Clinical uncertainty in large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke: does automated perfusion imaging make a difference? An intra-rater and inter-rater agreement study.

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists regarding the impact of neuroimaging on endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) decisions for late-window cases of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. OBJECTIVE: T0 assess whether perfusion CT imaging: (1) alters the proportion of recommendations for EVT, and (2) enhances the reliability of EVT decision-making compared with non-contrast CT and CT angiography. METHODS: We conducted a survey using 30 patients drawn from an institutional database of 3144 acute stroke cases. These were presented to 29 Canadian physicians with and without perfusion imaging. We used non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals and difference in agreement classification as criteria to suggest a difference between the Gwet AC1 statistics (κG). RESULTS: The percentage of EVT recommendations differed by 1.1% with or without perfusion imaging. Individual decisions changed in 21.4% of cases (11.3% against EVT and 10.1% in favor). Inter-rater agreement (κG) among the 29 raters was similar between non-perfusion and perfusion CT neuroimaging (κG=0.487; 95% CI 0.327 to 0.647 and κG=0.552; 95% CI 0.430 to 0.675). The 95% CIs overlapped with moderate agreement in both. Intra-rater agreement exhibited overlapping 95% CIs for all 28 raters. κG was either substantial or excellent (0.81-1) for 71.4% (20/28) of raters in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the minimal difference in overall EVT recommendations with either neuroimaging protocol one in five decisions changed with perfusion imaging. Regarding agreement we found that the use of automated CT perfusion images does not significantly impact the reliability of EVT decisions for patients with late-window LVO.

Utilisation of the Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon - An illustrative series.

BACKGROUND: Dual-lumen balloon microcatheters can aid in the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolisation of cerebrospinal vascular malformations. The Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon is a novel device with a smaller profile than previous balloon microcatheters, opening up new indications not only in the treatment of cerebrospinal malformations but in various other neurovascular therapeutic and diagnostic scenarios. METHODS: Following institutional ethics review board approval, a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database of cases employing the Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter was conducted. Five cases in particular were highlighted, demonstrating utilisation of this device, which may be of interest to the Neurointerventionalist. Patient demographics, procedure details, complications and clinical outcome data were reviewed. RESULTS: Five cases employing the Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter are presented; trans-arterial embolisation of cerebral AVM, pre-operative tumour embolisation, diagnostic angiography, trans-venous embolisation of cerebral AVM and trans-arterial embolisation of DAVF. No intraprocedural complications were recorded, one patient had a delayed haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Potential utilisation of the Scepter Mini lies not only in the trans-arterial embolisation of cerebrospinal vascular malformations, but in a range of other diagnostic and therapeutic indications as demonstrated.

World federation of interventional and therapeutic neuroradiology (WFITN) federation assembly neurointerventional surgery safety checklist.

Over the last 10 years, there has been a rise in neurointerventional case complexity, device variety and physician distractions. Even among experienced physicians, this trend challenges our memory and concentration, making it more difficult to remember safety principles and their implications. Checklists are regarded by some as a redundant exercise that wastes time, or as an attack on physician autonomy. However, given the increasing case and disease complexity along with the number of distractions, it is even more important now to have a compelling reminder of safety principles that preserve habits that are susceptible to being overlooked because they seem mundane. Most hospitals have mandated a pre-procedure neurointerventional time-out checklist, but often it ends up being done in a cursory fashion for the primary purpose of 'checking off boxes'. There may be value in iterating the checklist to further emphasize safety and communication. The Federation Assembly of the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN) decided to construct a checklist for neurointerventional cases based on a review of the literature and insights from an expert panel.

