A Comparison between Mechanical Thrombectomy and Intra-arterial Fibrinolysis in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Single Center Experiences.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent advances in intra-arterial techniques and thrombectomy devices lead to high rate of recanalization. However, little is known regarding the effect of the evolvement of endovascular revascularization therapy (ERT) in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We compared the outcome of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) versus intra-arterial fibrinolysis (IAF)-based ERT in patients with acute BAO. METHODS: After retrospectively reviewed a registry of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent ERT from September 2003 to February 2015, 57 patients with acute BAO within 12 hours from stroke onset were enrolled. They were categorized as an IAF group (n=24) and EMT group (n=33) according to the primary technical option. We compared the procedural and clinical outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: The time from groin puncture to recanalization was significantly shorter in the EMT group than in the IAF group (48.5 [25.3 to 87.8] vs. 92 [44 to 179] minutes; P=0.02) The rate of complete recanalization was significantly higher in the EMT group than in the IAF group (87.9% vs 41.7%; P<0.01). The good outcome of the modified Rankin Scale score≤2 at 3 months was more frequent in the EMT group than in the IAF group, but it was not statistically significant (39.4% vs 16.7%; P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: EMT-based ERT in patients with acute BAO is superior to IAF-based ERT in terms of the reduction of time from groin puncture to recanalization and the improvement of the rate of complete recanalization.

The Difficulties and Risks of Y-Stent-Assisted Coiling: A Comparison of First and Second Stenting Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Y-stent-assisted coiling (YSAC) requires multiple device accesses for double stenting. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that second stenting procedures are riskier than first stenting procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 patients with 20 aneurysms undergoing YSAC. Difficulty was determined for each device when the difficulty number was >1. Procedure-based and device-based difficulties were compared between 2 stenting procedures. For second stenting procedures, stent-delivery-catheter difficulties (SDs) in passing through the struts of the first stent were assessed for 3 catheter types, 2 delivery methods, and 3 first-stent types. RESULTS: All YSACs were successful. Difficulties occurred more frequently with second stenting procedures than with first stenting procedures (procedure-based difficulties, 4 [20%] vs. 7 [35%], P = 0.29; device-based difficulties, 4 [9%] vs. 8 [18%], P = 0.19). In second stenting procedures, SDs occurred in 4 (20%) procedures and caused the midportion of the first stent to be bent into aneurysms in 2 of the procedures. Failures following difficulties were observed in only 2 (10%) second stenting procedures, necessitating other methods to complete procedures: 1 of the procedures had SD-related thrombosis leading to morbidity at discharge (modified Rankin Scale score 2). SDs were found only with 1 catheter type (4 of 15; PROWLER SELECT Plus) and 1 delivery method (4 of 15; direct over-the-wire) and not with the other catheter types (Rebar-18 or Excelsior 1018) and the other method (catheter-exchange). SDs were found most frequently with the use of the CODMAN ENTERPRISE stent in first stenting procedures (50%). CONCLUSIONS: In YSAC, second stenting procedures seem riskier than first stenting procedures, particularly when SDs occur. A proper device or delivery method may reduce the risks.

Will Fluoroscopic Follow-up after Stent-Assisted Coiling of Cerebral Aneurysms Provide Information on Recanalization?

