The effect of Neuroform stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms and clinical factors on progressive aneurysm occlusion on angiographic follow-up

Stent-assisted coil embolization is an endovascular treatment for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms, but the durability of this treatment is not well known. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the Neuroform stent (Boston Scientific/Target, Fremont, CA, USA) in progressive occlusion of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms, and to assess any correlation between clinical factors and angiographic follow-up results. The records of 52 patients treated with a Neuroform stent were retrieved for analysis of population characteristics, initial and follow-up angiographic results, and clinical outcomes. Initial angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 21 (40.4%), neck remnants in 22 (42.3%), and residual aneurysms in nine (17.3%). Angiographic follow-up was available in 45 of 52 (86.5%) patients: complete occlusion was achieved in 32 (71.1%), neck remnants were present in eight (17.8%) and residual aneurysms in five (11.1%). Of 31 patients with immediate incomplete obliteration, progressive complete occlusion was achieved in 16 of 28 (57.1%) patients. Clinical follow-up showed good outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale score. A univariate analysis showed that there was no effect of the tested clinical variables of patient age (p = 0.823), gender (p = 0.419), aneurysm location (p = 0.394), size (p = 0.625) and rupture status (p = 0.721) on aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. We conclude that the Neuroform stent-assisted neck remodelling technique improves progressive occlusion of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms with good clinical outcomes.     

Changing paradigm in the management of elderly patients with intracranial aneurysms: An institutional review

Optimal treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in elderly patients has not yet been well established. We have investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes and predictors of unfavorable outcome of IAs in elderly patients. Radiological and clinical data of 85 elderly patients from 2010 through 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Significant differences between the groups were determined by a chi-square test. Regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of unfavorable outcome. Among the 85 patients with IAs, the number of patients with >7 mm size aneurysm (p = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.02), smoking (0.009) and Hunt and Hess grade 4–5 (p = 0.003) was significantly higher in the ruptured group compared to the unruptured group. Similarly, the number of patients who underwent clipping was higher in the ruptured aneurysm group (p = 0.01). The overall clinical outcome was comparatively better in the unruptured group (p = 0.03); however, microsurgical clipping of aneurysms provides a significantly higher rate of complete aneurysmal occlusion (p = 0.008). Overall, there was no significant difference in outcome in respect to treatment approach. In regression analysis, hypertension (HTN), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), prior stroke, ruptured aneurysms and partial occlusion of aneurysms were identified as predictors of unfavorable outcome of IAs. Intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients reveals that endovascular treatment provides better clinical outcome; however, microsurgical clipping yields higher complete occlusion. Retreatment of residual aneurysms was comparatively more in the coiling group. Practice pattern has shifted from clipping to coiling for aneurysms in posterior circulation but not for aneurysms in anterior circulation.     

Meta-analysis of stent-assisted coiling versus coiling-only for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Endovascular coil embolization is a widely accepted and useful treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms. However, the principal limitation of this technique is the high aneurysm recurrence. The adjunct use of stents for coil embolization procedures has revolutionized the field of endovascular aneurysm management, however its safety and efficacy remains unclear. Two independent reviewers searched six databases from inception to July 2015 for trials that reported outcomes according to those who received stent-assisted coiling versus coiling-only (no stent-assistance). There were 14 observational studies involving 2698 stent-assisted coiling and 29,388 coiling-only patients. The pooled immediate occlusion rate for stent-assisted coiling was 57.7% (range: 20.2%–89.2%) and 48.7% (range: 31.7%–89.2%) for coiling-only, with no significant difference between the two (odds ratio [OR} = 1.01; 95% confidence intervals [CI}: 0.68–1.49). However, progressive thrombosis was significantly more likely in stent-assisted coiling (29.9%) compared to coiling-only (17.5%) (OR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.95–3.75). Aneurysm recurrence was significantly lower in stent-assisted coiling (12.7%) compared to coiling-only (27.9%) (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28–0.66). In terms of complications, there was no significant difference between the two techniques for all-complications, permanent complications or thrombotic complications. Mortality was significantly higher in the stent-assisted group 1.4% (range: 0%–27.5%) compared to the coiling-only group 0.2% (range: 0%–19.7%) (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.33–3.52). Based on limited evidence, stent-assisted coiling shows similar immediate occlusion rates, improved progressive thrombosis and decreased aneurysm recurrence compared to coiling-only, but is associated with a higher mortality rate. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify the safety of stent-associated coiling.     