Gender disparities in industry compensation and research payments among neurointerventional surgeons in the USA.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to examine the presence of gender disparity represented by industry payments and research funding within the field of interventional neuroradiology. METHODS: Payment information was collected using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment database for the year 2019. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze differences in annual compensation based on sex in $US, while controlling for geographic factors, academic rank, and h-index. A sample t-test was performed to look at gender differences in h-indexes. RESULTS: The study cohort was comprised of 893 interventional neuroradiologists, 73 (8.2%) of which were female. Of the $48889.20 in mean annual payments reported in the database, $5847.13 (11.2%) went to female interventional neuroradiologists (P<0.05). The significant difference in compensation between male and female neuroradiologists was evident after controlling for state-level variance and academic position. There was a statistically significant difference in total reimbursement (P<0.001), research (P<0.001), consulting (P<0.04), food and beverage (P<0.02), and compensation for services other than consulting between males and females (P<0.02). A statistically significant difference was found for h-index based on gender (males=16.7, females=10.1; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that in the field of interventional neuroradiology, females receive less research funding and private industry compensation, have lower h-indexes, and are less likely to occupy the highest academic positions. The difference in funding did not differ when accounting for geographic state of practice and academic rank. Future studies should work to identify potential contributory factors of these trends.

Motion artifact correction for cone beam CT stroke imaging: a prospective series.

BACKGROUND: Imaging assessment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in the angiosuite using cone beam CT (CBCT) has created increased interest since endovascular treatment became the first line therapy for proximal vessel occlusions. One of the main challenges of CBCT imaging in AIS patients is degraded image quality due to motion artifacts. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of motion artifacts in CBCT stroke imaging and the effectiveness of a novel motion artifact correction algorithm for image quality improvement. METHODS: Patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms and considered for endovascular treatment were included in the study. CBCT scans were performed using the angiosuite X-ray system. All CBCT scans were post-processed using a motion artifact correction algorithm. Motion artifacts were scored before and after processing using a 4-point scale. RESULTS: We prospectively included 310 CBCT scans from acute stroke patients. 51% (n=159/310) of scans had motion artifacts, with 24% being moderate to severe. The post-processing algorithm improved motion artifacts in 91% of scans with motion (n=144/159), restoring clinical diagnostic capability in 34%. Overall, 76% of the scans were sufficient for clinical decision-making before correction, which improved to 93% (n=289/310) after post-processing with our algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that CBCT motion artifacts are significantly reduced using a novel post-processing algorithm, which improved brain CBCT image quality and diagnostic assessment for stroke. This is an important step on the road towards a direct-to-angio approach for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment.

The butterfly effect: improving brain cone-beam CT image artifacts for stroke assessment using a novel dual-axis trajectory.

BACKGROUND: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging of the brain can be performed in the angiography suite to support various neurovascular procedures. Relying on CBCT brain imaging solely, however, still lacks full diagnostic confidence due to the inferior image quality compared with CT and various imaging artifacts that persist even with modern CBCT. OBJECTIVE: To perform a detailed evaluation of image artifact improvement using a new CBCT protocol which implements a novel dual-axis 'butterfly' trajectory. METHODS: Our study included 94 scans from 47 patients who received CBCT imaging for assessment of either ischemia or hemorrhage during a neurovascular procedure. Both a traditional uni-axis 'circular' and novel dual-axis 'butterfly' protocol were performed on each patient (same-patient control). Each brain scan was divided into six regions and scored out of 3 based on six artifacts originating from various physics-based and patient-based sources. RESULTS: The dual-axis trajectory produces CBCT images with significantly fewer image artifacts than the traditional circular scan (whole brain average artifact score, AS: 0.20 vs 0.33), with the greatest improvement in bone beam hardening (AS: 0.13 vs 0.78) and cone-beam artifacts (AS: 0.04 vs 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Recent developments in CBCT imaging protocols have significantly improved image artifacts, which has improved diagnostic confidence for stroke and supports a direct-to-angiography suite transfer approach for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Development of a management protocol for internal carotid artery injury during endoscopic surgery: a modified Delphi method and single-center multidisciplinary working group.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during transnasal endoscopic surgery is a potentially catastrophic event. Such an injury is life-threatening in the immediate setting, with a reported peri-operative mortality rate of 10%. Nasal packing, muscle patches, direct vessel closure, and endovascular techniques have been described as useful strategies for managing ICA bleeds. The objective of this study was to develop a formalized management protocol for intra-operative ICA injury through engagement with a multi-disciplinary panel. METHODS: A modified Delphi method including literature review, iterative rounds of stakeholder feedback, and expert panel discussions was used to develop a management protocol for ICA injury during transnasal endoscopic surgery. The 10-person multi-disciplinary panel included otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, and operating room nursing staff. RESULTS: After three rounds of stakeholder engagement with the expert panel, consensus was reached on important elements to include within the protocol. The protocol was divided in three categories: Alert, Control, and Transfer. 'Alert' focusses on early communication with anesthesia and nursing staff. 'Control' focusses on techniques to expose the injury and obtain hemostasis or adequate tamponade. Lastly, 'Transfer' describes the process of contacting neuro-interventional radiology and safely transferring the patient. A one-page handout of the protocol was developed for placement in operating theatres. CONCLUSION: Due to the life-threatening nature of ICA injury, it is imperative that endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeons are prepared to manage this complication. Using a modified Delphi method with a multidisciplinary expert panel, a protocol for management of intra-operative ICA injury was developed.

