Coiling an aneurysm in the twig-like MCA via a Marathon microcatheter: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The twig-like middle cerebral artery (MCA) is rare and has a plexiform network of small vessels that replaces the MCA trunk, with a prevalence ranging from 0.11 %-1.17 %. It can be associated with an aneurysm. A Marathon microcatheter may be an alternative for coiling procedures. However, this technique has rarely been reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old man suffered from headaches. The neurological examination results were unremarkable. Angiography revealed a twig-like MCA with an unruptured aneurysm. Due to stenosis of the aneurysm neck, a Marathon microcatheter was used to successfully reach the aneurysm, and coiling was completed with Chinese Visee coils. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully. Due to the lack of ischemic changes in the right hemisphere, the patient was kept under follow-up observation. At the 8-month follow-up by telephone, the patient was healthy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Aneurysms in the twig-like MCA may have stenosis of the aneurysm neck, and routine microcatheters used to deliver coils are often too thick to catheterize the aneurysm neck. The Marathon microcatheter has a distal inner diameter (ID) of 0.013, and as an alternative for coiling procedures, it may be soft enough to thin enough to go into the aneurysm. However, it can be used in the delivery of certain coils. CONCLUSION: Aneurysms in the twig-like MCA are difficult to catheterize with the routine microcatheters used to deliver coils. A Marathon microcatheter may be used to perform the coiling procedure. However, only certain coils that match the Marathon microcatheter can be chosen.

QTc prolongation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage might be associated with worse neurologic outcome in patients receiving microsurgical clipping or embolization of the intracranial aneurysms: a retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: QT interval prolongation is one of the most common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Whether corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation is associated with perioperative cardiac events and dismal neurological outcome in mid to long-term follow-up in patients after aSAH is insufficiently studied and remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the adult (≥ 18 years) patients admitted to our institution between Jan 2018 and Dec 2020 for aSAH who underwent intracranial aneurysm clipping or embolization. The patients were divided into 2 groups (normal and QTc prolongation groups) according to their QTc. To minimize the confounding bias, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to compare the neurologic outcomes between patients with normal QTc and QTc prolongation. RESULTS: After screening, 908 patients were finally included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: normal QTc groups (n = 714) and long QTc group (n = 194). Female sex, hypokalemia, posterior circulation aneurysm, and higher Hunt-Hess grade were associated with QTc prolongation. In multiple regression analysis, older age, higher hemoglobin level, posterior circulation aneurysm, and higher Hunt-Hess grade were identified to be associated with worse outcome during 1-year follow-up. Before PSM, patients with QTc prolongation had higher rate of perioperative cardiac arrest or ventricular arrhythmias. After PSM, there was no statistical difference between normal and QTc prolongation groups in perioperative cardiac events. However, patients in the QTc prolongation group still had worse neurologic outcome during 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: QTc prolongation is associated with worse outcome in patients following SAH, which is independent of perioperative cardiac events.

Effect of moyamoya disease on the basilar artery and adjacent arteries on CTA.

Background: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is rarely used to explore the effect of moyamoya disease (MMD) on the basilar artery (BA) and its adjacent arteries. Methods: Participants were divided into a control group and an MMD group. The relevant parameters were measured. Statistical analyses included the t-test, chi-squared test, and linear regression analysis. Results: In the control group of 100 healthy people, the average age was 54.51 ± 13.40 years, and the ratio of males to females was 0.89:1. In the MMD group of 100 patients, the average age was 53.95 ± 11.31 years, and the ratio of males to females was 1.13:1. In the MMD group, the CTA score of the anterior circulation of the bilateral hemispheres was 7.57 ± 2.36. According to the statistical analyses, (1) in the control group, the BA apex tended to lean to the right in healthy participants; (2) in the MMD group, the BA was closer to the midline, and the angle between the BA and anterior inferior cerebellar artery was reduced, indicating that the BA was relatively elevated; (3) in the MMD group, the diameters of the BA, PCA and vertebral artery were larger than those in the control group; and (4) MMD patients with posterior cerebral atery (PCA) involvement had higher CTA scores of the anterior circulation. Conclusions: MMD can cause the BA to move toward the midline and upward and enlarge major vessels of the posterior circulation. The PCA tends to be involved in MMD patients with higher CTA scores in the anterior circulation.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial internal carotid artery bifurcation region aneurysms.

Intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation region aneurysms are uncommon. When treatment is necessary for ICA, endovascular treatment (EVT) can be a useful option. Due to the complexity of these aneurysms and the variability of EVT techniques, EVT for ICA bifurcation aneurysms is challenging. Currently, it is necessary to perform a review to explore this issue further. In this review, the following issues were discussed: the anatomy of the ICA bifurcation region; the classification, natural history and EVT status of ICA bifurcation region aneurysms; the technique used for identifying ICA bifurcation region aneurysms; and the prognosis and complications of EVT for ICA bifurcation region aneurysms. According to the review and our experience, traditional coiling is currently the preferred therapy for ICA bifurcation region aneurysms. In addition, in select cases, new devices, such as flow diverters and Woven EndoBridge devices, can also be used to treat ICA bifurcation region aneurysms. Generally, EVT is an alternative treatment option for ICA bifurcation region aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment for V3 segment direct vertebral-venous fistulas: A report of two cases and a literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Direct vertebrovertebral fistulas (VVFs) involving the V3 segment of the vertebral artery (VA) are rare. Endovascular treatment (EVT) can be used to obliterate these VVFs. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 was a 30-year-old male with limb weakness. He had grade V muscle strength in his limbs. Angiography confirmed a low-flow direct VVF of the V3 segment. The right VA was well developed. Coiling of the VVF and its parent VA obliterated the VVF. The vertebrobasilar arteries had sufficient blood from the right VA. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. Case 2 was a 51-year-old male with headache and weakness of the limbs. He had grade IV muscle strength in his limbs. Angiography revealed a high-flow direct VVF in the V3 segment. The left VA was well developed. Coiling of the VVF and its parent VA obliterated the VVF. The vertebrobasilar arteries had sufficient blood from the left VA. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Direct VVF of the V3 segment is difficult to treat, and EVT, including reconstructive and deconstructive approaches, can be an effective treatment option. According to this case report and literature review, reconstructive EVT is ideal; however, it is difficult to perform. Currently, deconstructive EVT may be the mainstream option for treating direct VVF of the V3 segment. CONCLUSION: In certain cases where the contralateral VA is well developed, coiling the fistula and the parent VA is still an effective treatment.

Current research status and future of endovascular treatment for basilar artery aneurysms.

Aneurysms occurring along the basilar artery (BA) account for <1% of all intracranial aneurysms. Endovascular treatment (EVT) in particular is recommended for large unruptured BA aneurysms and ruptured BA aneurysms. Given that EVT techniques vary, a detailed review of EVT for BA aneurysms is necessary. In this review, the following issues were discussed: the anatomy and anomalies of the BA, the classification of BA aneurysms, the natural history of BA aneurysms, the status of open surgery, the use of EVT for various types of BA aneurysms and the deployment of new devices. According to the findings of this review and based on our experience in treating BA aneurysms, traditional coiling EVT is still the optimal therapy for most BA aneurysms. However, in some BA aneurysms, flow diverter (FD) deployment can be used. In addition, there are also some new devices, such as intrasaccular flow disruptors and stent-like devices that can be used to treat BA aneurysms. In general, EVT can yield good clinical and angiographic outcomes for patients with BA aneurysms. In addition, recent new devices and techniques, such as new-generation FDs generated via surface modification and virtual reality simulation techniques, show promise for EVT for BA aneurysms. These devices and techniques may further improve EVT outcomes for BA aneurysms.

Coiling ruptured aneurysms arising from the posterior genu of the cavernous internal carotid artery: A report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Exceptionally, aneurysms from the posterior genu of the cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) can rupture, resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We reported such a case and provided another case with an unruptured aneurysm as a control to confirm the rarity of the ruptured aneurysm from the posterior genu of the cavernous ICA. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: This was a 46-year-old female with SAH. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed that an aneurysm from the posterior genu of the right cavernous ICA had expanded into the intradural space and ruptured; the aneurysm was coiled completely. Postoperatively, she died from cerebral ischemia due to vasospasm. Case 2: This was a 59-year-old female with SAH. CTA and DSA revealed six aneurysms, including two mirror-like aneurysms from the bilateral anterior communicating artery (AcomA), two tandem aneurysms from the posterior genu of the left cavernous ICA, and two aneurysms from the bilateral anterior cavernous ICAs. After coiling the two tandem aneurysms from the posterior genu of the left cavernous ICA, the bilateral AcomA aneurysms were clipped, and rupture of the right AcomA aneurysm was confirmed. Follow-up CTA showed complete clipping of the bilateral AcomA aneurysms. Her Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 5. Endovascular treatment for residual aneurysms is planned for the future. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: As shown in these two cases, the aneurysm from the posterior genu of the cavernous ICA can rupture, resulting in SAH; however, the rupture of other aneurysms must be excluded. CONCLUSION: Once a ruptured aneurysm from the posterior genu of the cavernous ICA was confirmed, EVT was considered an alternative treatment.