Treatment of fenestrated vertebrobasilar junction-related aneurysms with endovascular techniques

Fenestrated vertebrobasilar junction-related aneurysms (fVBJ-AN) are uncommon and endovascular management strategies have become the first options for the treatment of these lesions. This clinical study aimed to report our experience in the endovascular management of these lesions and to review the literature. We retrospectively reviewed 10 consecutive patients harboring 12 fVBJ-AN between January 2007 and December 2014. The demographic, angiographic and clinical data were reviewed. Additionally, a literature review was performed. Endovascular management strategies were successfully applied in all 10 patients. Post-procedural angiograms indicated total occlusion in eight (66.7%) aneurysms, a residual neck in one (8.3%) aneurysm, and three residual aneurysms (25%). No procedure-related complications were observed. Follow-up angiograms were obtained in eight patients and revealed nine occluded aneurysms and one improved aneurysm; two patients were lost to angiographic follow-up. Clinical follow-ups were obtained in all patients (until July 2015), and the modified Rankin Scale scores at 69.5 months (range 17–101 months) of follow-up were 0 in eight patients and 1 in two patients. Endovascular management strategies provided a high occlusion rate and an acceptable complication rate and are thus efficacious in the treatment of fVBJ-AN. Further studies are necessary to validate the utility of these treatments due to the low incidence of fVBJ-AN.     

Endovascular treatment of ruptured tiny (⩽3 mm) intracranial aneurysms in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case series of 20 patients and literature review

Successful endovascular coiling of ruptured tiny saccular intracranial aneurysms (⩽3 mm) is technically challenging and traditionally has been associated with technical failures, as well as morbidity related to thromboembolic events and high intraoperative rupture rates. This study analyzes the feasibility, technical efficacy, and clinical outcomes of coil embolization of ruptured tiny intracranial aneurysms using current coil and microcatheter technology and techniques. We performed a retrospective review of 20 patients with 20 ruptured tiny aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from 2013 to 2016 at a single high-volume academic tertiary care practice. The mean aneurysm size was 2.4 mm (median 2.5 mm, 1–3). Complete occlusion was achieved in 12 of 20 patients (60%), the remaining 7 of 20 patients (35%) had a small neck remnant, and there was 1 failure (5%) converted to microsurgical clipping. Two patients had a failed attempted surgical clip reconstruction and were subsequently coiled. There was 1 intraprocedural rupture (5%) and 1 severe parent artery vasospasm (5%) during coiling. At discharge, 60% of patients were living independently. At follow-up three patients were deceased. Mean angiographic follow-up was 139 days (SD 120). There were no aneurysm recurrences among occluded patients and there were no retreatments among those with neck remnants. Coiling of ruptured aneurysms ⩽3 mm is feasible with high occlusion rates and low complication rates. The availability of softer coils with flexible detachment zones has led to safe and effective endovascular treatment of tiny ruptured aneurysms.     

Factors associated with rerupture of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment: A retrospective review of 11 years experience at a single institution and review of the literature

