Papillary glioneuronal tumor presenting with low-pressure hydrocephalus from intraventricular spread: Case Report.

Papillary glioneuronal tumors are a rare and typically benign entity with pathological and radiographic complexity. Presentation can mimic other neoplasms, making diagnosis more challenging. The literature to date describes the clinical understanding, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics of this limited number of patients. In this article, we report an unusual case of a glioneuronal tumor with multifocal presentation, normal pressure hydrocephalus-like symptoms, and large peritumoral parenchymal cysts, which guided the surgical approach. This unusual presentation has not previously been reported and adds valuable information to the clinical recognition and management literature.

The Use of a Pipeline Embolization Device for Treatment of a Ruptured Dissecting Middle Cerebral Artery M3/M4 Aneurysm: Challenges and Technical Considerations.

Prompt, effective treatment is necessary following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent recurrent rupture, which is thought to double mortality. Atypical ruptured aneurysms, such as blister or dissecting pseudoaneurysms, or those that are unusually distal in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are challenging to treat with either open or endovascular options, though the pipeline embolization device (PED) has shown promise in multiple case series. We present a case of a ruptured dissecting pseudoaneurysm in the distal MCA (distal M3/proximal M4) prefrontal division in an healthy young patient (<60 years) successfully treated with a PED. The PED was chosen both as the only vessel sparing option in the young patient as well as for its potential as a vessel sacrifice tool if the pseudoaneurysm was felt to be incompletely treated, which in this case was not necessary-though would have leveraged the thrombogenicity of the device as a therapeutic advantage.

Recurrent Primary Intrasellar Paraganglioma.

We describe a case of an 81-year-old male presenting with bitemporal visual field defects and blurry vision in the right eye. The patient was found to have a recurrent primary paraganglioma in the sellar and suprasellar region requiring a repeat transsphenoidal endoscopic resection. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed paraganglioma with the classic zellballen appearance which stained positive for chromogranin, synaptophysin, and S-100 in the periphery. Paragangliomas (PGLs) in the sella turcica are a rare entity; only 19 cases have ever been reported in the literature. PGLs in the sellar region are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed in a delayed fashion. Earlier diagnosis of this locally aggressive tumor and meticulous debulking can prevent morbidity secondary to the tumor's compressive effects. This report highlights the effectiveness of surgical interventions in treatment of paragangliomas. More research is still needed to determine the need for adjuvant therapies such as radiation.

A Systematic Review of Sellar and Parasellar Brown Tumors: An Analysis of Clinical, Diagnostic, and Management Profiles.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and analyze clinical, diagnostic, and management trends in sellar and parasellar brown tumors reported in existing literature. METHODS: In this systematic review, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for reported cases of sellar/parasellar brown tumors. Relevant titles and abstracts were screened in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were subjected to data extraction, summarization, and analysis. A rare case of parasellar brown tumor was also presented. RESULTS: Eight reports (including the current report) were eligible for inclusion. Mean patient age was 42.75 years. Reported symptoms included visual disturbances (n = 6), headache (n = 5), fatigue (n = 3), nausea/vomiting (n = 2), chest pain (n = 1), neck pain (n = 1), and dysphagia (n = 1). In cases where computed tomography findings were provided (n = 6), lesions were noted to be expansile and lytic. Lesions were hyperintense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (66.7%) and demonstrated contrast enhancement (83.3%). Histology unanimously showed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrovascular connective tissue stroma. Dramatic symptom resolution was noted in all patients who underwent resection of the sellar/parasellar brown tumor (n = 4; 50%). CONCLUSIONS: Sellar/parasellar brown tumors are a rare, tertiary manifestation of hyperparathyroidism and can be elusive to diagnose. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in addition to comprehensive biochemical testing, imaging, and histopathologic analysis. Surgical extirpation is favored in cases where the lesion is causing compressive symptoms, or if it is unresponsive to management of hyperparathyroidism.

