Letter to editor: Bridging the gap: robotic applications in cerebral aneurysms neurointerventions - a systematic review.

The letter critically evaluates the role of robotic applications in cerebral aneurysm neurointerventions, synthesizing a diverse array of studies to elucidate both the potential benefits and inherent limitations of this emerging technology. The review highlights the advancements in precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes facilitated by robotic platforms, while also acknowledging challenges such as the steep learning curve and the need for further research to establish long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness. By navigating through the complexities of robotic-assisted neurosurgery, the review provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of robotics in optimizing treatment paradigms and improving patient care.

[Russian study on brain aneurysm surgery: a continuation (RIHA II)]. / Rossiiskoe issledovanie po khirurgii anevrizm golovnogo mozga: prodolzhenie (RIKhA II).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the main performance indicators of neurosurgical departments in surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the Russian Federation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 22 neurosurgical departments (19 regional and 3 federal hospitals) in 2017 and 2021. The study enrolled 6.135 patients including 3.160 ones in 2017 and 2.975 ones in 2021. We studied the features of surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in different volume hospitals and factors influencing postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The number of surgeries for cerebral aneurysms decreased from 2.950 in 2017 to 2.711 in 2021. Postoperative mortality rate was 6.3% and 5.6%, respectively. The number of microsurgical interventions decreased from 60% in 2017 to 48% in 2021. The share of endovascular interventions increased from 40% to 52%, respectively. Endovascular embolization was accompanied by stenting in 55% of cases. Simultaneous revascularization was carried out in 2% of cases. In 2021, the number of patients undergoing surgery in acute period of hemorrhage increased to 70% (in 2017 - 61%). The number of hospitals performing more than 50 surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms annually increased from 14 in 2017 to 17 in 2021. CONCLUSION: Certain changes in neurosurgical service occurred in 2021 compared to 2017. Lower number of surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms, most likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is accompanied by lower postoperative mortality. Endovascular interventions and revascularization techniques became more common. The number of surgeries in acute period after aneurysm rupture and hospitals performing more than 50 surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms annually increased.

Supraorbital eyebrow approach and pterional approach in surgical treatment of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms: a propensity score-matched analysis.

The aim of this study is to reveal efficacy and efficiency of the supraorbital eyebrow approach (SEA) in clipping ruptured and unruptured aneurysms where both SEA and pterional approach (PA) are considered feasible by comparing SEA and PA using propensity score matching. A total of 229 patients who underwent surgical clipping of an aneurysm from 2013 to 2022 and met inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. A study group of 67 patients treated via the SEA and a comparison group of 162 patients treated via the PA were formed. Then, the subgroups of 66 patients each, with balanced incoming factors, were analyzed using the propensity score technique. The safety and efficacy endpoints were compared. Successful clipping was achieved in all cases of both groups. There were no patients in the SEA group who required conversion to the standard craniotomy. There were no procedure-related deaths in this series. No patient experienced early or late rebleeding in either group. Mean blood loss volume in the SEA group was lower than in the PA group by approximately 77.5 ml (p < 0.001). There were favorable differences in the SEA group regarding postoperative neurological deficit (p = 0.016), postoperative epileptic seizure rate (p = 0.013), ischemic and hemorrhagic complications (p = 0.028 and 0.0009, respectively), and outcomes (p < 0.001). Patients' satisfaction with cosmetic results measured by the visual analog scale was rated highly in both groups (p = 0.081). For patients where SEA provides adequate exposure, it results in safety and cosmetic outcomes not inferior to the PA.

Does the clopidogrel CYP2C19 genotype assay predict postprocedure stenosis in cerebral aneurysms treated with a flow diverter?