Aneurysm rebleeding following initial endovascular management is uncommon, and the factors associated with its occurrence are poorly defined. We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent endovascular management to determine factors associated with rebleeding. Rebleeding occurred in 7/183 (3.8%) patients, 6 of which had an adjacent hematoma on initial neuroimaging. Aneurysms were located on the ACoA (n = 5), PCoA (n = 1), and MCA (n = 1). Sizes ranged from 3.5 to 13.0 mm (mean 8.0), with neck sizes ranging from 1.8 to 4.6 mm (mean 3.2). Time-to-rerupture ranged from hours to years, with 3/7 cases rebleeding within 30 days and 4/7 cases rebleeding later than 30 days. Initial incomplete angiographic occlusion occurred in 2/3 cases of early rebleeding. The presence of adjacent intracerebral hematoma (ɸ = 0.354, p < 0.005), increasing Fisher Grade (t(9.4) = 7.72, p < 0.005), and aneurysmal outpouching (ɸ = 0.265, p < 0.005) were found to be the only factors associated with rerupture status. Recurrent hemorrhage following endovascular management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is an uncommon but important source of morbidity, particularly in the early post-embolization period. The presence of high-risk features, such as an adjacent intracerebral hematoma or aneurysm outpouching, warrant early and frequent angiographic follow up to document stability and mitigate rupture risk.     

Single-centre comparison of procedural complications,clinical outcome,and angiographic follow-up between coiling and stent-assisted coiling for posterior communicating artery aneurysms

Aneurysm recurrence is a principle limitation of endovascular coiling procedures, especially in posterior communicating artery aneurysms, with reported recurrence rates of >30%. The adjunctive use of self-expandable stents has revolutionised the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, especially for complex morphologies, wide necks, or unfavourable dome-to-neck ratios. However, there are limited data concerning a direct comparison between simple coiling and stent-assisted coiling in posterior communicating artery aneurysms. This study aimed to compare the durability and outcomes of coiling versus stent-assisted coiling procedures. Imaging data of patients with posterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with coiling or stent-assisted coiling between January 2008 and October 2012 were retrospectively analysed. The initial angiographic results, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes were assessed at discharge. Imaging follow-up was performed with cerebral angiography. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved on initial angiography in 23/56 (41.1%) stent and 83/235 (35.3%) non-stent patients. At the latest follow-up (mean follow-up 14.3 ± 10.4 months for stent and 13.2 ± 9.5 months for non-stent patients), aneurysms had recurred in 5/47 (10.6%) stent and 57/203 (28.1%) non-stent patients (p = 0.014). Procedural complications occurred in 6/56 (10.7%) stent and 27/235 (11.5%) non-stent aneurysms. No rebleeding occurred during clinical follow-up (mean duration, 46.7 months). Recurrence rates at the latest follow-up were significantly lower in patients undergoing stent-assisted coiling than those undergoing simple coiling. Thus, use of the stent-assisted neck remodelling technique in the treatment of wide-necked posterior communicating artery intracranial aneurysms appears to improve the long-term clinical outcome.     

Endovascular treatments for posterior cerebral artery aneurysms and vascular insufficiency of fetal-type circulation after parent artery occlusion

We present a retrospective analysis of endovascular treatments for posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms and discuss the susceptibility of a fetal-type PCA to vascular insufficiency after parent artery occlusion. Among 1207 aneurysms treated with endovascular therapy between March 1997 and March 2013 in our institution, 10 patients (0.8%) presented PCA aneurysms. The principal strategy was to employ selective coil embolization for the aneurysm. However, in certain cases of fusiform or dissecting aneurysms, we performed parent artery occlusion with coils. Clinical and radiological data were collected from hospital charts and evaluated retrospectively. The mean age was 52.7 ± 15.6 years (range, 12–65 years). Five patients (50%) were admitted with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one patient presented with slowly developing paralysis. The remaining four patients were diagnosed incidentally. Five patients underwent selective coil embolization, and five patients underwent parent artery occlusion. All endovascular therapies were successfully performed. However, two patients in the parent artery occlusion group suffered cerebral infarction, and both patients exhibited a fetal-type PCA. The remaining three patients in the parent artery occlusion group exhibited an adult-type PCA and did not suffer a cerebral infarction. Endovascular treatment with either selective coil embolization or parent artery occlusion is safe and effective as the long as the anatomical type of the PCA is considered. Patients with a fetal-type PCA may develop vascular insufficiency upon parent artery occlusion. Neurosurgeons should attempt to preserve the parent artery using a flow-diverting stent or stent-assisted technique for a fetal-type PCA aneurysm.     

