Primary endovascular embolisation of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM)-UK single centre experience.

PURPOSE: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated at our institution with modern techniques of endovascular intervention were analysed for the rate of complete occlusion, associated morbidity, and mortality. To our knowledge, this is the first series from the UK evaluating the effectiveness of endovascular embolisation as a primary treatment for selected cases. METHODS: All newly referred AVMs between January 2017 and June 2022 were reviewed and those treated with primary endovascular intervention were identified. Details of the endovascular procedures were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In 5½ years, 41.1% of AVMs referred to our institution have been triaged for primary endovascular intervention. Sixty-eight AVMs were embolised and followed-up: 44 ruptured and 24 unruptured. Spetzler-Martin grading varied from I to III, and a single AVM was grade IV. The approach was arterial in 73.5%, solely venous in 7.4%, and combined in 19.1%. The mean follow-up was 18 months for imaging and 26 months for clinical assessment. Complete obliteration was achieved in 95.6%. Ruptured AVM cohort: The rate of functional deterioration was 13.6%. Unruptured AVM cohort: The rate of functional deterioration secondary to complications from embolisation was 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular embolisation may be a favourable option for primary AVM treatment in carefully selected patients. However, selection criteria need to be better delineated for more specialists to consider this as a primary therapy.

Multi-modality treatment approach for paediatric AVMs with quality-of-life outcome measures.

PURPOSE: Despite the potentially devastating and permanently disabling effects of paediatric arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs), there is a paucity of studies reporting long-term quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in AVM patients. We aim to evaluate the management strategies for paediatric intracranial pAVMs in the UK and long-term QoL outcomes using a validated paediatric quality-of-life outcome measure. METHODS: In this single-centre case-series, we retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of all paediatric patients (i.e. 0-18 years old) with intracranial AVMs, who were managed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital from July 2007 to December 2021. We also collected the PedsQL 4.0 score for these patients as a measure of QoL. RESULTS: Fifty-two AVMs were included in our analysis. Forty (80%) were ruptured, 8 (16%) required emergency intervention, 17 (35%) required elective surgery, 15 (30%) underwent endovascular embolisation, and 15 (30%) patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. There was an 88% overall obliteration rate. Two (4%) pAVMs rebled, and there were no mortalities. Overall, the mean time from diagnosis to definitive treatment was 144 days (median 119; range 0-586). QoL outcomes were collected for 26 (51%) patients. Ruptured pAVM presentation was associated with worse QoL (p = 0.0008). Location impacted psychosocial scores significantly (71.4, 56.9, and 46.6 for right supratentorial, left supratentorial, and infratentorial, respectively; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This study shows a staged multi-modality treatment approach to pAVMs is safe and effective, with superior obliteration rates with surgery alone. QoL scores are impacted by AVM presentation and location regardless of treatment modality.

Screening for cerebrovascular disorder on the basis of family history in asymptomatic children.

Background: Cerebrovascular disorders represent a group of uncommon, heterogeneous, and complex conditions in children. We reviewed the screening practice for the detection of cerebrovascular disorder in asymptomatic children referred to our neurovascular service on the basis of a positive family history and parental and/or treating physician concern.Methods: Retrospective case-note review of referrals to our neurovascular service (July 2008-April 2018). Patients were included if the referral was made for screening, on the basis of a positive family history of cerebrovascular disorder. Symptomatic children, those with previous cranial imaging, or children under the care of a clinical geneticist (i.e. due to the child or their relative having HHT or mutations in KRIT1) were not eligible for inclusion.Results: Forty-one children were reviewed, 22 males (Median age 10.7 years, range 0.6-15.6 years). This represented 22% of the total number of referrals over a 10-year period. Twenty-nine children had an MRI/MRA brain. Twenty-eight children were referred due to a family history of intracranial aneurysm and/or subarachnoid haemorrhage, but only two had two first-degree relatives affected. Ten children were referred due to a family history of arteriovenous malformation. Three children were referred due to a family history of stroke. No cerebrovascular disease was detected during the study period (n = 29).Conclusions: Parental and/or physician concern generated a substantial number of referrals but no pathology was detected after screening. Whilst general screening guidance exists for the detection of intracranial aneurysms, consensus guidelines for the screening of children with a positive family history do not, but are required both to guide clinical practice and to assuage parental and/or physician concerns.

Safety and efficacy of intracranial aneurysm embolization using the "combined remodeling technique": low-profile stents delivered through double lumen balloons: a multicenter experience.

