Screening for unruptured familial intracranial aneurysms. A decision analysis

Decision analysis is used to assess the decision to screen for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in two affected families, and to formulate guide-lines for similar decisions. Four strategies are compared: "no screening", "screening directly", "screening twice", and "screening later". Intravenous and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography techniques (iv-DSA, ia-DSA) are considered. Life years lived with and without disability are computed for each strategy. Loss of life expectancy with and without discounting and quality correction is used as an outcome measure. "No screening" is the preferred strategy when population based estimates of the prevalence of IAs are used. Thus, the results of this analysis provide no justification for screening patients without a familial history. But a physician who thinks that the risk of an IA is increased may rightly decide for screening, especially when the patient is aged 40 to 60. Ia-DSA is preferable over iv-DSA. A scenario analysis suggests that screening with magnetic resonance angiography is only slightly better than with ia-DSA, because the complication rate of screening plays a minor role in the analysis.     

未破裂颅内动脉瘤的治疗

目的探讨未破裂颅内动脉瘤的治疗,以改善病人的预后.方法回顾性分析我科自1991年10月至2002年9月共收治未破裂颅内动脉瘤58例,全部病人经脑血管造影明确诊断,可分为三类(1)症状性动脉瘤32例;(2)偶然性动脉瘤7例;(3)多发性动脉瘤中未破裂的动脉瘤19例.采用手术夹闭、血管内治疗或观察三种方式处理.结果手术夹闭治疗20例,出院时优良者14例(70.0%);血管内治疗28例,出院时优良者26例(92.9%);二组病人治疗优良率经x2检验(P＞0.05),无明显差异.随访观察处理11例,无变化10例,再出血1例.结论医生应根据UIAs的自然病程,揣度手术或介入的难度和自身能力来确定选择观察、手术或介入治疗.     

Risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms rupture: A retrospective study

Background and purpose

The presence of predicting the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms has recently generated considerable controversy. We retrospectively investigated the risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms related to rupture.

Methods

Between July 2007 and July 2011, 134 patients with 294 aneurysms were identified after review. Every patient had two or more aneurysms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms with age, gender, site and size.

Results

134 patients were divided into three groups according to patient age category (<45, 45–65, >65 years of age). The incidence of aneurysms ruptured in the second group was significantly higher. Three groups showed significant difference (P = 0.001 versus >65 years of age). Thirteen of 35 AComA aneurysms were ruptured, accounting for 26% of all ruptured aneurysms, and the rate of rupture at AComA aneurysms in patients was 37.1%. The rate of aneurysm rupture in the AComA was significantly higher than that in other sites (P = 0.001). In all 294 aneurysms, 88.1% of the aneurysms were 5 mm or less, of which 58.2% were less than 3 mm. In the ruptured aneurysms, 68% were 5 mm or less.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the pattern of ruptured multiple intracranial aneurysms, in terms of age, size and location of aneurysms. Age, size, and site of aneurysm should be considered in the decision whether to treat an unruptured aneurysm or not. Especially, in cases of multiple aneurysm, the AComA aneurysm is most prone to hemorrhage.     

Risk analysis of treatment of unruptured aneurysms

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the expected number of life-years saved by surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms at ages over 20 years. METHODS: An actuarial risk analysis of the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms based on data from the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA). The benefits of operative treatment are calculated in terms of average life-years saved. RESULTS: Results are presented as graphs of life-years saved or lost against age at the time of operative treatment for three groups of aneurysms: those under 10 mm in diameter with no history of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) from another aneurysm, those under 10 mm in diameter and a history of previous SAH from a different aneurysm, and those over 10 mm in diameter. Life-years are lost at all ages in the group under 10 mm with no history of SAH. For the group under 10 mm with a history of SAH about 4 years are saved at age 20 declining to 0 at around age 50. For aneurysms 10 mm or more in diameter about 8 life-years are saved at age 20 declining to 0 at around 50. CONCLUSIONS: Clipping of unruptured aneurysms under 10 mm in diameter with no history of subarachnoid haemorrhage is not justified on actuarial grounds. Intervention in other unruptured aneurysms produces benefits in life expectancy up to the age of 50. There may be subgroups of aneurysms in which larger benefits exist.     

