Endovascular treatment for large (> 10 mm) basilar tip aneurysms: a retrospective case series.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of the endovascular treatment of large/giant basilar tip aneurysms (BTAs) in our institutions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of BTA larger than 10 mm that received endovascular treatment between January 2009 and December 2019. Data on the demographic and clinical characteristics and radiologic severity were obtained from the patients' medical records. The collected clinical follow-up data included neurological evaluation. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed 6 to 12 months after the procedure, followed by once every 1 to 2 years as needed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with BTA were included in this study. The median age was 60.08 years (27-80 years), and the mean clinical follow-up was 66.78 months (19.00-142.87 months). Almost half of the patients presented with unruptured BTAs (58.33%, n = 7). The median maximum aneurysm diameter was 13.00 mm (10.46-20.90 mm) and the mean neck size was 8.34 mm (4.82-13.04 mm). A Modified Raymond Roy Classification (MRRC1) of 1 or 2 was observed in 66.67% of the patients (n = 8) immediately after the first procedure. Procedural morbidity and mortality were 33.33% and 8.33%, respectively. Major recanalization occurred in two patients, one of whom underwent additional coiling with the other being merely observed due to older age. CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to cure a large BTA completely at once and recanalization occurred often after endovascular treatment. Conducting long-term follow-up studies at short intervals is warranted, as well as improving existing treatment methods and developing new approaches.

High-flow bypass with radial artery graft followed by internal carotid artery ligation for large or giant aneurysms of cavernous or cervical portion: clinical results and cognitive performance.

High-flow bypass followed by ligation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an effective treatment, but the impact of abrupt occlusion of the ICA is unpredictable, especially on postoperative cognitive function. The present study evaluated the clinical results as well as cognitive performances after high-flow bypass using radial artery graft (RAG) with supportive superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass, followed by ICA ligation. Ten consecutive patients underwent high-flow bypass surgery for large or giant ICA aneurysms of cavernous or cervical portion. Demographics, clinical information, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials, neuropsychological examinations including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), and follow-up data were analyzed. The aneurysm was located on the cavernous segment in eight cases and cervical segment in two cases, and mean aneurysm size was 27.9 mm. Postoperative DSA demonstrated robust bypass flow from the external carotid artery to MCA via the RAG, and no anterograde flow into the aneurysm. No patient showed new symptoms after the operation. Follow-up clinical study and MR imaging were performed in nine patients and showed no additional ischemic lesion compared with preoperative imaging. Seven patients completed neuropsychological examinations before and after surgery. All postoperative scores except WMS-R composite memory score slightly improved. High-flow bypass followed by ICA ligation can achieve good clinical outcomes. Successful high-flow bypass using RAG with supportive STA-MCA bypass and ICA ligation does not adversely affect postoperative cognitive function.

Formation of a Large Fusiform Aneurysm near a Medullary Infarction Caused by Dissection of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery.

Infarction of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) can lead to ischemic stroke in the lateral medullary oblongata. PICA dissection can also elicit an ischemic event in this region, but its detection on radiological images is difficult because of the small diameter of the vessel. We report a case of Wallenberg syndrome due to PICA dissection in a 48-year-old man, which was difficult to diagnose on first admission. He reported sudden onset of sensory disturbance on the right side of his face, ataxic gait, and headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a fresh cerebral infarct in the right lateral medulla oblongata. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) performed at the time of his admission showed no cerebral vessel abnormalities. An MRI study 18 months after the event revealed a fusiform aneurysm on the lateral medullary segment of the PICA, which was extremely close to the cerebral infarct. We concluded that the infarct was due to PICA dissection because of the sudden onset of symptoms and because the infarcted territory of the occluded penetrating branch of the dissecting aneurysm was consistent with Wallenberg syndrome. The aneurysm was trapped and an occipital artery-PICA bypass was placed. At the latest follow-up, 1 year after the procedure, he had no neurological symptoms. Imaging findings at the time of his first admission indicated that the PICA was intact. However, 18 months later, MRI revealed enlargement of an aneurysm at the site of the dissection. A cerebral infarct with headache may indicate PICA dissection.

