Resolution of third nerve paresis after endovascular management of aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery

The effect of endovascular treatment on the recovery of neural function in patients with third nerve palsy caused by an aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery is poorly documented. We report three cases in which third nerve paresis resolved completely within 2 to 3 weeks of endovascular occlusion of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.     

Rapid enlargement of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm after Guglielmi detachable coil treatment of ipsilateral carotid artery aneurysms

This case illustrates rapid aneurysm enlargement, presumably due to altered hemodynamics resulting from endovascular treatment of aneurysms on the same artery. We postulate that increased hemodynamic force directed to the inflow zone of the posterior communicating artery aneurysm was caused by the treatment of the two ophthalmic artery aneurysms. Originally, many of the flow vectors may have been directed into the larger ophthalmic segment aneurysm, located on the outside of the curve of the internal carotid artery. After treatment, flow may have been directed more smoothly around the carotid siphon and into the posterior communicating artery aneurysm.     

Fistula between a posterior communicating artery aneurysm and the cavernous sinus.

We report the angiographic appearance of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm with a fistula to the cavernous sinus, which had been misinterpreted as a direct carotid-cavernous fistula, on which endovascular repair was unsuccessfully attempted.     

电解可脱弹簧圈栓塞治疗颅内动脉瘤

目的：分析应用电解可脱卸弹簧圈(GDC)栓塞治疗颅内动脉瘤的临床效果。方法：6例因蛛网膜下腔出血或其它神经系统症状入住我科的病人，经CT或(和)MR以及DSA检查证实为颅内动脉瘤，其中左侧后交通动脉3例，右侧后交通动脉1例，前交通动脉1例，C2段1例。瘤体直径在5．0-20．0mm之间。在神经安定 局麻下行动脉瘤栓塞术。先作载瘤动脉造影，明确动脉瘤的大小、形状、体／颈比以及与载瘤动脉的关系。再将微导管和微导丝塑型为相应的形状后经导引导管送至动脉瘤腔中部，选择合适的GDC进行填塞，直至致密填塞。结果：全部病人均一次性栓塞治疗成功，技术成功率为100％。栓塞后即刻行脑血管造影显示动脉瘤腔填塞满意，填充程度均在95％以上。全部病人均无再次出血和并发症产生。结论：GDC栓塞颅内动脉瘤是安全、有效和微创的治疗手段。     

Delayed thromboembolic events 9 weeks after endovascular treatment of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm: case report

We present a case of delayed thromboembolic events that occurred 9 weeks after endovascular treatment of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm with GDC.     

Neck-bridge device for combined endovascular and surgical treatment of a giant anterior communicating artery aneurysm

We report the case of a 58-year-old man with a giant partially thrombosed anterior communicating artery aneurysm, which presented with mass effect. Our treatment strategy consisted of endovascular aneurysm circulatory exclusion prior to surgical resection. To do so, we first occluded both the two A1 segments and the aneurysm neck with a neck-bridge device to prevent further coil migration within the aneurysm sac. Five days later, the aneurysm was surgically removed.     

Early spontaneous occlusion of a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case report

We report a case of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) that developed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and was found to be occluded based on subsequent digital subtraction angiography. Few reports have been published on ruptured VADA in which ipsilateral vertebral arteries are occluded. The proper management of this type of aneurysm is controversial. A 44-year-old woman developed a sudden onset headache. Computed tomography and three-dimensional computed tomography were immediately performed and showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and VADA distal to the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery bifurcation. We decided to treat the VADA immediately and performed digital subtraction angiography but found the VADA had spontaneously occluded. We performed coil embolization, including the aneurysm and the parent artery, with reference to the findings of three-dimensional computed tomography. On Day 16, recurrence was considered due to the finding of dilation of the distal end where the coil was embolized. An additional embolization was performed via the posterior communicating artery. No cases of endovascular treatment have been reported in VADA cases in which the rupture site is spontaneously occluded. In such cases, the treatment may be incomplete, so strict follow-up is required.     

