapy. Follow-up angiography is mandatory after GDC embolization of cerebral aneurysms. Further technical and device improvements are mandatory to overcome current GDC limitations.     

An aneurysm located at a fenestration of the vertebrobasilar junction successfully treated with Guglielmi detachable coils

A 35-year-old female developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage from an aneurysm located at the fenestration of the vertebrobasilar (VB) junction. The patient was treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). The aneurysm was successfully occluded using 8 coils despite the fact that 2 major complications occurred during the procedure: perforation of the aneurysm with a coil and thrombosis of the parent artery. The GDC that had perforated the aneurysm was left and remained partially in the subarachnoid space, and embolization was continued. The thrombus was mechanically crushed and dissolved. Forty days postoperatively, the patient was discharged home with minimal sequelae. VB junction fenestration is present in 35.5%-70% of VB junction aneurysms, but fenestration of the VB junction is sometimes overlooked on selective angiography. Careful pre-operative assessment is needed for aneurysms at the VB junction. The international subarachnoid aneurysm trial (ISAT) found that endovascular treatment was superior to surgery in the management of ruptured aneurysms. Nevertheless, thromboembolic complications and perforation are associated with coil embolization. Thus, care should be taken to avoid these complications, and it is indispensable to have appropriate treatment options immediately available to deal with them should they occur.     

Endovascular coil placement compared with surgical clipping for the treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a consecutive series.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to delineate the angioanatomical features that determine whether a patient with an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm is treated using endovascular coil placement or surgical clipping. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients harboring 34 unruptured MCA aneurysms were evaluated. Patients with unruptured aneurysms are managed prospectively according to the following protocol: the primary treatment recommendation is endovascular packing with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). Surgical clipping is recommended after failed attempts at coil placement or in the presence of angioanatomical features that contraindicate that type of endovascular therapy. Of 34 unruptured MCA aneurysms, two (6%) were successfully embolized and 32 (94%) were clipped. Of these 32 surgically treated aneurysms, in 11 (34%) an attempt at GDC embolization had failed, whereas in 21 (66%) primary clipping was performed because of unfavorable angioanatomy. Of the 13 aneurysms treated endovascularly, two (15%) were successfully excluded, whereas GDC treatment failed in 11 (85%). An unfavorable dome/neck ratio (< 2) and an arterial branch originating at the aneurysm base were the reasons for embolization failure. CONCLUSIONS: Careful evaluation of the angioanatomy of unruptured aneurysms allows selection of the most appropriate treatment. However, for unruptured MCA aneurysms, surgical clipping appears to be the most efficient treatment option. Series of unruptured aneurysms are ideal for comparing treatment results.     

Embolization for aneurismal dilatation associated with ruptured dissecting anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm with preservation of the parent artery: case report

We report a rare case of a ruptured dissecting anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysm treated by endosaccular embolization with a Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC). An 85-year-old female presented with headache. Computed tomographic (CT) scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage in the fourth ventricule. Cerebral angiography and 3D-CT angiography revealed an aneurysmal dilatation at the anterior pontine segment of the right AICA with a diagnosis of arterial dissection. The right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) was absent and the right AICA supplied the territory normally nourished by the right PICA. The aneurismal dilatation was occluded by endosacullar embolization with preservation of the AICA. The distal AICA aneurysm is rare and only seven cases treated with endovascular embolization have been reported. In these, six cases were treated by parent artery occlusion with coil and the subsequent three cases presented with ischemic complications. Only one case was treated by endosaccular embolization with GDC. To our knowledge, this is the second report of the distal AICA aneurysm treated by endosaccular embolization with GDC. Distal AICA aneurysms are briefly discussed while reviewing the literature.     

A case of unruptured cerebral aneurysm treated by intra-aneurysmal embolization during outpatient hemodialysis for chronic renal failure

A 70-year-old woman, who had been receiving hemodialysis in a local hospital every other day for 2 years, complained of occasional headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Angiography in the midterm day of hemodialysis demonstrated a large aneurysm on the right MCA bifurcation. Her chronic renal failure made us hesitate to perform craniotomy. Intra-aneurysmal Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization was performed also in the midterm day of hemodialysis. She was admitted to our hospital after hemodialysis on the day before the embolization. The embolization was carried out under local anesthesia and systemic heparinization. The aneurysm was almost completely embolized with five GDCs. She was transferred to the local hospital to receive the next hemodialysis on the day after the embolization. Patients with chronic renal failure are not suitable for neurosurgical therapy because mortality of patients undergoing dialysis is 45-80%, which is mainly due to disequilibrium syndrome and a hemorrhagic tendency. We propose that some cases like this case should be treated with an intra-vascular neurosurgical technique. In conclusion, this report demonstrates that intra-aneurysmal embolization is less invasive and is a more suitable treatment for patients who are considered to be at high risk for surgery and general anesthesia.     