OBJECTIVE: Flow diverters have emerged as a popular modality for treating cerebral aneurysms but require dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after placement. Clopidogrel is a common choice but is a prodrug that some patients may not convert into an active metabolite. The CYP2C19 genotype assay is used to predict activation speed; however, limited data exist showcasing whether this genotype accurately predicts postprocedure complications after flow diversion treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Therefore, the authors sought to characterize whether CYP2C19 genotype correlated with the development of postprocedure intimal hyperplasia (stenosis) after flow diverter placement. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent flow diverter treatment of cerebral aneurysm at a single academic institution between January 1, 2012, and May 31, 2020. Patient demographics and comorbidities were reviewed alongside CYP2C19 genotype assay, DAPT regimen, and postprocedure angiogram data. Stenosis was defined based on review of angiogram data by two independent physicians. RESULTS: In this review of 120 unique cerebral aneurysms, 102 received DAPT with clopidogrel and 18 received DAPT with an alternative agent. Stenosis was present on 3-month follow-up angiogram for 35/102 (34.3%) aneurysms receiving DAPT with clopidogrel and in 11/18 (61.1%) aneurysms receiving an alternative DAPT regimen (p = 0.031). The CYP2C19 genotype did not correlate with postprocedure stenosis (p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel was a significantly more effective DAPT agent for preventing stenosis when compared to nonclopidogrel DAPT regimens. The clopidogrel CYP2C19 genotype did not predict postprocedure stenosis in this cohort of 120 cerebral aneurysms treated with a flow diverter.

How I do it: The microsurgical clipping of the giant paraclinoid aneurysm using the retrograde suction decompression technique.

BACKGROUND: Paraclinoid aneurysms account for 5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. Giant aneurysms are found in 49% of these cases. The 5-year cumulative rupture risk is 40%. Microsurgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is a complex challenge that requires a personalized approach. METHOD: Extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing were performed in addition to orbitopterional craniotomy. Falciform ligament and distal dural ring transection provided the internal carotid artery and optic nerve mobilization. Retrograde suction decompression was used to soften the aneurysm. Clip reconstruction was performed using tandem angled fenestration and parallel clipping techniques. CONCLUSION: Orbitopterional approach with extradural anterior clinoidectomy combined with retrograde suction decompression technique is a safe and effective modality for treatment of giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

How I do it: the endoscopic endonasal transclival approach for clipping of the ruptured vertebral artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral artery aneurysms account for less than 5% of all cerebral aneurysms. They have a high risk of rupture and are associated with threatening clinical outcomes compared with anterior circulation aneurysms. METHOD: The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) was used. During the temporary clipping, the neck of the aneurysm was dissected, and a permanent clip was applied. The repair of the skull base defect was carried out with the nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap on the vascular pedicle. CONCLUSION: The EETA is a feasible alternative for the clipping of the medially located ruptured vertebral artery aneurysm. EETA can be recommended for centers with a large volume of cerebrovascular and endoscopic neurosurgical procedures.

The Use of Virtual Reality in Teaching Three-Dimensional Anatomy and Pathology on CT.

While radiological imaging is presented as two-dimensional images either on radiography or cross-sectional imaging, it is important for interpreters to understand three-dimensional anatomy and pathology. We hypothesized that virtual reality (VR) may serve as an engaging and effective way for trainees to learn to extrapolate from two-dimensional images to an understanding of these three-dimensional structures. We created a Google Cardboard Virtual Reality application that depicts intracranial vasculature and aneurysms. We then recruited 12 medical students to voluntarily participate in our study. The performance of the students in identifying intracranial aneurysms before and after the virtual reality training was evaluated and compared to a control group. While the experimental group's performance in correctly identifying aneurysms after virtual reality educational intervention was better than the control's (experimental increased by 5.3%, control decreased by 2.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p-value of 0.06). Significantly, survey data from the medical students was very positive with students noting they preferred the immersive virtual reality training over conventional education and believed that VR would be a helpful educational tool for them in the future. We believe virtual reality can serve as an important tool to help radiology trainees better understand three-dimensional anatomy and pathology.

Characteristics and evolution of cerebral aneurysms among adults living with HIV: A retrospective, longitudinal case series.

OBJECTIVE: Previous research indicates an increased risk of cerebral aneurysm formation in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALWH), however there are few longitudinal studies on the risk factors for and outcomes of cerebral aneurysms in this population. We aim to describe the characteristics and evolution of cerebral aneurysms in a large cohort of ALWH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart review was completed for all adults evaluated at an urban, safety-net U.S. hospital between January 1, 2000, and October 22, 2021, with history of both HIV and at least one cerebral aneurysm. RESULTS: A total of 82 cerebral aneurysms were identified amongst 50 patients (52% female sex). Forty-six percent of patients with a nadir CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 (N=13) and 44% of patients with maximum viral load >10,000 copies/mL (N=18) developed new aneurysms or were found to have aneurysm growth over time compared with 29% of patients with a CD4 nadir above 200 cells/mm3 (N=21) and 22% of patients with maximum viral load

[Screening of patients with cerebral aneurysms: mathematical analysis and economic justification]. / Skrining patsientov s anevrizmami golovnogo mozga: matematicheskii analiz i ekonomicheskoe obosnovanie.