Feasibility of robot-assisted neuroendovascular procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Geographic factors prevent equitable access to urgent advanced neuroendovascular treatments. Robotic technologies may enable remote endovascular procedures in the future. The authors performed a translational, benchtop-to-clinical study to evaluate the in vitro and clinical feasibility of the CorPath GRX Robotic System for robot-assisted endovascular neurointerventional procedures. METHODS: A series of bench studies was conducted using patient-specific 3D-printed models to test the system's compatibility with standard neurointerventional devices, including microcatheters, microwires, coils, intrasaccular devices, and stents. Optimal baseline setups for various procedures were determined. The models were further used to rehearse clinical cases. Subsequent to these investigations, a prospective series of 6 patients was treated using robotic assistance for complex, wide-necked intracranial saccular aneurysms between November 2019 and February 2020. The technical success, incidence of periprocedural complications, and need for conversion to manual procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: The ideal robotic setup for treatment of both anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms was determined to consist of an 80-cm guide catheter with a 115-cm-long intermediate catheter, a microcatheter between 150 and 170 cm in length, and a microwire with a minimum length of 300 cm. All coils, intrasaccular devices, and stents tested were compatible with the system and could be advanced or retracted safely and placed accurately. All 6 clinical procedures were technically successful, with all intracranial steps being performed robotically with no conversions to manual intervention or failures of the robotic system. There were no procedure-related complications or adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of robot-assisted neurointerventional procedures. The authors' results represent an important step toward enabling remote neuroendovascular care and geographic equalization of advanced endovascular treatments through so-called telestroke intervention.

Embolization strategies for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with an isolated sinus: a single-center experience in 20 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) draining into an isolated sinus segment constitute a specific entity within the spectrum of cranial dural AV shunts, with under-reporting of their optimal treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the multimodal treatment approach to isolated sinus DAVFs in a large single-center cohort. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of adult patients with an isolated sinus DAVF treated at our institution between 2004 and 2020 was performed. Cases were analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, angiographic findings, treatment techniques, angiographic and clinical outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Of 317 patients with DAVFs, 20 (6.3%) with an isolated sinus DAVF underwent treatment. Transarterial embolization was performed through the middle meningeal artery in 9 of 12 procedures, with a success rate of 66.7%. Transarterial glue embolization proved successful in two of five procedures (40%) and Onyx in six of seven procedures (85.7%). Transvenous embolization (TVE) with navigation via the occlusion into the isolated sinus was successful in seven out of nine procedures (77.8%). All three open TVE and one pure open surgical procedure gained complete closure of the fistula. There were two major complications. Complete occlusion of the fistula was eventually obtained in all cases (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated sinus DAVFs are always aggressive and require a multimodal approach to guarantee closure of the shunt. Transarterial treatment with Onyx achieves good results. Transvenous treatment appears equally successful, navigating into the occluded segment across the occlusion or via burr hole as backup.