The effect of the occipital sinus on the torcular Herophili and neighboring structures.

Objective: The occipital sinus (OS) has many variations. It is unknown whether OS can change the angioarchitecture of torcular Herophili. Therefore, we performed magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in a cohort of Han Chinese individuals to determine whether OS can change the angioarchitecture of torcular Herophili. Methods: Participants were divided into a normal OS group and a hyperplastic OS group. Parameters of the OS and torcular Herophili and its neighboring structures were recorded. Statistical analysis was used to determine the effects of OS on torcular Herophili and neighboring structures. Results: One hundred forty-five healthy participants were enrolled. One hundred patients were in the normal OS group, and 45 were in the hyperplastic OS group. In the normal OS group, the diameters at the transverse sinus (TS) origin were 5.8 ± 2.3 mm on the left side and 7.5 ± 2.2 mm on the right side. In the hyperplastic OS group, the diameters at the TS origin were 6.0 ± 2.1 mm on the left side and 7.0 ± 2.7 mm on the right side. Fenestration was observed in 33% of the torculars in the normal OS group and 6.7% of the torculars in the hyperplastic group. An unpaired t-test revealed a significant difference between bilateral TSs in the normal OS group (P < 0.05) but no difference in the hyperplastic OS group. The chi-square test revealed a significant difference in torcular Herophili fenestration between the normal and hyperplastic OS groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Hyperplastic OS makes bilateral TSs equal in diameter and weakens the predominance of the right TS. A hyperplastic OS reduces the occurrence of torcular Herophili fenestration.

Endovascular treatment for sphenoidal region dural arteriovenous fistula.

Sphenoidal region dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare. Endovascular treatment (EVT) is an effective treatment approach. However, understanding and performing EVT for sphenoidal region DAVFs are difficult and challenging. Therefore, we performed a review to explore this issue further. In this review, we discuss the dural feeders and venous structures of the sphenoidal region, the angioarchitecture of sphenoidal region DAVFs, the role and principle of EVT, various EVT techniques, and the prognosis and complications associated with EVT. We found that various EVT techniques, including transarterial embolization (TAE), retrograde transvenous embolization (TVE), and direct puncture EVT, can be used to treat sphenoidal region DAVFs. TAE represents the most commonly utilized approach. TVE and direct puncture EVT should be limited to highly selective cases. EVT must penetrate the fistula and very proximal venous recipient pouch with a liquid embolic agent or coil the fistula point to have a complete curative effect. Successful EVT can lead to the obliteration of sphenoidal region DAVFs and a good clinical outcome. However, these complications cannot be neglected.

Morphometric CT angiographic study of the SSS and its adjacent structures: A comparative analysis between elderly and nonelderly individuals of a Han Chinese population.

Objective: The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is an important structure, but few studies have analyzed it using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: This study was performed to examine the angiographic anatomy of the SSS and its adjacent structures using CTA in Han Chinese participants. According to age, participants were divided into elderly and nonelderly groups. The parameters of the SSS and adjacent structures were measured, recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: A total of 500 Han Chinese participants were enrolled in this study, including 346 in the elderly group and 154 in the nonelderly group. In the elderly group, regarding inferior sagittal sinus (ISS) development, 187 ISSs were absent, 85 were visible, and 74 were clear. In the nonelderly group, 62 ISSs were absent, 54 were visible, and 38 were clear. In the elderly group, the Rolandic bridging vein diameter was 3.6 ± 0.8 mm; in the nonelderly group, the diameter was 3.9 ± 1.1 mm. The statistical results showed a difference in ISS development between the elderly and nonelderly groups (P < 0.05). The relationship of age with ISS development was assessed using linear regression analysis, and the results indicated that ISS became gradually occluded with age (P < 0.05). The statistical results also showed a difference in the Rolandic bridging vein diameter between the elderly and nonelderly groups (P < 0.05). The relationship of age with the Rolandic bridging vein diameter was assessed using linear regression analysis, and the results indicated that the Rolandic bridging vein tended to become thinner with age (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that more ISSs may become occluded and that the Rolandic bridging vein may become thinner with age. Other parameters of the SSS and its adjacent structures may not be affected by aging. In addition, our study also provided normal CTA parameters of the SSS and its adjacent structures in Han Chinese people.