Subarachnoid hemorrhages due to rupture of cerebral aneurysms have a high risk of disability and mortality. Screening of the population to detect aneurysms in patients with risk factors is currently not carried out in Russia. However, the detection of clinically silent aneurysms and their subsequent prophylactic surgical treatment are justified, according to numerous studies. BACKGROUND: Demonstrate the clinical and economic feasibility of screening the population (including first-line relatives) for cerebral aneurysms using an economic and mathematical model of the RF virtual population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mathematical modeling was carried out using an algorithm that implements a discrete Markov chain. The virtual population consisted of 145 million people (the population of the Russian Federation). Magnetic resonance angiography 3DTOF was chosen as a screening method. Virtual patients underwent preventive surgical treatment in case of detection of aneurysm during screening. The number of aneurysms in the population, the number of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), the cost and outcomes of treatment, and the risk of disability were calculated. RESULTS: In the case of screening and preventive surgical treatment of aneurysms, there is a decrease in the number of aSAH by 14.3% (37.5% in first-line relatives (RPLR), which affects the reduction in mortality due to aSAH by 14.4% (24.1% in The total number of disabled people is reduced by 1.5% (5.1% for the RPHR). A shift in the structure of disability towards greater labor and social adaptation of patients was noted. An economic analysis for the entire population showed that screening saves 7.7 billion annually rubles, including in the population consisting of RPLR - 4.9 billion rubles. CONCLUSION: The created mathematical model of the virtual population demonstrated that screening and prophylactic treatment of cerebral aneurysms makes it possible to reduce the number of aSAH and associated mortality among the entire population and in the RPLR group. The number of individuals with severe disabilities is decreasing. Thus, population screening for the detection of cerebral aneurysms may be clinically effective and cost-effective in the general population, especially in RPCR.

Outflow angle: a risk factor for thromboembolic complications in coil embolisation for treating unruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic complications are a relevant risk in coil embolisation of cerebral aneurysms. This retrospective study aimed to assess the treatment outcomes of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms and the predictors for thromboembolic complications based on the aneurysm morphological characteristics. We examined the following three features: inflow angle, outflow angle (OA), and bifurcation angle, formed by the aneurysm and neighbouring blood vessels. METHODS: A total of 32 MCA bifurcation aneurysms were retrospectively investigated in 32 patients treated consecutively at our institute between April 2008 and March 2019. The predictors for thromboembolic complications were analysed in two groups: patients with and without thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: Perioperative thromboembolic complications were detected in six patients (18.8%), including two and six intra- and post-procedural thromboembolic complications, respectively; all cases were resolved. Regarding the aneurysms' morphological characteristics, the group with thromboembolic complications showed a significantly smaller OA (55.58° ± 14.05° vs. 86.04° ± 28.58°, P = 0.01) than the group without complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking habits and OA < 70° were significant predictors of thromboembolic complications (smoking habits: P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR]: 6.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.78-12.62; OA < 70°: P = 0.04, OR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.52-6.56). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate significant pre-procedural predictors of thromboembolic complications to consider for safe treatment; clipping should be preferred to coil embolisation in high-risk patients. The method of choice should be considered in each case to allow the safe treatment of unruptured MCA aneurysms.

Progressive cerebral and coronary aneurysms in the original two patients with Kosaki overgrowth syndrome.