Absence of pontine perforators in vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia on ultra-high resolution cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBDE) is a rare type of non-saccular intracranial aneurysm, with poor natural history and limited effective treatment options. Visualizing neurovascular microanatomy in patients with VBDE has not been previously reported, but may yield insight into the pathology, and provide important information for treatment planning. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a retrospective analysis of ultra-high resolution cone-beam computed tomography (UHR-CBCT) in patients with fusiform basilar aneurysms, visualizing neurovascular microanatomy of the posterior circulation with a special focus on the pontine perforators. METHODS: UHR-CBCT was performed in seven patients (mean age 59 years; two female) with a VBDE, and in 14 control patients with unrelated conditions. RESULTS: The mean maximum diameter of the fusiform vessel segment was 28 mm (range 19-36 mm), and the mean length of the segment was 39 mm (range 15-50 mm). In all patients with VBDE, UHR-CBCT demonstrated an absence of perforating arteries in the fusiform arterial segment and a mean of 3.7 perforators arising from the unaffected vessel segment. The network of interconnected superficial circumferential pontine arteries (brainstem vasocorona) were draping around the aneurysm sac. In controls, a mean of 3.6, 2.5, and 1.2 perforators were demonstrated arising from the distal, mid-, and proximal basilar artery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of pontine perforators in the fusiform vessel segment of VBDE is counterbalanced by recruitment of collateral flow from pontine perforators arising from the unaffected segment of the basilar artery, as well as collaterals arising from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery/posterior inferior cerebellar artery and superior cerebellar artery. These alternative routes supply the superficial brainstem arteries (brainstem vasocorona) and sustain brainstem viability. Our findings might have implications for further treatment planning.

Endovascular Therapy of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Large-Vessel Occlusion Associated with Active Malignancy.

PURPOSE: There is limited data on the effectiveness of endovascular therapy (EVT) in stroke patients with active malignancy. In this study, we investigated the outcome of EVT for acute ischemic stroke for patients with active malignancy compared to those without malignancy. METHODS: We selected patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke between January 2015 and July 2019. Patients were divided into two groups, those with active malignancy (oncology group - OG) and those without (non-oncology group, NOG). RESULTS: 300 patients were included in this study. There were 19 EVT procedures (18 patients) in the OG and 285 procedures (282 patients) in the NOG. There was no difference in recanalization success rate (mTICI 2b & 3) between the groups: 94.7% versus 80.9% in OG and NOG respectively (p = 0.13). Success rate using the direct aspiration (ADAPT) technique of EVT was not different between compared groups (42.9% versus 67.7%; p = 0.18). However, when using smaller-caliber aspiration devices, ADAPT was less successful in OG (0.0% versus 64.7%, p < 0.05). There was no difference in recanalization success rate of EVT when using a stent-retriever or combined technique. Patients in the OG had a less favorable functional outcome than in the NOG group (mRS 0-2 at 90-days post event: 22.2% versus 48.2%, p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: The technical success rate of EVT in patients with active malignancy is similar to the general population of stroke patients. Interestingly, the success rate of EVT using the ADAPT technique was lower in the OG when using smaller caliber aspiration devices.

Cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome-spectrum of imaging findings.

Cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome (CVMS) is a complex craniofacial vascular malformation disorder in which patients have a constellation of venous vascular malformations affecting soft tissues, bone, dura, and neural structures including the eye and brain. It is hypothesized that a somatic mutation responsible for the venous abnormalities occurred prior to migration of the neural crest cells, and because of this, facial, osseous, and cerebral involvement typically follows a segmental or "metameric" distribution. The most commonly recognized form of CVMS is Sturge-Weber syndrome. However, a wide spectrum of CVMS phenotypical presentations exist with various metameric distributions of slow-flow vascular lesions including facial venous vascular malformations, developmental venous anomalies, venous angiomas, cavernous malformations (cavernomas), dural sinus malformations, and maybe even vascular tumors such as cavernous hemangiomas. Awareness of the various manifestations as described herewith is important for treatment and screening purposes.