Risk-benefit analysis of the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVES: To determine under what circumstances repair of unruptured intracranial aneurysms may be beneficial. METHODS: A life expectancy analysis of patients with unruptured aneurysms with and without repair based on prospective data from the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA). RESULTS: Life years are lost at all ages by repairing anterior circulation aneurysms under 7 mm in diameter in patients with no history of a subarachnoid haemorrhage from another aneurysm (incidental). For all other aneurysms the number of life years saved by repair is dependent on the patient's age at the time when repair is undertaken. Between 2 and 40 years are saved by repairing aneurysms in patients aged 20 years. These benefits fall to 0 when remaining life expectancy falls below 15-35 years, corresponding to the age range of 45-70 years. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of unruptured aneurysms benefits patients harbouring them by improving life expectancy except in certain circumstances. The exceptions are patients with remaining life expectancy less than 15-35 years or aged 45-70 (depending on aneurysm size and location) and patients with aneurysms of the anterior circulation under 7 mm in diameter with no history of a previous subarachnoid haemorrhage. These results are based on the findings of the ISUIA and are dependent on their accuracy.     

未破裂脑动脉瘤的显微外科治疗

目的 探讨未破裂脑动脉瘤外科手术治疗的危险性。方法：1988年3月至1998年3月我科经显微外科治疗的未破裂脑动脉瘤78例（92个动脉瘤）,男41例,女37例,年龄35－73岁,平均54．2岁。结果 78例致残4例,死亡2例,致致率为5％,死亡率为3％。致残率与病人年龄、动脉瘤的多少、动脉瘤的大小和动脉瘤的部位无明显统计学差异。死亡率与下列因素无关;发病年龄、多发动脉瘤及动脉瘤直径,而与动脉瘤的部位有关。结论 未破裂脑动脉瘤外科治疗结果是好的。     

颅内未破裂动脉瘤介入术后微小脑梗死灶形成的危险因素分析

目的 探讨颅内未破裂动脉瘤(unruptured intracranial aneurysms,UIA)介入术后微小脑梗死形成的危险因素。方法 将238例经血管内介入弹簧圈栓塞的颅内UIA患者介入术后行核磁共振平扫检查,并根据检查表现分为无微小脑梗死灶组150例和有微小脑梗死灶组88例,对其临床资料进行回顾性分析; 采用χ²检验、t检验及logistic回归分析UIA介入术后微小脑梗死灶形成的危险因素。结果 UIA介入术后微小脑梗死灶的患者有37%,其中3%的微小脑梗死患者有相应的临床症状。Logistic回归分析显示2组患者年龄(P<0.001)、高血压病史(P=0.023)、糖尿病史(P=0.048)、脑卒中病史(P<0.001)及手术时间(P=0.007)是UIA介入术后微小脑梗死灶发生的危险因素。结论 年龄、高血压病、糖尿病、脑卒中病史及手术时间是UIA介入术后微小脑梗死灶形成的危险因素。     

Endovascular management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Endovascular coil embolisation is increasingly used to treat unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Endovascular coil embolisation of UIA is associated with a 5-10% risk of morbidity and nearly zero mortality from the procedure. Complete or near complete occlusion is usually achieved in >90% of cases, and endovascular therapy seems to reduce the risk of future rupture significantly. Specific selection criteria for endovascular embolisation and novel approaches to endovascular treatment of aneurysms are discussed. Endovascular therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for selected UIA. Treatment failure rates will probably decrease with greater experience and advances in techniques and devices. Further study with long term follow up, however, is still necessary to characterise the efficacy, durability, and cost efficiency of endovascular treatment of UIA.     

