Acute branch occlusion after Pipeline embolization of intracranial aneurysms

Flow-diverters are used in the treatment of large and complex intracranial aneurysms. One major concern with this concept is the potential for compromise of side branches and perforators covered by the device. We describe three patients treated with the Pipeline embolization device (PED; ev3 Endovascular, Plymouth, MN, USA) who developed immediate compromise of flow into an eloquent side branch covered by the device. Three patients, two with giant posterior circulation aneurysms and one with recurrence of a previously clipped and subsequently coiled middle cerebral artery aneurysm, were each treated by placement of a single PED. Shortly after placement of the devices, despite adequate antiplatelet and anticoagulation regimens, partial or complete occlusion of a major side branch occurred. In all three patients, the occlusion was promptly reversed with intra-arterial administration of abciximab with no clinical sequelae. These cases are concerning because branch occlusion occurred even in the setting of patients appropriately premedicated with dual antiplatelet therapy and in whom genetic testing suggested clopidogrel responsiveness. Close monitoring of patients treated with these devices is critical to establish the frequency of this and other unanticipated complications.     

Intraoperative aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after rupture of a previously undiagnosed intracranial aneurysm during Chiari decompression

A type I Chiari malformation occurs when caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the level of the foramen magnum obstructs the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the cranial and spinal spaces, a condition that often needs surgical decompression to restore normal CSF circulation. Abrupt changes in CSF flow dynamics after Chiari decompression can affect the intracranial CSF dynamics to the extent that a previously undiagnosed intracranial aneurysm remote from the site can rupture. The authors describe the development of an intraoperative aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that occurred as a result of spontaneous rupture of a previously undiagnosed right distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery in a 57-year-old woman with type I Chiari malformation who was undergoing surgical decompression. The mechanism of the aneurysmal rupture appears to be related to the changes of CSF flow dynamics during surgical decompression. Normally, pressure equilibrium between the two sides of the aneurysmal wall prevents its rupture, but factors that significantly affect this equilibrium, such as systemic hypertension, can cause the aneurysm to rupture. To our knowledge, the concept of spontaneous intraoperative rupture of intracranial aneurysm remote from the site of surgery has been described twice previously but under different scenarios. This scenario, to our knowledge, has not been previously described.     

A High Bifurcation of the Dorsal Branch with Dominant Superficial Palmar Branch of the Radial Artery: A Case Report of an Aberrant Radial Artery with Traumatic Aneurysm

Anatomical abnormalities such as unusual bifurcations or aberrant arteries of the radial artery are extremely rare and due to malformation or disruption of the vascular net. We present a case of a 64 year old woman with a high bifurcated dorsal branch of the left radial artery, consulting us for a pulsatile mass in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall. The mass measured 3–4 mm in diameter and was located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist over the anatomical snuffbox. Primary imaging studies using Duplex Ultrasound suggested an aneurysm of the radial artery, further imaging with arteriogram revealed a high bifurcation of the dorsal branch of the radial artery, presenting with an aneurysm. The deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery was the dominating vessel, allowing ligation and excision of the aneurysm. Histological evaluation revealed intimal wall hyperplasia within the aneurysm, suggesting an injury as initiating factor. A review of the literature showed that this abnormality of high bifurcation of the dorsal palmar branch of the radial artery has not been previously reported. Management of aneurysms at the wrist is discussed.     

Atypical Presentation of Cavernous Sinus Infection with Intracavernous ICA Aneurysm

In a typical presentation of intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm and cavernous sinus infection there is involvement of 3rd, 4th and 6th cranial nerves along with 2nd and 5th cranial nerve. Here we present a case of a 32 years old male with unilateral mycotic intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm with a history of head injury. Atypical features in this case was involvement of distantly situated multiple cranial nerves and sparing the 5th cranial nerve and optic nerve which are more near and commonly involved. Besides this patient has marked sphenoid sinusitis on left side but having no sign and symptoms.     

经食管超声心动图引导经胸微小切口封堵主动脉窦瘤破裂的可行性

目的 探讨经食管超声心动图（TEE）引导经胸微小切口封堵主动脉窦瘤破裂（RASA）的可行性。方法 回顾性分析30例接受TEE引导经胸微小切口封堵治疗的RASA患者的资料。对右冠状动脉窦瘤破裂者,准确测量破口与冠状动脉开口之间的距离,术中以TEE准确引导导丝及鞘管顺利进入窦瘤破口,术后仔细评估封堵伞位置、稳定性及对瓣膜的影响。对右冠窦瘤破裂患者,确保封堵器未遮挡冠状动脉开口。结果 30例RASA患者中,TEE引导下成功封堵20例,其中右冠窦瘤破裂10例（破入右心室7例、破入右心房3例）;无冠窦瘤破裂10例（破入右心房8例、破入右心室2例）。封堵成功患者各项生命体征平稳,心腔结构未发生明显改变,心功能正常。术后多次复查,封堵器位置正常,主动脉瓣启闭运动正常,未见狭窄及反流信号,也未检测到残余分流。结论 TEE可较为准确地诊断RASA,并引导术者准确放置封堵器;单纯TEE引导下经胸微小切口封堵RASA是一种可行的方法。     

Dépistage opportuniste de l’anévrysme de l’aorte abdominale lors de l’échocardiographie chez le patient coronarien : utile ou futile ?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a chronic degenerative disease that is usually silent until rupture occurs and this complication is still associated in contemporary era with a high rate of mortality. Screening programmes for abdominal aortic aneurysm have been shown to be effective in reducing global mortality in the screened population but these programmes are poorly implemented in the Western countries. As coronary artery disease and abdominal aorta aneurysmal disease share many risk factors, the cardiologist is centrally positioned in the screening strategy, not only to identify patients with higher risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm, but also to perform an opportunistic screening during echocardiography. This paper summarises evidence about the feasibility, indications, modalities, benefits and risks related to the opportunistic screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm during echocardiography with a particular emphasis on the population of patients with coronary artery disease.     

主动脉窦瘤的诊断和外科治疗

目的:总结主动脉窦瘤的诊断方法和外科治疗经验。方法:35例主动脉窦瘤患者均于体外循环下行主动脉窦瘤修补术。本组包括室间隔缺损19例,主动脉瓣关闭不全11例。除修补窦瘤外,同时行室间隔缺损修补术19例,主动脉瓣替换术2例,主动脉瓣成形术9例,右心室流出道疏通术2例,二尖瓣成形术1例,三尖瓣成形术3例。结果:全组患者无手术死亡,无残余分流。轻度主动脉瓣关闭不全2例,低心排出量综合征2例,频发室性早搏1例,均痊愈出院。35例患者随访3个月～6年,心功能(NYHA)Ⅰ～Ⅱ级。结论:主动脉窦瘤破裂对心功能影响严重。一旦确诊,应尽早手术,同时矫正合并畸形,可获得满意的效果。