Endovascular Treatment of a Ruptured Internal Thoracic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Presenting as a Massive Hemothorax in a Patient with Type I Neurofibromatosis

We report a case of acute hemothorax caused by a left internal thoracic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture in a patient with neurofibromatosis type I, which was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization.     

Embolization of spontaneous rupture of an aneurysm of the ovarian artery supplying the uterus with fibroids

We report a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by rupture of an aneurysm of the right ovarian artery in a 55-year-old woman. Diagnosis was achieved by computed tomography and arteriography. The ruptured aneurysm was treated by transcatheter arterial embolization using microcoils and gelatin sponge particles. This is the first case of rupture of an aneurysm of the ovarian artery not related to pregnancy, and the third case of embolization of a ruptured ovarian artery aneurysm in the literature. We illustrate the usefulness of embolization in treatment of an ovarian artery aneurysm without surgery.     

Fatal rebleeding following coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms: the role of long-term systemic anticoagulation

Embolization of cerebral aneurysms has become a common technique. Its impact on subsequent medical management of the patient is not well known. We report two patients who presented in a poor neurological grade after subarachnoid hemorrhage from posterior communicating artery aneurysms. Both were treated by coil embolization and both developed subclavian vein thrombosis, requiring systemic anticoagulation, initiated 11 and 21 days after embolization, respectively. Both developed a large, fatal intracranial hemorrhage adjacent to the embolized aneurysm in the fourth week of anticoagulation. Systemic anticoagulation of patients who have had a ruptured aneurysm treated by coil embolization may carry a significant risk of rebleeding. Alternate management strategies should be considered in these patients. Received: 21 January 2000 Accepted: 3 October 2000     

Guglielmi detachable coil embolization for ruptured lower-midbasilar trunk aneurysms – a report of five cases

Detachable coil embolization currently plays an essential role for patients with ruptured basilar artery aneurysms, even though it may have an unfavorable outcome and there may be some technical problems of embolization. We describe Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization for five ruptured lower-mid basilar trunk aneurysms, using a variety of techniques. The patients' ages ranged from 61 to 78 years; Hunt and Kosnik grade was distributed from 2 to 4, and three patients were found to have fenestrations of the lower basilar arteries. All patients underwent aneurysmal embolization at the subacute or chronic stage. The transfemoral route was used in three patients – one of whom, with a wide-necked aneurysm, was treated by the balloon remodeling technique. The transbrachial approach was chosen for the fourth patient, while vertebral artery origin exposure followed by a direct puncture was achieved in the fifth. All patients were assessed with 80–100 % aneurysmal obliteration. No patient re-bled after the embolization. Small cerebellar infarction, possibly due to embolism from the obliterated aneurysmal sac, occurred 11 days after the treatment. Of the five patients, four achieved a good recovery, and one became severely disabled. Ruptured basilar trunk aneurysms can be successfully treated with GDC embolization. In addition to the routine transfemoral route, the transbrachial route, direct vertebral artery puncture, and balloon remodeling technique are also useful for the embolization of this location of aneurysm. Received: 16 November 2000/Accepted: 13 March 2001     

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.     

脊柱肿瘤术前靶动脉栓塞

目的　探讨脊柱肿瘤术前栓塞的临床应用价值。方法　肿瘤分布为颈椎 13例 ,胸椎 17例 ,腰椎 15例 ,骶椎 9例。造影后选择性栓塞肿瘤供养动脉 ,栓塞物质为直径 1mm的明胶颗粒、PVA颗粒或钢圈。手术时机为栓塞后 1～ 7d。结果　共栓塞 4 3例患者的 79支血管 ,其中颈升动脉 1支 ,椎动脉 1支 ,肋间动脉 39支 ,腰动脉 19支 ,髂内动脉 15支 ,骶正中动脉 4支。栓塞后手术的 4 1例患者术中估计出血量 (EBL)为 30 0～ 30 0 0ml,平均 1312ml;同期 33例未行术前栓塞脊柱肿瘤术中EBL为 15 0 0～ 5 0 0 0ml,平均 2 375ml(P <0 .0 1)。本组全部栓塞病例均无并发症。结论　脊柱肿瘤术前栓塞能显著减少术中出血 ,可使肿瘤有更多的机会获得完全切除。     

