Predictors of Intrahospital Mortality in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after Endovascular Embolization.

Background and Objectives: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) is defined as bleeding in the subarachnoid space caused by the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. About 11% of people who develop ASAH die before receiving medical treatment, and 40% of patients die within four weeks of being admitted to hospital. There are limited data on single-center experiences analyzing intrahospital mortality in ASAH patients treated with an endovascular approach. Given that, we wanted to share our experience and explore the risk factors that influence intrahospital mortality in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization. Materials and Methods: Our study was designed as a clinical, observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. It was performed at the Department for Radiology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac in Kragujevac, Serbia. The study inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, admitted within 24 h of symptoms onset, acute SAH diagnosed on CT, aneurysm on DSA, and treated by endovascular coil embolization from January 2014 to December 2018 at our institution. Results: A total of 66 patients were included in the study-48 (72.7%) women and 18 (27.3%) men, and 19.7% of the patients died during hospitalization. After adjustment, the following factors were associated with in-hospital mortality: a delayed ischemic neurological deficit, the presence of blood in the fourth cerebral ventricle, and an elevated urea value after endovascular intervention, increasing the chances of mortality by 16.3, 12, and 12.6 times. Conclusions: Delayed cerebral ischemia and intraventricular hemorrhage on initial head CT scan are strong predictors of intrahospital mortality in ASAH patients. Also, it is important to monitor kidney function and urea levels in ASAH patients, considering that elevated urea values after endovascular aneurysm embolization have been shown to be a significant risk factor for intrahospital mortality.

Clinical Outcomes of Clipping and Coil Embolization for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Categorized by Region and Hospital Size: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of clipping and coiling for ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) based on data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea, with a focus on variations according to region and hospital size. METHODS: This study analyzed the one-year mortality rates for patients with RIAs who underwent clipping or coiling in 2018. Coiling was further categorized into non-stent assisted coiling (NSAC) and stent assisted coiling (SAC). Hospitals were classified as tertiary referral general hospitals (TRGHs), general hospitals (GHs), or semi-general hospitals (sGHs) based on size. South Korea's administrative districts were divided into 15 regions for analysis. RESULTS: In 2018, there were 2,194 (33.1%) clipping procedures (TRGH, 985; GH, 827; sGH, 382) and 4,431 (66.9%) coiling procedures (TRGH, 1,642; GH, 2076; sGH, 713) performed for RIAs treatment. Among hospitals performing more than 20 treatments, the one-year mortality rates following clipping or coiling were 11.2% and 16.0%, respectively, with no significant difference observed. However, there was a significant difference in one-year mortality between NSAC and SAC (14.3% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.034), with clipping also showing significantly lower mortality compared to SAC (P = 0.019). No significant differences in other treatment modalities were observed according to hospital size, but clipping at TRGHs had significantly lower mortality than at GHs (P = 0.042). While no significant correlation was found between the number of treatments and outcomes at GHs, at TRGHs, a higher volume of clipping procedures was significantly associated with lower total mortality (P = 0.023) and mortality after clipping (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Using Korea NHIS data, mortality rates for RIAs showed no significant variation by hospital size due to coiling's prevalence. However, differences in clipping outcomes by hospital size and volume in TRGH highlight the need for national efforts to improve clipping skills and standardization. Additionally, the higher mortality rate with SAC emphasizes the importance of precise indications for its application.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients Who Live Alone.

It has been shown that living alone is one of the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes in ischemic stroke patients, mostly due to delay in receiving appropriate treatment. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate whether living alone was associated with unfavorable outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Among 451 SAH patients admitted to our institution between January 2013 and December 2022, 43 patients who lived alone had sustained SAH at home (group A) and 329 patients who lived with family had sustained SAH at home (group F). The mortality rate (46.5% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.04) and a tendency for having unfavorable outcomes were higher in group A than in group F. The incidence of concomitant hydrocephalus was significantly higher in the former (37.2% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.03). Group A was further classified to the Able to Call (n = 15, group AC) and Unable to Call (n = 28, group UC) subgroups based on their ability to call for help by themselves. Group AC tended to have favorable outcomes (27% vs. 4%, p = 0.04). Treatment to obliterate a ruptured aneurysm had particularly been challenging in group UC, in which the accurate time of onset often remained unidentifiable: Their overall mortality was as high as 57% and their capability to undergo surgical/interventional treatment was only 67%. Perioperative complications resulting from delayed presentation had been common. Considering the present finding that most of those who lived alone could not call for help, further effort is warranted to facilitate early detection of those patients.