Fluoroscopic images for comparison (FICs) can be easily obtained for follow-up on an outpatient basis. This study retrospectively assessed the diagnostic performance of a set of FICs for evaluation of recanalization after stent-assisted coiling, with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. A total of 124 patients harboring 144 stent-assisted coiled aneurysms were included. At least one month postembolization they underwent follow-up angiograms comprising a routine frontal and lateral DSA and a working-angle DSA. For analysis, FICs should be compared with the mask images of postprocedural DSAs to find recanalization. Instead of FIC acquisition, the mask images of follow-up DSAs were taken as a substitute because of the same view-making processes as FICs, full availability, and perfect coincidence with follow-up DSAs. Two independent readers evaluated a set of 169 FICs and DSA images for the presence of recanalization one month apart. Sensitivity, specificity, and interreader agreement were determined. Recanalization occurred in 24 (14.2%) cases. Of these, nine (5.3%) cases were found to have significant recanalization in need of retreatment. Sensitivity and specificity rates were 79.2% (19 of 24) and 95.9% (139 of 145) respectively for reader 1, and 66.7% (16 of 24) and 97.9% (142 of 145) for reader 2. Minimal recanalization was identified in seven out of all eight false negative cases. Excluding minimally recanalized cases in no need for retreatment from the recanalization group, calculation resulted in high sensitivity and specificity of over 94% for both readers. Interreader agreement between the two readers was excellent (96.4%; κ = 0.84). FICs may be a good imaging modality to detect significant recanalization of stent-assisted coiled aneurysms.

Reappraisal of anatomic outcome scales of coiled intracranial aneurysms in the prediction of recanalization.

OBJECTIVE: Several scales are currently used to assess occlusion rates of coiled cerebral aneurysms. This study compared these scales as predictors of recanalization. METHODS: Clinical data of 827 patients harboring 901 aneurysms treated by coiling were retrospectively reviewed. Occlusion rates were assessed using angiographic grading scale (AGS), two-dimensional percent occlusion (2DPO), and volumetric packing density (vPD). Every scale had 3 categories. Followed patients were dichotomized into either presence or absence of recanalization. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify surviving probabilities of recanalization. Lastly, the predictive accuracies of three different scales were measured via Harrell's C index. RESULTS: The cumulative risk of recanalization was 7% at 12-month, 10% at 24-month, and 13% at 36-month of postembolization, and significantly higher for the second and third categories of every scale (p<0.001). Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of the second and third categories as compared with the first category of AGS (HR : 3.95 and 4.15, p=0.004 and 0.001) and 2DPO (HR : 4.87 and 3.12, p<0.001 and 0.01) were similar. For vPD, there was no association between occlusion rates and recanalization. The validated and optimism-adjusted C-indices were 0.50 [confidence (CI) : -1.09-2.09], 0.47 (CI : -1.10-2.09) and 0.44 (CI : -1.10-2.08) for AGS, 2DPO, and vPD, respectively. CONCLUSION: Total occlusion should be reasonably tried in coiling to maximize the benefit of the treatment. AGS may be the best to predict recanalization, whereas vPD should not be used alone.

Bilateral Approach for Stent-assisted Coiling of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms - Two Cases.

Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rarely encountered. In particular, due to frequent anatomic complexity and the presence of nearby critical structures, PICA origin aneurysms are difficult to treat. However, recent reports of anecdotal cases using advanced endovascular instruments and skills have made the results of endovascular treatment rather outstanding. PICA preservation is the key to a successful endovascular treatment, based on the premise that a PICA origin aneurysm is well occluded. To secure PICA flow, stenting into the PICA would be the best method, however, it is nearly impossible technically via the ipsilateral vertebral artery (VA) if the PICA arose at an acute angle from the sac. In such a case, a bilateral approach for stent-assisted coiling can be a creative method for achievement of two goals of both aneurysm occlusion and PICA preservation: ipsilateral approach for coil delivery and contralateral cross-over approach for stent delivery via a retrograde smooth path into the PICA.

Evidence-based changes in devices and methods of endovascular recanalization therapy.

The devices and methods of endovascular recanalization therapy (ERT) have been rapidly developed and changed since PROACT II trial. Emerging as a treatment option in addition to intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy is currently being further developed and investigated as a potential first-line and stand-alone treatment. This review highlights and summarizes the recent clinical series and trials of the available devices and methods of ERT focusing on the multimodal approach.

