Radiological outcomes for endovascular treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms: a retrospective multicenter study of the occlusion rate.

Although several innovations in techniques and implantable devices were reported over the last decades, a consensus on the best endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms originating from the posterior communicating artery is still missing. This work investigates radiological outcomes of different endovascular techniques for posterior communicating artery aneurysms treatment in a retrospective multi-centric cohort. We included patients endovascularly treated for posterior communicating artery aneurysms from 2015 through 2020 in six tertiary referral hospitals. We evaluated the relationship between patients and aneurysms characteristics, baseline neurological status, radiological outcomes, and the different endovascular techniques. Overall, 250 patients were included in this study. Simple coiling was the most frequent treatment in 171 patients (68%), followed by flow-diverter stenting in 32 cases (13%). Complete occlusion was reported in 163 patients (65%), near-complete occlusion in 43 (17%), and incomplete occlusion in 44 (18%). Radiological follow-up was available for 247 (98%) patients. The occlusion rate was stable in 149 (60%), improved in 49 (19%), and worsened in 51 (21%). No significant difference in exclusion rate was seen between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms at the last follow-up (p = 0.4). Posterior communicating artery thrombosis was reported in 25 patients (9%), transient ischemic attack in 6 (2%), and in 38 patients (15%), subsequent procedures were needed due to incomplete occlusion or reperfusion. Endovascular strategies for posterior communicating artery aneurysms represent effective and relatively safe treatments. Simple coiling provides a higher immediate occlusion rate, although recanalization has been frequently reported, conversely, flow-diversion devices provide good long-term radiological outcomes.

Woven Endobridge embolization: Indications and innovation.

The treatment of intracranial aneurysms has seen incredible advancements over the last few decades. Long-term occlusion of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms remains technically challenging. The Woven Endobridge (WEB) embolization device is innovative in its construction and uses. The design of the device has evolved over the last decade. Pre-clinical and clinical trials are ongoing and continue to inform the development of intrasaccular flow-diverting devices. The WEB device is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wide-neck aneurysms. The safety and efficacy of the WEB device have yielded promising clinical results that may have additional indications. This review aims to discuss the development of the WEB device and the current state of the WEB device in the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms. We also summarize ongoing clinical studies and potential innovative uses.

A web-based dynamic nomogram for rupture risk of posterior communicating artery aneurysms utilizing clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic characteristics.

Background: Predicting rupture risk is important for aneurysm management. This research aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model to forecast the rupture risk of posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms. Methods: Clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic parameters of 107 unruptured PcomA aneurysms and 225 ruptured PcomA aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was applied to identify the optimal rupture risk factors, and a web-based dynamic nomogram was developed accordingly. The nomogram model was internally validated and externally validated independently. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the discrimination of nomogram, and simultaneously the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration plots were used to assess the calibration. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) were used to evaluate the clinical utility of nomogram additionally. Results: Four optimal rupture predictors of PcomA aneurysms were selected by LASSO and identified by multivariate logistic analysis, including hypertension, aspect ratio (AR), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and wall shear stress (WSS). A web-based dynamic nomogram was then developed. The area under the curve (AUC) in the training and external validation cohorts was 0.872 and 0.867, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow p > 0.05 and calibration curves showed an appropriate fit. The results of DCA and CIC indicated that the net benefit rate of the nomogram model is higher than other models. Conclusion: Hypertension, high AR, high OSI, and low WSS were the most relevant risk factors for rupture of PcomA aneurysms. A web-based dynamic nomogram thus established demonstrated adequate discrimination and calibration after internal and external validation. We hope that this tool will provide guidance for the management of PcomA aneurysms.

Clipping versus coiling for the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy induced by posterior communicating artery aneurysms: A comparison of effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: A long debate has been going on in the clinical effectiveness to determine whether surgical clipping or coiling more favorable for oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) caused by PcomAA. We aimed to perform a study, focusing on the effectiveness of ONP induced by PcomAA after treatment of surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. METHOD: Potential studies were searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from database inception to February 2021, and STATA version 12.0 was exerted to process the pooled data. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles are included in the study, hailing from the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, Britain, and Singapore. The results showed that the clipping group was related to a higher incidence of complete ONP recovery at follow-up (OR = 5.808, 95% CI 2.87 to 11.76, p < 0.001), the lower rates of partial ONP recovery (OR = 0.264, 95% CI 0.173 to 0.402, p < .001) and no improvement of ONP at follow-up (RD = -0.149, 95% CI -0.247 to -0.051, p = .003). In the subgroup of complete ONP recovery based on the condition of patients, clipping was associated with a higher incidence of complete ONP recovery in patients with the incomplete initial ONP (OR = 3.579, p = .020) and ruptured aneurysm (OR = 5.38, p = .020). Regarding the subgroup of complete ONP recovery based on the quality of studies, similar results also appeared. CONCLUSION: Surgical clipping was more favorable to the recovery from ONP caused by PcomAA endovascular coiling due to a higher rate of recovery and recovery degree of ONP. Besides that, more evidence-based performance is necessary to supplement this opinion.