Predictors of Outcome in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Tertiary Center Experience.

AIM: To determine the risk factors affecting the mortality rate and outcomes of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of patients who underwent aneurysm treatment and intensive care unit (ICU) followup in our hospital between 2013-2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics of the patients, aneurysm characteristics, complications in the ICU, the Hunt Hess score, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (APACHE II), sepsis status, and mechanical ventilation (MV) needed during ICU admission were collected. The generalized linear mixed modeling method was used to determine independent risk factors affecting mortality. RESULTS: The records of 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 86 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 6 / 7, with a mean age of 49.9 ± 13.06 years. The aneurysm treatment modality was surgical in 79 patients (86.8%) and endovascular in 12 patients (13.2%). The length of the ICU stay was mean 10.96 ± 13.66 days. While 64.8% (n=59) of the patients were discharged, 7.7% (n=7) were referred to palliative care units, and 25% (n=25) died. A one-unit increase in the APACHE II score was determined to increase the risk of vasospasm 1.154 times (p < 0.001). Analysis showed that a one-day increase in the MV day increased the mortality risk 1.838 times (p < 0.001), and vasospasm increased the mortality risk 32.151 times (p=0.004) CONCLUSION: The length of hospital stay, the day of MV, and the presence of vasospasm were determined as independent risk factors affecting mortality. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment of vasospasm, which increases mortality during ICU follow-up, positively impact patient outcomes.

Health care-associated infections after surgical treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is catastrophic, and microsurgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms is one of the preventive modalities for rebleeding. However, patients remain at high risk of medical morbidities after surgery, one of the most important of which is health care-associated infections (HAIs). We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of HAIs, as well as their association with the outcomes after surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 607 patients with SAH who had undergone surgery for intracranial aneurysms. Information was retrieved from the database using codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. RESULTS: Of the 607 patients, 203 were male and 404 were female. HAIs occurred in 113 patients, accounting for 18.6 % of the population. The independent risk factors for HAIs included age ((p = 0.035), hypertension ((p = 0.042), convulsion ((p = 0.023), external ventricular drain ((p = 0.035), ventricular shunt ((p = 0.033), and blood transfusion ((p = 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 25.3 ± 18.2 and 18.8 ± 15.3 days for patients with and without HAIs, respectively ((p = 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rates were 11.5 % in the HAIs group, and 14.0 % in the non-HAIs group ((p = 0.490). CONCLUSION: HAIs are a frequent complication in patients with SAH who underwent surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The length of hospital stay is remarkably longer for patients with HAIs, and to recognize and reduce the modifiable risks should be implemented to improve the quality of patient care.

Safety and efficacy profile of off-label use of the Pipeline Embolization Device: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The off-label utilization of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a common practice in numerous medical centers globally. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall outcomes of this off-label usage of PEDs. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and Scopus were searched up to February 2023 using the Nested Knowledge platform to identify studies assessing the off-label use of PEDs. Any use of PED outside of the FDA-approved indication granted in 2018 is considered off-label use. Overall angiographic occlusion rates, ischemic and hemorrhagic complications, mortality, retreatment rates, and favorable clinic outcomes were included. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the overall outcome rates of anterior cerebral artery(ACA) vs. middle cerebral artery(MCA) and anterior vs posterior circulation subgroups. RESULTS: We included 26 studies involving a total of 1,408 patients. The overall rate of complete occlusion was 80.3 % (95 % CI= 76.0-84.1). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the rate of complete occlusion between anterior circulation (78.9 %) and posterior circulation (69.2 %) (p value=0.02). The rate of good clinical outcomes was 92.8 % (95 % CI= 88.8-95.4). The mortality rate was 1.4 % (95 % CI= 0.5-2.7). The overall rate of ischemic complications was 9.5 % (95 % CI= 7.7-11.6), with a comparable difference between anterior circulation (7.7 %) and posterior circulation (12.8 %) (p value=0.07). There was no statistically significant difference in MCA vs ACA subgroups in all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Off-label use of PEDs can be a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. However, there is a need for more prospective, high-quality, non-industry-funded registry studies and randomized trials to test the efficacy and safety of off-label usage of PEDs and to expand its indications.

