Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Predictors of Clinical and Radiographic Failure from 636 Embolizations.

Background Knowledge regarding predictors of clinical and radiographic failures of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization (MMAE) treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is limited. Purpose To identify predictors of MMAE treatment failure for CSDH. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, consecutive patients who underwent MMAE for CSDH from February 2018 to April 2022 at 13 U.S. centers were included. Clinical failure was defined as hematoma reaccumulation and/or neurologic deterioration requiring rescue surgery. Radiographic failure was defined as a maximal hematoma thickness reduction less than 50% at last imaging (minimum 2 weeks of head CT follow-up). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent failure predictors, controlling for age, sex, concurrent surgical evacuation, midline shift, hematoma thickness, and pretreatment baseline antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy. Results Overall, 530 patients (mean age, 71.9 years ± 12.8 [SD]; 386 men; 106 with bilateral lesions) underwent 636 MMAE procedures. At presentation, the median CSDH thickness was 15 mm and 31.3% (166 of 530) and 21.7% (115 of 530) of patients were receiving antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications, respectively. Clinical failure occurred in 36 of 530 patients (6.8%, over a median follow-up of 4.1 months) and radiographic failure occurred in 26.3% (137 of 522) of procedures. At multivariable analysis, independent predictors of clinical failure were pretreatment anticoagulation therapy (odds ratio [OR], 3.23; P = .007) and an MMA diameter less than 1.5 mm (OR, 2.52; P = .027), while liquid embolic agents were associated with nonfailure (OR, 0.32; P = .011). For radiographic failure, female sex (OR, 0.36; P = .001), concurrent surgical evacuation (OR, 0.43; P = .009), and a longer imaging follow-up time were associated with nonfailure. Conversely, MMA diameter less than 1.5 mm (OR, 1.7; P = .044), midline shift (OR, 1.1; P = .02), and superselective MMA catheterization (without targeting the main MMA trunk) (OR, 2; P = .029) were associated with radiographic failure. Sensitivity analyses retained these associations. Conclusion Multiple independent predictors of failure of MMAE treatment for chronic subdural hematomas were identified, with small diameter (<1.5 mm) being the only factor independently associated with both clinical and radiographic failures. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Chaudhary and Gemmete in this issue.

Predictors of aneurysmal occlusion following intracranial aneurysms treatment with pipeline embolization device.

PURPOSE: Pipeline embolization device (PED) is thought to induce aneurysmal occlusion through diversion of flow away from the aneurysmal sac with subsequent thrombosis and endothelialization. The impact of different factors especially hypertension (HTN)-a known predisposing factor to hypercoagulability and altered endothelial function-on aneurysmal occlusion after flow diversion has not been studied. We sought to determine predictors of aneurysmal occlusion following PED treatment focusing on impact of blood pressure. METHODS: Database of patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with PED from 2013 to 2019 at our institution was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were defined as hypertensive if (1) they had a documented history of HTN requiring anti-HTN medications or (2) average systolic blood pressure on three measurements was > 130 mmHg. The primary outcome was aneurysm occlusion status at the last imaging follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to assess the effect of HTN on occlusion, controlling for age, smoking, aneurysmal size, fusiform morphology, posterior circulation location, and incorporated branches. RESULTS: A total of 331 aneurysms in 294 patients were identified for this analysis. The mean age was 59 years (79.9% female). Fifty-five percent of the cohort were classified as hypertensive. When controlling for other potential confounders, hypertensive patients trended toward higher odds of achieving complete occlusion compared to non-hypertensive patients (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 0.99-4.25; p = 0.052). Meanwhile, age (OR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.88-0.95; p < 0.001) and an incorporated branch into an aneurysm (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.08-0.58; p < 0.002) were associated with decreased odds for complete aneurysmal occlusion. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients show a trend toward higher odds of achieving complete occlusion when controlling for potential confounders. The HTN-induced hypercoagulable state, enhanced endothelial activation, and altered extracellular matrix regulation might be the contributing factors. Further research is warranted to explore clinical implications of these findings.