未破裂颅内动脉瘤的治疗策略

由于影像学技术的发展,例如CT、CTA、MRI、MRA的应用,未破裂颅内动脉瘤的发现率越来越高。同时随着手术和介入治疗技术的进步,动脉瘤的治疗效果也得到了改善。但因为动脉瘤破裂具有较高的死亡率和伤残率,手术和介入治疗也存在着风险,所以对未破裂动脉瘤治疗与否,尚存在较大的争     

Endovascular treatment of unruptured posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms

Results:A clinical improvement or stable outcome was achieved in 84 patients (94.4%). The two cases of permanent morbidity included a patient with paralysis and another patient with hemianopia. One patient died after treatment of a giant fusiform vertebrobasilar aneurysm. In one patient, the aneurysm ruptured during treatment, resulting in death. Another patient suffered a fatal aneurysm rupture 4 days after treatment. Giant size (P = 0.005) and mass effect presentation (P = 0.029) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes in UPCIAs. Angiographic follow-up was available in 76 of the 86 surviving patients (88.4%) with a mean of 6.8 months (range: 1–36 months). Recanalization in six patients (7.9%) at 3 months, 4 months, 4 months, 24 months, and 36 months required retreatment in three patients. In-stent stenosis of >50% was found in three patients.Conclusion:Endovascular therapy is an attractive option for UPCIAs with stable midterm outcome. However, the current endovascular option seems to have a limitation for the treatment of the aneurysm with giant size or mass effect presentation.     

Recommendations for the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Optimal management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains controversial. Recent studies have found conflicting data regarding the natural history and the treatment outcome of UIAs. Based on the recommendations published by the American Heart Association, the Section of Vascular Neurosurgery of the German Society of Neurosurgery has formed a task force to summarize the available data and to develop a practical framework for the management of UIAs. For UIAs, only evidence from nonrandomized historical cohort comparisons and case series without control subjects are available, supporting only grade C recommendations (options), but no standards (grade A) and no guidelines (grade B). The present recommendations have been developed as a neurosurgical, neuroradiological and neurological consensus. They are based on the existing data of both treatment risks and the risks of the natural history of UIAs.     

Application of the Willis Covered Stent in the treatment of intracranial unruptured aneurysms in internal carotid artery: A retrospective single-center experience

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical and angiographic outcomes of Willis covered stent placement for unruptured aneurysms in internal carotid artery. Forty-six consecutive patients with internal carotid artery aneurysms (49 cases) were included to evaluate clinical and angiographic outcomes. Covered stent placement was successful in 47 cases, whereas stent navigation failed in 2 cases. Of the 49 aneurysms (mean aneurysm size, 7.9 mm), 5, 6, and 38 were located in the petrous, cavernous, and ophthalmic segments, respectively. Immediate angiography revealed complete aneurysm exclusion in 36 (76.6%) cases, whereas minimal endoleak was observed in 11 cases. Four patients had procedure-related complications, including 1 patient with acute in-stent thrombosis, 2 with a post-operative subarachnoid haemorrhage, and 1 with artery rupture. Angiographic and clinical follow-up was available for 36 patients (38 aneurysms). Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 34 (89.5%) cases, endoleak was present in 2 cases, and aneurysm recurrence occurred in 2 cases. Asymptomatic in-stent stenosis was observed in 3 patients. No hemorrhagic or ischemic events occurred during the follow-up period. At follow-up, the modified Rankin scores were 0–2 for 35 patients and >2 for 1 patient. Satisfactory angiographic outcomes were achieved in our study. However, the risks of stent navigation failure, endoleak after balloon re-inflation, procedure-related complications and coverage of side branches should be considered when choosing the best therapeutic option for internal carotid artery aneurysms.     

Cost-effectiveness analysis of screening for asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms. A mathematical model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to aneurysmal rupture is a major cause of cerebrovascular disease-related death. This problem could be eliminated by diagnosis and successful treatment of aneurysms before rupture. Recent developments in high-resolution imaging technology have made screening for unruptured aneurysms possible in the general population. Such screening has become widespread in Japan ("No Dokku, " or brain checkup). As a result, unruptured aneurysms are being identified with increasing frequency. However, the economic implications of treatment decisions for unruptured aneurysms have not been analyzed. Therefore, we performed such an analysis. METHODS: We used a Markov model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening for asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The model involved a set of variables describing discrete health states. Each state was assigned a quality of life score and an associated medical cost. A comparison of the expected outcomes was then made between 2 hypothetical cohorts, one receiving screening and the other no screening. A sensitivity analysis was performed by altering the input values within clinically reasonable ranges to reflect uncertainty in the baseline analysis and then assessing the effects on outcomes. RESULTS: Combining the incremental cost and effectiveness data revealed a cost per quality-adjusted life-year of $7760 for an annual rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to unruptured aneurysms (rupture rate) of 0.02; this cost was $39 450 for a rupture rate of 0.01. There was no benefit (negative quality-adjusted life-year benefit) for a rupture rate of 0.005, the rupture rate found in a recently published international cooperative study. The risks of surgery for unruptured aneurysms and the discounting ratio used to assess the impact of timing of costs and benefits on future outcomes also had significant effects on the results. Other variables had little impact on cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of screening for an unruptured aneurysm is highly sensitive to the annual rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to unruptured aneurysms. The low annual rupture rate seen in the recent large international cooperative study implies that screening asymptomatic populations to identify and treat unruptured aneurysms would not be cost cost-effective.     