Treatment of Giant Intracranial Aneurysms: a Review Based on Experience from 286 Cases / Tratamento dos aneurismas gigantes intracranianos: uma revisão baseada na experiência de 286 casos

Aneurysms are classified as giant when their largest diameter is equal to or greater than 25 mm, which represents approximately 5­7% of intracranial aneurysms. Severe disease with poor natural history presents with 68% mortality in two years and 85% in five years for untreated cases. Thus, in the majority of cases, the patients require treatment, despite the risks of therapeutic options. We discuss the epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of giant aneurysms based on the experience of 286 operations and literature data.

Os Aneurismas são classificados como gigantes quando seu maior diâmetro é igual ou superior a 25 mm e representam aproximadamente de 5 a 7% dos aneurismas intracranianos. Trata-se de patologia grave com história natural ruim apresentando mortalidade de 68% em 2 anos e 85% em 5 anos para casos não tratados. Desta forma, na maioria dos casos, estes pacientes devem ser tratados apesar do alto risco das opções terapêuticas. Neste estudo, discutimos a epidemiologia, a história natural, o diagnóstico e o tratamento desta grave patologia baseado na experiência de 286 pacientes tratados e dados da literatura.

Resangrado por ruptura aneurismática: epidemiología, factores asociados, fisiopatología y tratamiento / Rebleeding from ruptured intracranial aneurysms: epidemiology, associated factors, physiopathology, and treatment

Objetivo: Revisar los aspectos actuales acerca de la epidemiología, los factores asociados, la fisiopatología y el tratamiento farmacológico del resangrado subaracnoideo por ruptura del aneurisma intracraneal.Desarrollo: El resangrado subaracnoideo en el curso de la ruptura aneurismática es una complicación que constituye laprincipal causa de morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con hemorragia subaranoidea. Se ha postulado el papel de factores asociados como la hipertensión sistólica (más de 160 mm Hg), el deterioro clínico al inicio de los síntomas, el hematoma intracerebral, el tamaño del aneurisma y la cefalea centinela. Los mecanismos fisiopatológicos supuestamenteimplicados abordan la presión transmural, la fibrinólisis y la coagulación. El tratamiento antifibrinolítico en los primeros tresdías de la hemorragia ha demostrado ser eficaz en la disminución de esta complicación, así como el aislamientoaneurismático precoz.Conclusiones: Se han identificado en los últimos años algunos factores asociados al resangrado por ruptura aneurismática,pero existen discrepancias en relación a su papel causal. El aseguramiento precoz del aneurisma y la terapia antifibrinolítica por cortos periodos de tiempo son las medidas terapéuticas que han demostrado eficacia en la prevención del resangrado por ruptura aneurismática(AU)

Objective: To review the recent aspects about epidemiology, related factors, physiopathology and treatment in rebleeding associated with aneurismatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.Development: Rebleeding is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with aneurismatic subarachnoid haemorrhage. There are factors associated with increase of this complication in many studies: systolic hypertension (more than 160 mm Hg), poor clinical condition at symptoms onset, intracerebral hematoma, size of the aneurism and sentinel headache. The main physiopathology mechanisms related are transmural pressure, fibrinolysis and coagulation systemdisorders. The administration of antifibrinolitic treatment in the first three days of subaracnoidea haemorrhage had been show decrease of rebleeding rate, also associated with the early surgery (conventional or endovascular).Resangrado por ruptura aneurismática: epidemiología, factores asociados, fisiopatología y tratamientoConclusions: Some factors are related with rebleeding, but are not clear the causal effect of them. The early surgery and short antifibrinolitic therapy had been the most useful treatment to prevent aneurismatic rebleeding(AU)