Coil embolization for the treatment of ruptured dissecting vertebral aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Proximal occlusion of the parent artery has been widely used for treatment of vertebral dissecting ruptured aneurysms, but this does not always completely prevent rerupture. We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive patients for clinical characteristics and/or for efficacy of occlusion with detachable coils at the site of dissection. METHODS: During a 45-month period, 24 of 242 patients with aneurysms associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage had dissecting vertebral aneurysms identified at angiography. Eighteen of the 24 patients were treated with platinum coil occlusion at the affected site as early as possible after diagnosis, two patients were treated conservatively, and four others were not eligible for treatment owing to intractable elevation of intracerebral pressure and severe brain stem dysfunction. RESULTS: The rate of aneurysmal rupture in the posterior fossa was high, at 56 (23%) of the 242 aneurysms, including 24 (10%) vertebral dissecting aneurysms. Subsequent rupture occurred in 14 (58%) of the patients, all within 24 hours after the first attack and three during transportation to the hospital. In all 18 patients, coil embolization at the affected site was successful, with no complications. Radiologic findings showed complete occlusion of the dissection site and patency of the unaffected artery (mean follow-up, 9 months). Among the six patients who did not undergo embolization, only one survived with a good outcome, the others died of repeat hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: A high rate of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms may be expected in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially in those with early repeat hemorrhage. Detachable platinum coil embolization may be more effective than proximal occlusion for treatment of ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms because of immediate cessation of blood flow to the dissection site; however, in patients with bilateral dissections or hypoplastic contralateral vertebral arteries, prior bypass surgery orstent placement to preserve the artery will be needed.     

Endovascular therapy for massive haemothorax caused by ruptured extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm with neurofibromatosis Type 1

Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm is uncommon, and the common cause is penetrating trauma. Rupture of extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm into the thoracic cavity is extremely rare and fatal due to haemorrhagic shock by massive haemothorax. We report an intrathoracic rupture of the extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm with neurofibromatosis Type 1, successfully treated by coil and liquid embolisation.     

Multiple Intrahepatic Artery Aneurysms in a Patient with Behçet’s Disease: Use of Transcatheter Embolization for Rupture

Intrahepatic artery aneuryms are a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. We present the first case in the English literature of multiple intrahepatic artery aneuryms in a patient with Behçet’s disease who presented acutely with rupture. The ruptured aneurysm was treated successfully with transcatheter arterial coil embolization-CT and clinical follow-up confirming a good result. We discuss the management dilemma with regard to prophylactic embolization of the numerous other small asymptomatic intrahepatic aneurysms in this same patient.     

可脱球囊栓塞术在海绵窦瘘治疗中的应用 (附 2 7例报告 )

目的　研究微导管可脱球囊技术治疗海绵窦瘘的临床意义。方法 :2 6例外伤性颈内动脉海绵窦瘘 (TCCF)患者和 1例大脑前动脉 (A1段 )动脉瘤破裂合并海绵窦瘘患者采用微导管可脱球囊技术进行栓塞治疗 ,以经颅多普勒 (TCD)进行复查 ,所有患者均随访 6月以上。结果 :2 2例CCF患者均成功栓塞瘘口并保持颈内动脉通畅 ,其中 2 0例为一次栓塞成功 ,2例因球囊过早泄漏而行 2次栓塞治疗。对 1例A1段动脉瘤破裂合并海绵窦瘘患者成功施行了双球囊动脉瘤颈孤立术。 4例行颈内动脉闭塞术。本组病例未发生严重并发症。结论 :微导管可脱球囊技术是对海绵窦瘘的一种微创、安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked renal artery bifurcation aneurysms

PURPOSE: To report preliminary results of stent-assisted coil embolization in the treatment of wide-necked renal artery bifurcation aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients (three women, one man; mean age, 54 years; range, 49-67 y) with wide-necked renal artery aneurysms were treated with dedicated neurointerventional self-expanding nitinol stent-assisted coil embolization during a 2-year period. The stent was delivered over the neck of the aneurysm, after which the aneurysm was filled with detachable coils through a microcatheter placed into the aneurysm through the stent mesh. RESULTS: Stent delivery and coil embolization was successfully completed in all cases. Complete aneurysm occlusion without coil protrusion or arterial flow compromise was obtained in all patients. A small peripheral subsegmental renal infarction necessitating no therapy was registered in one patient on postembolization computed tomography. At follow-up angiography 1 year after embolization, no aneurysm recanalization or arterial obstruction was registered. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience indicates that stent-assisted coil embolization is technically feasible and effective for the exclusion of challenging renal artery bifurcation aneurysms without the sacrifice of any branch arteries.     

Emergent management of ruptured pericallosal-callosomarginal artery aneurysm using stent-assisted coil embolization

We present a case of a ruptured bilobed pericallosal aneurysm successfully treated with coil embolization through a Neuroform stent. A 48-year-old male presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following rupture of a previously clipped aneurysm at the bifurcation of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries, primarily along the pericallosal artery, Hunt and Hess grade 5. After an initial unsuccessful attempt to embolize the wide-neck aneurysm with a detachable coil, a 4×15 Neuroform stent was uneventfully deployed across the aneurysm neck followed by successful coil embolization using detachable coils. We believe this case describes the first successful use of the Neuroform stent to assist in coiling of a wide-neck pericallosal-callosomarginal aneurysm. This case highlights the expanding role of emergency endovascular therapies to manage severe SAH.     