Denosumab Treatment for a Residual Giant Cell Tumor of the Clivus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are a locally aggressive primary bone neoplasm of osteoclast-like cells. These lesions largely occur in the epiphyses of long bones, but there have been rare reports of occurrence in the pelvis, spine, or skull. Of those located in the skull, involvement of the clivus has been rarely reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of an 18-year-old woman presenting with a third nerve palsy, found to have a lytic lesion of the upper clivus that was primarily treated with endoscopic endonasal resection. Her third nerve palsy resolved postoperatively, and subsequent histopathologic analysis revealed a GCT. Six-month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed progression of residual disease for which she was treated with adjuvant denosumab. This treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the tumor size. She subsequently underwent proton beam radiation. At 1-year postsurgery, the patient's MRI remained stable after completing denosumab and proton therapy. She was neurologically intact and had no issues from her treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab has demonstrated anti-GCT efficacy. In combination with proton therapy, it has the potential to spare a young, vulnerable population from adverse long-term effects of traditional adjuvant radiation therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of denosumab in the treatment of GCT of the clivus in the United States.

Intraoperative angiography via the popliteal artery: a useful technique for patients in the prone position.

OBJECTIVE Intraoperative angiography can be a valuable tool in the surgical management of vascular disorders in the CNS. This is typically accomplished via femoral artery puncture; however, this can be technically difficult in patients in the prone position. The authors describe the feasibility of intraoperative angiography via the popliteal artery in the prone patient. METHODS Three patients underwent intraoperative spinal angiography in the prone position via vascular access through the popliteal artery. Standard angiography techniques were used, along with ultrasound and a micropuncture needle for initial vascular access. Two patients underwent intraoperative angiography to confirm the obliteration of dural arteriovenous fistulas. The third patient required unexpected intraoperative angiography when a tumor was concerning for a vascular malformation in the cervical spine. RESULTS All 3 patients tolerated the procedure without complication. The popliteal artery was easily accessed without any adaptation to typical patient positioning for these prone-position cases. This proved particularly beneficial when angiography was not part of the preoperative plan. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative angiography via the popliteal artery is feasible and well tolerated. It presents significant benefit when obtaining imaging studies in patients in a prone position, with the added benefit of easy access, familiar anatomy, and low concern for catheter thrombosis or kinking.

Pediatric Pontine Cavernous Malformations: The Presigmoid, Posterior Petrosal Approach.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem cavernous malformations (cavernomas) in children have a high risk of hemorrhage and neurological deterioration. This risk is magnified if the child has a genetic predisposition for cavernoma formation. The surgical management is challenging and carries a significant risk of morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of a posterior petrosal approach to brainstem cavernomas in a pediatric population. METHODS: A single institution operative experience with this technique was reviewed; 2 cases were identified and are technically described here with supportive figures and illustrations, as well as a focused literature review. RESULTS: Two pediatric cases with multiple symptomatic hemorrhages from large expanding pontine cavernomas were identified. Both cavernomas were resected through a presigmoid posterior petrosal approach. While this approach is well described in the adult literature for ventral brainstem lesions, its description for the treatment of pontine cavernomas in the pediatric populations is scarce. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the utility and feasibility of the posterior petrosal approach in two pediatric patients at different points in cranial base development.

Long-term follow-up analysis of microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization for dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery.

Blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dorsal internal carotid artery (dICA) are fragile, rare, and often difficult to treat. The purpose of this study is to address the demographics, treatment modalities, and long-term outcome of patients treated for dICA blister aneurysms. A retrospective review of medical records identified all consecutive patients who presented with a blister aneurysm from 2002 to 2011 at our institution. Eighteen patients (M=7, F=11; mean age: 48.4±15.1years; range: 15-65years) harbored a total of 43 aneurysms, 25 of which were dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the ICA. Eleven (61.1%) patients presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and 10 (55.6%) patients had multiple aneurysms at admission. Twelve patients had 18 aneurysms that were treated microsurgically. Five (41.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent repeat clip ligation. Six patients had 7 blister aneurysms that were treated with endovascularly. One (16.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent coil embolization. Postoperative vasospasm occurred in 8 (44.4%) patients, one of whom suffered from a stroke. This is one of the largest single-institution dICA blister aneurysm studies to date. There was no detected significant difference between microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization in terms of surgical outcome. These blister aneurysms demonstrate a propensity to be associated with multiple cerebral aneurysms. Strict clinical and angiographic long-term follow-up may be warranted. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Blister aneurysms are focal wall defects covered by a thin layer of fibrous tissue and adventitia, lacking the usual collagenous layer. Due to their pathologically thin vessel wall, blister aneurysms are prone to rupture. The management of these rare and fragile aneurysms presents a number of challenges. Here, we address the long-term outcome of patients treated for blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dICA. The presented data and analysis is imperative to determine the necessary strict long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up.