Microabordaje transciliar supraorbitario en la cirugía de aneurismas intracraneales de la circulación anterior / Supraorbital Keyhole approach in anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms surgery

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados quirúrgicos en pacientes con aneurismas de la circulación anterior usando dos corredores diferentes, el Keyhole supraorbitario (KHSO) y la craneotomía pterional (CPT).Métodos: Se realiza un estudio cuasi–experimental en el que una vez decidido el tratamiento quirúrgico los pacientes fueron asignados a dos grupos en dependencia del abordaje seleccionado, sin aleatorización. El primer grupo quedó constituido por aquellos que fueron operados a través de un KHSO y el segundo grupo por los que fueron abordados a través de una CPT.Resultados: Se estudiaron 125 pacientes de los cuales 77 (61,60 Por ciento), se incluyeron en el grupo KHSO y los 48 restantes (38,40 Por ciento) en el grupo CPT. En total fueron tratados 153 sacos aneurismáticos, 119 rotos (77,77 Por ciento) y 34 (22,23 Por ciento) no rotos, de los cuales 93 pertenecían al grupo KHSO y 60 al grupo CPT.Conclusiones: No existieron diferencias significativas en los resultados entre los grupos, el KHSO representa unaalternativa más en el tratamiento de los aneurismas de la circulación anterior hasta el segmento M1 de la arteria cerebral media(AU)

Objective: To asses surgical results in patients with anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms treated by two different approaches, the supraorbital keyhole and pterional craniotomy.Methods: A non–randomized surgical trial was carried out in which the patients was assigned to KHSO group if the approach selected was supraorbital Keyhole or CPT group if the approach was pterional craniotomy.Results: 125 cases were studied, 77 (61.60 Per cent) in KHSO group and 48 (38.40 Per cent) in CPT group. 153 aneurysmal sacs were treated, 93 in KHSO group and 60 in CPT group, 119 rupture (77.77 Per cent) and 34 without rupture (22.23 Per cent).Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the two groups. The supraorbital Keyhole is an alternative option in surgical treatment of anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms(AU)

Tratamiento de la hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by intracranial aneurysms, experience in 82 patients

Background: One third of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by intracranial aneurysms, die. Aim: Review of medical records of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage treated at a clinical hospital. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients discharged from the hospital between 2006 and 2011 with the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients initially or subsequently treated elsewhere were not analyzed. Results: The medical records of 82 patients aged 24 to 100 years (77% females), were analyzed. The clinical diagnosis at the onset of the condition was correct in 82% of cases. In 95% of patients, an angiographic study and subsequent surgical intervention of the aneurysm were carried out within 24 hours of diagnosis. Global mortality was 23%. Twelve patients died prior to any possible treatment, due to the severity of the disease. Seventy six aneurysms in 70 patients were treated with clips or coils in 37 and 39 cases, respectively. Seven patients died. Forty seven patients had a Rankin disability score of two or less. Conclusions: The presence of an intracranial hematoma or acute hydrocephaly on admission and clinical vasospasm during evolution were associated with a bad prognosis.

Tratamiento endovascular plurimodal de aneurismas múltiples de la circulación anterior. Reporte de un caso / Multimodalities endovascular treatment of multiple aneurysms of the anterior circulation. Case report

Aneurismas cerebrales son una enfermedad grave, a pesar del alto grado de conocimiento respecto su fisiopatología y patogenia. La letalidad de ruptura de un aneurisma cerebral es todavía alrededor de 50%, allá de altas tasas de morbilidad. El tratamiento endovascular ha evolucionado en las últimas décadas para mejorar los resultados. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con síntomas neurológicos graves secundarios a la hemorragia subaracnoidea, cuya investigación mostró múltiples aneurismas. Varios dispositivos fueron utilizados en modalidades terapéuticas endovasculares consecutivas, incluyendo la embolización con remodelación, colocación de stents y desviador de flujo, con buen resultado clínico y angiográfico.