Rationale and design for the detection and neurological impact of cerebrovascular events in non-cardiac surgery patients cohort evaluation (NeuroVISION) study: a prospective international cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Covert stroke after non-cardiac surgery may have substantial impact on duration and quality of life. In non-surgical patients, covert stroke is more common than overt stroke and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Little is known about covert stroke after non-cardiac surgery.NeuroVISION is a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study that will characterise the association between perioperative acute covert stroke and postoperative cognitive function. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We are recruiting study participants from 12 tertiary care hospitals in 10 countries on 5 continents. PARTICIPANTS: We are enrolling patients ≥65 years of age, requiring hospital admission after non-cardiac surgery, who have an anticipated length of hospital stay of at least 2 days after elective non-cardiac surgery that occurs under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients are recruited before elective non-cardiac surgery, and their cognitive function is measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) instrument. After surgery, a brain MRI study is performed between postoperative days 2 and 9 to determine the presence of acute brain infarction. One year after surgery, the MoCA is used to assess postoperative cognitive function. Physicians and patients are blinded to the MRI study results until after the last patient follow-up visit to reduce outcome ascertainment bias.We will undertake a multivariable logistic regression analysis in which the dependent variable is the change in cognitive function 1 year after surgery, and the independent variables are acute perioperative covert stroke as well as other clinical variables that are associated with cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The NeuroVISION study will characterise the epidemiology of covert stroke and its clinical consequences. This will be the largest and the most comprehensive study of perioperative stroke after non-cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01980511; Pre-results.

Management of Residual Brain Arteriovenous Malformations After Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcome of residual brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) after stereotactic radiosurgery. METHODS: Patients with residual BAVM 3 years after radiosurgery were retrospectively included. Demographics, angioarchitectural characteristics, complications, bleeding, and cure rates of patients with intervention or conservative management (i.e., observation) were compared. We analyzed characteristics of patients treated conservatively who achieved cure or still had persistent BAVMs during follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 87 patients including 5 patients with subtotal obliteration with a mean follow-up time of 33.7 ± 36.6 months. Of patients, 27 (31.0%) received subsequent treatment (radiosurgery, n = 23; microsurgery, n = 3; embolization, n = 1), and 60 (69%) were treated conservatively. After repeat SRS, 4 (14.8%) patients experienced symptomatic complications after the second treatment, and 7 (25.9%) experienced asymptomatic changes. Three (3.4%) patients, all of whom presented initially with a ruptured BAVM, experienced hemorrhage during follow-up. Subsequent treatment was effective with a complete cure of BAVM in 11 patients (40.7%). Complete resolution of the residual BAVM occurred in 15 (25%) patients treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Complete obliteration of a significant number of residual BAVMs may occur 3-5 years after the first irradiation, whereas increased radiation dose associated with repeat SRS may lead to an increased risk of complications. The fact that the interval risk of bleeding decreased after SRS (especially for ruptured BAVM) lends further strength to the argument for a conservative management approach for residual BAVM 3-5 years after the first irradiation.