The Influence of Aneurysm Size on the Outcomes of Endovascular Management for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages: A Comparison of the Treatment Results of Patients with Large and Small Aneurysms.

The influence of aneurysm size on the outcomes of endovascular management (EM) for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAH) is poorly understood. To evaluate the outcomes of EM for ruptured large cerebral aneurysms, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with aSAH that were treated with coiling between 2013 and 2020 and compared the differences in outcomes depending on aneurysm size. A total of 469 patients with aSAH were included; 73 patients had aneurysms measuring ≥10 mm in diameter (group L), and 396 had aneurysms measuring <10 mm in diameter (group S). The median age; the percentage of patients that were classified as World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade 1, 2, or 3; and the frequency of intracerebral hemorrhages differed significantly between group L and group S (p = 0.0105, p = 0.0075, and p = 0.0458, respectively). There were no significant differences in the frequencies of periprocedural hemorrhagic or ischemic events. Conversely, rebleeding after the initial treatment was significantly more common in group L than in group S (6.8% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.0372). The frequency of a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at discharge was significantly lower (p = 0.0012) and the mortality rate was significantly higher (p = 0.0023) in group L than in group S. After propensity-score matching, there were no significant differences in complications and outcomes between the two groups. Rebleeding was more common in large aneurysm cases. However, propensity-score matching indicated that the outcomes of EM for aSAH may not be affected markedly by aneurysm size.

Endovascular treatment of medium and large intracranial aneurysms with large volume coils: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Large volume coils are an alternative to conventional coils for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, there are no published reports documenting occlusion and complication rates in medium and large intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, we present our results in this subgroup of aneurysms. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with Penumbra coils 400 in aneurysms ≥7 mm was performed. Demographics, aneurysm features, procedural details, intraoperative complications, clinical outcomes, and occlusion rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included for analysis, and a total of 33 intracranial aneurysms were analyzed. Mean age was 57.6 years (SD ± 12.4) and 85% of the patients were women. Large aneurysms represented 46% of cases. Paraclinoid (55%) followed by posterior communicating (30.3%) aneurysms was the most frequently treated. Ruptured and saccular aneurysms were found in 49% and 63% of the cases, respectively. The mean aneurysmal dimensions were 14.2 mm width, 11.9 mm length, 5.4 mm neck, and 2.4 dome-to-neck ratio. A dome-neck ratio <2 was identified in 39% of cases. The mean number of coils per aneurysm was 4.8. Immediate modified Raymond-Roy Grades 1, 2, and 3A were achieved in 15%, 21%, and 64%, respectively. Twenty-six patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 11 months, with an adequate occlusion of 92% and a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin score ≤2) in 96% of patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment with PC400 coils is an effective and safe option for medium and large intracranial aneurysms with high occlusion rates, few complications, and good clinical outcomes at follow-up.

Treatment Outcomes After Single-Device Flow Diversion for Large or Giant Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-device flow diversion in patients with aneurysms measuring ≥15 mm in diameter. METHODS: For this retrospective study, we extracted medical record data for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms, who underwent flow diversion, at the authors' institution between July 2014 and August 2019. The primary effectiveness outcome was defined as angiographic occlusion of the target aneurysm within 18 months without major (>50%) parent artery stenosis, major adverse events, or additional treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five aneurysms in 35 patients were analyzed. Most aneurysms (n = 29, 82.9%) involved the anterior circulation. The median aneurysmal diameter was 18.3 mm, and the median neck size was 7.6 mm. Eleven (31.4%) aneurysms were considered giant (≥25 mm). The primary effectiveness outcome was achieved in 20 (57.1%) patients at a median of 10 months (interquartile range, 4.3-12.5) after flow diversion. Major adverse events occurred in 6 (17.1%) patients, including remote intraparenchymal hemorrhages (n = 2), a major ischemic stroke (n = 1), a delayed rupture of the target aneurysm (n = 1), and clinical deterioration caused by aggravated mass effect (n = 2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found 2 independent predictors of the primary effectiveness outcome: the aneurysmal diameter (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.86; P = 0.004) and the parent-vessel angle (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Single-device flow diversion was shown to be ineffective for large or giant intracranial aneurysms with a high parent vessel angle.