Remodeling of the Posterior Cerebral Artery P1-Segment after Pipeline Flow Diverter Treatment of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Flow diverters such as the pipeline embolization device (PED) cause hemodynamic changes of the treated vessel segment. In posterior communicating artery (PcomA), aneurysms' unique anatomic consideration have to be taken in account due to the connection between the anterior and posterior circulation. We hypothesize that in conjunction with PcomA remodeling, there will also be remodeling of the ipsilateral P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) after PED treatment for PcomA aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively collected radiological as well as clinical data of PcomA aneurysm patients treated with PED including PcomA and P1 vessel diameters before and after treatment as well as patient and aneurysm characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 14 PcomA aneurysm patients were included for analysis and PED treatment was performed without complications in all patients. In 10 out of 14 patients (71%), a decrease in PcomA diameter was observed and there was a significant mean decrease of 0.78 mm in PcomA diameter on angiographic last follow-up (LFU) (p = 0.003). In the same patient population (10 out of 14 patients), there was meanwhile a significant mean increase of 0.43 mm in the ipsilateral P1 segment diameter observed (p = 0.015). These vessel remodeling effects were in direct correlation with aneurysm occlusion since all of these patients showed aneurysm occlusion at LFU while 29% showed only partial occlusion without vessel remodeling effects. A decrease in PcomA diameter was directly associated with aneurysm occlusion (p = 0.042). There were no neurologic complications on LFU. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of PcomA aneurysms with PED, the P1 segment of the PCA increases in diameter while the PcomA diameter decreases. Our results suggest that this remodeling effect is associated with aneurysm occlusion and decrease of PcomA is hemodynamically compensated for by an increase in the ipsilateral P1 diameter.

Endovascular Treatment of Patients with Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Induced by Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

Objective: Whether coiling is the best treatment option for oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) induced by posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms remains controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the recovery of ONP caused by PComA aneurysms. Methods: Between 2007 and 2019, 8 patients with PComA aneurysms and ONP underwent coiling at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed ONP recovery, duration from onset of ONP to treatment, and complications of procedures. Results: At the last available clinical follow-up, ONP recovery was complete in 4 patients (50%) and partial in 4 patients (50%). Patients with partial recovery of ONP had sequelae of eye movement impairment that did not affect daily life. In 1 patient, hemiplegia developed due to cerebral infarction of the corona radiata the day after coiling, but it fully recovered 1 year after operation. The delay from the onset of ONP to coiling was significantly related to partial ONP recovery (r = -0.83, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Endovascular treatment is a relatively safe and satisfactory treatment for PComA aneurysms with ONP.

Impact of the Intracranial Course of Internal Carotid Artery on Optimal Surgical Approach for Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The anterior temporal approach (ATA) has been reported as suitable for surgical clipping of posteriorly projecting internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. As the ICA follows a variable course, tortuosity of the ICA may affect visualization of the aneurysm. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the intracranial course of the ICA and aneurysm projection on surgical approach. METHODS: Consecutive patients with posterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with clipping at our hospital between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. When the transsylvian approach (TSA) could not achieve adequate exposure of the aneurysm, the ATA was subsequently performed. Distance between the ICA and the anterior and posterior clinoid line, angle between the midline and the C1 segment of the ICA, and aneurysm projection were compared between ATA and TSA groups. RESULTS: Of 52 patients (40 ruptured, 12 unruptured), 12 were in the ATA group, and 40 were in the TSA group. Mean ICA-anterior and posterior clinoid distance was significantly shorter in the ATA group than in the TSA group (P = 0.002), and mean midline-C1 angle was significantly larger in the ATA group than in the TSA group (P < 0.0001). The ATA group was associated with a greater frequency of posteriorly projecting aneurysms (12 of 12; 100%) than the TSA group (9 of 40; 22.5%) (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: A low-lying, laterally projecting intracranial ICA and posteriorly projecting aneurysm are predictors of the necessity for the ATA in the surgical clipping of posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Impact of Right-Sided Aneurysm, Rupture Status, and Size of Aneurysm on Perforator Infarction Following Microsurgical Clipping of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with a Distal Transsylvian Approach.