Repeat Flow Diversion for Cerebral Aneurysms Failing Prior Flow Diversion: Safety and Feasibility From Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal persistence after flow diversion (FD) occurs in 5% to 25% of aneurysms, which may necessitate retreatment. There are limited data on safety/efficacy of repeat FD-a frequently utilized strategy in such cases. METHODS: A series of consecutive patients undergoing FD retreatment from 15 centers were reviewed (2011-2019), with inclusion criteria of repeat FD for the same aneurysm at least 6 months after initial treatment, with minimum of 6 months post-retreatment imaging. The primary outcome was aneurysmal occlusion, and secondary outcome was safety. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion (90%-99% and <90% occlusion) versus complete occlusion (100%) after retreatment. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (median age, 57 years; 81% women) harboring 95 aneurysms underwent 198 treatment procedures. Majority of aneurysms were unruptured (87.4%), saccular (74.7%), and located in the internal carotid artery (79%; median size, 9 mm). Median elapsed time between the first and second treatment was 12.2 months. Last available follow-up was at median 12.8 months after retreatment, and median 30.6 months after the initial treatment, showing complete occlusion in 46.2% and near-complete occlusion (90%-99%) in 20.4% of aneurysms. There was no difference in ischemic complications following initial treatment and retreatment (4.2% versus 4.2%; P>0.99). On multivariable regression, fusiform morphology had higher nonocclusion odds after retreatment (odds ratio [OR], 7.2 [95% CI, 1.97-20.8]). Family history of aneurysms was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.04-0.78]). Likewise, positive smoking history was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.1-0.86]). History of hypertension trended toward incomplete occlusion (OR, 3.10 [95% CI, 0.98-6.3]), similar to incorporated branch into aneurysms (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 0.98-6.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat FD for persistent aneurysms carries a reasonable success/safety profile. Satisfactory occlusion (100% and 90%-99% occlusion) was encountered in two-thirds of patients, with similar complications between the initial and subsequent retreatments. Fusiform morphology was the strongest predictor of retreatment failure.

Cigarette smoking and risk of intracranial aneurysms in middle-aged women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We previously reported a single-centre study demonstrating that smoking confers a six-fold increased risk for having an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) in women aged between 30 and 60 years and this risk was higher if the patient had chronic hypertension. There are no data with greater generalisability evaluating this association. We aimed to validate our previous findings in women from a multicentre study. METHODS: A multicentre case-control study on women aged between 30 and 60 years, that had magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) during the period 2016-2018. Cases were those with an incidental UIA, and these were matched to controls based on age and ethnicity. A multivariable conditional logistic regression was conducted to evaluate smoking status and hypertension differences between cases and controls. RESULTS: From 545 eligible patients, 113 aneurysm patients were matched to 113 controls. The most common reason for imaging was due to chronic headaches in 62.5% of cases and 44.3% of controls. A positive smoking history was encountered in 57.5% of cases and in 37.2% of controls. A multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant association between positive smoking history (OR 3.7, 95%CI 1.61 to 8.50), hypertension (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.17 to 8.52) and both factors combined with a diagnosis of an incidental UIA (OR 6.9, 95% CI 2.49 to 19.24). CONCLUSIONS: Women aged between 30 and 60 years with a positive smoking history have a four-fold increased risk for having an UIA, and a seven-fold increased risk if they have underlying chronic hypertension. These findings indicate that women aged between 30 and 60 years with a positive smoking history might benefit from a screening recommendation.

Neurological adverse effects due to programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors.

PURPOSE: PD-1 Immunotherapy is integral in treating multiple cancers, but has been associated with neurological adverse events (nAEs). Our study was aimed at identifying the clinical spectrum of nAEs associated with pembrolizumab and nivolumab. METHODS: We performed an IRB approved single-center retrospective cohort study on patients receiving either pembrolizumab or nivolumab. Patients that developed nAEs within 12 months of treatment were identified. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and differences between groups were analyzed by the Chi-square or t test method. RESULTS: In total, 649 patients were identified. Seventeen patients (2.6%) developed nAEs. Eight of those were on pembrolizumab and nine were on nivolumab. Average age was 62.1 years. Ten were males and 7 were females. Most patients had melanoma (6, 35.3%). Patients who developed nAEs more frequently had intracranial lesions at initiation of anti PD-1 therapy compared to those who did not develop nAEs (76.5% vs 27.8%; p-value < 0.001). Fifteen patients (88.2%) permanently stopped PD-1 therapy. In 8 patients, treatment termination resolved symptoms attributed to immune checkpoint blockade. The majority of patients developed grade 3 or 4 nAEs (10 patients, 58.8%), and required hospitalization (11 patients, 64.7%). Eight patients died for nAEs referable causes. CONCLUSION: Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are associated with the development of nAEs associated with increased risk of permanent discontinuation of treatment, hospitalization, and death. Melanoma patients might be at a particularly high risk of such side effects. Future studies are still required to better assess which patients benefit most from such therapies, while minimizing the risk of complications.