Safety and efficacy of the Silk flow diverter: Insight from the DIVERSION prospective cohort study

Background and purposeFlow diverters are considered as an essential tool in the stent-based treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. We report here a subgroup analysis of the nationwide prospective DIVERSION study to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Silk flow diverter at 12 months follow-up.MethodsWe performed a subgroup analysis of patients included in the DIVERSION, a national prospective cohort study including all flow diverters placement between 2012 and 2014 in France, and treated with the Silk. The primary outcome was the morbi-mortality at 12 months, including death, morbidity event and aneurysm retreatment within 12 months post-treatment. All reported serious events were adjudicated by an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Satisfactory occlusion was defined as 3 or 4 on Kamran's scale by an independent imaging core laboratory during follow-up.ResultsA total of 102 procedures involving 101 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 54.3 ± 13.5 years) harbouring 118 aneurysms (113/118 located in the anterior circulation; mean size 8.2 ± 7.1 mm) were included. During the 12-month follow-up, 34 (33.3%) procedures experienced at least one morbi-mortality event: 3 deaths, 27 morbidity events and 4 retreatments. Overall, 1/3 deaths and 10/27 morbidity events were related to the device and/or the procedure, leading to a specific survival rate and a specific free-morbidity survival rate at 12 months of 98.98% [95% confidence interval, 92.98%–99.86%] and 89.73% [95%CI, 81.71%–94.36%], respectively. The rate of permanent-related neurological deficit was 5.9% within 12 months. One year follow-up imaging showed satisfactory occlusion in 82.2% of cases.ConclusionFlow diversion with the Silk device has a reasonable safety and effectiveness profile for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.     

Treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device

The pipeline embolization device (PED; ev3 Endovascular, Plymouth, MN, USA) is a flow-diverter used in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, particularly those with unfavorable configurations. It causes progressive flow redirection leading to aneurysm thrombosis. This study aimed to present a systematic review of the published literature on the clinical outcomes of PED. A Medline search of the English language literature was performed using the keywords “intracranial aneurysms” and “pipeline embolization device” or “flow diverters”. The inclusion criteria were: n > 10 patients; unruptured aneurysms; documentation of complications; and at least 3 months of follow-up. A total of 13 studies, with 905 patients and 1043 aneurysms, were included. The mean age was 53.8 years, with women comprising 76.3% of patients. The mean aneurysm diameter was 11.1 mm with 37% classed as large aneurysms and 10% classed as giant. The cumulative mortality rate was 2.3%. Seventeen patients had a stroke (1.9%), while 19 (2.0%) had a transient ischemic attack and 21 patients (2.3%) had an intracranial hemorrhage. The two outcome measures were the cumulative event rate (16.7%) and the 6 month aneurysm occlusion rate (79.7%). A funnel plot with study size plotted against the two outcome measures revealed publication bias. Data from recent studies suggest that complication and mortality rates associated with PED may be similar to other contemporary endovascular techniques, with a better 6 month aneurysm occlusion rate. More prospective clinical trials are warranted to further validate these results.     

Preliminary experience and short-term follow-up results of treatment of wide-necked or fusiform cerebral aneurysms with a self-expanding,closed-cell,retractable stent

The Cordis Enterprise stent (Cordis Corporation; Miami, FL, USA), is a novel self-expanding, closed-cell, retractable stent with a low profile, good navigability and flexibility, which has been recently introduced into China. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 84 consecutive patients who presented to our institution from December 2008 to June 2009. They had a total of 90 wide-necked or fusiform aneurysms that were treated using Enterprise stents. A total of 97 stents were implanted into the parent arteries without technical failure. A total of 14 aneurysms were stented alone, while the remaining 76 aneurysms were treated using a combination of stent and coils, resulting in complete occlusion of 43 aneurysms, a residual neck in 11 and a residual aneurysm in 22. Procedure-related complications occurred in two patients, which resulted in one procedure-related mortality. The clinical follow-up (1–7 months) results demonstrated no neurological deterioration or re-bleeding. The short-term angiographic follow-up (3–6 months) results revealed one recurrence and no in-stent stenosis. Our results suggest that the Cordis Enterprise stent is easy to manipulate, and is safe and effective in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms.     

