Unruptured intracranial aneurysm volume change patterns and association with age, sex, location in vascular tree, and common risk factors: a single-centre retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Unruptured intracranial aneurysms pose a significant clinical and decision-making dilemma. Increase in dome size is one of the crucial indications for treatment. Almost no data exists as to how aneurysms change in size over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 102 patients (76 women) who had a total of 501 CT examinations were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were: at least three CT angiography studies, an observation period of at least three years, or bleeding during the follow-up period. In each study, the volume of each aneurysm was measured at least four times by two experienced neuroradiologists with the use of dedicated tools. Collected data was used to obtain numerical volume change models for each aneurysm. RESULTS: 149 aneurysms were analysed in the study (118 in women) No significant differences in location, size or age of observation were detected between men and women. Median follow-up was 5.64 years (IQR 4.17-7.71) and total aneurysm observation time amounted to 964.59 years. There were 57 branching zone aneurysms (women 46), 44 sidewall aneurysms (women 36), 20 anterior communicating artery aneurysms (women 16), 20 posterior communicating artery aneurysms (women 13), and eight posterior circulation aneurysms (women 7). 78 (52%) aneurysms remained stable (women 59), 24 (16.6%) increased their volume (women 20), and five (3.4%) decreased (women 4). In 42 (28%) cases, we observed non-uniform routes of volume changes over surveillance (women 35). In the last group, analysing the whole period of follow-up, 29 (69%) did not change volume (women 24), 11 (26%) grew (women 10), and two decreased in size (4.8%, women 1). Bifurcation zone aneurysms, lower aspect ratio, lower patient age, and higher initial volume were associated with an increased risk of aneurysm growth. Posterior circulation aneurysms presented the lowest rate of volume increase. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial amount of followed up aneurysms could change volume in a non-uniform way, and an increase in volume may not lead to aneurysm rupture.

Immunological alterations in intracranial aneurysm: a prospective study on selected biomarker profiles in blood collected during endovascular neurointervention.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies showed that the concentrations of selected chemokines are locally elevated in samples collected from the lumen of intracranial aneurysms (IA). Our objective was to determine whether the observed differences in analyte concentrations were influenced by the origin of the blood samples (i.e. cerebral versus peripheral), thus providing insight into the localised nature of these alterations and their significance in IA pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 24 patients with IA who underwent endovascular embolisation. Concentrations of selected analytes were analysed in blood samples from the IA lumen, feeding artery, and aorta. The analytes included MPO, Lipocalin-2/NGAL, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and serum amyloid A. RESULTS: Higher median plasma concentrations of MPO, lipocalin-2/NGAL, sVCAM-1, and SAA were found in samples obtained from the IA lumen and the feeding artery compared to the aorta. The concentration of sICAM-1 was significantly higher in the IA compared to the aorta, but did not differ between the proximal artery and the aorta. No significant differences in any analyte concentration were observed between the IA and the proximal artery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the IA and the proximal vessel share similarities in the local immunological environment, which is different from that observed in the aorta. Further studies are needed to fully understand and elucidate these observations.

Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography in Pre-Embolization Assessment of Location of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Paediatric Patient with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis) - Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is an emergency with a high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can be lifesaving and can prevent long-term complications. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we discuss and illustrate the role of CT angiography in the evaluation of acute, active gastrointestinal haemorrhage and show its usefulness prior to embolization. We describe a 15-year-old girl with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis. CONCLUSIONS: An accurate pre-embolization assessment of bleeding with CT angiography shortens the total diagnostic time, which results in prompt and more effective endovascular treatment.We describe the clinical presentation of our patient and present diagnostic and interventional radiologic findings.

Neonatal idiopathic aneurysm of the common iliac artery.

Arterial aneurysms are very rare in children, with iliac aneurysms being even more uncommon. We report the case of a 61-day-old girl with a right common iliac artery aneurysm that was an incidental finding on the third day of life. The aneurysm was treated by direct aneurysm puncture and endovascular coil embolization. The patient was discharged with no complications, and complete exclusion of the aneurysm was confirmed on the 3-month follow-up examination.