血管内治疗大脑前动脉远端动脉瘤

目的观察血管内治疗大脑前动脉远端(DACA)动脉瘤的效果。方法回顾性分析14例接受血管内治疗的DACA动脉瘤患者(共15个动脉瘤),对10个动脉瘤行单纯弹簧圈栓塞、4个动脉瘤行支架辅助下弹簧圈栓塞,1个以Onyx胶栓塞。之后复查DSA,根据Raymond分级评价即刻疗效。术后6个月复查DSA,以改良Rankin量表(mRS)评估预后,mRS评分0~2分为结局良好。结果术后即刻12个动脉瘤Ⅰ级栓塞,3个Ⅱ级栓塞。术中、术后均未发生缺血等并发症。1例术后12 h死于动脉瘤再次破裂出血。术后6个月随访显示1例复发,10例结局良好(mRS评分0~2分),另2例mRS评分分别为3分、4分。结论个体化血管内治疗DACA动脉瘤安全、有效。     

Flow diversion treatment: intra-aneurismal blood flow velocity and WSS reduction are parameters to predict aneurysm thrombosis

Background

To evaluate the haemodynamic changes induced by flow diversion treatment in cerebral aneurysms, resulting in thrombosis or persisting aneurysm patency over time.

Method

Eight patients with aneurysms at the para-ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery were treated by flow diversion only. The clinical follow-up ranged between 6?days and 12?months. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of pre- and post-treatment conditions was performed in all cases. True geometric models of the flow diverter were created and placed over the neck of the aneurysms by using a virtual stent-deployment technique, and the device was simulated as a true physical barrier. Pre- and post-treatment haemodynamics were compared, including mean and maximal velocities, wall-shear stress (WSS) and intra-aneurysmal flow patterns. The CFD study results were then correlated to angiographic follow-up studies.

Results

Mean intra-aneurysmal flow velocities and WSS were significantly reduced in all aneurysms. Changes in flow patterns were recorded in only one case. Seven of eight aneurysms showed complete occlusion during the follow-up. One aneurysm remaining patent after 1?year showed no change in flow patterns. One aneurysm rupturing 5?days after treatment showed also no change in flow pattern, and no change in the maximal inflow velocity.

Conclusions

Relative flow velocity and WSS reduction in and of itself may result in aneurysm thrombosis in the majority of cases. Flow reductions under aneurysm–specific thresholds may, however, be the reason why some aneurysms remain completely or partially patent after flow diversion.     

Clinical and angiographic outcome of intracranial aneurysms treated with Matrix detachable coils in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm recurrence is an innate problem in endovascular treatment of aneurysms with coils. A coated coil system named Matrix (Boston Scientific Neurovascular, Fremont, CA), covered with a bioabsorbable polymeric material (polyglycolide/lactide copolymer [PGLA]), was developed to accelerate intraaneurysmal clot organization and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Matrix detachable coils in patients with intracranial aneurysms and aneurysmal recurrence rate. METHODS: In a regional neurosurgical center in Hong Kong, data of patients undergoing endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysm was collected. In a 20-month period, 42 patients with 44 aneurysms were treated by endovascular embolization using matrix coils alone or mixed with bare platinum coils. Thirty-four patients presented with ruptured aneurysms, and 8 patients presented with unruptured aneurysms. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (60%) had 6-month follow-up DSA, and 10 patients (24%) had 18-month follow-up DSA. Seven aneurysm recurrences were identified, amounting to 16% for all aneurysms and 14% for ruptured aneurysms. Four patients were treated by repeated embolization, and 2 patients were treated by microsurgical clipping. Two adverse events due to thromboembolism were noted. One 78-year-old lady with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage treated by partial embolization died from rebleed at day 4. Another patient with partial embolization and spontaneous thrombosis of dorsal wall ICA aneurysm died at 2 months with aneurysm recanalization with rerupture. Twenty-six patients achieved favorable outcome (GOS score 4 or 5) at last follow-up. The aneurysm recurrence rate using bare platinum coils of the same center was 11% and 7% for all aneurysms and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Matrix coil embolization was safe, but there was no reduction in aneurysm recurrence using matrix coils alone or mixed with GDCs, compared with GDCs alone.     

Detection of the microcatheter tip using a novel microguidewire during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms - technical note -

Detection of the position of the microcatheter tip is important for safe and effective coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms, but is sometimes difficult, especially in the final stage with a high density of embolized coils. We report a new technique to deduce the position of the microcatheter tip using a novel microguidewire during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. The novel microguidewire (ASAHI CHIKAI 10; Asahi Intecc, Nagoya, Aichi), with a radiopaque portion of 30 mm, is advanced into the microcatheter until the distal end of the radiopaque portion reaches the coil mass edge at the neck of the aneurysm. The distance between the second marker of the microcatheter and the proximal end of the radiopaque portion of the microguidewire is checked. The position of the microcatheter tip is deduced from the distance and curve of the microguidewire. Microcatheter tips can be easily detected with this technique without complications. This technique is safe, simple, and useful for deducing the position of the microcatheter tip during coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms.     