血流导向装置治疗颅内大型未破裂动脉瘤的临床疗效分析

目的探讨血流导向装置(FD)治疗颅内大型未破裂动脉瘤的安全性及疗效。方法回顾性分析郑州大学人民医院(河南省人民医院)脑血管介入科2015年2月至2019年7月应用FD(Pipeline+Tubridge)治疗的颅内大型(最大径≥10 mm)未破裂动脉瘤患者的临床资料,共92例(95个动脉瘤)。采用改良Rankin量表评分(mRS)标准评价临床预后,采用O′Kelly-Marotta(OKM)分级标准评估动脉瘤闭塞情况;采用多因素logistic回归分析方法分析影响术后6个月动脉瘤完全闭塞的相关因素。结果92例患者95个动脉瘤共置入101枚FD,手术成功率为100%。术后神经系统并发症发生率为4.3%(4/92),其中缺血性1例,出血性2例(死亡1例),术后出现烦躁等症状1例。77例患者获临床随访,中位随访时间为12(1~51)个月。至末次随访,mRS 0分70例,1分5例,2分、3分各1例。55例患者(56个动脉瘤)行影像学随访,末次中位随访时间为6(3~29)个月,动脉瘤完全闭塞(OKM分级D级)40个(71.4%,40/56),支架内狭窄的发生率为7.1%(4/56)。52例患者(53个动脉瘤)6个月随访时动脉瘤完全闭塞34个(64.2%,34/53),支架内狭窄的发生率为7.5%(4/53)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,联合弹簧圈填塞是术后6个月时动脉瘤完全闭塞的独立影响因素(OR=8.98,95%CI:1.87~43.22,P=0.006)。结论FD治疗颅内大型未破裂动脉瘤的手术成功率高,安全性好,但应警惕严重并发症的发生;联合弹簧圈填塞可促进动脉瘤完全闭塞。     

Interdisciplinary treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: impact of intraprocedural rupture and ischemia in 563 aneurysms

This study was conducted to determine the risk factors and the clinical impact of intraprocedural aneurysm rupture (IAR) and periprocedural ischemia in the treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). A single-center retrospective data analysis of 563 UIAs treated between 2000 and 2010 was conducted. Treatment assignment was made on the basis of individual aneurysmal criteria in an interdisciplinary neurovascular conference with attending neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neurologists. In 363 microsurgical and 200 endovascular procedures, the permanent morbidity rate was 4.9 and 6 %. The overall mortality rate was 0.7 %—no procedure-related death occurred in microsurgery, and four patients had fatal outcomes after endovascular treatment. IAR occurred in 34 (9.4 %) microsurgical and 8 (4 %) endovascular procedures (p = 0.03). Risk factors for IAR were age, aneurysm diameter, symptomatic aneurysms, hypertension and smoking in microsurgery. IAR was associated with significantly worse outcome at discharge after microsurgical and at discharge and follow-up after endovascular procedures and was followed by fatal outcome in four endovascular cases. Periprocedural ischemia (12.1 vs. 9 %) resulted in significantly worse outcome in both groups. Risk factors for periprocedural ischemia were IAR during microsurgery, aneurysm diameter, symptomatic aneurysms and smoking in either group. Treatment of UIAs can be conducted with an equivalent low rate of permanent morbidity for clipping and coiling—treatment of symptomatic aneurysms elevates the procedural risk. IAR was less frequent during coiling, but was associated with relevant mortality. IAR and periprocedural ischemia represent significant treatment-associated risks, which should be taken into account in interdisciplinary treatment planning and patient counseling.