ELAPSS score for prediction of risk of growth of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a risk score that estimates 3-year and 5-year absolute risks for aneurysm growth. METHODS: From 10 cohorts of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms and follow-up imaging, we pooled individual data on sex, population, age, hypertension, history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and aneurysm location, size, aspect ratio, and shape but not on smoking during follow-up and family history of intracranial aneurysms in 1,507 patients with 1,909 unruptured intracranial aneurysms and used aneurysm growth as outcome. With aneurysm-based multivariable Cox regression analysis, we determined predictors for aneurysm growth, which were presented as a risk score to calculate 3-year and 5-year risks for aneurysm growth by risk factor status. RESULTS: Aneurysm growth occurred in 257 patients (17%) and 267 aneurysms (14%) during 5,782 patient-years of follow-up. Predictors for aneurysm growth were earlier subarachnoid hemorrhage, location of the aneurysm, age >60 years, population, size of the aneurysm, and shape of the aneurysm (ELAPSS). The 3-year growth risk ranged from <5% to >42% and the 5-year growth risk from <9% to >60%, depending on the risk factor status. CONCLUSIONS: The ELAPSS score consists of 6 easily retrievable predictors and can help physicians in decision making on the need for and timing of follow-up imaging in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for the treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Background Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) may present a treatment challenge. Endovascular embolization is in most cases the first line of treatment but does not always achieve cure. Gamma Knife (GK) radiosurgery represents an alternative treatment option, and the purpose of this study was to further evaluate its utility. Methods We reviewed all cases of DAVF treated between 2009 and 2016 at our institution with GK radiosurgery independently, or following failed/refused endovascular or surgical management. Patients' clinical files, radiological images, catheter angiograms, and surgical DAVF disconnection reports were retrospectively reviewed. Results Sixteen DAVF (14 patients) treated by GK radiosurgery were identified. Eleven fistulae were aggressive and five were benign. Marginal doses ranged from 15 to 25 Gy. Target volumes ranged from 0.04 to 4.47 cm3. In all symptomatic patients, GK treatment resulted in symptom palliation. In 13/15 lesions, cure of symptoms (86.0%) was reported. One lesion was asymptomatic. Angiographic cure was achieved in eight cases (50%), small residual DAVF occurred in four, and four were unchanged. One patient developed headache that resolved at one year. No hemorrhage occurred during the follow-up period. There was no significant association between Borden type and cure rate. Prior failed endovascular treatment and small target volume were associated with lower rates of cure. Conclusions Stereotactic radiosurgery is viable treatment for DAVF. It is very effective in palliating symptoms as a de novo approach or adjunctive to endovascular therapy. In our experience it is only somewhat effective in achieving complete angiographic cure.

Psychological comorbidities and compliance to interventional treatment of patients with cutaneous vascular malformations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess qualitatively the psychological stressors affecting patients with cutaneous vascular malformations and hemangiomas (CVM-H) and their impact on compliance to interventional treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with CVM-H treated by interventional neuroradiology at a single academic institution during a five-year period (2009-2014). Psychological complaints were documented during each clinic visit by a neuroradiologist. Compliance to interventional treatment was defined by adherence to the scheduled treatment sessions. Fisher's exact test was used to assess for associations between psychological complaints and compliance. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were assessed, of whom 49 (65.3%) were female, with an age range of 2-78 years (mean age 30.2 years). All except one patient older than seven years of age (n = 71; 94.6%) had a psychological complaint, including fear of negative appearance (n = 53; 70.6%), dissatisfaction with appearance (n = 46; 61.3%), low self-esteem (n = 35; 46.6%), anxiety (n = 16; 21.3%), stress (n = 13; 17.3%), bullying (n = 5; 6.6%), and low mood (n = 4; 5.3%). Twenty-three (31%) patients were non-compliant. Low self-esteem was significantly associated with non-compliance (p = 0.0381). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of psychological comorbidities among patients treated for CVM-H. This has potential implications for interventional treatment, as it was found that low self-esteem is significantly associated with non-compliance. These results suggest the need for early psychological support in these patients in order to maximize compliance to interventional treatment.

SILK flow diverter for complex intracranial aneurysms: a Canadian registry.

INTRODUCTION: The SILK flow diverter (SFD) is used for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. Small case series have been reported in the literature but few studies with a large number of patients have been published. We present our experience with the SFD for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in Canada. METHODS: Centers across Canada using SFDs were contacted to fill out a case report form for patients treated with an SFD in their center. Individual centers were responsible for approval from their ethics committee. Image analysis was performed by individual operators. The case report forms were collected and the final analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were treated with SFDs in eight centers in Canada between January 2009 and August 2013. The aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation in 16 patients and in the anterior circulation in 76 patients. Most aneurysms (75%) were saccular in shape; 22% were fusiform and 3% were blister aneurysms. The size of the aneurysms varied from 2 to 60 mm with the neck varying from 2 to 60 mm. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 8.7% and 2.2%, respectively. At the last available follow-up, 83.1% of the aneurysms were either completely or near-completely occluded. The rate of complications was higher for fusiform aneurysms (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SFD appears to be an important tool for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. Treatment outcomes and complication rates remain a problem, but should be considered in the context of available alternative interventions. Ongoing analysis of flow-diverting stents for radiographic and clinical performance is required.