Endovascular treatment for vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm: effectiveness of internal trapping with proximal flow arrest

Ruptured vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms are associated with a higher incidence of rebleeding than saccular aneurysms, so, it is encouraged that diagnosis be followed by early treatment. The standard treatment for VA dissecting aneurysms is internal trapping using an endovascular technique. In this procedure, a proximal flow arrest is sometimes used to ensure safety. In this report, we demonstrated the usefulness of proximal flow arrest. The subjects consisted of seven patients treated with endovascular treatment for ruptured VA dissecting aneurysms from 1997 to 2005. Two of the seven patients were treated without proximal flow arrest and one of the two encountered rerupture of the aneurysm at coil embolization. Five patients were treated with proximal flow arrest. Internal trapping was safely completed in these patients. Overall outcomes measurment by Glasgow Outcome Scale were good recovery in three, moderate disability in one, vegetative state in one and dead in two. Proximal flow arrest is considered to be useful for the following four reasons: 1) for the prevention of distal embolism; 2) for the prevention of distal coil migration; and 3) to block blood flow upon rerupture; 4) for the balloon occlusion test, but the necessity of this technique is now controversial. However it is difficult to prove the necessity, we believe it is an effective optional technique for safety embolization.     

Re-bleeding during embolization of ruptured cerebral aneurysms by Guglielmi detachable coil

Intra-aneurysmal embolization by Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) is becoming an important method in treatment of intracranial aneurysm. However, intraoperative bleeding remains an essential problem. We reviewed our anesthesia records in patients treated with GDC embolization. Ninety four cases of ruptured cerebral aneurysms were treated with GDC embolization, including 59 females and 35 males. Their ages ranged from 21 to 88, with mean age of 67 years. Preoperative Hunt and Hess grading scales were 1 in 3 cases, 2 in 31, 3 in 40, 4 in 16 and 5 in 4. Intraoperative re-bleeding occurred in 3 cases. These were confirmed by extravasation in angiography or by increased HDA in CT. Each case has berry aneurysm. Acute hypertension at re-bleeding was treated with nicardipine as well as by increasing dose of anesthetic, and hemostasis was obtained by hypotension and reversal of heparin with protamine. After disappearance of extravasation, the procedures were continued. Anesthesia was maintained with fentanyl-propofol in 1 case and sevoflurane in 2 cases. Direct hemostasis is impossible during endovascular surgery and management of systemic circulation by an anesthesiologist is necessary.     

Packing efficacy of hydrocoil embolic system: in vitro study using ruptured aneurysm model

After endovascular coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms, coil compaction and late aneurysm recanalization have been ever observed. The HydroCoil Embolic System (HES) was developed to improve the packing efficacy of endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. In this study, we evaluate the packing efficacy of HES using a silicone model of ruptured cerebral aneurysm. This silicone model was connected to a pulsatile flow pump and embolized with the initial framing coils followed by hydro coils (n = 3) or bare platinum coils (n = 3). The coils used in the two groups were identical to each other in size and length. In the hydro coil group, continuous outflow from ruptured aneurysm ceased in two out of three cases. On the other hand, in the bare platinum coil group, outflow from the ruptured point slightly decreased but did not stop in all cases. The hydro coil could result in a higher initial occlusion rate of silicone model. In addition, expanded hydrogel possibly sealed the ruptured point directly. Changes in the size of aneurysms were not detected, from which the risk of over-expansion seemed extremely low. The hydro Coil is a safe and feasible device for improving the packing efficacy in endovascular coil embolization.     

Treatment of giant fusiform aneurysms of the basilar trunk with intra-aneurysmal and basilar artery coil embolization

OBJECTIVE: The authors report their experience in endovascular treatment of basilar artery (BA) trunk aneurysms by intra-aneurysmal and BA occlusion. METHODS: Four patients were referred to our hospital from 1995 until 2002 with variable clinical presentations and radiologic appearances. All the patients were subjected for tolerability to balloon BA occlusion test to verify the collateral supply from the posterior communicating arteries. The patients were treated by intra-aneurysmal embolization together with basilar artery occlusion. RESULTS: All the aneurysms were successfully isolated from the circulation. Transient postoperative neurologic deficits were constant findings in all the cases. Outcome was finally good for all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of complex BA trunk aneurysm by intra-aneurysmal embolization and BA occlusion method is a valuable alternative for management and successful isolation in patients with good collateral arterial flow.