PURPOSE: Since appearance of the balloon-remodeling technique and stent-assisted coiling, complex aneurysms have been treated successfully by endovascular means worldwide. Although these two techniques have been widely proven, the combination of both traditionally made the procedures more complicated technically. The aim of our study was to determine the technical success, safety, and efficacy of the low-profile stents delivered through double lumen balloons. METHODS: Clinical, procedural, and angiographic data were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients (55 women; age range 20-81 years) harboring 86 aneurysms were included in this study. Aneurysm maximal diameter ranged from 2 to 26 mm, with mean 7.5 mm. There were 62 unruptured, 15 recanalized, and 9 acutely ruptured aneurysms. Aneurysm locations were ACoA (31), MCA (36), supraclinoid ICA (4), carotid bifurcation (2), basilar (7), PCA (3), PICA (2), and VA (1). Ninety-three devices were implanted (63 LVIS jr, 15 LEO Baby, 14 ACCLINO Flex and 1 Neuroform Atlas) through the double lumen balloons (Scepter C or XC and Eclipse 2 L). We found 2 minor clinical events (2.4%) and 1 major event (1.2%). Total intra-procedural technical complication rate was 11.6%. Follow-up was available for 71 patients with an average follow-up of 7 months. Complete and near complete occlusion was 90.1%. Residual aneurysms were seen in 9.9%. CONCLUSION: The "combined remodeling technique" with low-profile stents delivered through double-lumen balloons is technically feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. This technique allows the operator to avoid extra maneuvers.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula mistaken as cervical transverse myelitis.

We describe a man with an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula that presented as a subacute longitudinally extensive cervical myelopathy. The uncommon location of the fistula and the absence of specific radiological signs resulted in initial misdiagnosis as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Neurologists should have a high index of suspicion for dural arteriovenous fistula in older men, especially those with subacute or chronic symptoms, acellular cerebrospinal fluid and, particularly, if there is neurological deterioration soon after corticosteroid treatment. Patients need early angiography to identify this treatable cause of myelopathy.

Simultaneous bilateral application of the Scepter mini balloon microcatheter for occlusion of ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare entity accounting for 10 % of all dAVFs.3-6 Haemorrhage occurs in up to 91 % of cases, which is a particularly high risk and warrants therapeutic intervention.8-9 Endovascular treatment for these fistulas using the conventional detachable microcatheter technique is associated with certain limitations and risks; 8.3 % rate of incomplete obliteration and an 8.3 % rate of complications. Complications include reflux of liquid embolic agent, posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, acute visual loss, and small subdural haematoma secondary to a micro-perforation.8,10-12 We present our recent experience with the Scepter Mini Balloon Microcatheter for the endovascular treatment of ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas in 3 patients, involving bilateral simultaneous inflation of the balloon. It demonstrates a novel application of this technology with good outcomes. It supports the use of this microcatheter in treating ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas endovascularly, either as a first-line option or as an adjunct to surgery.

The Angiographic and Clinical Follow-up Outcomes of the Wide-Necked and Complex Intracranial Aneurysms Treated With LVIS EVO-Assisted Coiling.

BACKGROUND: The Low Profile Visible Intraluminal Support EVO (LVIS EVO) is a self-expandable braided stent, which was recently introduced for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Full visibility of the stent and a relatively high metal coverage ratio are the unique features of the LVIS EVO. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, efficacy, and midterm durability of LVIS EVO stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: The endovascular databases were reviewed to identify patients treated with LVIS EVO-assisted coiling. The technical success and immediate clinical/angiographic outcomes were assessed. Periprocedural and delayed complications were evaluated. The follow-up angiographic/clinical outcomes were investigated. The preprocedural/follow-up neurological statuses were assessed with the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: One hundred three aneurysms in 103 patients (63 females) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 11.3 years were included. The mean maximum sac diameter was 6.2 ± 2.9 mm. The procedural technical success rate was 100%. Immediate postprocedural angiography showed complete occlusion in 77.7%. The mean duration of the angiographic follow-up was 8.8 ± 3.6 months. Follow-up angiography showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 89% of the 82 patients with angiographic follow-up. Recanalization was observed in 7.3% of 82 patients. Two patients (2.4%) required retreatment. In addition, 8.7% of the patients had at least 1 complication, and 2.9% of the patients developed a permanent morbidity. All patients had mRS scores ≤2. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that SAC with LVIS EVO is a relatively safe, efficient, and durable treatment for wide-necked and complex intracranial aneurysms.