Endovascular Treatment of Wide-necked Cerebral Aneurysms with an Acute Angle Branch Incorporated into the Sac: Novel methods of Branch Access in 8 Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of geometrically complex aneurysms remains challenging. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of branch-selective technique (BT) in wide-necked aneurysms with an acute angle branch incorporated into the sac. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight consecutive patients harboring wide-necked cerebral aneurysms with an incorporated, acute angle branch (mean, 30.4°) underwent coiling over an 18-month period. Dome-to-neck ratio ranged from 0.9 to 1.8 (mean, 1.2). Every procedure utilized BT, i.e., stent- or catheter-assisted coiling through the incorporated branch. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases. With the aim to avoid the risk of aneurysmal rupture during struggling intraaneurysmal wire navigation, a 'looping method' and retrograde approach of a preshaped 0.014' microcatheter (C or J) was used for branch access in five cases and a 'looping method' and antegrade approach in one case. In the remaining one, just the C-preshape was enough to directly enter the branch without intraaneurysmal wire navigation. Overall, stent-assisted coiling was performed in seven cases, while catheter-assisted coiling was undertaken in one. The only complication was thrombotic posterior inferior cerebellar artery occlusion in one case, which was recanalized after tirofiban infusion. New neurological deficits were not identified in any cases. CONCLUSION: BT seems safe and feasible for wide-necked aneurysms with an acute angle branch incorporated into the sac. The looping method may offer safe access to the incorporated, acute angle branch and should be considered for replacement of the fearful intra-aneurysmal wire navigation.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a dissecting aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery in a child : rebleeding after stent-assisted coiling followed by stent-within-stent technique.

Pediatric patients with dissecting aneurysms usually present with ischemia rather than bleeding. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with a dissecting aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) presenting with hemorrhage. He was first treated with stent-assisted coil embolization, in an attempt to avoid trapping of the PCA and preserve the perforators. After the procedure, he recovered well from general anesthesia, but rebleeding occurred from the same lesion 6 hours after the procedure, therefore endovascular segmental occlusion of the parent artery was performed secondarily. Apparently, a reconstructive method of stent-assisted coiling is worth trying to preserve the parent vessel and perforators, but it is not always efficient and durable for dissecting aneurysms.

Clinical and angiographic factors related to the prognosis of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular occlusion of the fistula has been the most widely accepted treatment for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-dAVF). Although the CS-dAVF prognosis is generally good, physicians have noted poor recoveries, paradoxical worsening, or recurrences in some cases. In this study, we sought to identify factors that influence the prognoses of CS-dAVF patients. METHODS: We enrolled 76 patients diagnosed with CS-dAVF by conventional angiography in this study and analyzed their medical records for a mean follow-up period of 20 months. We assessed the clinical and radiological factors associated with poor recovery, paradoxical worsening, and recurrence. RESULTS: The 76 CS-dAVF patients (25 men, 51 women, ages 24 to 77 years) underwent treatment via transvenous and/or transarterial embolization. Initially, we achieved successful occlusion in 64 patients (84.2%). Of the treated patients, 53 (69.7%) were cured, 14 (18.4%) showed significant improvement, and nine (11.8%) remained static or worsened. Poor recovery was associated with significant residual shunt after embolization and with a late-restrictive CS-dAVF type. Among the 64 initially occluded patients, paradoxical worsening was more frequent in patients who had a greater number of draining veins. Recurrence was more prevalent in younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: CS-dAVF can have eccentric features, such as lasting symptoms, paradoxical worsening, and recurrence after embolization. Poor recovery was associated with residual shunt and with the late-restrictive type, paradoxical worsening was associated with number of draining veins, and recurrence occurred more often in younger patients.

Technical strategy in endovascular treatment of proximal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.