Embolization of cerebellar pial arteriovenous fistula presented with congestive edema of the brainstem and cervical cord.

Cerebellar pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) in adults presenting with congestive edema of the brainstem and cervical cord has rarely been reported. Here, we report such a case. A 59-year-old man presented with progressive weakness and numbness of the limbs and hiccups for 6 months. On physical examination, his limbs had grade III muscle strength, and he was unable to stand or walk. He also had occasional incontinence and retention. There was a positive Babinski sign in both lower limbs. Below the neck, he had hypoesthesia of the skin. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed edema of the brainstem and upper cervical cord. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed there was a cerebellar nongalenic-type PAVF lesion; the feeding arteries were the branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA); and the draining vein was a single cortical vein that ultimately entered the venous systems of the brainstem and upper cervical cord. Casting Onyx-18 via the PICA obliterated the PAVF. Postoperatively, the patient recovered gradually. Two and a half months later, he could walk using a crutch and had no incontinence. Six-month follow-up MRI and DSA revealed recession of the edema of the brainstem and cervical cord and no recurrence of this PAVF. One year later, he was nearly normal. In conclusion and extremely rarely, cerebellar nongalenic-type PAVF can present with congestive edema of the brainstem and high cervical cord. This treatment by Onyx-18 embolization can resolve PAVF.

Endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: current status and future prospects.

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are complex and widely distributed throughout the course of the MCA. Various types of aneurysms can occur in the MCA. Ruptured as well as unruptured MCA aneurysms may require treatment to avoid bleeding or rebleeding. Currently, clipping is regarded as the first-line choice for the treatment of MCA aneurysms. However, endovascular treatment (EVT) is emerging as an alternative treatment in selected cases. EVT techniques vary. Therefore, it is necessary to review EVT for MCA aneurysms. In this review, the following issues were discussed: MCA anatomy and anomalies, classifications of MCA aneurysms, the natural history of MCA aneurysms, EVT status and principle, deployments of traditional coiling techniques and flow diverters (FDs), and deployments and prospects of intrasaccular flow disruptors and stent-like devices. According to the review and our experience, traditional coiling EVT is still the preferred therapy for most MCA aneurysms. FD deployment can be used in selective MCA aneurysms. Parent artery occlusion (PAO) can be used to treat distal MCA aneurysms. In addition, new devices can be used to treat MCA aneurysms, such as intrasaccular flow disruptors and stent-like devices. In general, EVT is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment option; however, there is still a lack of evidence regarding EVT, and longer-term data are not currently available for most EVT devices.

Endovascular treatment for scalp arteriovenous fistulas: prospects and dilemmas.

Scalp arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an anomalous arteriovenous connection without a capillary bed. For symptomatic scalp AVFs, an appropriate treatment must be chosen. Currently, endovascular treatment (EVT) can serve as an alternative to surgical excision. However, EVT of scalp AVFs constitutes a challenge. A standard EVT strategy for scalp AVFs has not yet been established. Therefore, a review of current research on EVT for scalp AVFs is essential. In this review, the following issues were discussed: scalp vessel anatomy; etiology, angioarchitecture and classification of scalp AVFs; EVT principles and techniques; and EVT complications and prognosis. In addition, we attempted to propose a feasible grading system with 4 grades. Based on the literature review and our experience, we found that scalp AVFs have a complex angioarchitecture, which made EVT only possible in specific cases with low-grade scalp AVFs. EVT can be performed by transarterial or transvenous embolization. Direct puncture embolization can also be used for scalp AVFs. Complete occlusion of scalp AVF by EVT had low complication and recurrence rates and a good prognosis.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic anterior communicating artery-cavernous sinus fistula.