Endovascular treatment of recurrent intracranial aneurysms following previous microsurgical clipping with the Pipeline Embolization Device

The treatment of intracranial aneurysms with microsurgical clipping is associated with a very low rate of recurrence. However, in cases of aneurysm recurrence after previous clipping, microsurgical dissection due to adhesions and fibrosis may be challenging, and it may be difficult to safely occlude the recurrent lesion without the risk of significant morbidity. Flow-diverting stents have drastically changed the landscape of endovascular neurosurgery. We present two patients with large, recurrent supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms which were previously clipped 17 and 23 years ago at outside institutions. Both recurrent lesions were treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3 Endovascular, Irvine, CA, USA) without radiographic or clinical complications. In the first patient, the 15 mm aneurysm significantly decreased in size at 6 month angiographic follow-up. The 21 mm aneurysm in the second patient was completely occluded 7 months following PED treatment. The moderate degree of in-stent stenosis present on initial follow-up imaging resolved on angiography 11 months post-treatment. The management of recurrent aneurysms after clipping is sparsely reported in the literature due to its infrequent occurrence. In carefully selected cases, flow-diverting stents may be used for complex aneurysms of the distal ICA, even for those which have recurred following microsurgical clipping.     

Predictors of recurrence after stent-assisted coil embolization of paraclinoid aneurysms

Stent-assisted coil embolization has been increasingly used to treat paraclinoid aneurysms. The study was aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization for paraclinoid aneurysms and explore the factors influencing the long-term outcomes. Under an institutional review board approved protocol, the clinical and angiographic data of 129 paraclinoid aneurysms in 120 patients (Male:Female = 36:84; median age, 52 years; range, 21–84) treated by stent-assisted coil embolization were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical status, aneurysmal morphology, treatment strategy and results were analyzed using Chi-squared tests in the univariate analysis and further analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression. The univariate analysis indicated significance between the groups regarding hypertension, ruptured aneurysms, size, wide neck and immediate treatment results (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that ruptured aneurysms (odds ratio [OR] = 5.893, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.512–23.054; p = 0.011), larger size (OR = 2.339; 95%CI, 1.148–4.781; p = 0.020) and hypertension (OR = 6.143; 95%CI, 1.560–24.183; p = 0.009) might be predictors of recurrence. Stent-assisted coil embolization of paraclinoid aneurysm has a risk of recurrence. Ruptured aneurysms, larger size and hypertension may be the risk factors for recurrence.     

Endovascular treatment of ruptured tiny,wide-necked posterior communicating artery aneurysms using a modified stent-assisted coiling technique

The endovascular treatment of patients with tiny, wide-necked aneurysms is technically challenging, due to the small volume for microcatheterization and coil stabilization inside the aneurysm sac. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of stent-assisted embolization for patients with ruptured, tiny, wide-necked posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms. Between January 2007 and August 2011, 17 tiny, wide-necked PcomA aneurysms that had ruptured were treated at our institution using a modified stent-assisted technique, with delivery of the first coil inside the aneurysm followed by placement of a self-expanding stent via a second microcatheter. All patients were treated successfully using this modified stent-assisted coiling technique. Initial results showed aneurysm occlusion of Raymond Class 1 in 10 patients, Class 2 in four patients, and Class 3 in three patients. The angiographic follow-up results for 13 patients (mean, 12.5 months) showed that all aneurysms remained stable or improved, without any in-stent stenosis or recurrence. Of the other four patients, three refused angiography for economic or personal reasons, and one was lost in follow-up. Clinical follow-up of 16 patients for a mean of 23.8 months showed no death or rebleeding. These results imply that endovascular treatment of ruptured tiny, wide-necked PcomA aneurysms using our modified stent-assisted coiling technique is safe and feasible. This technique improves the long-term outcomes of these aneurysms by increasing the packing density and diverting the intra-aneurysmal blood flow.     