Skeletal overgrowth accompanied by de novo heterozygous activating mutations in PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta), that is, p.Pro584Arg and p.Trp566Arg, defines Kosaki overgrowth syndrome (OMIM #616592). Emerging evidence suggests a role of PDGFRB in the genesis of cerebral aneurysms. The delineation of the range and progression of the vascular phenotype of Kosaki overgrowth syndrome is urgently needed. Herein, we conducted subsequent analyses of serial neurovascular imaging studies of two original patients with a de novo heterozygous mutation in PDGFRB, that is, p.Pro584Arg. The analysis showed the progressive dilation of basilar and vertebral arteries and coronary arteries commencing during the teenage years and early 20s. The radiographic appearance of the basilar vertebral aneurysms showed signs of arterial wall dilation, compatible with the known vascular pathology of vascular-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. The dolichoectasia in cerebrovascular arteries can lead to fatal complications, even with neurosurgical interventions. To prevent the progression of artery dilation, preventative and therapeutic medical measures using tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be necessary in addition to optimal control of the systemic blood pressure. Kosaki overgrowth syndrome is a clinically recognizable syndrome that can exhibit progressive dilatory and tortuous vascular changes in basilar/vertebral and coronary arteries as early as in the teenage years. We recommend careful counseling regarding the risk of future vascular complications, optimal blood pressure control, and regular systemic vascular screening during follow-up examinations.

Interventional Neuroradiology: A Review.

Interventional neuroradiology (INR) has evolved from a hybrid mixture of daring radiologists and iconoclastic neurosurgeons into a multidisciplinary specialty, which has become indispensable for cerebrovascular and neurological centers worldwide. This manuscript traces the origins of INR and describes its evolution to the present day. The focus will be on cerebrovascular disorders including aneurysms, stroke, brain arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulae, and atherosclerotic disease, both intra- and extracranial. Also discussed are cerebral vasospasm, venolymphatic malformations of the head and neck, tumor embolization, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, inferior petrosal venous sinus sampling for Cushing's disease, and spinal interventions. Pediatric INR has not been included and deserves a separate, dedicated review.

Anterior perforated substance region aneurysms: review of a series treated with microsurgical technique.

Aneurysms arising from the distal carotid, proximal A1, and proximal M1 that project posteriorly and superiorly toward the anterior perforated substance (APS) are rare. Their open surgical treatment is particularly difficult due to poorly visualized origin of the aneurysm and the abundance of surrounding perforators. We sought to analyze the anatomical and clinical characteristics of APS aneurysms and discuss surgical nuances that can optimize visualization, complete neck clip obliteration, and preservation of adjacent perforators. Thirty-two patients with 36 APS aneurysms were surgically treated between November 2000 and September 2017. Patients were prospectively enrolled in a cerebral aneurysm database and their clinical, imaging, and surgical records were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-seven aneurysms originated from the distal ICA, 7 from the proximal A1, and 2 from the proximal M1; 15 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Careful intraoperative dissection revealed 4 aneurysms originating at the takeoff of a perforator; another 25 had at least 1 adherent perforator. All aneurysms were clipped except for one that was trapped. Postoperatively, 3 patients had radiographic infarctions in perforator territory with only 1 developing delayed clinical hemiparesis. Good outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) was achieved in 28 patients (88%). APS aneurysms present a challenging subset of aneurysms due to their complex anatomical relationship with surrounding perforators. These should be identified on preoperative imaging based on location and projection. Successful microsurgical clipping relies on optimization of the surgical view, meticulous clip reconstruction, preservation of all perforators, and electrophysiological monitoring to minimize ischemic complication.

The transsylvian corridor through minimally invasive transcranial approaches: a comparative anatomical study.

Minimally invasive transcranial approaches (MITAs) continue to expand in popularity in neurosurgery. Only few MITAs allow sufficient sylvian exposure to enable wide use of the transsylvian corridor. In this study, we aim to compare the transsylvian corridor in two MITAs: the minipterional (MPTa) and the extended supraorbital eyebrow approaches (XSEa). Eight cadaver heads were used to quantify the surgical exposure and maneuverability along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe provided by the MPTa and the XSEa. Surgical exposure was calculated by means of the exposed length of the sylvian fissure and by the area framed within three extreme points in the insular lobe. Maneuverability was assessed by means of the surgical freedom along the sylvian cistern. XSEa provides twice the frontal exposure and half of the temporal exposure in comparison to the MPTa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two craniotomies in the length of the exposure of the sylvian fissure, area of insular exposure, or surgical freedom. Both the MPTa and the XSEa afford sufficient grades of exposure along the sylvian fissure and the insular lobe, although the viewing angle is significantly different between the two approaches. Such properties allow either to be used for microsurgery deep within the sylvian cistern. The use of additional corridors, such as the subfrontal route (XSEa) and pretemporal route (MPTa), may influence selection of either the minipterional or the extended supraorbital approaches according to the origin of the surgical pathology addressed.