Modified buddy wire technique for coil embolization of posterior circulation aneurysms

Introduction In coil embolization of a posterior circulation aneurysm, tortuosity or a small vessel caliber frequently prevents placement of a guiding catheter in the vertebral artery. Even in such difficult situations, however, coil embolization is the only treatment option when the patient’s clinical condition is very poor, or the aneurysm is inaccessible by microsurgery. Methods Three patients with a posterior circulation aneurysm were treated by coil embolization with the use of a modified buddy wire technique to stabilize a guiding catheter that could not be placed into the vertebral artery. Results The guiding catheter was stabilized in the subclavian artery and the microcatheter was firmly supported. As a result, coil embolization was performed safely in all patients. There were no procedural complications. Conclusion The modified buddy wire technique could provide patients with a chance to undergo endovascular surgery despite having a tortuous or narrow vertebral artery.     

Prevention and management of intraprocedural rupture of intracranial aneurysm with detachable coils during embolization

Introduction Intracranial aneurysm rupture during embolization with detachable coils is reportedly among the gravest of intraprocedural complications. We present here our experiences with this outcome, and a potential intervention for managing this life-threatening complication.Methods From April 1998 to March 2005, 284 patients with cerebral aneurysms were treated with detachable coils. Intraprocedural aneurysm rupture occurred in ten patients with a history of a previously ruptured aneurysm. In the event of intraprocedural hemorrhage, we routinely performed heparin reversal with protamine sulfate.Results Of the 221 patients with a previously ruptured aneurysm, intraprocedural aneurysm rupture occurred in 10 (4.5%). These ruptures were caused by a microguidewire in one patient, a microcatheter in one, over-packing in two and a coil perforation in three. In the remaining three patients the ruptures were caused by both the microcatheter and the coils. Three patients died because of aneurysm re-rupture, yielding a mortality rate of 30%. One patient presented with a slight disability in the left leg and no neurological deficits were observed in the remaining six patients.Conclusion Intraprocedural aneurysm rupture during embolization is a rare, but unavoidable and life-threatening event. Proper measures should be taken to reduce and improve the outcome of this tragic occurrence. The majority of patients with an intraprocedural ruptured aneurysm can survive without severe sequelae if managed appropriately.     

肋间动脉辅助栓塞治疗咯血的临床价值

目的探讨肋间动脉栓塞在动脉栓塞治疗咯血中的价值。方法16例肋间动脉参与供血的患者,予真丝线段栓塞支气管动脉和肋间动脉。结果16例经19次治疗,行支气管动脉、肋间动脉联合栓塞15例,单独栓塞肋间动脉1例。即刻止血13例,即刻止血率81.3%,总有效率87.5%,无效2例,复发2例,无严重并发症发生。结论支气管动脉栓塞治疗咯血时,同时栓塞供血的肋间动脉能提高疗效,降低复发率。     

Transcatheter arterial embolization for chest wall metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hemothorax due to rupture of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very rare complication with high mortality because of uncontrollable hemorrhage. A 71-year-old man treated by transcatheter arterial embolization for HCC with massive bleeding from chest wall metastasis is reported. Enhanced computed tomography and selective intercostal angiogram showed a hypervascular mass in the right chest wall and extravasation of contrast agent. After successful transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge particles and metallic coils, the patient recovered from shock without major complication. To our knowledge, a successfully treated case of hemothorax due to rupture of metastatic HCC has not previously been described.     

Intraarterial administration of Abciximab for thromboembolic events occurring during aneurysm coil placement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Platelet-derived thrombi may occur during intracranial aneurysm coiling. We report a series of 13 patients treated with intraarterial Abciximab for thrombus formation complicating aneurysm coiling. METHODS: Four patients were treated for acutely ruptured aneurysms. Three procedures consisted of the retreatment of previously coiled aneurysms. Six patients had asymptomatic untreated aneurysms. Abciximab was administered intraarterially through a microcatheter as a bolus of 4-10 mg over a period of 10-20 minutes. All patients underwent postthrombolysis control angiography. They also underwent immediate pre- and postoperative cranial CT. RESULTS: In 10/13 cases, the thrombi developed without coil protrusion into the parent artery. In one case, the thrombus was generated from the guiding catheter and embolized remote from the aneurysm site. In one case, the thrombus developed before any coil placement. In another patient, a coil loop protruded into the parent artery favoring a heightened thrombotic state. Arterial thrombi were totally occlusive in two patients, whereas in the remaining 11 cases, the thrombi were not totally obstructive. Complete recanalization was achieved in 92% (12/13) of cases within 20-30 minutes. Incomplete arterial reopening was noted in one case, in which a thrombus fragment embolized distally, causing cerebral infarction. There were no Abciximab-related intracranial hemorrhages. CONCLUSION: Intraarterial Abciximab was effective in this series for the treatment of thrombotic complications occurring during aneurysm coiling.     