Outcomes for a case series of unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm surgery

Surgical outcomes following repair of unruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms have not been adequately addressed in the literature. We present our operative experiences in a consecutive series of 103 patients with 115 unruptured AcomA aneurysms. Clinical results, operative complications, angiographic outcomes and prognostic factors associated with surgery are presented. Of the 115 aneurysm repairs attempted, 114 were treated by clipping or excision and suture. One aneurysm, less than 2 mm, was wrapped. Six patients (5.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–12.4) experienced a new permanent neurological deficit. There was no postoperative mortality. Transient morbidity occurred in 11 patients (10.7%; 95% CI, 5.9–18.3), including transient anosmia (four patients), acute postoperative confusion and memory disturbances (four patients), extradural haematoma requiring surgery (two patients) and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (one patient). Of the 84 aneurysms (73.0%) that had documented postoperative angiography, 82 (97.6%) had complete obliteration of the aneurysm and two (2.4%) had neck remnants (mean angiographic follow-up 28.0 months; range, 1.6–146.4 months). Retreatment was performed in one patient (1.0%). Logistic regression analysis of risk factors revealed that aneurysm size (p < 0.01) was a significant predictor of outcome. There was no incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage in the 272 person years of follow-up. In the current study, surgical treatment of unruptured AcomA aneurysms resulted in 5.8% morbidity and no mortality. The robustness of aneurysm repair achieved by open microsurgery is an important consideration when considering the option between endovascular and microsurgical treatment for unruptured AcomA aneurysms.     

Patient and aneurysm factors associated with aneurysm rupture in the population of the ARETA study

Background and purposeIdentifying patients with intracranial aneurysms (IA) who have a high risk of rupture is critical to determine optimal management. ARETA (Analysis of Recanalization after Endovascular Treatment of intracranial Aneurysm) is a prospective, multicenter study, dedicated to evaluating endovascular treatment of IA. We aimed to identify factors associated with ruptured status, using this very large series of patients with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.MethodsSeveral analyses were conducted in the ARETA population: univariate and multivariate analyses in the whole population of patients and aneurysms to determine patient and aneurysm factors associated with aneurysm rupture, as well as a matched pair analysis (based on aneurysm size) conducted in the subgroup of patients with only one aneurysm to analyze the patient and aneurysm factors simultaneously.ResultsFrom December 2013 to May 2015, 1289 patients with 1761 aneurysms were included in ARETA. The multivariate analysis identified four patient factors: elevated blood pressure (EBP), no familial history, single IA, and active smoking, and four aneurysm factors: size ≥ 5 mm, narrow neck, irregular shape, and ACA/Acom location, associated with rupture status. In the matched pair analysis, five risk factors of rupture were identified: no familial history of aneurysm, narrow neck, active smoking, ACA/Acom location, and irregular shape.ConclusionsThe most important patient factors associated with IA rupture are smoking and EBP. Given that size is a well-identified aneurysm factor, narrow neck also seems to be associated with aneurysm rupture. Further studies are needed to confirm this factor and determine underlying mechanisms. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01942512.     

CT angiography for one-year follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with the WEB device: Utility in evaluating aneurysm occlusion and WEB compression at one year

Background and purpose

The WEB is an innovative flow disruption device for cerebral aneurysm embolization with rapidly expanding indications. Our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1-year follow-up of aneurysms treated with the WEB.