Horizontal stent placement plus coiling in a broad-based basilar-tip aneurysm: an alternative to the Y-stent technique

Introduction Basilar tip aneurysms are the most frequent type of aneurysm in the posterior circulation. Specifically, if wide-necked, they remain a significant therapeutic challenge. On the endovascular side, stents may help to overcome many of these technical challenges. However, if both P1 segments encroach into the aneurysm neck, sometimes stent placement from the middle of the basilar artery to one P1 segment is not enough. Therefore, some groups recommend the use of the so-called Y-stent technique, with one stent passing through the interstices of another stent in a Y-configuration thus remodelling the basilar tip.Methods We describe a patient with a broad-based basilar tip aneurysm and a single, very tortuous vertebral artery which did not allow the use of the vertebrobasilar system as the straight route to the aneurysm. Because of the well-known high surgical risk we decided to navigate the stent through the internal carotid artery and via the posterior communicating artery into the contralateral P1 segment and placed the stent at right angles to the aneurysm from one P1 segment to the contralateral one.Results The outcome in the patients was excellent without any ischemic lesions.Conclusion Horizontal stent placement in wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms may be a therapeutic alternative if the regular route via the vertebral arteries is not feasible.     

Combined use of endovascular coils and surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms.

We report two cases in which combined surgical clipping and endovascular coils have been used to treat intracranial aneurysms. In one case, a 59-year-old woman with multiple episodes of subarachnoid hemorrhage had an anterior communicating artery aneurysm, which was initially treated with coils and then clipped to occlude the aneurysm securely. In the second case, a broad-based cavernous aneurysm could not be completely surgically occluded, but surgical clipping did decrease the aneurysm neck size, allowing it to be successfully treated with coils.     

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked aneurysms by using two microcatheters: techniques and outcomes in 25 patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The endovascular occlusion of aneurysms with unfavorable configurations such as a broad neck and an important branch from the fundus remains a technical challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of complicated aneurysm treatment by using two microcatheters. METHODS: Twenty-five aneurysms in 25 patients were treated by using two microcatheters, from August 2001 to February 2004. Fourteen patients presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 11 had unruptured aneurysms. The aneurysms were of the basilar top (7), middle cerebral artery bifurcation (4), posterior communicating artery (4), anterior communicating artery (3), superior cerebellar artery (2), ophthalmic artery (2), and one aneurysm of each of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA), dorsal ICA, and midbasilar artery. In 16 aneurysms (64%), the width of the aneurysm was the same or longer than the height. In 19 (76%), important branches arose from the aneurysm base, and some were even incorporated with the aneurysm fundus. The mean dome (height)-to-neck ratio was 1.23 +/- 0.37 (range, 0.65-2.33), and this was greater than or equal to 1.0 in 19 aneurysms (76%). RESULTS: All aneurysms were successfully embolized. Immediate postembolization angiography showed no residual contrast filling in eight aneurysms (32%), and some residual contrast filling in 16. The aneurysm remnants, however, were intentionally left to preserve important branches in 12 of the 16 aneurysms with incomplete occlusion. Two complications occurred, including one thromboembolic and one coil protrusion, but they were successfully resolved and produced no clinical symptoms. All patients except one showed excellent clinical outcomes. One patient revealed moderate cognitive dysfunction. During the follow-up period, no new bleeding occurred. CONCLUSION: Our experience with 25 cerebral aneurysm patients shows that the technique of using two microcatheters is feasible and safe for coil embolization of aneurysms with unfavorable configurations. Although the lack of angiographic follow-up prevents us from drawing conclusions about its effectiveness as compared with other techniques such as stent placement and balloon-neck protection, we believe that this technique offers a reliable alternative for endovascular therapy of complicated aneurysms.     

液态栓塞剂在颅内动脉瘤治疗中的应用

目的　报道采用液态栓塞材料 (Onyx)栓塞治疗颅内动脉瘤的经验。方法　 1例颈内动脉 后交通动脉瘤采用单纯的Onyx栓塞技术 ;另 1例基底动脉多发动脉瘤则应用液态栓塞材料结合血管内支架及弹簧圈栓塞治疗。结果　 2例患者动脉瘤均得到致密栓塞 ,载瘤动脉通畅 ,无手术相关并发症。临床随访 3个月 ,患者均恢复良好。 1例血管造影检查提示动脉瘤栓塞稳定 ,造影剂与栓塞材料分离。结论　短期疗效显示液态栓塞剂治疗颅内动脉瘤是安全有效的 ,但需要进一步积累经验。     

