Endovascular treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

OBJECT: Because of its thin wall, an aneurysm arising from the posterior wall of the internal carotid artery (ICA), the so-called blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA), is difficult to manage surgically and is often associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The authors treated these aneurysms endovascularly. In this paper, they present angiographic and clinical results obtained in patients with ICA BBAs treated endovascularly. METHODS: In seven patients with ICA BBAs who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, a total number of 12 endovascular treatments were performed, including seven endosaccular coil embolizations (four conventional, two stent-assisted and one balloon-assisted procedure) in four patients and five endovascular ICA trapping procedures in five patients. Repeated endovascular treatments were undertaken in four patients. In two patients, the endovascular treatment was performed after failure of surgical treatment (one case of rebleeding after clip placement and one aneurysmal regrowth after wrapping). A balloon occlusion test (BOT) was performed in all patients prior to ICA trapping. All four patients treated by endosaccular coil embolization showed aneurysmal regrowth. Neither stents nor balloons helpfully prevented aneurysmal regrowth. Of these four patients, two experienced rebleeding. These two patients remained vegetative at the last follow-up examination. After the BOT, ICA trapping was performed with coils and balloons without complication in five patients; excellent outcomes were achieved in all cases but one in which the patient had been in poor neurological condition due to rebleeding after surgical clip therapy. CONCLUSIONS: All ICA BBAs that were treated by endosaccular coil embolization exhibited regrowth of the aneurysm. Some of the lesions rebled. The majority of patients who underwent ICA trapping experienced excellent outcomes. Based on the authors' experiences, they suggest that ICA trapping including the lesion segment should be considered as a first option for definitive treatment if a BOT reveals satisfactory results. Regarding trapping methods, endovascular treatment may be preferred because of its convenience and safety.     

LVIS支架辅助弹簧圈治疗颈内血泡样动脉瘤

正血泡样动脉瘤(blood blister-like aneurysm,BBA)是位于颈内动脉床突上段前壁、前内或外侧壁非交叉部位的特殊类型动脉瘤,瘤颈宽而瘤壁菲薄,占颈内动脉瘤的0.9%～6.5%~([1])。BBA体积普遍较小,临床较少产生神经压迫症状,绝大部分因破裂后出现蛛网膜下出血(subarachnoid hemorrhage,SAH)及在手术中被偶然发现。BBA的常用治疗方法为开颅夹闭或血管内介入,因其瘤体菲薄、瘤颈脆弱以及术中易     

多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颈内动脉血泡样动脉瘤效果及其对血管内皮功能的影响

目的探讨多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颈内动脉血泡样动脉瘤(BBA)的效果及其对患者血管内皮功能的影响。方法对31例颈内动脉BBA患者行多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗。于术后当天采用Raymand分级评价栓塞效果;术后28天及术后3个月采用改良Rankin量表(mRS)评价患者预后,通过统计学方法对比分析术前及术后1周患者外周血血浆内皮素-1(ET-1)、血管性假血友病因子(vWF)及血清一氧化氮(NO)水平。结果多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗技术成功率为93.55%(29/31)。29例顺利完成BBA栓塞,术后当天Raymand分级显示栓塞治疗有效(Ⅰ、Ⅱ级)率为100%(29/29,其中Ⅰ级22例、Ⅱ级7例);术后28天及术后3个月mRS显示预后良好(0～2级)率分别为68.97%(20/29,其中0级5例、1级8例、2级7例)和75.86%(22/29,其中0级7例、1级12例、2级3例)。与术前相比,31例患者术后1周ET-1[(518.38±22.91)pg/ml vs (550.32±28.57)pg/ml,t=-4.848,P0.001]、vWF[(1.66±0.20)ng/ml vs (1.86±0.29)ng/ml,t=-3.161,P=0.002]均明显升高,而血清NO水平明显降低[(37.40±4.88)nmol/ml vs (33.02±4.24)nmol/ml,t=3.796,P0.001]。结论多支架辅助弹簧圈栓塞治疗颈内动脉BBA疗效肯定,但对患者术后血管内皮功能有一定不利影响。     

"Kissing" aneurysms of the internal carotid artery treated by coil embolization

A 62-year-old female complaining of sudden severe headache was referred to our stroke center in consultation. Computed tomography showed diffuse spread of thick subarachnoid hemorrhage to the basal cistern and both sylvian fissures, and digital subtraction angiography showed kissing aneurysms arising in the left lateral and occipital directions in the C(1) portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The anterior choroidal artery was situated between the two aneurysms, and another small branch originating from the dome of the distal aneurysm was confirmed as a duplicated middle cerebral artery (MCA). Endovascular treatment was successfully performed to spare the two vessels involved. This case of kissing aneurysms and ICA-duplicated MCA is very rare, and presents difficulties for both surgical and endovascular treatments.     