Traumatic anterior communicating artery (AcomA)-cavernous sinus (CS) fistula is rare. Flow diverter (FD) deployment associated with coiling may be an alternative but has never been reported. We reported such a case. A 61-year-old man who was involved in a traffic accident presented with progressive exophthalmos for 2 weeks. Digital subtraction angiography showed a fistula between the AcomA and CS. First, the fistula was coiled. Then, the FD was deployed to cover the rupture point of the AcomA. The fistula was obliterated. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, and his eye symptoms disappeared. Follow-up angiography showed no recurrence of the fistula. Therefore, for traumatic AcomA-CS fistula, FD deployment associated with coiling may be a feasible alternative.

Endovascular treatment of a supraclinoid internal carotid artery fenestration aneurysm: A case report and literature review.

Supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) fenestration aneurysm is rare. Except for open surgery, endovascular treatment (EVT) is considered an alternative for such an aneurysm. However, experience with this procedure is lacking. Therefore, we reported such a case. A 61-year-old woman suffered subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtracted angiography (DSA) showed bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and a saccular aneurysm associated with fenestration of the supraclinoid ICA. Two MCA aneurysms were treated with single coiling, and the supraclinoid ICA fenestration aneurysm was coiled under stent assistance. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. At this time, a literature review was performed on the role of EVT in supraclinoid ICA fenestration aneurysms. A total of 13 supraclinoid ICA fenestration aneurysms treated by EVT in 11 cases, including our case, were obtained. After EVT, good outcomes were obtained in all cases. To our knowledge, this is the first study to review the role of EVT for supraclinoid ICA fenestration aneurysms. Our case report and literature review indicated that EVT for such aneurysms may be feasible and act as a therapeutic alternative.

Treatment of high cervical arteriovenous fistulas in the craniocervical junction region.

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex region. Rarely, arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) can occur in the CCJ region. Currently, it is accepted that CCJ AVFs should only refer to AVFs at the C1-C2 levels. It is reasonable to assume that high cervical CCJ AVFs are being referred to when discussing CCJ AVFs. High cervical CCJ AVFs can be divided into the following four types: dural AVF, radicular AVF, epidural AVF and perimedullary AVF. Until now, it was difficult to understand high cervical CCJ AVFs and provide a proper treatment for them. Therefore, an updated review of high cervical CCJ AVFs is necessary. In this review, the following issues are discussed: the definition of high cervical CCJ AVFs, vessel anatomy of the CCJ region, angioarchitecture of high cervical CCJ AVFs, treatment options, prognoses and complications. Based on the review and our experience, we found that the four types of high cervical CCJ AVFs share similar clinical and imaging characteristics. Patients may present with intracranial hemorrhage or congestive myelopathy. Treatment, including open surgery and endovascular treatment (EVT), can be used for symptomatic AVFs. Most high cervical CCJ AVFs can be effectively treated with open surgery. EVT remains challenging due to a high rate of incomplete obliteration and complications, and it can only be performed in superselective AVFs with simple angioarchitecture. Appropriate treatment can lead to a good prognosis.

Transarterial embolization of dural arteriovenous fistula of the inferior petrosal sinus: A report of two cases.

Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) of the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is very unusual. Endovascular embolization is a good option for the treatment of DAVF. Until now, DAVFs of the IPS have only been reported sporadically. We reported two such cases. Case 1 was a 48-year-old man with headache and diplopia. Angiography confirmed a DAVF of the distal IPS, mainly supplied by the occipital artery (OA), and the IPS was occluded, which retrogradely drained into the cavernous sinus (CS) and then into the cortical vein. The DAVF in case 1 was embolized completely via the OA to cast Onyx-18. Case 2 was a 69-year-old female who had red and swollen eyes. Angiography confirmed a DAVF of the proximal IPS, mainly supplied by the accessory meningeal artery (AMA), which drained into the CS and then into the ophthalmic vein, and the IPS was occluded. The DAVF in case 2 was embolized completely via the AMA to cast Onyx-18. After treatment, these two patients had uneventful recoveries. In our report, these two cases indicated that the DAVFs of the proximal and distal IPS shared different origins of feeding arteries. When the IPS is occluded, the transarterial approach via the main feeder, such as OA and AMA, can be feasible to cure the DAVF of the IPS.

Case report: Endovascular coil embolization of an aneurysm at the origin of the accessory middle cerebral artery from the A1 segment as the collateral artery to twigs.