PURPOSE: There have been few reports on the endovascular treatment of aneurysms arising from A1 due to their rarity. We report the angiographic results, clinical outcomes, and technical aspects of endovascular treatment for 13 A1 aneurysms in 12 patients. METHODS: From January 2002 to November 2007, 12 patients (9 females and 3 males) with 13 A1 aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment. Three of these patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 10 unruptured aneurysms were detected in 9 patients. All of the aneurysms were successfully treated with coil embolization. Most of the aneurysms projected posteriorly (61.5%) and were located in the proximal A1 segment (69.2%). Procedural, clinical, and radiological follow-up data were reviewed. RESULTS: Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (25%) and included 1 non-leaking aneurysmal perforation and 2 thromboembolic events; none of them were clinically significant. No bleeding or rebleeding occurred during the follow-up period in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular coil embolization is an effective treatment modality for A1 aneurysms. Tailored microcatheter shaping according to aneurysm projection and location is necessary. Long-term follow-up studies involving a larger number of patients and further comparisons with surgical data are needed.

Is clopidogrel premedication useful to reduce thromboembolic events during coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms?

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism is a common complication related to coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to thromboembolic events during coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms and to evaluate the role of clopidogrel premedication to prevent thromboembolisms. METHODS: Since March 2006, clopidogrel has been administered to patients with unruptured aneurysms before coil embolization (the clopidogrel group) in our institution. The clopidogrel group (416 patients with 485 aneurysms) and the historical control group (140 patients with 159 aneurysms who received no antiplatelet premedication) were compared to find the efficacy of clopidogrel premedication. Various factors, including age, sex, body weight, and medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, previous stroke, and heart disease, as well as clopidogrel premedication, were analyzed in relationship to the development of a procedure-related thromboembolism. RESULTS: Procedure-related thromboembolic events tended to occur less frequently in the clopidogrel group compared with the control group (7.4% vs 12.6%; P = .05), and clopidogrel premedication could modify the risk in female patients from 11.1% to 5.2% (P = .04). The use of multiple logistic regression analysis identified clopidogrel premedication (P = .03), smoking (P = .002), and hyperlipidemia (P = .02) as significant factors related to the formation of thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: Clopidogrel premedication seems to have a beneficial effect in reducing the number of procedure-related thromboembolisms during coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms, especially in female patients. Smoking and hyperlipidemia were independent risk factors related to thromboembolism.

Shaping and navigating methods of microcatheters for endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of a specific shape and a navigating method of microcatheters are suitable for placement at paraclinoid aneurysms. METHODS: The clinical data from 122 patients with 132 paraclinoid aneurysms that underwent endovascular treatments during a 2.5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Microcatheter shapes were classified as "straight," "primary curves" (45, 90, and J), "preshaped-C," "pigtail" (simple, right, and left), and "S" (simple, right, left, and preshaped). The navigating methods were classified as antegrade/retrograde microcatheter shift, wire-steering, looping, and coil/wire guiding. The shapes and navigating methods were compared among 3 aneurysm groups, which were categorized as superior, medial, and other, based on direction. RESULTS: Shapes were significantly different between the 3 groups; the most commonly engaged shape in the superior group, medial group, and other group was S (55%), pigtail (60%), and primary (56%), respectively. The straight and S shapes were used in 5 (83%) and 18 (86%) cases, respectively, in the superior group, whereas the pigtail shape was used in 50 (86%) cases in the medial group. Aside from pigtail-simple shape, the side of pigtail, right vs left, coincided with the side of the internal carotid artery involved in every case of the medial group. The navigating methods were not significantly different among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: A specific shape by paraclinoid aneurysm direction tends to be suitable for the first trial of microcatheter shapes. Operators may reduce unnecessary struggling time of intra-aneurysmal placement of microcatheters by practicing the use of that shape.

Coil-based endovascular treatment of single-hole cerebral arteriovenous fistulae: experiences in 11 patients.