Blood blister-like aneurysms at nonbranching sites of the internal carotid artery

OBJECT: The clinical features of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) that arise at nonbranching sites of the internal carotid artery (ICA) differ from those of saccular aneurysms. In this study, the authors attempt to describe optimal treatments for BBAs, which have yet to be clearly established. METHODS: Ten of 483 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who had been seen at the authors' institution between March 2001 and June 2005 had intraoperatively confirmed BBAs at nonbranching sites of the ICA. All ten patients were women between the ages of 37 and 64 years (mean age 49.3 years); five had a history of hypertension. The BBAs were localized to the right side of the ICA in seven cases. All patients were successfully treated; clipping was undertaken in six, clipping combined with wrapping in three, and trapping in one. These methods were used in conjunction with various other surgical techniques such as brain relaxation by draining cerebrospinal fluid, anterior clinoidectomy, exposing the cervical ICA, gentle subpial dissection (for aneurysms that adhered to the frontal lobe), complete trapping of the ICA before clipping, and protecting the brain. Clip slippage occurred at the end of dural closing in two cases; the aneurysm was completely obliterated using multiple clips combined with ICA stenosis in one of these cases and ICA trapping with good collateral flow in the other. An excellent clinical outcome was achieved in eight patients, whereas two patients were disabled from massive vasospasm. The authors retrospectively reviewed radiological and surgical data in all cases to determine which treatment methods produced a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Blood blister-like aneurysms located at nonbranching sites of the ICA are difficult to treat. Preoperative awareness and careful consideration of these lesions during surgery can prevent poor clinical outcomes.     

Treatment of blood blister-like aneurysm of the internal carotid artery with stent-assisted coil embolization followed by stent-within-a-stent technique. Case report

Ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are potentially dangerous lesions because of the high risk of intraoperative bleeding associated with their wide fragile neck. The authors discuss cases in which BBAs were treated endovascularly during the chronic stage and report a case in which a ruptured BBA of the ICA was successfully treated in the acute phase with stent-assisted coil embolization and a subsequent stent-within-a-stent procedure.     

Application of the Willis covered stent in the treatment of internal carotid artery blood blister-like aneurysms

The optimal treatment for blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) has not yet been determined, and BBA has a high recurrence rate after stent-assisted embolization. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of patients with BBA rupture in the acute phase or patients with BBA who have recurrence after stent-assisted coil embolization. Eight patients (8 women, mean age 50.3?±?3.7 years) who presented with ruptured BBA or recurrence BBA that had been treated by stent-assisted embolization (5 patients after primary treatment of stent-assisted embolization) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 year after endovascular treatment. All patients were successfully treated with the WCS, and immediate postoperative angiography showed that the aneurysms were completely isolated. The ophthalmic artery was covered by WCS in one patient; however, this patient did not show any clinical visual field or vision symptoms. Procedure-related complications such as aneurysm rupture, vasospasm, acute thrombosis, or thromboembolism did not occur in any case. All patients were followed up for 1 year after endovascular treatment, and they were in good condition without recurrence. One patient developed delayed bleeding at the right temporal lobe. All patients had good clinical prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score?≤?2). WCS implantation may be a safe and feasible strategy for patients with BBA rupture in the acute phase and patients with BBA who have recurrence after stent-assisted coil embolization and is a promising option worth exploring.

     

Endovascular coil embolization of unusual posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms

Three patients underwent transarterial platinum coil embolization of unusual posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms. In one case, a giant, bilobed, partially thrombosed aneurysm exhibited marked mass effect on the adjacent medulla. In the second case, diffuse severe cerebral vasospasm, 3 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage, rendered transvascular treatment of the aneurysm difficult. Increasing vertigo and nausea caused by mass effect from an aneurysm previously coated with methyl methacrylate warranted treatment in the third case. Indications for transvascular coil treatment included relative surgical inaccessibility to the aneurysm, and, in our case, inability to perform transarterial detachable balloon therapy. The aneurysms were obliterated by endovascular coil embolization in each case. In the patient with vasospasm, aneurysm treatment followed angioplasty of the major affected cerebral vessels, resulting in significant neurological improvement within 24 hours. Two patients were neurologically intact at the time of discharge, and the third displayed persistent cerebellar signs despite a marked decrease in vertigo and nausea. Reports of transvascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms are very rare. Our experience with these patients demonstrates that this technique can be successfully utilized in selected cases.     