BACKGROUND: Posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms are among the most common aneurysms. Because blockage of the PCoA and perforators can cause adverse outcomes, occlusion of these arteries by surgical clipping should be avoided. The impact of factors on PCoA perforator infarction when using a distal transsylvian approach for PCoA aneurysms was examined. METHODS: A total of 183 patients underwent PCoA aneurysm clipping, excluding application of fenestrated clips. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with PCoA perforator infarction (infarction group) and patients without infarction (noninfarction group). Multiple factors were analyzed in the 2 groups. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 183 patients (12.0%) showed perforator infarction, mainly on magnetic resonance imaging evaluation, resulting in permanent deficits in 2 patients (1.1%). The proportion of right-sided operations (86.4% vs. 53.4%; P = 0.005) and surgery for rupture (90.9% vs. 55.9%; P = 0.002) were significantly higher in the infarction group than in the noninfarction group. Aneurysms were significantly larger in the infarction group (8.4 ± 3.8 mm) than in the noninfarction group (6.3 ± 3.0 mm; P = 0.02). Ruptured status (odds ratio [OR], 7.35; P = 0.01), right side (OR, 5.19; P = 0.01), and aneurysm size (OR, 1.18; P = 0.02) remained independent predictors of perforator infarction on multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured status, right side, and large PCoA aneurysm were independent predictors of PCoA perforator infarction. Symptoms due to PCoA perforating infarction were mostly transient and rarely affected outcomes.

Recovery of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy after Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Single Institutional Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical oculomotor nerve palsy(ONP), defined by ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, diplopia and pupillary dilatation, is associated with intracranial aneurysms, especially posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms. Treatment of PcomA aneurysms include endovascular coiling and surgical clipping. This study retrospectively compared the recovery of ONP in patients who underwent endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with PcomA aneurysms who presented with ONP between 1998 and 2012 in the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, was performed. Inclusion criteria included adult patients of age above 21 who have radiologically confirmed PcomA aneurysms with presentation of ipsilateral ONP. The aneurysms may be unruptured or ruptured with WFNS grade 2 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or better. Only patients with completely surgically or endovascularly obliterated PcomA aneurysms with regular follow-up are included. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were recruited. They were treated by either endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. The two groups of patients were demographically comparable, with 11 patients in each arm. 13 (59%) patients had unruptured aneurysms and 9 (41%) had WFNS grade 2 or better SAH. 13 (59%) patients presented with complete ONP and 9 (41%) had partial ONP. 64% of patients who underwent surgical clipping had resolution of ONP completely, compared to 18% of endovascularly coiling (P = 0.03) at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to endovascular coiling, surgically clipped PcomA aneurysms are associated with a faster rate of full recovery of ONP.

"True" posterior communicating aneurysms: Three cases, three strategies.

BACKGROUND: The authors provide a review of true aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). Three cases admitted in our hospital are presented and discussed as follows. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: First patient is a 51-year-old female presenting with a Fisher II, Hunt-Hess III (headache and confusion) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured true aneurysm of the right PCoA. She underwent a successful ipsilateral pterional craniotomy for aneurysm clipping and was discharged on postoperative day 4 without neurological deficit. Second patient is a 53-year-old female with a Fisher I, Hunt-Hess III (headache, mild hemiparesis) SAH and multiple aneurisms, one from left ophthalmic carotid artery and one (true) from right PCoA. These lesions were approached and successfully treated by a single pterional craniotomy on the left side. The patient was discharged 4 days after surgery, with complete recovery of muscle strength during follow-up. Third patient is a 69-year-old male with a Fisher III, Hunt-Hess III (headache and confusion) SAH, from a true PCoA on the right. He had a left subclavian artery occlusion with flow theft from the right vertebral artery to the left vertebral artery. The patient underwent endovascular treatment with angioplasty and stent placement on the left subclavian artery that resulted in aneurysm occlusion. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, despite their seldom occurrence, true PCoA aneurysms can be successfully treated with different strategies.