Natural history of Rathke's cleft cysts: A retrospective analysis of a two centres experience.

OBJECTIVE: Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is a common sellar lesion which may cause visual impairment, hypopituitarism and headaches from mass effect. The natural history of these lesions is currently unclear. We investigated the natural history of RCCs and compared surgically treated patients with those treated conservatively. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with a RCC between 1996 and 2016 at Stanford University and Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: Group A, 72 subjects who underwent surgical resection of a symptomatic RCC, and Group B, 62 subjects managed conservatively. Compared to Group B, Group A subjects had larger RCCs (79% vs 22% had a largest diameter >10 mm, P < .001) and were more likely (41.5% vs 16%, P < .001) to present with hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus (DI) (18% vs 1.6%, P = .002). In Group A, after a mean follow-up of 53.7 months, 12.5% of patients had recurrence and a second surgery. After surgery, 35% of patients recovered pituitary function. Hyperprolactinemia (26.6%) and hypogonadism (66.6%) resolved more commonly that did DI (20.1%). New pituitary deficits appeared in 16.6% of patients after surgery. In Group B, with a mean follow-up of 41 months, only 6.4% had cyst enlargement, none underwent surgery, and none developed a pituitary deficit. CONCLUSION: Our data offer guidance in decision-making regarding the management of RCC patients and confirm the safety of conservative treatment in asymptomatic patients.

CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery in the multimodal management of acromegaly patients with invasive macroadenoma: a single center's experience.

Surgery is the primary treatment for acromegaly. However, surgery may not be curative of some tumors, particularly invasive macroadenomas. Adjuvant radiation, specifically robotic stereotactic radiosurgery (rSRS), may improve the endocrine outcome. We retrospectively reviewed hormonal and radiological data of 22 acromegalic patients with invasive macroadenomas treated with rSRS at Stanford University Medical Center between 2000 and 2016. Prior to treatment, the tumor's median maximal diameter was 19 mm (2.5-50 mm). Cavernous sinus invasion occurred in 19 patients (86.3%) and compression of the optic chiasm in 2 (9.0%). At last follow up, with an average follow up of 43.2 months, all patients had a reduction in their IGF-1 levels (median IGF-1% upper limit of normal (ULN) baseline: 136% vs last follow up: 97%; p = 0.05); 9 patients (40.9%) were cured, and 4 (18.1%) others demonstrated biochemical control of acromegaly. The median time to cure was 50 months and the mean interval to cure or biochemical control was 30.3 months (± 24 months, range 6-84 months). Hypopituitarism was present in 8 patients (36.3%) and new pituitary deficits occurred in 6 patients with a median latency of 31.6 ± 14.5 months. At final radiologic follow-up, 3 tumors (13.6%) were smaller and 19 were stable in size. The mean biologically effective dose (BED) was higher in subjects cured compared to those with persistent disease, 163 Gy3 (± 47) versus 111 Gy3 (± 43), respectively (p = 0.01). No patient suffered visual deterioration. Robotic SRS is a safe and effective treatment for acromegaly: radiation-induced visual complications and hypopituitarism is rare.

Accuracy and Safety of External Ventricular Drain Placement by Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Aneurysmal Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: In the current dynamic health environment, increasing number of procedures are being completed by advanced practitioners (nurse practitioners and physician assistants). This is the first study to assess the clinical outcomes and safety of external ventricular drain (EVD) placements by specially trained advanced practitioners. OBJECTIVE: Compare the safety and outcomes of EVD placement by advanced practitioners in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: A cohort comparison study was performed from an aneurysmal SAH database selecting patients treated with EVD from a single major academic institution in the USA between June 2007 and June 2017. Safety, accuracy, and complications of EVD placement were compared between advanced practitioners and neurosurgical physicians (attending neurosurgeon and subspecialty clinical fellow). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables, with p values set at < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: We identified 203 patients for this cohort with 238 EVD placements; eighty-seven (36.6%) placements were performed by advanced practitioners and 151 (63.4%) by neurosurgeons. Most of the ventriculostomies were placed in the emergency room (n = 114; 47.9%). Additional procedures performed concurrently with the EVD placements were significantly higher among the physicians' group (21.8 vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001). Bedside placement and usage of Ghajar guide were significantly higher among advanced practitioner's (58.3 vs. 98.9 and 9.9 vs. 64.4%, respectively, with a p < 0.001 for both). There were, however, no significant differences in terms of the number of attempts for insertion, intraprocedural complications, tract hemorrhages, accuracy, infection rates, catheter dislodgments, and need for repositioning/replacement of EVD. CONCLUSION: After appropriate training, EVD placement can be safely performed by advanced practitioners with an adequate accuracy of placement.