BACKGROUND: An SHF is rare pial arteriovenous shunt with no nidal component, of which the feeder drains directly into a single venous channel. Casting with NBCA was described previously, but its control demands operator to accumulate a considerable learning curve. We are to present our experiences of coil-based endovascular treatment of SHF. METHODS: Eleven patients harbored 12 SHFs (5 men, 6 women; mean age, 28.4 years; age range, 4-73 years), and they presented with hemorrhage, seizure, collapse, orbital mass, and as an incidental lesion. The location was frontal for 3, temporal for 5, parietal in 2, and occipital in 2 patients. The angioarchitectures, the methods of endovascular treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen feeders arose from 4 anterior, 8 middle, and 3 posterior cerebral arteries. The coil framework was constructed at the fistula before the penetration of a low concentrated NBCA. Nine fistulae were occluded completely, and 3 fistulae were occluded to near-completion with micro-AVM. There was no recanalization of SHF, either growth of a micro-AVM during follow-up period (mean, 48.3 months; range, 6-120 months). One patient with postprocedure hemorrhage developed hemiplegia, but 1 patient with seizure and the other 9 asymptomatic patients were uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: The coil-based endovascular treatment can achieve safe and stable occlusion of SHF, and the preventions against venous thrombosis and perfusion breakthrough should be essential.

Muslinoma and muslin-induced foreign body inflammatory reactions after surgical clipping and wrapping for intracranial aneurysms: imaging findings and clinical features.

OBJECT: Reinforcement of aneurysms with additional wrapping is an alternative procedure if the aneurysm cannot be completely clipped. Wrapping with muslin (cotton gauze) rarely incites foreign body inflammatory reactions. In this study, the authors describe the clinical and radiological features of muslinomas or muslin-induced foreign body reactions that can develop after treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Over a 3-year period, 5 patients with muslinomas underwent treatment at the authors' institution. All patients underwent aneursym clipping and wrapping, and were subsequently readmitted with acute or subacute neurological symptoms. Clinical and imaging features on diffusion weighted MR images and cerebral angiography images were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' clinical course and follow-up imaging studies were also evaluated. RESULTS: In all 5 cases, muslinomas were seen as rim-enhancing inflammatory masses around the clipped aneurysms with perilesional edema visible on MR images at the time of clinical deterioration. The MR images also demonstrated adhesive arachnoiditis with a sterile intracranial abscess in 3 patients, optic neuropathy in 2, parent artery narrowing in 2, and a resultant acute ischemic infarction in 1 patient. Follow-up imaging revealed resolution of both the perilesional edema and adhesive arachnoiditis but no significant changes in the muslinomas. All patients underwent conservative management and fully recovered, but during the follow-up period, 2 patients experienced clinical and radiological relapses. CONCLUSIONS: When a patient with a history of wrapping of an aneurysm presents with acute neurological symptoms and an enhancing intracranial mass in the region of the surgical site on MR imaging, a muslin-induced foreign body inflammatory reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and careful clinical and radiological follow-up is advised.

Endovascular treatment of largely thrombosed saccular aneurysms: follow-up results in ten patients.

INTRODUCTION: Partially thrombosed aneurysms are known to be vulnerable to recanalization after coiling. However, concerns about the extent or age of intra-aneurysmal thrombosis have not been addressed in relation to the recanalization. We evaluated the follow-up results in ten patients with largely thrombosed (>or=80% in volume) saccular aneurysms treated by coil embolization. METHODS: Medical records of ten patients with largely thrombosed saccular aneurysms treated by coil embolization were retrospectively reviewed. The aneurysm size measured on MR/CT images and angiograms was 25.6 +/- 8.1 and 8.7 +/- 2.9 mm, respectively. None of the aneurysms were ruptured, and four were symptomatic due to mass effect. Angiographic occlusion rates after coiling were total occlusion in two, neck remnant in seven, and residual aneurysm in one. Follow-up anatomical and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: No permanent complication developed after procedures. Recanalization occurred in three (30%) during a mean follow-up period of 17.4 +/- 16.3 months. Only aneurysm neck size (P = 0.03) was found to be significantly associated with recanalization. All three patients with recanalization underwent repeat embolization. The symptoms related to mass effects were improved in three (75%) after coiling. After treatment, a bleeding episode did not occur in any of ten patients. CONCLUSIONS: In a series of ten patients with largely thrombosed aneurysms, this study showed that endovascular treatment of the aneurysms was a safe procedure with a 30% rate of midterm recanalization. These results will provide preliminary information and a meaningful basis for further study on treatment outcomes of this specific subgroup of patients.