Preoperative internal iliac artery coil embolization for aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms involving the iliac artery, which is seen in about 20% of patients, requires extension of the stent-graft limb into the external iliac artery. Occlusion of the IIA is used to prevent a potential type II endoleak via retrograde flow in the IIA after covering the IIA origin with a stent-graft limb. In this article, the major indications for coil-embolization of the internal iliac artery in aneurysmal disease are reviewed and discussed, as well as the technique and the outcome regarding endoleak incidence and complications.     

Intra-aneurysmal coil embolization for large or giant carotid artery aneurysms in the cavernous sinus

This study evaluated the effectiveness of intra-aneurysmal coil embolization for large or giant carotid artery aneurysms in the cavernous sinus in seven patients treated by intra-aneurysmal coil embolization from 2001 to 2010. Only one patient showed improved neurological symptoms caused by aneurysmal mass effect during the mean follow-up period of 53.4 ± 27.3 months. Neurological symptoms caused by the aneurysms remained unchanged in two patients, and deteriorated in four. Intra-aneurysmal coil embolization is not considered an effective treatment option for large or giant carotid artery aneurysms in the cavernous sinus.     

Arterial suturing followed by clip reinforcement with circumferential wrapping for blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

OBJECTIVE: Blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are very fragile, thin-walled aneurysms. These lesions are susceptible to premature rupture intraoperatively. We describe two cases of successful arterial suturing of these blister-like aneurysms of the ICA, followed by a clip reinforcement technique and circumferential wrapping with a silastic sheet. METHODS: Two young men presented with a diffuse and dense subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the basal cistern. The initial angiogram obtained soon after the SAH showed a broad-based, small bulging appearance of the dorsal wall of the ICA. Intraoperatively, a very thin-walled aneurysm was identified on the C2 and C1 segment of the ICA. The aneurysms ruptured abruptly during surgical manipulation. After application of temporary clips, an aneurysmal tear of the ICA was repaired with 8-0 nylon. To prevent the regrowth of the aneurysm, clip reinforcement, by circumferential wrapping with a transparent silicone sheet, was added. RESULTS: The postoperative clinical course was uneventful, although one patient showed transient right hemiparesis due to cerebral vasospasm. Angiographic studies performed postoperatively showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm as well as a patent ICA lumen in one case and total occlusion of the ICA in the other case. Both patients were discharged with no neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: This technique can be a useful treatment option for these fragile aneurysms in cases where other options, such as direct clips or encircling clips, may be impossible.     

Endovascular coil embolization of a recurrent giant internal carotid artery aneurysm via the posterior communicating artery after cervical carotid ligation: case report.

The case of a 29-year-old man with a giant fusiform aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) is presented. The aneurysm, treated by cervical ICA ligation and extracranial-intracranial bypass, recurred 4 years later owing to recruitment of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). Because of the previous bypass surgery a direct surgical approach was excluded. After an initial failure with balloon embolization, the aneurysm was embolized successfully with occlusive platinum microcoils through the microcatheter navigated into the aneurysm via the enlarged PCoA. Endovascular coil embolization may be useful in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms not amenable to direct surgery or balloon embolization.     

Blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery trunk causing subarachnoid hemorrhage: treatment and outcome

OBJECT: The object of this study was to evaluate cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) trunk. METHODS: The authors performed a single-center, retrospective study. Data analyzed were patient age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, time from SAH to hospitalization, aneurysm size and location, collateral capacity of the circle of Willis, time from hospitalization to aneurysm repair, type of aneurysm repair, complications, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients suffered SAH from ICA aneurysms. Of these, 14 patients (6.6%) had ICA trunk BBAs; 6 men and 8 women. The median age was 47.8 years (range 29.9-67.7 years). The Hunt and Hess grade was IV or V in 7 cases, and SAH was Fisher Grade 3 + 4 in 6. All aneurysms were small (< 1 cm), without relation to vessel bifurcations, and usually located anteromedially on the ICA trunk. Three patients were treated with coil placement and 11 with clip placement. Of the 7 patients in whom the ICA was preserved, only 1 had poor outcome (GOS Score 2). In contrast, cerebral infarcts developed in all patients treated with ICA sacrifice, directly postoperatively in 2 and after delay in 5. Six patients died, 1 survived in poor condition (GOS Score 3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Internal carotid BBAs are rare, small, and difficult to treat endovascularly, with only 2 of 14 patients successfully treated with coil placement. The BBAs rupture easily during surgery (ruptured in 6 of 11 surgical cases). Intraoperative aneurysm rupture invariably led to ICA trap ligation. Sacrifice of the ICA within 48 hours of an SAH led to very poor outcome, even in patients with adequate collateral capacity on preoperative angiograms, probably because of vasospasm-induced compromise of the cerebral collaterals.     