Aspirin and Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies have suggested that the use of low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to evaluate any association between aspirin use and risk of aSAH based on the literature, and whether this is influenced by duration or frequency of aspirin use. METHODS: A search of electronic databases was done from inception to September 2016. For each study, data on risk of aSAH in aspirin versus nonaspirin users were used to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, and combined using inverse variance-weighted averages of logarithmic odds ratios in a random-effects models. RESULTS: From 7 included studies, no significant difference was noted between aspirin use of any duration or frequency and nonaspirin users (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.24; P=0.99). We found a significant association between short-term use of aspirin (<3 months) and the risk of aSAH (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.18; P=0.002). No significant difference was found in terms of risk of aSAH for 3 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years, and >3 years of durations of use. No significant association was found between infrequent aspirin use (≤2× per week) or frequent use (≥3× per week) with risk of aSAH. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that short-term (<3 months) use of aspirin is associated with increased risk of aSAH. Limitations include substantial heterogenity of the included studies. The role of long-term aspirin in reducing risk of aSAH remains unclear and ideally should be addressed by an appropriately designed randomized controlled trial.

Use of Platelet Function Testing Before Pipeline Embolization Device Placement: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thromboembolic complications constitute a significant source of morbidity after neurointerventional procedures. Flow diversion using the pipeline embolization device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms necessitates the use of dual antiplatelet therapy to reduce this risk. The use of platelet function testing before pipeline embolization device placement remains controversial. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases at 3 academic institutions was performed from the years 2009 to 2016 to identify patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with pipeline embolization device placement. Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed with emphasis on thromboembolic complications and clopidogrel responsiveness. RESULTS: A total of 402 patients underwent 414 pipeline embolization device procedures for the treatment of 465 intracranial aneurysms. Thromboembolic complications were encountered in 9.2% of procedures and were symptomatic in 5.6%. Clopidogrel nonresponders experienced a significantly higher rate of thromboembolic complications compared with clopidogrel responders (17.4% versus 5.6%). This risk was significantly lower in nonresponders who were switched to ticagrelor when compared with patients who remained on clopidogrel (2.7% versus 24.4%). In patients who remained on clopidogrel, the rate of thromboembolic complications was significantly lower in those who received a clopidogrel boost within 24 hours pre-procedure when compared with those who did not (9.8% versus 51.9%). There was no significant difference in the rate of hemorrhagic complications between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel nonresponders experienced a significantly higher rate of thromboembolic complications when compared with clopidogrel responders. However, this risk seems to be mitigated in nonresponders who were switched to ticagrelor or received a clopidogrel boost within 24 hours pre-procedure.

Ischemic Stroke After Treatment of Intraprocedural Thrombosis During Stent-Assisted Coiling and Flow Diversion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intraprocedural thrombosis poses a formidable challenge during neuroendovascular procedures because the risks of aggressive thromboembolic treatment must be balanced against the risk of postprocedural hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of ischemic stroke after intraprocedural thrombosis after stent-assisted coiling and pipeline embolization device placement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling or pipeline embolization device placement between 2007 and 2016 at 4 major academic institutions was performed to identify procedures that were complicated by intraprocedural thrombosis. RESULTS: Intraprocedural thrombosis occurred in 34 (4.6%) procedures. Postprocedural ischemic stroke and hemorrhage occurred in 20.6% (7/34) and 11.8% (4/34) of procedures complicated by intraprocedural thrombosis, respectively. Current smoking was an independent predictor of ischemic stroke. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of ischemic stroke or postprocedural hemorrhage with the use of abciximab compared with the use of eptifibatide in treatment of intraprocedural thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Current protocols for treatment of intraprocedural thrombosis associated with placement of intra-arterial devices were effective in preventing ischemic stroke in ≈80% of cases. Current smoking was the only independent predictor of ischemic stroke.

Utility of plain radiographs and MRI in cervical spine clearance in symptomatic non-obtunded pediatric patients without high-impact trauma.

