ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Exact preoperative confirmation of the distal dural ring and intradural location of a paraclinoid internal carotid aneurysm has been an age old dilemma. This study was aimed at identifying anatomical landmarks in cases of paraclinoid aneurysms, which were relatively consistent, and would help in predicting the possibility of an extradural inaccessible location of these aneurysms for surgical clipping. METHODS: Ninety surgically managed unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed with preoperative computerized tomography. Axial relation of the aneurysm neck to the ophthalmic artery (OA), optic strut (OS), and anterior clinoid process (ACP) in terms of vertical distance and the direction of projection were analyzed and tabulated for all 90 cases. Intradural and extradural (inaccessible) aneurysms were compared. RESULTS: Seven out of the 8 inaccessible necks were medially directed and 1 was ventrally placed (P = 0.053). The OA level when compared to the neck had a positive correlation with inaccessible aneurysms for clipping (P = 0.002) The OS location above the level of the neck had significant correlation with inaccessibility of clipping and extradural location (P < 0.001). The tip of the ACP had no statistical significance with inaccessibility (P = 0.351). CONCLUSIONS: Medially projecting aneurysms with necks below the level of the OS and origin of the OA should be managed with a high index of suspicion and an alternate method of treatment should be sought. The relation of the neck to the ACP does not seem to have significant statistical bearing with decision making.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are defined as large (≥10 mm) or giant (≥25 mm) aneurysms with M2 branches arising from the aneurysm rather than M1 segments and usually require some form of reconstruction of the bifurcation. Their management is difficult and surgery is preferred over endovascular modalities because of their peculiar angioarchitecture and association with critical branch points or perforators. OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at analyzing surgically managed complex MCA aneurysms and discussing characteristics not favorable for endovascular management, surgical nuances and clipping strategies, patient outcomes, and newer diagnostic modalities which help improve management. METHODS: Nine cases of surgically operated complex MCA aneurysms were identified from January 2017 to July 2019. The aneurysm characteristics, surgical nuances, clipping strategies, patient outcomes and points not favoring endovascular management were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 13.4 mm and the mean fundus/neck ratio was 1.6. The average microscope time was 124 min, and the most common method was clip reconstruction. The average number of clips used was 2.7 and the mean follow-up was 13 months. All patients have good postoperative outcome (Modified Rankin Score 0-2). The complete occlusion rate was 88.9% with one intraoperative voluntary residual sac which was coated. Computational fluid dynamic study results done preoperatively correlated with intraoperative findings. CONCLUSIONS: MCA aneurysms pose a significant challenge for endovascular treatment because of various factors such as luminal thrombi, complex angio-architecture, precarious branch/perforator locations, broad necks, and fusiform characteristics. Surgical management in experienced hands can tackle all these problems with an armamentarium of clipping techniques and bypass procedures.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mannitol has been used intravenously for decreasing cerebral edema since decades. The study was performed to evaluate the effect of its irrigation on edema in live rats. Edema was induced by artificial brain injury. We hereby present our results on the same using live rats and confirm its beneficial effect on reducing edema when used as irrigation. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mannitol irrigation in reducing cerebral edema in rat brain after induction of artificial trauma and to compare the results with standard normal saline irrigation using randomized controlled study. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 fully grown Albino Wistar rats were subjected to artificial trauma after a burr hole and divided randomly into two groups of ten rats each. One group was subjected to mannitol irrigation after durotomy and the other was subjected to normal saline. Tissue biopsy was sent at the end of 1 h to check for the status of edema and was classified into three grades. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Comparison of proportions test. RESULTS: Mannitol irrigation produced a statistically significant difference (P = 0.022) in the grade of edema at the end of 1 h as compared to normal saline. CONCLUSIONS: Mannitol irrigation can be used during neurosurgical procedures instead of normal saline to reduce postoperative brain edema.