Can further subdivision of the Raymond-Roy classification of intracranial aneurysms be useful in predicting recurrence and need for future retreatment following endovascular coiling?

Background: The Raymond-Roy classification has been the standard for neck recurrences following endovascular coiling with three grades. Several modified classification systems with subdivisions have been reported in literature but it is unclear whether this adds value in predicting recurrence or retreatment. Our aim is to assess if these subdivisions aid in predicting recurrence and need for retreatment. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing endovascular coiling between 2013 and 2014. Patients requiring stent assistance or other embolization devices were excluded from the study. The neck residue was graded at time of coiling on the cerebral angiogram and subsequent 6, 24, and 60 months MRA. Correlation between grade at coiling and follow-up with need for subsequent retreatment was assessed. Results: Overall, 17/200 (8.5%) cases required retreatment within 5 years of initial coiling. 4/130 (3.1%) required retreatment within 5 years with initial Grade 0 at coiling, 6/24 cases (25%) of those Grade 2a, 4/20 cases (20%) Grade 2b, 3/8 (38%) Grade 3, and none of those with Grade 1. Large aneurysms ≥11 mm had an increased risk of aneurysm recurrence and retreatment. About 9.7% of ruptured aneurysms required retreatment versus 4.4% for unruptured. About 55% of carotid ophthalmic aneurysms were retreated. Conclusion: Although the modified classification system was significantly predictive of progressive recurrence and need for retreatment, no significant difference between the subdivisions of Grade 2 was observed. Similar predictive value was seen when using the Raymond-Roy classification compared to the new modified, limiting the usefulness of the new system in clinical practice.

Endovascular Management of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformations: A Retrospective Analysis over a 15-Year Period.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was aimed at assessing our results of endovascular management in vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 26 patients of VGAM who underwent endovascular treatment between 1998 and 2012. All patients underwent trans-arterial embolization. Of 26 patients, 23 were treated using n-butyl cyano acrylate (Glue), while 3 out of 26 patients were treated using the ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer. RESULTS: Ages of the treated patients ranged from 1 day to 18 years of age. Of the patients treated, 17 were males and 9 were females. Around 15 of the VGAMs were of the mural variety and 11 were choroidal in nature. A good outcome was seen in 22/26 (85%) of the patients. Complications were seen in total in 7/26 patients (26.92%) of which 3/26 (12%) has a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization for VGAMs is highly efficacious and has helped create a population of VGAM survivors in this condition, which until only a few decades ago caused high mortality and morbidity.

Remote multifocal bleeding points producing a Sylvian subpial hematoma during endovascular coiling of an acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Subpial hematoma is a rare type of intracranial hemorrhage with a poor prognosis. A new mechanism to explain subpial Sylvian hematoma formation in acute post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was observed during coiling of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Multiple small bleeding points from pial branches of the left middle cerebral artery, which were remote from the ruptured aneurysm, were observed on conventional angiography. This bleeding led to the formation of a large expanding subpial Sylvian hematoma. Similar observations have been recently demonstrated on 4D CT angiography (4D CTA). We present a case that adds evidence to the literature in support of a new mechanism of subpial hematoma formation in the setting of acute SAH. This may advocate the early use of 4D CTA and conveys a poor prognosis, which might influence treatment decisions.

Remote multifocal bleeding points producing a Sylvian subpial hematoma during endovascular coiling of an acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

Subpial hematoma is a rare type of intracranial hemorrhage with a poor prognosis. A new mechanism to explain subpial Sylvian hematoma formation in acute post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was observed during coiling of a posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Multiple small bleeding points from pial branches of the left middle cerebral artery, which were remote from the ruptured aneurysm, were observed on conventional angiography. This bleeding led to the formation of a large expanding subpial Sylvian hematoma. Similar observations have been recently demonstrated on 4D CT angiography (4D CTA). We present a case that adds evidence to the literature in support of a new mechanism of subpial hematoma formation in the setting of acute SAH. This may advocate the early use of 4D CTA and conveys a poor prognosis, which might influence treatment decisions.

Snapshot in surgery: brain abscess as a complication of a recurrent sigmoid diverticular abscess.

A 35-year-old man was found to have a cerebral abscess secondary to a recurrent sigmoid diverticular abscess. Both cultures grew Streptococcus anginosus. Brain abscess is a rare but potential complication of sigmoid diverticulitis. Streptococcus anginosus, which is found in human gut flora, is a common cause of brain abscess.

Emergent extracranial internal carotid artery stenting and mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Tandem occlusions involving both the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and an intracranial artery typically respond poorly to intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). We retrospectively review our experience with proximal ICA stenting and stent-assisted thrombectomy of the distal artery. METHODS: The data included patients that underwent carotid stenting and mechanical thrombectomy between 2012-2013. Radiographic, clinical, and procedural data were drawn from case notes, imaging records and discharge reports. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRs). RESULTS: Seven patients, with a mean age of 66.4 years and a mean admission NIHSS of 18.3, underwent this procedure and were included. Each presented with an occlusion of the proximal ICA, with additional occlusions of the ICA terminus (n = 3), middle cerebral artery (n = 5), or anterior cerebral artery (n = 1). Recanalisation of all identified occlusions was achieved in all patients, with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 3 and a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score >2b achieved in each case. Mean time from onset of stroke symptoms to recanalisation was 287 min; mean time from first angiography to recanalisation was 52 min. Intracranial haemorrhages occurred in two patients, with no increase in NIHSS. There were no mortalities. Mean NIHSS at discharge was 4.9, and mRs at 90 days was one in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of tandem extracranial ICA and intracranial occlusions in the setting of acute ischaemic stroke with extracranial carotid artery stenting followed by adjunctive intracranial mechanical thrombectomy is both safe and effective, but further evaluation of this treatment modality is necessary.