Long-term follow-up analysis of microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization for dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

Blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dorsal internal carotid artery (dICA) are fragile, rare, and often difficult to treat. The purpose of this study is to address the demographics, treatment modalities, and long-term outcome of patients treated for dICA blister aneurysms. A retrospective review of medical records identified all consecutive patients who presented with a blister aneurysm from 2002 to 2011 at our institution. Eighteen patients (M = 7, F = 11; mean age: 48.4 ± 15.1 years; range: 15–65 years) harbored a total of 43 aneurysms, 25 of which were dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the ICA. Eleven (61.1%) patients presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and 10 (55.6%) patients had multiple aneurysms at admission. Twelve patients had 18 aneurysms that were treated microsurgically. Five (41.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent repeat clip ligation. Six patients had 7 blister aneurysms that were treated with endovascularly. One (16.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent coil embolization. Postoperative vasospasm occurred in 8 (44.4%) patients, one of whom suffered from a stroke. This is one of the largest single-institution dICA blister aneurysm studies to date. There was no detected significant difference between microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization in terms of surgical outcome. These blister aneurysms demonstrate a propensity to be associated with multiple cerebral aneurysms. Strict clinical and angiographic long-term follow-up may be warranted.Statement of SignificanceBlister aneurysms are focal wall defects covered by a thin layer of fibrous tissue and adventitia, lacking the usual collagenous layer. Due to their pathologically thin vessel wall, blister aneurysms are prone to rupture. The management of these rare and fragile aneurysms presents a number of challenges. Here, we address the long-term outcome of patients treated for blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dICA. The presented data and analysis is imperative to determine the necessary strict long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up.     

Arterial fenestrations and their association with cerebral aneurysms

Fenestrations of intracranial arteries and associated aneurysms are rare. The significance of these fenestrations in relation to aneurysms remains unclear. We present four patients with fenestration-associated aneurysms and a comprehensive review of associations with aneurysms and other vascular lesions. A PubMed search of the literature was conducted from 1970–2012 reporting cases of intracranial aneurysms associated with arterial fenestration or duplications. Data were collected on patient presentation, sex, age, aneurysm and fenestration location, aneurysm treatment, and presence of other vascular lesions. We performed a retrospective review of four patients with intracranial fenestrations associated with aneurysms at our institution from 2012–2013. There were 59 cases of fenestrations and associated aneurysms in the literature. Aneurysms were reported as either arising from (n = 50) or adjacent to but distinct from (n = 13) fenestrations. The most common single fenestration location was at the basilar artery (n = 23, 36.5%); however the majority of fenestrations were in the carotid circulation (n = 34, 54.0%). The majority of patients with aneurysms and fenestrations at all locations except those at the anterior communicating artery (70.5%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients with aneurysms arising from a fenestration or adjacent to a fenestration presented with an additional intracranial vascular lesion in 38% and 31% of cases, respectively. The majority of all aneurysms were treated with microsurgical clipping. Aneurysms associated with cerebral arterial fenestrations are most commonly discovered after subarachnoid hemorrhage and are most often located in the carotid circulation. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for an associated vascular lesion if an intracranial fenestration is discovered.     

Elderly age associated with poor functional outcome after rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms

The effect of age on patient outcomes after rupture of the anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysms is not well-defined. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to our institution with a ruptured Acom aneurysm between 2003 and 2012. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of age at presentation, with patients 65 years and older categorized as the elderly group. The effect of elderly age on patient outcomes was then evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. There were 147 patients presenting with a ruptured Acom aneurysm. Of these, 41 (27.9%) were 65 years or older. Patients in the elderly group were more likely to be female (68.3% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.0026), and less likely to be active smokers (22.0% vs. 60.4%, p < 0.0001) or to abuse alcohol (7.3% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.0404). Elderly patients were more likely to have a history of hypertension (70.7% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.0487) and coronary artery disease (19.5% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.0006). Elderly patients were more likely to require a ventriculostomy (61.0% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.0109) and ultimately to require permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion (36.6% vs. 17.0%, p = 0.0106). On adjusted analysis, age 65 years or older was associated with a greater likelihood of poor outcome at last follow-up within 1 year of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (odds ratio = 3.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.30–11.78, p = 0.0144). Our results suggest that elderly age is an independent risk factor for poor functional outcome after rupture of an Acom aneurysm.