Comparison of endovascular and microsurgical management of 208 basilar apex aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE The deep and difficult-to-reach location of basilar apex aneurysms, along with their location near critical adjacent perforating arteries, has rendered the perception that microsurgical treatment of these aneurysms is risky. As a result, these aneurysms are considered more suitable for treatment by endovascular intervention. The authors attempt to compare the immediate and long-term outcomes of microsurgery versus endovascular therapy for this aneurysm subtype. METHODS A prospectively maintained database of 208 consecutive patients treated for basilar apex aneurysms between 2000 and 2012 was reviewed. In this group, 161 patients underwent endovascular treatment and 47 were managed microsurgically. The corresponding records were analyzed for presenting characteristics, postoperative complications, discharge status, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores up to 1 year after treatment and compared using chi-square and Student t-tests. RESULTS Among these 208 aneurysms, 116 (56%) were ruptured, including 92 (57%) and 24 (51%) of the endovascularly and microsurgically managed aneurysms, respectively. The average Hunt and Hess grade was 2.4 (2.4 in the endovascular group and 2.2 in the microsurgical group; p = 0.472). Postoperative complications of cranial nerve deficits and hemiparesis were more common in patients treated microsurgically than endovascularly (55.3% vs 16.2%, p < 0.05; and 27.7% vs 10.6%, p < 0.05, respectively). However, aneurysm remnants and need for retreatment were more common in the endovascular than the microsurgical group (41.3% vs 2.3%, p < 0.05; and 10.6% vs 0.0%, p < 0.05, respectively). Stent placement significantly reduced the need for retreatment. Rehemorrhage rates and average GOS score at discharge and 1 year after treatment were not statistically different between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with basilar apex aneurysms were significantly more likely to be treated via endovascular management, but compared with those treated microsurgically, they had higher rates of recurrence and need for retreatment. The current study did not detect an overall difference in outcomes at discharge and 1 year after either treatment modality. Therefore, in a select group of patients, microsurgical treatment continues to play an important role.

Effect of short-term ε-aminocaproic acid treatment on patients undergoing endovascular coil embolization following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE Aneurysmal rebleeding before definitive obliteration of the aneurysm is a cause of mortality and morbidity. There are limited data on the role of short-term antifibrinolytic therapy among patients undergoing endovascular intervention. METHODS All consecutive patients receiving endovascular therapy for their ruptured saccular aneurysm at the authors' institution between 2000 and 2011 were included in this study. These patients underwent endovascular coiling of their aneurysm within 72 hours of admission. In patients receiving ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA), the EACA administration was continued until the time of the endovascular procedure. Complications and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) were compared between EACA-treated and untreated patients. RESULTS During the 12-year study period, 341 patients underwent endovascular coiling. Short-term EACA treatment was administered in 146 patients and was withheld in the other 195 patients. EACA treatment did not change the risk of preinterventional rebleeding in this study (OR 0.782, 95% CI 0.176-3.480; p = 0.747). Moreover, EACA treatment did not increase the rate of thromboembolic events. On the other hand, patients who received EACA treatment had a significantly longer duration of hospital stay compared with their counterparts who were not treated with EACA (median 19 days, interquartile range [IQR] 12.5-30 days vs median 14 days, IQR 10-23 days; p < 0.001). EACA treatment was associated with increased odds of shunt requirement (OR 2.047, 95% CI 1.043-4.018; p = 0.037) and decreased odds of developing cardiac complications (OR 0.138, 95% CI 0.031-0.604; p = 0.009) and respiratory insufficiency (OR 0.471, 95% CI 0.239-0.926; p = 0.029). Short-term EACA treatment did not affect the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge, 6 months, or 1 year following discharge. CONCLUSIONS In this study, short-term EACA treatment in patients who suffered from aSAH and received endovascular aneurysm repair did not decrease the risk of preinterventional rebleeding or increase the risk of thrombotic events. EACA did not affect outcome. Randomized clinical trials are required to provide robust clinical recommendation on short-term use of EACA.

A long-term study of durability and risk factors for aneurysm recurrence after microsurgical clip ligation.