PURPOSE: The optimal imaging modality for evaluating cervical spine trauma and optimizing management in the pediatric population is controversial. In pediatric populations, there are no well-established guidelines for cervical spine trauma evaluation and treatment. Currently, there is virtually no literature regarding imaging and management of symptomatic pediatric patients who present with cervical spine trauma without high-impact mechanism. This study aims to establish an optimal imaging strategy for this subgroup of trauma patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients (aged below 18 years) who were admitted to Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia between July 2011 and June 2015, who did not suffer a high-impact trauma but were symptomatic for cervical spine injury following cervical trauma. Imaging and management strategies were reviewed and results compared. RESULTS: Forty-seven pediatric patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 46 underwent cervical spine series (CSS) plain radiograph imaging. Thirty-four cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 9 patients underwent CT. MRI was able to detect 4 cases of ligamentous injury, which were not seen in CSS imaging and was able to facilitate cervical spine clearance in a further two patients whose CSS radiographs were abnormal. CONCLUSION: In this study, MRI has a greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to CSS radiography in a symptomatic pediatric low-impact trauma population. Our data call in to question the routine use of CSS radiographs in children.

Dementia resulting from expansion of basilar artery aneurysm: two case reports and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Dementia places a large burden on the economy, with financial and emotional costs incurred by patients, caregivers and the health sector. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report the first published case series of giant basilar aneurysm leading to progressive cognitive and functional decline. We review the literature regarding giant aneurysms and their association with dementia and the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights a number of therapeutic considerations when determining the best management strategy for these difficult lesions.

Removal of symptomatic titanium fixation plates after craniotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium fixation plates are routinely used for rigid fixation of bone flaps after craniotomy. In craniofacial surgery or after craniotomy involving orbitozygomatic osteotomies, these plates are occasionally removed because of infection, pain, protrusion, soft tissue erosion, and plate malfunction. However, plate removal because of pain and protrusion after craniotomy without orbitozygomatic osteotomy has rarely been reported. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent removal of cranial fixation plates after craniotomy, performed by the senior authors at one institution between 2014 and 2016, was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 319 patients underwent bone flap fixation after craniotomy using cranial fixation plates between 2014 and 2016. Five of those patients (1.6 %) had their cranial plates removed because of pain and protrusion. An additional four patients had a cranial fixation plate removed during that time frame with the original craniotomy performed before 2014. All nine patients had immediate resolution of symptoms after plate removal. CONCLUSION: We report our experience with cranial fixation plate removal because of pain and protrusion in patients who underwent craniotomy without orbitozygomatic osteotomy, particularly frontotemporal craniotomy. In an attempt to reduce this complication, we recently stopped placing a full-size burr hole in the keyhole area of a frontotemporal craniotomy, eliminating the need for a titanium burr hole cover plate.

The effect of patient age on the degree of midline shift caused by chronic subdural hematomas: a volumetric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are the among the most common conditions treated by neurosurgeons. Midline shift (MLS) is used as a radiological marker of CSDH severity and the potential need for urgent surgical evacuation. However, a patient's age may affect the degree of MLS for a given hematoma volume. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the patient's age and the MLS caused by CSDH. METHODS: The database of patients treated for CSDH was reviewed in a single institution. Patients with unilateral CSDH were included. To measure CSDH volume, the preprocedural head CT scans underwent 3D volumetric reconstruction using the TeraRecon software. The effect of age on MLS after adjusting for CSDH volume was investigated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-nine hematomas in 69 patients were included. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 94 years (mean 71.6 years). Hematoma volume and MLS ranged from 27.8 to 215 mL (mean 99.3 mL) and 0-17 mm (mean 6.5 mm), respectively. On multivariate regression analysis, MLS showed a significant independent negative correlation with age after adjusting for CSDH volume (OR -0.11, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.06; p < 0.001), meaning that for a fixed CSDH volume, with each 10-year increase in age the MLS will reduce by 1.1 mm. Moreover, MLS-to-volume ratio showed a significant negative linear correlation with age (r2 = 0.32; p < 0.001). Ten-milliliter increments in CSDH volume resulted in a 1.09-mm increase in MLS in patients younger than 60 years, which is 2.4-fold higher compared to the 0.46-mm increase in those older than 75 years (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For a fixed CSDH volume, older age correlates with significantly lower MLS. This could be explained by higher parenchymal compliance in older individuals due to increased brain atrophy, and a larger subdural space. Clinical use of MLS to estimate severity of CSDH and gauge treatment decisions should take the patient's age into account.