Management of WEB device migration and mal-position in endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

With increasing advances in technology, the breadth of aneurysms that are treatable via an endovascular approach has increased. Wide necked aneurysms remain difficult to treat but the emergence of dedicated intrasaccular flow disruption devices such as the Woven EndoBridge (WEB, Micorvention) has increasingly seen previously ruptured and unruptured wide necked aneurysms successfully embolised and secured from the circulation using a single device.We are reporting two cases of WEB device treatment from the earliest experience with this device at our institution. These were complicated by partial extrusion in one case and remote migration of the WEB device in another case. Our initial cases highlight the importance of case selection and the need for accurate WEB sizing which are paramount to ensure complete occlusion of the aneurysm without complications of dislocation or extrusion into the parent vessel. Since then, we have performed over 170 cases with the WEB device. We also present a comprehensive review of the limited literature available on the management of mal-positioned and dislocated WEB devices. This allows us to reflect on how to avoid these complications and the different management options at the disposal of the neuro-interventionalist once such a complication has already occured. Rescue devices and manoeuvres that we reflect on include microcatheter manipulation, alligator retrieval device, stent retrievers, microsnares, aspiration, and stenting. Ultimately, each case needs to be individually evaluated and the best strategy selected depends on the context and specific circumstances.

A case series of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae mimicking cervical myelitis: a diagnosis not to be missed.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic features of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) presenting with cervical cord or brainstem swelling. METHODS: Retrospective case note and neuroimaging review of patients with angiographically confirmed DAVF diagnosed during January 2015-June 2020 at a tertiary neuroscience centre (Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK). RESULTS: Six intracranial DAVF causing cervical cord or brainstem oedema (all males aged 60-69 years) and 27 spinal DAVF (88% thoracolumbar) were detected over a 5.5-year period. Significantly more patients with intracranial DAVF received steroids for presumed inflammatory myelitis than those with spinal DAVF (5/6 vs 1/27, p = 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). Several factors misled the treating clinicians: atypical rostral location of cord oedema (6/6); acute clinical deterioration (4/6); absence (3/6) or failure to recognise (3/6) subtle dilated perimedullary veins on MRI; intramedullary gadolinium enhancement (2/6); and elevated CSF protein (4/5). Acute deterioration followed steroid treatment in 4/5 patients. The following features may suggest DAVF rather than myelitis: older male patients (6/6), symptomatic progression over 4 or more weeks (6/6) and acellular CSF (5/5). CONCLUSION: Intracranial DAVF are uncommon but often misdiagnosed and treated as myelitis, which can cause life-threatening deterioration. Neurologists must recognise suggestive features and consider angiography, especially in older male patients. Dilated perimedullary veins are an important clue to underlying DAVF, but may be invisible or easily missed on routine MRI sequences.

Distal access using hyperflexible atraumatic distal tip with optimized proximal stability of the Benchmark intracranial guide catheter for the treatment of cerebral vascular diseases: a technical note.

BACKGROUND: A stable guide catheter position within the intracranial vasculature is critical for safe, successful endovascular treatment. OBJECTIVE: To present ourinitial experience with the 0.071 inch inner diameter Benchmark guide catheter used in the treatment of intracranial cerebrovascular pathologies, demonstrating its safety and efficacy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed use of the Benchmark guide catheter from September through December 2014 in the management of various neuroendovascular intracranial pathologies. Clinical performance and complication rates were evaluated, with particular consideration of vessel tortuosity. A total of 62 Benchmarks were used, 47 in the anterior circulation, 10 in the posterior circulation, 4 in the external carotid, and 1 in the venous sinus. The five cases with access to the external carotid and venous sinus were excluded. RESULTS: The Benchmark was able to cross at least one 90° turn in 49 (86%) of the 57 patients. Reversal of the catheter was seen in 15% of 47 anterior circulation cases (4 at one 90° turn; 3 at two 90° turns). We report no complications of dissection or thromboembolic events. All guide catheter positions were safely achieved over a 0.035 Terumo stiff glidewire without need for an inner smaller lumen guide catheter for navigation. CONCLUSIONS: Benchmark is a new guide catheter, with an ideal combination of both hyperflexible, atraumatic distal tip and optimized proximal shaft support to provide stable 6F primary access for a successful neurointerventional procedure. Benchmark can be easily, safely, and consistently positioned in a desired location within intracranial arteries providing a stable position for intervention and adequate angiography.

Novel use of 4D-CTA in imaging of intranidal aneurysms in an acutely ruptured arteriovenous malformation: is this the way forward?

Ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a frequent cause of intracranial hemorrhage. The presence of associated aneurysms, especially intranidal aneurysms, is considered to increase the risk of re-hemorrhage. We present two cases where an intranidal aneurysm was demonstrated on four-dimensional CT angiography (time-resolved CT angiography) (4D-CTA). These features were confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (catheter arterial angiogram). This is the first report of an intranidal aneurysm demonstrated by 4D-CTA. 4D-CTA can offer a comprehensive evaluation of the angioarchitecture and flow dynamics of an AVM for appropriate classification and management.

Recurrent life-threatening haemoptysis from a bleeding vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm: A diagnostic dilemma.

A bleeding vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare cause of haemoptysis. Pseudoaneurysm can arise due to radionecrosis from previous radiotherapy in the base of skull and neck region and may present with haemoptysis many years later. It is important to be aware of this entity in the work-up of haemoptysis, particularly in patients with previous base of skull and neck radiotherapy. Our patient was successfully treated with endovascular occlusion.

Initial experience of coiling cerebral aneurysms using the new Comaneci device.

We present our initial patient experience with an innovative temporary bridging device, the Comaneci (Rapid Medical, Israel), to assist in the coiling of cerebral aneurysms. The Comaneci device confers the same benefits as balloon remodeling but without the risks of parent artery occlusion. This alleviates time pressure on the clinician, and could reduce the risk of parent artery thrombosis. Three patients were treated with the Comaneci device. Two patients had acute ruptured posterior communicating aneurysms and one patient was treated electively for a carotico-ophthalmic aneurysm. Excellent occlusion of all three aneurysms was obtained. One patient developed a distal middle cerebral artery clot, that was treated with intravenous aspirin, with minor neurological consequences. These early results show that the Comaneci device can be used to achieve good cerebral aneurysm occlusion. Vessel patency is maintained throughout the procedure with potential advantages over conventional balloon assisted coiling.

Accuracy of four-dimensional CT angiography in detection and characterisation of arteriovenous malformations and dural arteriovenous fistulas.

A retrospective review was made to assess the accuracy of four dimensional CT angiogram (4D-CTA) in diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), with catheter-based digital-subtraction angiogram (DSA) being gold standard. 33 pairs of investigations (DSA and 4D-CTA) were performed primarily for suspicion of AVM/DAVF. Based on blinded reports, sensitivity and specificity for detection of AVM/DAVF were 77% (95% CI: 46-95%) and 100% (95% CI: 83-100%) respectively. Positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI: 69-100%) and negative predictive value 87% (95% CI: 66-97%). 4D-CTA is a practical minimally-invasive technique for evaluating cerebrovascular pathologies. There is good agreement between the findings of 4D-CTA and DSA despite the differences in temporal and spatial resolutions. 4D-CTA may obviate the need for DSA in a subgroup of patients who would otherwise have undergone this invasive investigation, which carries a risk of important complications.

Novel use of 4D-CTA in imaging of intranidal aneurysms in an acutely ruptured arteriovenous malformation: is this the way forward?

Ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a frequent cause of intracranial hemorrhage. The presence of associated aneurysms, especially intranidal aneurysms, is considered to increase the risk of re-hemorrhage. We present two cases where an intranidal aneurysm was demonstrated on four-dimensional CT angiography (time-resolved CT angiography) (4D-CTA). These features were confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (catheter arterial angiogram). This is the first report of an intranidal aneurysm demonstrated by 4D-CTA. 4D-CTA can offer a comprehensive evaluation of the angioarchitecture and flow dynamics of an AVM for appropriate classification and management.

Initial experience of coiling cerebral aneurysms using the new Comaneci device.

We present our initial patient experience with an innovative temporary bridging device, the Comaneci (Rapid Medical, Israel), to assist in the coiling of cerebral aneurysms. The Comaneci device confers the same benefits as balloon remodeling but without the risks of parent artery occlusion. This alleviates time pressure on the clinician, and could reduce the risk of parent artery thrombosis. Three patients were treated with the Comaneci device. Two patients had acute ruptured posterior communicating aneurysms and one patient was treated electively for a carotico-ophthalmic aneurysm. Excellent occlusion of all three aneurysms was obtained. One patient developed a distal middle cerebral artery clot, that was treated with intravenous aspirin, with minor neurological consequences. These early results show that the Comaneci device can be used to achieve good cerebral aneurysm occlusion. Vessel patency is maintained throughout the procedure with potential advantages over conventional balloon assisted coiling.