OBJECTIVE With the recent evolution of endovascular therapies, objective evaluation of the efficacy of clip ligation for cerebral aneurysms should be performed. This study was undertaken to evaluate the durability of microsurgical clip ligation, identify risk factors for recurrence, and assess the need for long-term follow-up imaging. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records identified 616 consecutive patients (156 male and 460 female patients; mean age 48.4 ± 12.4 years; range 6-90 years) who underwent microsurgical clip ligation and follow-up imaging at least 1 year after discharge between 1990 and 2010 at our institution. Of a total of 926 aneurysms in 616 patients, 758 aneurysms were microsurgically clip-ligated. At presentation, 431 of these aneurysms were ruptured and 327 aneurysms were unruptured. All patients underwent postoperative baseline imaging within the 1st month of their operation. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify which variables are more likely to predict recurrence. RESULTS Late follow-up angiographic imaging was obtained at a mean of 7.2 ± 4.7 years postdischarge (median 5.7 years; range 1-23 years). Of the 699 clipped aneurysms without residua, late follow-up angiography revealed only 1 (0.14%) recurrent aneurysm. Of the 59 residual aneurysms that remained after initial clip ligation on early postoperative imaging, 8 (13.6%) demonstrated growth. All of these aneurysms required treatment. None of the recurrences were due to broken or delayed displacement of clips. A total of 111 patients presented with multiple aneurysms. De novo aneurysm formation occurred in 8 (0.97%) patients, all of whom initially presented with multiple aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS This study provides additional evidence to support the long-term efficacy of aneurysm clip ligation. The chance of aneurysm recurrence after complete clip ligation is very small. However, there is a regrowth risk of 1.83% per year for aneurysm remnants after incomplete clip ligation. These findings support the necessity for continued followup, late angiographic imaging, and the potential need for further intervention of incompletely ligated aneurysms. Furthermore, completely clip-ligated aneurysms may not require additional surveillance imaging unless multiple aneurysms were evident at presentation.

Outcomes in transcranial microsurgery versus extended endoscopic endonasal approach for primary resection of adult craniopharyngiomas.

OBJECTIVE Craniopharyngiomas have historically been resected via transcranial microsurgery (TCM). In the last 2 decades, the extended endoscopic endonasal (transtuberculum) approach to these tumors has become more widely accepted, yet there remains controversy over which approach leads to better outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether differences in outcomes were identified between TCM and extended endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEEAs) in adult patients undergoing primary resection of suprasellar craniopharyngiomas at a single institution. METHODS A retrospective review of all patients who underwent resection of their histopathologically confirmed craniopharyngiomas at the authors' institution between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Pediatric patients, revision cases, and patients with tumors greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean volume were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those undergoing primary TCM and those undergoing a primary EEEA. Preoperative patient demographics, presenting symptoms, and preoperative tumor volumes were determined. Extent of resection, tumor histological subtype, postoperative complications, and additional outcome data were obtained. Statistical significance between variables was determined utilizing Student t-tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact tests when applicable. RESULTS After exclusions, 21 patients satisfied the aforementioned inclusion criteria; 12 underwent TCM for resection while 9 benefitted from the EEEA. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, presenting symptoms, tumor subtype, or preoperative tumor volumes; no tumors had significant lateral or prechiasmatic extension. The extent of resection was similar between these 2 groups, as was the necessity for additional surgery or adjuvant therapy. CSF leakage was encountered only in the EEEA group (2 patients). Importantly, the rate of postoperative visual improvement was significantly higher in the EEEA group than in the TCM group (88.9% vs 25.0%; p = 0.0075). Postoperative visual deterioration only occurred in the TCM group (3 patients). Recurrence was uncommon, with similar rates between the groups. Other complication rates, overall complication risk, and additional outcome measures were similar between these groups as well. CONCLUSIONS Based on this study, most outcome variables appear to be similar between TCM and EEEA routes for similarly sized tumors in adults. The multidisciplinary EEEA to craniopharyngioma resection represents a safe and compelling alternative to TCM. The authors' data demonstrate that postoperative visual improvement is statistically more likely in the EEEA despite the increased risk of CSF leakage. These results add to the growing evidence that the EEEA may be considered the approach of choice for resection of select confined primary craniopharyngiomas without significant lateral extension in centers with experienced surgeons. Further prospective, multiinstitutional collaboration is needed to power studies capable of fully evaluating indications and appropriate approaches for craniopharyngiomas.