The Influence of Coagulopathy on Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization as Standalone Treatment for Non-acute Subdural Hematomas.

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is emerging as a safe and effective standalone intervention for non-acute subdural hematomas (NASHs); however, the risk of hematoma recurrence after MMAE in coagulopathic patients is unclear. To characterize the impact of coagulopathy on treatment outcomes, we analyzed a multi-institutional database of patients who underwent standalone MMAE as treatment for NASH. We classified 537 patients who underwent MMAE as a standalone intervention between 2019 and 2023 by coagulopathy status. Coagulopathy was defined as use of anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents or pre-operative thrombocytopenia (platelets <100,000/µL). Demographics, pre-procedural characteristics, in-hospital course, and patient outcomes were collected. Thrombocytopenia, aspirin use, antiplatelet agent use, and anticoagulant use were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify any characteristics associated with the need for rescue surgical intervention, mortality, adverse events, and modified Rankin Scale score at 90-day follow-up. Propensity score-matched cohorts by coagulopathy status with matching covariates adjusting for risk factors implicated in surgical recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Minimal differences in pre-operative characteristics between patients with and those without coagulopathy were observed. On unmatched and matched analyses, patients with coagulopathy had higher rates of requiring subsequent surgery than those without (unmatched: 9.9% vs. 4.3%; matched: 12.6% vs. 4.6%; both p < 0.05). On matched multivariable analysis, patients with coagulopathy had an increased odds ratio (OR) of requiring surgical rescue (OR 3.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-9.30; p < 0.01). Antiplatelet agent use (ticagrelor, prasugrel, or clopidogrel) was also predictive of surgical rescue (OR 4.38; 95% CI 1.51-12.72; p = 0.01), and patients with thrombocytopenia had significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 5.16; 95% CI 2.38-11.20; p < 0.01). There were no differences in follow-up radiographic and other clinical outcomes in patients with and those without coagulopathy. Patients with coagulopathy undergoing standalone MMAE for treatment of NASH may have greater risk of requiring surgical rescue (particularly in patients using antiplatelet agents), and in-hospital mortality (in thrombocytopenic patients).

General Versus Nongeneral Anesthesia for Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The choice of anesthesia type (general anesthesia [GA] vs nongeneral anesthesia [non-GA]) in middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) procedures for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) differs between institutions and left to care team discretion given lack of standard guidelines. We compare the outcomes of GA vs non-GA in MMAE. METHODS: Consecutive patients receiving MMAE for cSDH at 14 North American centers (2018-2023) were included. Clinical, cSDH characteristics, and technical/clinical outcomes were compared between the GA/non-GA groups. Using propensity score matching (PSM), patients were matched controlling for age, baseline modified Rankin Scale, concurrent/prior surgery, hematoma thickness/midline shift, and baseline antiplatelet/anticoagulation. The primary end points included surgical rescue and radiographic success rates (≥50% reduction in maximum hematoma thickness with minimum 2 weeks of imaging). Secondary end points included technical feasibility, procedural complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-eight patients (median age 73 years, 73.2% male patients) underwent 956 MMAE procedures, 667 (70.4%) were non-GA and 280 were GA (29.6%). After running 1:3 PSM algorithm, this resulted in 153 and 296 in the GA and non-GA groups, respectively. There were no baseline/procedural differences between the groups except radial access more significantly used in the non-GA group (P = .001). There was no difference between the groups in procedural technical feasibility, complications rate, length of stay, surgical rescue rates, or favorable functional outcome at the last follow-up. Subsequent 1:1 sensitivity PSM retained the same results. Bilateral MMAE procedures were more performed under non-GA group (75.8% vs 67.2%; P = .01); no differences were noted in clinical/radiographic outcomes between bilateral vs unilateral MMAE, except for longer procedure duration in the bilateral group (median 73 minutes [IQR 48.3-100] vs 54 minutes [39-75]; P < .0001). Another PSM analysis comparing GA vs non-GA in patients undergoing stand-alone MMAE retained similar associations. CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in radiological improvement/clinical outcomes between GA and non-GA for MMAE.