Endovascular coil embolization of anterior choroidal artery aneurysms. Clinical article.

OBJECT: Anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms are difficult to treat, and the clinical outcome of patients is occasionally compromised by ischemic complications after clipping operations. The purpose of this study was to document the outcome and follow-up results of endovascular coil embolization in patients with AChA aneurysms. METHODS: Between July 1999 and March 2008, 88 patients with 90 AChA aneurysms (31 ruptured and 59 unruptured aneurysms) were treated with endovascular coil embolization in 91 sessions. There were 87 small aneurysms (< 10 mm) and 3 large aneurysms, with a mean aneurysm volume of 60.9 +/- 83.3 mm(3). Preprocedural oculomotor nerve palsy associated with AChA aneurysms was noted in 8 patients. Efficacy and safety were evaluated based on the degree of initial occlusion, procedure-related complications, patient outcome based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale score, and follow-up results. RESULTS: The degree of angiographic occlusion of the aneurysms was complete for 15 aneurysms (17%), near complete for 69 aneurysms (77%) and partial for 6 aneurysms (7%). There were 4 (4.4%) symptomatic procedure-related complications (3 thromboembolic events and 1 procedural hemorrhage). The procedural hemorrhage resulted in death; however, the thromboembolic events only caused transient deficits. A favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5 or 4) was achieved in 90% (79 of 88) of the patients at the time of discharge. No patient showed signs of bleeding or rebleeding during the follow-up period (mean 25 months). Major aneurysm recanalization occurred in 2 cases. The AChA aneurysm-associated oculomotor nerve palsy tended to become aggravated transiently after coil embolization and then completely recovered over the course of 2-9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization is a safe and effective treatment modality in cases of AChA aneurysms. Coil embolization enables procedural recognition of arterial compromise and immediate reestablishment of flow, thus contributing to a favorable outcome.

Intracranial aneurysm perforation during endosaccular coiling: impact on clinical outcome, initial occlusion, and recanalization rates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and follow-up outcomes of cerebral aneurysms that perforated during endovascular treatment. METHODS: Nine hundred ten patients harboring 1056 intracranial aneurysms received 1164 endovascular treatments over 11 years at our institution. Intraprocedural aneurysm perforation occurred in 20 cases (1.7%). Thirteen cases (mean size, 6.2 mm) demonstrated contrast leakage, whereas the other 7 cases (mean size, 5.3 mm) showed only nonleak coil extrusion from the aneurysms. Results of follow-up magnetic resonance angiography or catheter angiography at least 6 months after embolization were available in 11 contrast leak and 6 nonleak cases. Acute and follow-up results were reviewed. RESULTS: New neurological deficits directly associated with aneurysm perforation were identified at discharge in only 4 contrast leak patients (20%). Their respective modified Rankin Scale scores were 1, 2, 3, and 5. Respective acute results in the contrast leak and nonleak groups were as follows: complete occlusion in 7 (54%) and 3 (43%), neck remnant in 3 (23%) and 4 (57%), and incomplete occlusion in 3 (23%) and 0. Respective follow-up results were as follows: major recanalization in 3 (27%) and 1 (17%), minor recanalization in 3 (27%) and 1 (17%), and stable occlusion in 5 (46%) and 4 (67%). CONCLUSION: Intraprocedural aneurysm perforation with leakage of contrast appears to be associated with relatively high rates of incomplete acute results and major recanalizations during follow-up, although perforation frequently occurs in small aneurysms. Nonleak perforation may also lead to major recanalization through the potentially weak point of initial coil extrusion.