Cerebral aneurysms are a serious illness, despite the high degree of knowledge about its pathophysiology and pathogenesis. The lethality of cerebral aneurysm´s rupture is still about 50% beyond high morbidity. Endovascular treatment has evolved in recent decades to improve outcomes. It is reported the case of a patient with severe neurological symptoms secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage, whose examination showed multiple aneurysms. Several devices were used on consecutive endovascular therapeutic modalities, including remodeling embolization, stenting and flow diverter, with good clinical and angiographic outcome.

Resultados del presillamiento de aneurismas del complejo cerebral anterior-comunicante anterior / Clipping results of complex anterior cerebral aneurysms - anterior communicating

Introducción: Los aneurismas localizados en el complejo arterial cerebral anterior – comunicante anterior cuentan con particularidades que provocan dificultades durante el tratamiento quirúrgico. Se persigue mostrar una panorámica de los principales resultados alcanzados en una serie de pacientes, haciendo énfasis en la determinación de factores de mal pronóstico del tratamiento quirúrgico. Material y métodos: Se practicó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico y transversal en el servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital Universitario “Manuel Ascunce Domenech”, desde el primero de enero de 2006 hasta el primero de enero de 2011 que incluyó a todos los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico a cielo abierto por aneurismas localizados en el complejo arterial cerebral anterior – comunicante anterior. Las variables se obtuvieron a partir de los expedientes clínicos. Mediante el paquete estadístico S.P.S.S v.15.0 se aplicaron técnicas de estadística exploratoria, chi-cuadrado y regresión logística. Resultados: Se operaron 27 pacientes, el 40, 74 por ciento con edades entre 50 y 59 años y el 55, 55 por ciento perteneció al sexo masculino. Presentaron aneurismas saculares 15 enfermos y 22 pequeños, sin que se demostrara relación entre el tamaño y la configuración. El 29, 9 por ciento de la serie presentó aneurismas múltiples. La mortalidad global fue del 3, 7 por ciento y el principal factor de mal pronóstico fue la ruptura aneurismática transoperatoria. Conclusiones: La cirugía a cielo abierto de estos aneurismas brinda buenos resultados, hecho que valida la utilidad que aún mantiene esta variedad de tratamiento.

Introduction: Aneurysms located in the anterior cerebral and anterior communicating arterial complex has particularities that provoke difficulties during the surgical treatment. It is pursued to show a panoramic of the main results reached in a series of patient, making emphasis in the determination of bad prognosis factors related with the surgical treatment. Material and methods: An observational, retrospective, analytic and traverse study was practiced in the service of neurosurgery of the “Manuel Ascunce Domenech” Teaching Hospital, from the first of January of 2006 until the first of January of 2011, all the patients operated for aneurysms located in anterior cerebral and anterior communicant arterial complex were studied. The variables were obtained from the patient´s clinical files. By means of the statistical package S.P.S.S v.15.0, technical of exploratory statistic, as well as chi-square and logistical regression were applied. Results: 27 patients were operated, the 40, 74 percent with ages between 50 and 59 years and the 55, 55 percent belonged to the masculine sex. Saccular aneurysms were presented in 15 patients and in 22 they were small, no relationship was demonstrated between the size and the configuration, 29, 9 percent of the series presents multiple aneurysms. Global mortality was of 3, 7 percent and the main bad prognostic factor was the trans-operatory rupture of the aneurysm. Conclusions: Open surgery for these aneurysms offers good results, fact that been worth the utility that maintains this kind of treatment.

Manejo endovascular de los aneurismas cerebrales de cuello ancho con coils / Endovascular treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms with coils

Los aneurismas cerebrales son una entidad bastante conocida, cuya innovación médica va dirigida al pronto reconocimiento mediante escaneo cerebral con imágenes hasta el tratamiento cada vez menos invasivo, en orden de reducir morbi-mortalidad y permanencia hospitalaria. El tratamiento precoz para los aneurismas cerebrales incluyen la microcirugía con clipping del aneurisma o coiling vía endovascular. Estudios realizados como lo son el ISAT y el ISUIA, exponen estadística que apoya el uso de la terapia endovascular, ante un evidente número de pacientes con bajo porcentaje de morbi-mortalidad que se evidencia en las estadísticas obtenidas. El manejo de los aneurismas intracraneales de cuello ancho bajo esta técnica sigue siendo controversial pues pocos son los trabajos que demuestren oclusión satisfactoria de los mismos. Fue seleccionado de manera retrospectiva de 16 pacientes, con aneurisma de cuello ancho a quienes se realizo embolización con coiling en un periodo de 24 meses.