经导管弹簧圈栓塞治疗脾动脉瘤

目的探讨经导管弹簧圈栓塞治疗脾动脉瘤的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析接受经导管弹簧圈栓塞治疗的18例脾动脉瘤患者的资料,其中真性脾动脉瘤14例,假性脾动脉瘤4例;近端型6例,中间型4例,脾门型8例。根据患者脾动脉造影情况,选择普通弹簧圈、微弹簧圈或机械可脱式弹簧圈进行栓塞。术后1周及1、3、9个月行CT增强或CTA复查,随后每月行电话随访。结果对18例均顺利完成手术,11例采用隔绝旷置术,4例采用瘤腔填塞术,3例采用隔绝旷置术+瘤腔填塞术。术后12例出现栓塞后综合征,其中8例出现不同程度的脾梗死,梗死体积约10%~35%;余4例为轻微并发症。随访中无瘤体增大、破裂或复发及相关并发症。结论经导管弹簧圈栓塞治疗脾动脉瘤简单可行、安全有效。     

Comparison of radiological and clinical characteristics between blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) and non-blister aneurysms at the supraclinoid segment of internal carotid artery

Neurosurgical Review - Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) were considered a therapeutic challenge for both microsurgeons and endovascular therapists. While a great deal of efforts had been put to...     

How I do it: treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery by extracranial-to-intracranial bypass and trapping

Background

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) pose a significant challenge to neurosurgeons and neuro-interventionalists. These fragile broad-based aneurysms have a propensity to rupture with minimal manipulation during surgical or endovascular explorations because, unlike saccular aneurysms, they lack all layers of the arterial wall. Aneurysm trapping with extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is a safe and durable treatment for BBAs.

Methods

We describe our technique and the guiding principles for surgical bypass and trapping of BBAs of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA).

Conclusions

Treatment of BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA remains difficult. Aneurysm trapping with EC-IC bypass treats BBAs definitively by eliminating the diseased segment of the ICA. We have found the technique and principles described here to be safe and durable in our hands.     

Reconstructive stent-buttressed coil embolization of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery

It is critical that traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms should be removed completely from the parent artery because there is a possibility of significant morbidity and mortality from the high risk of rebleeding from any remnants of the pseudoaneurysm. However, the deconstruction of the parent artery has the risk of ischemic damage to the distal to the trapped artery. We describe a case of a successful reconstructive stent-buttressed coil embolization in a patient with a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the intracranial internal carotid artery. A 30-year-old man with a stuporous mentality was admitted to our institution after a traffic accident. The initial computed tomography scan showed a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and a pseudoaneurysm of the left supraclinoid internal carotid artery. A reconstructive endovascular treatment using stent-assisted coil embolization with a stent-within-a-stent technique was conducted in order to save carotid blood flow. The pseudoaneurysm was completely obliterated and the patient recovered without any neurological deficit. We suggest that multiple stent placements with coiling may be considered as a treatment option for intracranial traumatic pseudoaneurysms as a reconstructive treatment.     

Case of an internal carotid artery aneurysm complicated with coil protrusion during embolization

Coil migration during cerebral aneurysm embolization is rare, but one of the most troublesome events. A 65-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the treatment of a cerebral aneurysm. Angiography showed the aneurysm at the C3 portion of the right internal carotid artery. The neck of the aneurysm was wide. A detachable coil was placed into the aneurysm using the balloon neck plasty technique and was detached after confirmation of its stability. However, after detachment, the coil started to migrate. The balloon was inflated to prevent coil migration and another coil was inserted into the aneurysm to stabilize the migrated coil. Finally, the aneurysm was subtotally embolized with 9 coils. The postoperative course was uneventful. Coil migration may occur especially in a wide-neck aneurysm. Appropriate coil selection is important to prevent such migration. Subsequent coil insertion, retrieval of the migrated coil, and stent placement are the treatment options for coil migration.