Norman Dott (1897-1973) and medical illustration: the importance of art to neurosurgery.

Anatomical information and pathologies have been conveyed through the medium of medical illustrations for centuries. In the formative years of British neurosurgery, Professor Norman Dott (1897-1973) utilised medical illustrations as a means of documenting neurosurgical advances and conveying pathological-anatomical correlation. He commissioned a vast number of medical illustrations over the course of his career, ultimately producing a diverse collection of items, most of which is cared for by Lothian Health Services Archive (LHSA), Edinburgh, Scotland. In this study, the original material from Dott's personal collection was audited. Of 172 stand-alone drawings, 84 were categorised and analysed. The findings are a reflection of Dott's expertise as an academic and a surgeon. Spanning the years 1925-1968, a wide range of pathologies and procedures are depicted including intracranial aneurysms and their ligation, an area in which Dott was renowned for pioneering surgical advances. The collection stands as a testament to Dott's emphasis upon medical illustration to communicate the intricacies and complexities of his field, providing valuable insight into clinical and surgical practice in neurosurgery when the specialty was in its juvenescence. In order to illuminate the connections between biography and specialism that generated an extraordinary visual archive, this study considers the early life and work of Norman Dott and the influence of Harvey Cushing on Dott's prioritisation of visual documentation of surgical practice. It explores the impact of German-American medical artist Max Brödel on the UK, and especially on the artists employed by Dott, before presenting a short review of the medical illustrations they created.

[Efficiency and safety of minimally invasive approaches for microsurgical treatment of brain aneurysms]. / Effektivnost' i bezopasnost' ispol'zovaniya minimal'no invazivnykh dostupov v mikrokhirurgicheskom lechenii tserebral'nykh anevrizm.

Background. Brain aneurysms are found in 1-2% of population and cause subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 80-85% of cases. In recent decades, the incidence of unruptured aneurysms has increased due to widespread availability of CT and MRI. Microsurgery is still essential in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive approaches in microsurgical treatment of brain aneurysms in comparison with traditional approaches, to clarify the indications and contraindications for minimally invasive approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 394 patients with cerebral aneurysms for the period 2014-2019. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on surgical approach: traditional approach (TrA) (n=171, 43.4%) and minimally invasive approach (MiniAp) (n=223, 56.6%). In the TrA group, pterional (n=85), orbitozygomatic (n=23) and lateral supraorbital approaches (n=63) were used. In the MiniAp group, transbrow supraorbital (n=88), mini-pterional (n=62), transbrow transorbital (n=37) and transpalpebral transorbital approaches (n=36) were used. Treatment outcomes were compared in both groups for patients with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. We evaluated intra- and postoperative complications, surgery time and postoperative hospital-stay. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRs). Cosmetic outcomes were compared using the visual analogue cosmetic scale. Unilateral hypesthesia and eyebrow movement were assessed separately after 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: In acute period of SAH, surgery time was significantly less in the MiniAp group (p=0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of intraoperative rupture, surgical and neurological complications (p>0.05). Postoperative hospital-stay was significantly less in the MiniAp group (p=0.006). In this group, neurological outcomes were slightly better (p<0.001), there was no mortality, adverse outcomes occurred in 5.3% of cases (n=5). In the TrA group, 1 patient died from postoperative hematoma, adverse outcomes were noted in 9 (8.7%) patients. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better in the MiniAp group (p<0.001). In delayed period of SAH and unruptured aneurysms, surgery time was less in the MiniAp group (p=0.051). Incidence of intra- and postoperative complications was similar in both groups (p>0.05). Hospital-stay was significantly shorter in the MiniAp group (p<0.001). Functional outcomes were comparable in both groups. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better in the MiniAp group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MiniAp and TrA are characterized by similar efficacy in microsurgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. MiniAp is recommended only for experienced neurosurgeons in a specialized hospital. Safety and effectiveness of MiniAp are achieved by careful selection of patients, individual neuroimaging and preoperative planning.

[Unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms: modern approaches to the choice of surgical method and treatment outcomes]. / Nerazorvavshiesya bessimptomnye anevrizmy arterial'nykh sosudov golovnogo mozga: sovremennye podkhody k vyboru khirurgicheskogo metoda i rezul'taty lecheniya patsientov.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, significant attention has been paid to preventive vascular neurosurgery. Treatment of unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms is one of the sections of this surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms who underwent treatment chosen on the basis of criteria adopted at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 2814 unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms in 2334 patients for the period from 1995 to 2019. RESULTS: Microsurgical operations for unruptured asymptomatic brain aneurysms were performed in 64.9% of cases, endovascular procedures - in 35.1% of patients. Endovascular operations were usually performed for ICA aneurysms and posterior aneurysms of circle of Willis. Microsurgical operations were mainly performed in patients with aneurysms of anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Favorable outcomes (GOS grade V-IV) were obtained in most patients (98.3%). Incidence of severe complications was similar in both groups, mortality rate was 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is a tendency towards annual increase in the number of surgeries for unruptured brain aneurysms. Anatomical and morphological characteristics of aneurysm should be considered to achieve favorable clinical results. At the same time, comprehensive analysis of each case and identification of individual risk factors will eliminate serious complications of surgical treatment.

Correlation between multiple cerebral aneurysms and a rare type of segmental duplication of the middle cerebral artery.

BACKGROUND: Connection between the duplication of the middle cerebral artery (DMCA) and the presence of multiple aneurysms has been described in a small number of cases. CASE PRESENTATION: The presence of a rare type of DMCA associated with cerebral aneurysms was diagnosed in 56 year old woman after a rupture of an aneurysm on the dorsal segment of the DMCA. .. The presence of equal diameters of branches of the DMCA and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) could be recorded as trifurcation of the carotid internal artery (ICA). However, due to the anastomosis of the DMCA branches in the area of the M2 segment, the recorded anatomical change represented a segmental duplication of MCA. Three aneurysms that were directly related to the segmental DMCA were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variation by type of segmental DMCA is a rare subtype of DMCA. The presence of multiple aneurysms associated with this type of anatomical variation in MCA indicates their high hemodynamic instability.

Anesthesia management of atrial myxoma resection with multiple cerebral aneurysms: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Embolic stroke is a common complication of atrial myxoma, whereas multiple cerebral aneurysms associated with atrial myxoma is rare. The pathogenesis of the cerebral vascular disease related to an atrial myxoma is still not well known, and there are no guidelines to guide treatment and anesthesia management in such patients. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we present a 38-year-old woman with occasional dizziness and headache diagnosed as multiple cerebral fusiform aneurysms, in whom transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mass attached to the interatrial septum in the left atrium. Myxoma resection was performed in fast track cardiac surgery pathway without neurological complications, and no intervention was carried out on the cerebral aneurysms. She was discharged home 6 days after the procedure for followed-up. Furthermore, we reviewed and analyzed the literature in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases in order to conclude the optimal treatment in such cases. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial myxoma-related cerebral aneurysms are always multiple and in a fusiform shape in most occasions. Early resection of myxoma and conservative therapy of aneurysm is an optimal treatment. TEE and PbtO2 monitoring play an essential role in anesthesia management. Fast track cardiac anesthesia is safe and effective to early evaluate neurological function. Long term follow-up for "myxomatous aneurysms" is recommended. And outcome of most patients is excellent.

The extended eyebrow approach a cadaveric stepwise dissection.

BACKGROUND: The eyebrow incision supraorbital approach is limited by the lack of exposure of the sylvian fissure exposure. By extending the skin incision 15 mm posteriorly and the supraorbital craniotomy beneath the superior temporal line, proximal sylvian dissection is achievable, and the surgical exposure is drastically improved. METHODS: Throughout a cadaveric stepwise dissection and a pertinent anatomical analysis, we describe in detail the surgical technique of the extended eyebrow approach (xEBA). We additionally highlight main anatomical elements involved in this approach and provide technical nuances to avoid complications. CONCLUSION: xEBA is a versatile technique that uses the pretemporal, transylvian, and subfrontal corridor to enhance surgical exposure around the anterior cranial fossa.