Aneurismas intracraneales en la infancia / Intracranial aneurysms in childhood

Los aneurismas intracraneales son raros en la población pediátrica, representando sólo del 2 al 3 por ciento de todos los aneurismas diagnosticados; se distinguen de los adultos en el género, topografía, enfermedades sistémicas asociadas y posiblemente en la causa. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue determinar el comportamiento de los aneurismas intracraneales en los niños, así como los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico. Realizamos un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes menores de 16 años, diagnosticados y tratados en nuestro centro, en el período comprendido entre Noviembre de 1991 y Junio del 2010. Nuestra muestra quedó conformada por 9 pacientes, la edad promedio fue de 9.3 años, predominó el sexo masculino y la raza blanca. La hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) fue la forma más común de presentación y el diagnóstico etiológico se realizó con el empleo de la Panangiografía cerebral, AngioTC, así como la AngioRMN. En nuestra muestra predominaron los aneurismas de la circulación anterior. Se intervinieron quirúrgicamente 7 pacientes a los cuales se les realizó presillamiento del cuello aneurismático en 6 casos y reforzamiento a un caso. Dentro de las complicaciones prequirúrgicas, predominó el resangramiento y la hidrocefalia aguda y dentro de las post-quirúrgicas, el vasoespasmo con infarto cerebral. Tres pacientes fallecieron, 2 por complicaciones atribuibles a la hemorragia y el otro a la cirugía. La mortalidad quirúrgica fue de 1/7 pacientes y la global de 3/9 pacientes.

Surgical management in rerupture of internal carotid aneurysm after recanalization treated-coil: a case report

Introduction: Little is known about incidence, anatomical and clinical characteristics and results of endovascular treatment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. This type of the aneurysms can be approached by surgical with low morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation: a 48-year-old woman submitted an endovascular embolization treatment in 2005, and in 2009 presents a new bleeding. The angiography shows that the same aneurysm was ruptured and a surgical repair was proposed. The surgical management shows detachable coils in the brain parenchyma. Conclusion: Some endovascular surgeons preferred the less invasive procedure (endovascular treatment) for intracranial aneurysms, but the surgical repair still remains the best choice for definitive treatment for intracranial aneurysms.

Aneurismas cerebrales de crecimiento rápido: análisis de siete casos ilustrativos / Fast-growing brain aneurysms: analysis of seven illustrative cases

Se seleccionó de manera restrospectiva siete casos de aneurismas cerebrales que demostraron crecimiento rápido en estudios de imágenes subsecuentes. Tres estaban localizados en la circulación anterior (un aneurisma “blood blister like”, uno silviano y un “berry” aneurisma comunicante anterior) y tres en la circulación posterior (aneurismas de arteria basilar). Basado en los seis casos descritos y revisión de literatura, el crecimiento de aneurismas no relacionado al flujo sanguíneo se puede dividir en dos grupos. Uno compuesto por aneurismas aparentemente pequeños en relación al tamaño real al momento del diagnóstico angiográfico debido al trombo luminal o vasoespasmo en la arteria de origen. El otro grupo representado por aneurismas, probablemente disecantes en su origen, que crecen debido a cambios en su pared. El curso natural, así como el tratamiento de estos aneurismas implica un alto riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de los aneurismas intracraneales gigantes de la circulación anterior del circulo de Willis / Surgical treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms of the anterior circulation of the circle of Willis