Endovascular treatment of intracranial vertebral artery dissections with stent placement or stent-assisted coiling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment with stent placement or stent-assisted coiling was recently introduced as an alternative to parent artery occlusion in intracranial vertebral artery dissections. We describe the efficacy and limitations of this method. METHODS: Fourteen patients with intracranial vertebral artery dissection were treated with stent placement (10 patients) or stent-assisted coiling (4 patients). Double overlapping stents were deployed in 4 of 10 patients with stent placement alone. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 12 months was available in 13 patients. RESULTS: In 13 patients with dissecting aneurysm, immediate angiographic outcomes were complete occlusion (1 patient), nearly complete (2 patients), and incomplete (10 patients). Follow-up angiograms of 12 of these patients showed complete occlusion (6 patients) and incomplete (6 patients; 1 unstable and 5 stable). Complete occlusion rates in follow-up angiograms were superior in double stent placement (75%) or stent-assisted Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization to stent placement alone (0%). There were no instances of postprocedural ischemic attacks, new neurologic deficits, and no new minor or major strokes before patient discharge. On the modified Rankin scale applied in follow-up, all patients were assessed as functionally improved or of stable clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial vertebral artery dissections were acceptably treated with stent placement or stent-assisted coiling, and the patency could be preserved at follow-up. However, the efficiency of stent placement alone for intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm was limited. Stent-assisted coil embolization or double stent placements are a viable alternative for complete occlusion of dissecting aneurysms.     

Neuroform支架辅助弹簧圈填塞治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤

目的 探讨 Neuroform支架辅助弹簧圈填塞治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤的技术,并评价临床疗效和并发症.方法 采用Neuroform支架辅助技术对31例颅内宽颈动脉瘤进行了弹簧圈填塞治疗.31例患者共有颅内动脉瘤43枚,均为破裂动脉瘤,其中39枚为宽颈动脉瘤,21枚颈:体≥1,18枚颈:体<1;4枚为宽颈动脉瘤患者合并的非宽颈动脉瘤.结果 31例患者共置入支架35枚,其中3例患者两侧颈内动脉各置入1枚支架,1例两侧大脑中动脉各置入1枚.43枚动脉瘤中41枚进行了不同程度的填塞,2枚末行填塞.2例宽颈动脉瘤患者置入支架后出现非动脉瘤破裂性出血,均可能由于输送导丝损伤大脑中动脉分支引起;1例后交通动脉瘤患者,弹簧圈飘至大脑中动脉M2段,引起相应脑缺血症状.获随访的29例中无死亡病例和再次出血病例,28例生存良好,1例留有明显神经功能障碍.结论 支架辅助技术进行弹簧圈填塞治疗颅内宽颈动脉瘤是安全、有效的临床技术,可以拓宽颅内动脉瘤治疗的适应证.     

Emergency embolization for the treatment of acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries

To evaluate embolotherapy for the emergency management of acute bleeding from intercostal arteries. Between October 2003 and August 2012, 19 consecutive patients with hemorrhage from intercostal arteries were scheduled for emergency embolization. The primary study endpoints were technical and clinical success, which were defined as angiographic cessation of bleeding, and cessation of clinical signs of hemorrhage. The secondary study endpoints were periprocedural complications and 30-day mortality rate. In most patients (74 %), hemorrhage was caused by iatrogenic procedures with subsequent intercostal artery laceration. One of the patients was treated twice for recurrent hemothorax caused by a new intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm 7.5 years after the initial procedure. Thus, 20 procedures were performed in these 19 patients. Overall technical success was 85 %. In six patients, no embolization of the “backdoor” was feasible, and in two of these patients additional embolization of other intercostal arteries was necessary to prevent hemorrhage via collateral vessels. Clinical signs of hemorrhage ceased after embolotherapy in 16 of 20 procedures (clinical success 80 %). The mean follow-up was 358.7?±?637.1 days. One minor procedure-related complication occurred. The 30-day mortality rate was 21 %, however, this was unrelated to intercostal artery hemorrhage. Embolotherapy is an effective emergency therapy for patients with acute hemorrhage from intercostal arteries. Especially if embolization of the backdoor is not feasible, collateral supply via other intercostal arteries should be either ruled out or embolized to prevent ongoing hemorrhage. Despite successful embolotherapy, a majority of patients underwent surgery during follow-up to remove the symptomatic hematoma.