Intrasellar pilocytic astrocytomas: clinical, imaging, pathological, and surgical findings.

A pilocytic astrocytoma is not usually considered in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar tumor. An awareness of this tumor as primarily an intrasellar entity is important to avoid confusion during its diagnosis. We retrospectively examined the records of 631 patients treated at our institution between 2006 and 2010 who underwent transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors and identified those diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma. We excluded patients who harbored a pituicytoma. We also searched the literature for patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of intrasellar pilocytic astrocytoma. Only two patients in our series harbored intrasellar tumors and had a histologic diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma. We also found two other cases in the literature that met our criteria. Pilocytic astrocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar lesion. An understanding of this tumor's radiological features can avoid diagnostic confusion.

Treatment and outcomes among 102 posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a comparison of endovascular and microsurgical clip ligation.

BACKGROUND: The vicinity of brainstem and cranial nerves as well as the limited operative working space make clip ligation of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms challenging. The small caliber of the PICA and the broad neck often associated with these aneurysms also create challenges in preserving this artery during treatment. Few data exist to compare the 2 treatment approaches for aneurysms in this location. OBJECT: To assess treatment outcomes for PICA aneurysms based on mode of management and anatomical location. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried for PICA aneurysms treated from 2000 through 2012. Patients were categorized on the basis of their aneurysm's anatomical location, presentation status, treatment modality, and subsequent complications. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 113 PICA aneurysms were identified; 11 did not undergo treatment. Of the remaining 102 aneurysms, 77% were ruptured and 64% were treated microsurgically. In the ruptured group, patients with more proximally located aneurysms such as vertebral and proximal PICA aneurysms were more likely to experience hydrocephalus and cranial nerve deficits after treatment. Endovascular therapy was less likely to cause postoperative deficit or lead to a need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Most importantly, discharge, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes were predicted based on presenting Hunt and Hess score and patient's age, not aneurysm location or management mode. CONCLUSIONS: PICA aneurysms are challenging and require a multimodality treatment paradigm. Although microsurgery is associated with more short-term postoperative complications, presenting grade and patient's age remain the primary predictors of long-term outcome.

Aneurysmal acute subdural hemorrhage: prognostic factors associated with treatment.

Acute subdural hematoma is an uncommon presentation of aneurysmal hemorrhage that has been identified as a poor prognostic sign. Current series are small, have short follow-up, or were collected over a long period during which treatment evolved. To evaluate prognostic factors, we analyzed a large modern series of aneurysmal subdural hematoma (aSDH) with long-term follow-up. A prospectively maintained database was queried for patients presenting with aSDH from 2001-2013. Thirty patients met the study criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with unpaired t-test or Fisher's exact test. Aneurysm treatment involved open clipping (n=18), endosaccular coiling (n=8), both (n=1), or no treatment (n=3). Good Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge was present in 20% and increased to 40% at 6-12 months postoperatively. Good clinical presentation was associated with good final outcome in 75%, whereas poor clinical presentation correlated with good outcome in 30%. Good outcome correlated with younger age (p=0.04), smaller aneurysm (p=0.04), and lower Hunt-Hess score (HH) at intervention (p=0.04). Favorable outcome did not correlate with sex, race, presence of subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage, size or laterality of hemorrhage, midline shift, aneurysm treatment modality, or HH at admission (p>0.15). There was no difference between good and poor outcomes in terms of time to treatment or hematoma evacuation. Poor clinical presentation may be exaggerated by mass effect of hematoma; aggressive treatment is not futile. Presenting neurological status, age, and aneurysm size are predictors of outcome, while laterality and size of hematoma and extent of midline shift are not, suggesting that clinical status is more important than radiographic findings.