An anomalous hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery associated with an unruptured internal carotid–posterior communicating artery aneurysm

The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) injuries can result in severe neurologic deficits, so requiring careful observation to avoid inadvertent damage during neuroendovascular procedures. In this case report, we present the unusual case of an anomalous hyperplastic AChA associated with a fetal-type posterior communicating artery (PCoA), and an unruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) –PCoA aneurysm. A 54-year-old woman presented with persistent headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an unruptured cerebral aneurysm in the right ICA, and cerebral angiography revealed a proximal fetal-type PComA and a distal anomalous hyperplastic AChA. Coil embolization was performed with no neurologic deficits and the target lesion was embolized with a total of 6 coils. An anomalous hyperplastic AchA has a lengthy course with numerous choroidal and perforating branches, and therefore, an abundant perfusion region. Thorough knowledge of the development and anatomy of anomalous arteries is important for safely performing endovascular procedures without causing any ischemic complications.     

颅内动脉瘤破裂早期介入治疗的临床价值

目的探讨颅内动脉瘤破裂后早期行数字减影血管造影(DSA)诊断价值并介入栓塞治疗的临床价值。方法对在我院治疗的38例自发性蛛网膜下腔出血患者行头颅CT扫描及早期DSA检查,并行血管内微弹簧圈栓塞治疗及或手术夹闭,包括GDC34例,手术夹闭4例。38例患者按Hunt-Hess分级:Ⅰ级30例、Ⅱ级6例、Ⅲ级1例、Ⅳ级1例,所有病例均行DSA造影及CT扫描。结果 CT扫描均提示不同程度的自发性蛛网膜下腔出血;脑血管DSA造影诊断:前交通动脉瘤13例,后交通动脉瘤16例,大脑中动脉瘤7例,颈内动脉分叉部2例。介入栓塞及手术夹闭成功36例,占94.7%。36例随访3～35个月无再次出血,全部病例CT复查显示弹簧圈形态、位置无改变,30例6个月后复查DSA未见动脉瘤复发。2例后交通复杂动脉瘤介入栓塞失败,家属不愿手术治疗,他们分别于术后1周及1月后死亡。结论对颅内动脉瘤破裂患者需尽早行数字减影血管造影(DSA)作出早期诊断,早期进行弹簧圈血管内栓塞治疗;DSA在诊断,治疗及患者随访中均发挥非常重要的作用。     

Endovascular occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery for the treatment of p2 segment aneurysms: retrospective review of a 10-year series

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: P2 segment aneurysms develop between the junction of the posterior communicating artery with the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and the posterior part of the midbrain in the ambient cistern. We reviewed our experience with parent artery occlusion in such aneurysms, looking for predictors of safety and effectiveness. METHODS: Clinical and preprocedural data from 10 patients, referred for endovascular treatment of P2 segment aneurysms, were retrospectively studied for prognostic factors influencing postoperative neurologic deficits caused by ischemia of the PCA distal territory. Patient tolerance was assessed by using clinical or anatomic criteria. Embryologic and anatomic features of the PCA were reviewed. RESULTS: Endovascular parent artery occlusion at the level of the aneurysmal neck was possible in nine cases. Control angiography after embolization showed that the aneurysm did not fill, and the distal PCA refilled via leptomeningeal anastomoses. One asymptomatic aneurysm could not be catheterized because of vascular tortuosity. No neurologic deficit occurred after treatment. Clinical presentations and grades were typical. No embryologic or anatomic configuration (eg, basilar tip arrangement, P2 position relative to the choroidal fissure, aneurysmal size or type [berry, fusiform, or serpentine]) was predictive of bad outcomes. CONCLUSION: Acute parent artery occlusion appears to be safe in the treatment of P2 segment aneurysms, whatever the location of the occlusion. In our series, potential collateral supply and hemodynamic balance between the anterior and posterior choroidal arteries, pericallosal vessels, and anterior and middle cerebral vessels to the distal PCA made P2 occlusion safe, because the aneurysm occurred after the thalamoperforating vessels arose from the P1 segment.     

Infundibula may be clinically significant

Summary An infundibulum at the origin of the posterior communicating artery is observed to such an extent that it provokes little interest or comment. Although considered preaneurysmal by some, no serious consideration is given to its surgical removal. We present a patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a middle cerebral artery aneurysm, and bilateral posterior communicating artery infundibula to draw attention to the importance of the infundibulum in certain circumstances.     