Optimal Cost-Effective Screening Strategy for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Female Smokers.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms among female cigarette smokers was shown to be high in previous studies, yet the cost-effectiveness of screening them has never been explored. OBJECTIVE: To explore the most cost-effective screening strategy for female smokers. METHODS: A decision analytical study was performed with a Markov model to compare different screening strategies with no screening and to explore the most optimal screening strategy for female smokers. Input data for the model were extracted from literature. A single screening at different ages and multiple screening every 15 years, 10 years, 5 years, and 2 years were performed for female smokers in different age ranges. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model. Finally, value of information analysis was performed to investigate the value of collecting additional data. RESULTS: Screening female smokers for unruptured intracranial aneurysm is cost-effective. All screening strategies yield extra quality-adjusted life years. Screening at younger age brings more health benefit at lower cost. Frequent screening strategies decrease rupture rate of aneurysms more with higher costs per quality-adjusted life year. Screening after age 70 years and frequent screening (every 2 years) after age 60 years is not optimal. Among all the parameters in the model, collecting additional data on utility of the unscreened population would be most valuable. CONCLUSION: Screening female smokers for intracranial aneurysms once at younger age is most optimal. However, in clinical practice, the duration and intensity of exposure to cigarettes should be taken into consideration.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Adjunction to Surgical Evacuation for Treatment of Subdural Hematomas: A Nationwide Comparison of Outcomes With Isolated Surgical Evacuation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical evacuation is the standard treatment for chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) but is associated with a high risk of recurrence and readmission. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is a novel treatment approach which could be performed upfront or in adjunction to surgical evacuation. MMAE studies are limited by small sample sizes. This study aimed to describe and compare outcomes of MMAE in adjunction to surgery with those of surgery alone on a national level. METHODS: The national Vizient Clinical Database was queried by use of a specific validated set of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (October 2018-June 2022). Patients with the diagnosis of nontraumatic CSDH who received MMAE and surgical drainage in the same hospitalization were identified, and their outcomes were compared with isolated surgical drainage. RESULTS: A total of 606 subjects from 156 institutes and 6340 subjects from 369 institutes were included in the MMAE plus surgery (M&S) and surgery groups, respectively. Average length of stay was significantly longer in the M&S group (9.87 vs 7.53 days; P < .01). There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality rate (2.8% vs 2.9%), but the complication rate was significantly higher in the M&S group (8.7% vs 5.5%; P < .01). Complications that were significantly more common in the M&S group included aspiration pneumonia, postoperative sepsis, and anesthesia-related. Mean direct costs were significantly higher in the M&S group (28 834 vs 16 292 US dollars; P < .01). The 30-day readmission rate was significantly lower in the M&S group compared with the surgery group (4.2% vs 8.0%; P < .01). CONCLUSION: This analysis of large-scale national data indicates that MMAE performed in adjunction to surgery for treatment of CSDH is associated with higher direct costs, higher complication rates, and longer length of stay but lower readmission rates compared with surgical evacuation alone.

Cost Comparison for Open Surgery versus Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) can be treated with conventional surgery or middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE). The cost profiles of open surgery versus MMAE have never been studied. Therefore, we sought to compare the costs of surgical and MMAE treatment of cSDH. METHODS: Patients treated with open surgery (2006-2019) and MMAE (2018-2020) were identified from the institutional database. Propensity score matching analysis was used to assemble a balanced group of subjects. Detailed hospitalization costs in each group were collected and compared. RESULTS: A total of 341 conventionally treated and 52 MMAE cases were identified. After propensity score matching, 33 patients were included in each group, for a total of 66 patients for analysis. Direct procedural cost was significantly greater in the MMAE group compared with the open surgery group ($38,255 ± $11,859 vs. $11,206 ± $7888; P < 0.001). Medication cost also was greater in the MMAE group ($6888 ± $6525 vs. $4291 ± $3547; P = 0.048). No significant difference was found in costs for intensive care unit care, pharmacy, therapy, laboratory values, and the emergency department. Imaging costs and other miscellaneous costs (e.g., wound care, preoperative, and postanesthesia care unit) were greater in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Total hospitalization cost was not significantly different between the 2 groups ($60,598 ± 61,315 vs. $71,569 ± $37,813 for open surgery and MMAE respectively, P = 0.385). No significant differences in number of follow ups or total costs for follow up were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery and MMAE offer an overall equivalent cost-profile for cSDH treatment when matching for potential cost confounders. Direct procedural costs are greater in MMAE; however, total hospitalization costs and follow up costs are not significantly different.