An aneurysm at the origin of the accessory middle cerebral artery (AccMCA) from the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) as the supplying artery of a twig-like MCA is exceptional. In this study, we reported on such a case and presented a review of the relevant literature. A 56-year-old male suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a twig-like MCA and a ruptured aneurysm at the origin of the AccMCA. Endovascular coil embolization of the aneurysm was performed. After the microcatheter was positioned in the aneurysm, soft coils were delivered to complete the embolization. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully. One month later, the patient returned to his job without any neurological deficits. Postoperative computed tomography at the 3-month follow-up showed that the brain tissue was normal. By reporting our case and reviewing the relevant literature, we found that endovascular coil embolization for such aneurysms at the AccMCA origin is feasible in certain cases.

Parent artery occlusion for ruptured aneurysms in moyamoya vessels or on collaterals.

Background: Aneurysms in moyamoya vessels or on collaterals are difficult to treat. Parent artery occlusion (PAO) via endovascular treatment (EVT) is often the last resort, but the safety and efficacy of this approach need to be evaluated. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on patients admitted to our hospital who were diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral moyamoya disease (MMD) associated with ruptured aneurysms in moyamoya vessels or on collaterals. These aneurysms were treated with PAO, and the clinical outcome was recorded. Results: Eleven patients were aged 54.7 ± 10.4 years, and six patients were male (54.5%, 6/11). The aneurysms in 11 patients were single and ruptured, and the average size was 2.7 ± 0.6 mm. Three (27.3%, 3/11) aneurysms were located at the distal anterior choroidal artery, 3 (27.3%, 3/11) were at the distal lenticulostriate artery, 3 (27.3%, 3/11) were at the P2-3 segment of the posterior cerebral artery, 1 (9.1%, 1/11) was at the P4-5 segment of the posterior cerebral artery, and 1 was at the transdural location of the middle meningeal artery. Among the 11 aneurysms, PAO by coiling was performed on 7 (63.6%, 7/11), and Onyx casting was performed on 4 (36.4%, 4/11). Of 11 patients, 2 (18.2%, 2/11) suffered intraoperative hemorrhagic complications. During follow-up, all patients had good outcomes with a modified Rankin scale score of 0-2. Conclusion: As a last resort, the application of PAO with coiling or casting Onyx for ruptured aneurysms in moyamoya vessels or on collaterals may be safe with an acceptable clinical outcome. However, patients with MMD may not always achieve expected health outcomes, and PAO for the aneurysm can bring only temporary relief.

Brain arteriovenous malformations of the middle cerebral artery region: image characteristics and endovascular treatment based on a new classification system.

BACKGROUND: To date, few studies have investigated the use of endovascular treatment (EVT) for brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) in the supplying area of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Moreover, no suitable classification was aimed at EVT for MCA-BAVMs. Therefore, this study proposed a new classification. METHODS: This study retrospectively collected 135 MCA­BAVMs. They were classified into four types: Type I BAVMs located above the M1 segment; Type II BAVMs located in the region around the Sylvian fissure; and Type III BAVMs located in the supplying region of the M4 segment and subdivided into types IIIa and IIIb. The relevance of various types of MCA-BAVMs and their imaging characteristics and EVT outcomes was analyzed by ordinary one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple comparisons test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: The 135 patients averaged 33.8 ± 14.7 years and included 75 females (55.6%, 75/135). Among them, 15 (11.1%, 15/135), 16 (11.9%, 16/135), 54 (40%, 54/135), and 50 (37%, 50/135) MCA-BAVMs were type I, II, IIIa and IIIb, respectively. After EVT, a good outcome was achieved in 97% of patients. Statistical analysis showed that type I BAVMs were smaller than type II and IIIb BAVMs (P value < 0.05), and type IIIb BAVMs were larger than type I and IIIa BAVMs (P value < 0.05). Deep vein involvement in type I and IIIb BAVMs was more common than in other types (P value < 0.05), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was also more common (P value < 0.05). The normal morphology in type IIIb was less than that in the other types (P value < 0.05). Type IIIa BAVMs had a higher degree than other types (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the new classification of MCA-BAVMs can be used to evaluate imaging characteristics and EVT outcomes in different types. In addition, EVT may be a safe treatment modality for MCA­BAVMs.