Introducción: Los aneurismas intracraneales gigantes, son lesiones con características muy particulares, que implican la utilización de métodos quirúrgicos específicos para su exclusión de la circulación, dependientes de su tamaño, localización, morfología, relaciones con otras estructuras neurales y vasculares, así como características propias del saco. Método: Se realiza un estudio descriptivo, de todos los pacientes portadores de aneurismas intracraneales gigantes, que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital “Roberto Rodriguez”, de la ciudad de Morón, en la provincia de Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, en el período comprendido entre enero de 1996 y diciembre del 2008. La evaluación al ingreso fue con la escala de Hunt y Hess, el diagnóstico se obtuvo con imágenes de angiotomografía computarizada multicortes, angioresonancia magnética nuclear o angiografía cerebral. El corredor quirúrgico fue el frontopterional de Yasargil y se emplearon medidas adyuvantes para lograr el presillamiento. Resultados: La muestra estuvo representada por 13 pacientes. Predominaron los aneurismas de la comunicante posterior (61,53 por ciento), ocho (61,54 por ciento), debutaron con una hemorragia subaracnoidea y cinco (38,46 por ciento), con compresión de estructuras adyacentes. De los tres operados en fase aguda, dos fallecieron (ERG I) (66,67 por ciento) y uno (33,33 por ciento) quedó con secuelas severas (ERG III). Los operados en fase tardía, dos (20 por ciento) quedaron con secuelas severas (ERG III), tres (30 por ciento) mostraron secuelas moderadas (ERG IV) y cinco (50 por ciento) quedaron con secuelas ligeras o sin ellas (ERG V). La mortalidad global fue de 15,38 por ciento. Conclusiones: La microcirugía constituye un método eficaz en centros que no cuentan con tratamiento endovascular.

Introduction: The surgical treatment of giant intracraneal aneurysms aims to exclude them from the circulation and to reduce its mass effect while preserving normal vasculature. Method: We have carried out a descriptive study in thirteen patients with a giant aneurysm located in the anterior circulation of Willis circle operated on in neurological surgery department of Moron General Hospital, Ciego de Avila, Cuba between January of 1996 to December of 2008. The neurological status in emergency department was evaluated by Hunt and Hess scale, the results were evaluated by Glasgow outcome scale. The diagnosis was obtained by CT scan, MRI and conventional angiography. Results: From thirteen aneurysms, 9 were excluded of circulation (69,23 percent), 7 were clipped, 2 were trapped and 4 reinforced. Three patients were operated on in acute phase with poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, two of them died (66,67 percent) (GOS I), and one (33,33 percent) had a severe disability (GOS III). Delayed surgery was carried out in 10 patients, two of them (20 percent) showed severe disability (GOS III), 3 (30 percent) had moderate disability and 5 (50 percent) had favorable outcome (GOS 5). The global mortality in the group was 15,38 percent. Conclusion: Microsurgery is the more important treatment in countries without possibilities of endovascular treatment for giant intracranial aneurysms.

Mejora de los resultados en la hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea: proyecto EHSA / Improving the outcomes in spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage: The Ehsa project

Objetivo. Investigar nuestras prácticas clínicas, a fin de identificar oportunidades de mejora en el manejo medicoquirúrgicode las hemorragias subaracnoideas (HSA) espontáneas. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio de cohortes, longitudinal,prospectivo, de las HSA atendidas consecutivamente en los servicios de cuidados críticos y urgencias de 29 hospitales públicosde Andalucía durante 20 meses, de 2000 a 2002. Se consideraron HSA los accidentes cerebrovasculares hemorrágicosagudos con este diagnóstico tomográfico. Se analizaron los resultados a 12 meses y el manejo asistencial (terapéutica médicay quirúrgica, técnicas diagnósticas, tiempos asistenciales y complicaciones neurológicas específicas), comparándolo conlas prácticas clínicas que la evidencia científica ha demostrado de mayor utilidad. Se catalogaron como muertes potencialmenteevitables los óbitos por resangrado en pacientes sin estudio arteriográfico o sin exclusión del aneurisma. Resultados.Se incluyeron 506 HSA. Se perdió durante el seguimiento el 5% de la muestra. Fallecieron 155 enfermos. Las variables no modificablesde riesgo independiente para la mortalidad fueron: edad, género masculino, antecedente de hipertensión arterial,coma a la recepción hospitalaria e hidrocefalia. Las variables influenciables de riesgo independiente para fallecer resultaronser: ausencia de analgesia urgente, carencia de diagnóstico arteriográfico, aparición de deterioro neurológico isquémico yresangrado. El 20% de la mortalidad global podría considerarse potencialmente evitable. Conclusiones. Aunque la letalidades mayoritariamente dependiente de variables médicamente no influenciables (sexo, edad, antecedentes, gravedad clínica ehidrocefalia), los decesos, en un 20%, están asociados a factores modificables (AU)