Intra-arterial tirofiban infusion for thromboembolism during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Thromboembolism is one of the most common and serious complications associated with the endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms. We report our clinical experiences with intra-arterial tirofiban infusion during aneurysm embolization. METHODS: The clinical, radiological, and laboratory data of 24 patients harboring 25 aneurysms (25 procedures) who underwent intra-arterial tirofiban infusion for thromboembolism during the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms were reviewed retrospectively. Thrombi or emboli were resolved by superselective intra-arterial tirofiban infusion via a microcatheter. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 14 unruptured and 11 ruptured aneurysms. Intra-arterially infused tirofiban doses ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mg (mean +/- standard deviation, 0.64 +/- 0.25 mg). Thromboemboli were resolved, and arteries were recanalized on all occasions except one: a case of distal middle cerebral artery embolism. No hemorrhagic complications related to intra-arterial tirofiban infusion occurred. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial tirofiban delivery appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality when thromboembolism is encountered during the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Venous-predominant parenchymal arteriovenous malformation: a rare subtype with a venous drainage pattern mimicking developmental venous anomaly.

OBJECT: Considerable confusion exists in the literature regarding the classification of cerebrovascular malformations and their clinical significance. One example is provided by the atypical developmental venous anomaly (DVA) with arteriovenous shunt, because it remains controversial whether these lesions should be classified as DVAs or as atypical cases of other subtypes of cerebrovascular malformations. The purpose of this study was to clarify the classification of these challenging vascular lesions in an effort to suggest an appropriate diagnosis and management strategy. METHODS: The authors present a series of 15 patients with intracranial vascular malformations that were angiographically classified as atypical DVAs with arteriovenous shunts. This type of vascular malformation shows a fine arterial blush without a distinct nidus and early filling of dilated medullary veins that drain these arterial components during the arterial phase on angiography. Those prominent medullary veins converge toward an enlarged main draining vein, which together form the caput medusae appearance of a typical DVA. RESULTS: Based on clinical, angiographic, surgical, and histological findings, the authors propose classifying these vascular malformations as a subtype of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), rather than as a variant of DVA or as a combined vascular malformation. CONCLUSIONS: Correct recognition of this AVM subtype is required for its proper management, and its clinical behavior appears to follow that of a typical AVM. Gamma Knife radiosurgery appears to be a good alternative to resection, although long-term follow-up results require verification.

Intraarterial abciximab for treatment of thromboembolism during coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: outcome and fatal hemorrhagic complications.

OBJECT: Experience with intraarterial abciximab for the treatment of thromboembolism during endovascular coil embolization is limited. The authors report the outcome of intraarterial abciximab use, with an emphasis on fatal hemorrhagic complications. METHODS: Between March 2003 and May 2006, the authors treated 606 aneurysms by using endovascular coil embolization, and in 32 (5.3%) of these aneurysms (31 patients) an intraarterial thrombus developed. Sixteen of these aneurysms were ruptured and the other 16 were unruptured. Arterial thrombi were totally occlusive in 3 and partially occlusive in the remaining 29 cases. Intraarterial abciximab was administered at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml as a bolus of 4-15 mg over a period of 15-30 minutes. RESULTS: Complete thrombolysis was achieved in 17 (53%) and partial thrombolysis in 15 (47%) of 32 lesions. Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) were asymptomatic after abciximab thrombolysis, but 3 had postprocedural rebleeding that occurred after abciximab treatment; all of these patients had recently experienced an aneurysm rupture. Of these patients, 1 displayed severe thrombocytopenia and the other 2 showed a > 25% reduction in platelet count after abciximab treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intraarterial abciximab is effective for the treatment of thromboembolic complications that occur during intracranial aneurysm coil insertion. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to prevent potentially fatal complications such as thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage, especially in patients with a ruptured aneurysm.