Endovascular treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms using Guglielmi detachable coils

The aim of this study was to evaluate endovascular treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms using Guglielmi detachable coils GDC. To obtain long-term follow-up, we selected patients treated between October 1992 and March 1994. Among the 251 berry aneurysms treated by detachable coils at our institution, 36 were located at the anterior communicating artery and treated with GDC. The most frequent clinical presentation in this group (86 %) was subarachnoid haemorrhage (30 cases). There were 23 aneurysms which were completely and 6 were partially occluded. We did not treat 7 aneurysms. In 3 cases, no endovascular treatment was attempted either because the aneurysmal neck was not clearly distinct from the adjacent, or parent vessels (2 cases), or because the aneurysm sac was too small (1 case). In 4 cases, treatment failed because of atheroma of the cervical and intracranial vessels. Complications were, in the majority of cases, related to clotting (3 cases) with a good outcome in 2 cases and neurological sequelae in 1. In 1 case rupture of the aneurysm occurred during treatment. Endovascular packing was continued until complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved and no clinical complication was observed after the treatment. Two patients died as a result of complications of subarachnoid haemorrhage (vasospasm in one case, pulmonary complications in the other). Endovascular treatment using GDC is an efficient technique for treating anterior communicating artery aneurysms even in the acute phase of bleeding. Received: 6 June 1995 Accepted: 25 August 1995     

胚胎型大脑后动脉动脉瘤的血管内治疗一例并文献复习

目的结合文献探讨胚胎型大脑后动脉(fetal PCA)动脉瘤的特点及其血管内治疗方法。方法报道并分析1例胚胎型大脑后动脉动脉瘤的治疗;Pubmed数据库检索fetal PCA合并颅内动脉瘤的文献以及所有有关fetal PCA的文献。结果通过支架辅助弹簧圈及支架后释放技术致密填塞动脉瘤,无瘤颈残留。Fetal PCA在患者中的总体发生率为4%～29%,且有血管异常或畸形的人颅内动脉瘤的发现率比正常人高。结论 Fetal PCA较大脑后动脉动脉瘤在治疗过程中易出现手术并发症,综合考虑闭塞载瘤动脉可能引起的并发症,尽量选择保留血管采用后释放技术是保留载瘤动脉同时治疗动脉瘤的一种安全和有效的方法。     

Postangiographic 3D CT findings of a thrombosed dissecting aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

We report a case of a thrombosed dissecting aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the aneurysmal sac was not shown on an angiogram on the day of the onset, 3D CT performed immediately after angiography revealed the aneurysm. The patient was successfully treated by endovascular occlusion.     

Neuroform stent deployment for treatment of a basilar tip aneurysm via a posterior communicating artery route

Coiling of a wide-necked basilar tip aneurysm can be accomplished in selected cases by placing a single Neuroform stent horizontally across the aneurysm neck via a posterior communicating artery approach rather than by placing 2 stents in a Y configuration via a basilar artery approach.     

Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction: incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the incidence, clinical presentation, and midterm clinical and imaging results of endovascular treatment of 10 aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and January 2007, 2112 aneurysms were treated in our institution. Ten aneurysms in 10 patients were located on the vertebrobasilar junction and 7 aneurysms (70%) were associated with proximal basilar fenestration. There were 5 men and 5 women, ranging from 29 to 75 years of age. Nine aneurysms presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one was a giant partially thrombosed aneurysm with mass effect on the brain stem. RESULTS: Nine ruptured aneurysms were treated by primary coil occlusion. One giant unruptured aneurysm was initially treated with bilateral vertebral artery occlusion, 2 months later followed by selective coil occlusion of the remaining aneurysm lumen via the posterior communicating artery. At imaging follow-up of 6-30 months in 7 patients, all aneurysms were adequately occluded. In 2 patients, the vertebrobasilar junction and distal vertebral arteries (including the aneurysm) thrombosed completely on follow-up without clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are rare, with an incidence of 0.5% of treated aneurysms at our institution. Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are frequently associated with proximal basilar fenestration. Most patients present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in excluding the aneurysms from the circulation.