Aim. To investigate our clinical practices with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve the medico-surgicalmanagement of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhages (SAH). Patients and methods. A prospective, longitudinal cohortstudy was conducted of the cases of SAH attended consecutively in the critical care and emergency services in 29 publichospitals in Andalusia over a period of 20 months, between the years 2000 and 2002. SAH were considered to be acutehaemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents diagnosed as such by imaging. Results at 12 months and care management (medicaland surgical therapy, diagnostic techniques, care times and specific neurological complications) were analysed and the latterwas then compared with the clinical practices that scientific evidence has proved to be the most useful. Deaths due torebleeding in patients with no arteriographic study or without exclusion of the aneurysm were catalogued as potentiallyavoidable deaths. Results. A total of 506 SAH were included. During the follow-up 5% of the sample were lost. In all 155patients died. The non-modifiable independent risk variables for mortality were: age, being male, history of arterial hypertension,coma on arrival at the hospital and hydrocephalus. The independent risk variables for death that can be influenced were: absence of urgent analgesic, no arteriographic diagnosis, appearance of ischaemic neurological impairment and rebleeding. Twenty per cent of the overall mortality could be considered potentially avoidable. Conclusions. Although fatality is mostly dependent on variables that cannot be influenced (sex, age, history, clinical severity and hydrocephalus), 20% of deaths are associated to modifiable factors (AU)

Surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms: six-year experience in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

A hemorragia subaracnóidea espontânea é responsável por cerca de 5 a 10% de todos os acidentes vasculares cerebrais, com uma incidência mundial de 10,5 / 100000 pessoas/ano, variando em estudos individuais de 1,1 a 96 / 100000 pessoas / ano, de acordo com diferenças étnicas e geográficas. Estudos angiográficos e de necropsia sugerem que a presença de aneurismas intracranianos ocorre em 0,5-5% da população mundial. De acordo com estatísticas norte-americanas, ocorrem cerca de 30000 rupturas de aneurisma cerebral por ano naquele país, com conseqüências desastrosas para grande parte dos pacientes: cerca de 60% morrem ou permanecem com seqüelas neurológicas graves. Relatamos a experiência do nosso serviço num período de seis anos no tratamento dos aneurismas intracranianos em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Foram revistos os prontuários e descrições de cirurgia de todos os pacientes operados para tratamento de aneurismas intracranianos no período de janeiro de 1997 a janeiro de 2003. Quatrocentos e setenta e sete pacientes foram submetidos a 525 procedimentos cirúrgicos para tratamento de 630 aneurismas. A maior parte dos pacientes era do sexo feminino, na quarta e quinta décadas de vida. Aneurismas de circulação anterior foram mais freqüentes, e a localização mais comum foi a artéria cerebral média. O período de seguimento dos pacientes variou de um mês a 5 anos. A avaliação do resultado foi feita de acordo com a "Glasgow Outcome Scale" (GOS) por ocasião da alta hospitalar, com 296 pacientes em GOS 5 (62,1%), 66 (13,9%) em GOS 4, 49 (8,7%) em GOS 3, 8 (1,7%) em GOS 2 e 70 (14,8%) em GOS 1.

Tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas não rotos da artéria cerebral média / Surgical treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms

Descrevemos nossa experiência no tratamento microcirúrgico de 34 pacientes portadores de aneurismas não rotos da artéria cerebral média. Houve prevalência no sexo masculino. Oitenta e três por cento dos aneurismas apresentava tamanho menor que 10 mm. Não houve óbito na presente série, com morbidade de 3 por cento após 1 ano. Indicamos, portanto, microcirurgia como tratamento de escolha para os aneurismas não rotos da artéria cerebral média.