An analysis of 88 patients with diffuse and "benign" perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (PMSAH) was previously defined as a variant of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) associated with a relatively benign clinical presentation and better outcomes than aneurysmal SAH. However, several prior studies have shown complications associated with PMSAH including vasospasm and hydrocephalus, and the need for follow-up imaging. We therefore reviewed our experience to further characterize the clinical consequences of PMSAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight consecutive patients who sustained spontaneous intracranial SAH and whose cerebral angiograms did not show any obvious source for SAH were retrospectively studied to characterize their prognosis and outcome based on SAH pattern. Glasgow Coma Scale and Hunt-Hess scores on admission, the incidence of vasospasm or hydrocephalus, the need for an external ventricular drain, and shunt dependence, along with Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge and follow-up, were used to draw comparisons between perimesencephalic and diffuse SAH patient populations. RESULTS: Patients with perimesencephalic SAH differed statistically (p < 0.05) from patients with diffuse SAH in regard to age, Hunt-Hess score on presentation, hospital length of stay, GOS at discharge, and incidence of hydrocephalus, angiographic vasospasm, and clinical vasospasm. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that although the patients with perimesencephalic SAH fared better than those with diffuse SAH, their outcomes were worse than those of similar patients with PMSAH who have been previously reported in the literature.

Incidence, epidemiology, and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in 12 midwest communities.

Only 8 studies have investigated the incidence and epidemiology of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in the United States. This is the first investigation in Indiana, which has some of the highest rates of tobacco smoking and obesity in the nation. The authors prospectively identified 441 consecutive patients with aSAH from 2005 to 2010 at 2 hospitals where the majority of cases are treated. Incidence calculations were based on US Census populations. Epidemiologic variables included demography; risk factors; Hunt and Hess scale; Fisher grade; number, location, and size of aneurysms; treatment type; and complications. Overall incidence was 21.8 per 100,000 population. Incidence was higher in women, increased with age, and did not vary by race. One third to half of patients were hypertensive and/or smoked cigarettes at the time of ictus. Variations by count were partially explained by Health Factor and Morbidity Rankings. Complications varied by treatment. These findings deviate from estimates that 6-16 per 100,000 people in the United States will develop aSAH and are double the incidence in a Minnesota population between 1945 and 1974. The results also deviate from the worldwide estimate of 9.0 aSAHs per 100,000 person-years. The predictive value of variations in Health Factor and Morbidity Rankings implicates the importance of future research on multivariate biopsychosocial causation of aSAH.

Pituitary macroadenoma causing symptomatic internal carotid artery compression: surgical treatment through transsphenoidal tumor resection.

Pituitary macroadenomas can invade the cavernous sinus and rarely cause occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Most patients with symptomatic obstruction of the ICA by a pituitary tumor have been reported as a result of apoplexy. The authors review the literature about this condition and report a 48-year-old man who presented with transient ischemic attacks leading to a stroke. Imaging studies demonstrated complete occlusion of the left ICA and critical narrowing of the right ICA at the level of the clinoid processes, most likely due to macroadenoma mass effect. There was no radiologic evidence of apoplexy. Surgical resection of the tumor and ICA decompression via the transsphenoidal route resulted in prevention of further symptoms. Histopathologic analysis confirmed a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma without evidence of hemorrhage or intratumoral infarction. This patient, to the authors' knowledge, is the first documented patient with symptomatic carotid compression by a pituitary adenoma without evidence of apoplexy.

Surgical treatment of 127 anterior choroidal artery aneurysms: a cohort study of resultant ischemic complications.

BACKGROUND: The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) supplies important areas of the nervous system, particularly the posterior limb of the internal capsule and optic radiation. Treatment of AChA aneurysms poses particular challenges because of the complex anatomy of the aneurysm associated with the relatively small diameter of AChAs, making preservation of the parent vessel during clip ligation or endosaccular coiling challenging. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and features of ischemia in treatment of AChA aneurysms. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent treatment of aneurysms from 1985 to 2011 was queried to find patients with AChA aneurysms. Age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, treatment modality, and complications were analyzed by use of the unpaired Student t test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients harbored 127 AChA aneurysms, and 67% (82 of 122) had multiple aneurysms. Treatment included 112 microsurgical clip ligations, 8 endosaccular coil embolizations, 5 aneurysmal wrappings, and 2 surgical explorations. Complications developed in 53% (67 of 127) of AChA aneurysms. Postoperative ischemia occurred in 12% (15 of 127) of treated aneurysms. The number of temporary clip applications was most closely associated with postoperative ischemia. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5 were obtained by 78% at discharge, 89% at 6 months, and 85% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The ischemic complication rate from surgical treatment of AChA aneurysms is most closely associated with higher frequency of temporary clip applications for proximal control and may be lower than previously reported. Supplementary intraoperative tools and limitation of vessel manipulation should be used to improve outcomes.