Trauma may affect vasa vasorum to promote thrombosis and enlargement of intracranial aneurysms: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosed intracranial aneurysm (IA) is likely to occur in large or giant IAs. Almost all thrombosed IAs are found already in a thrombosed state, and few reports have depicted the process of thrombosis in unthrombosed aneurysm. Moreover, no reports appear to have described IA in which thrombosis accelerated after trauma. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report herein a case in which an unthrombosed large cerebral aneurysm rapidly thrombosed and grew within 3 months after trauma. The highlight in this unusual case was that during surgery, the aneurysm and anterior skull base were adherent and some blood vessels bridged between the aneurysm and dura mater. Histologically, intramural hemorrhage was seen in the tunica media of the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Trauma may act as a "second hit" causing adhesion between IAs and surrounding tissues, accelerating inflammation of the vasa vasorum and aneurysmal walls, and thrombosis in IAs.

Retrograde T-Stent Technique for Large, Wide-Necked Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm.

Objective: We report a case of a wide-necked internal carotid-posterior communicating (IC-Pcom) artery aneurysm treated by the retrograde T-stent technique in which a stent was also placed in the Pcom artery via the posterior circulation. Case Presentation: A 35-year-old woman was diagnosed with an unruptured right IC-Pcom artery aneurysm (maximum diameter: 11 mm, neck diameter: 8.5 mm) during a detailed examination for vertigo. The Pcom artery (2.1 mm) branched from the aneurysmal dome. A microcatheter was guided in retrograde via the Pcom artery from the posterior circulation. A low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) Jr. 2.5 mm × 17 mm was deployed from the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the Pcom artery, and then, an LVIS 4.5 mm × 23 mm was deployed while pressing the flare of the LVIS Jr. protruding into the ICA. T configuration stenting was completed, and the coil was inserted as tightly as possible. Conclusion: The retrograde T-stent technique, which has the advantage of optimal stent positioning, is useful for preserving a Pcom artery branching from the aneurysmal dome.

Two Patients with Large Aneurysms in Whom Coil Embolization with Overlapping LVIS Stents Was Performed.

Objective: We report two patients with unruptured large aneurysms treated by overlapping stent-assisted coil embolization using low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) stents. Case Presentation: Case 1: An 80-year-old woman presented with abducens nerve palsy due to an internal carotid artery aneurysm. Case 2: A 75-year-old man presented with a partially thrombosed fusiform aneurysm in the vertebral artery (VA). Both patients were treated by overlapping LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization (overlapping LSACE). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) a few months after embolization demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm, although immediate angiography revealed dome filling. Conclusion: Overlapping LSACE may be an effective treatment method for aneurysms that are difficult to treat by standard SACE and result in better flow-diverting effects.

Microsurgical Nuances of Clipping a Large Thrombosed Aneurysm with Intraoperative Dome Incision and Ultrasonic Aspiration.

We present the case of a 64-year-old male with a 5-day history of headaches. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a 15 mm × 15 mm diameter aneurysm in the left middle cerebral artery arising in the region of the first branch of the middle cerebral artery-second branch of the middle cerebral artery (M2) bifurcation. Angiography revealed the lesion arose from the M2 vessel that contained a large amount of thrombus. Follow-up magnetic resonance angiography at 2 months revealed an enlargement of the lesion (16 mm × 17 mm), while a follow-up angiogram showed a decrease in the filling component of the lesion, suggesting further thrombosis. Given its rapid growth, endovascular and surgical options were considered and microsurgery was decided on. The aneurysm was accessed through the Sylvian fissure, and the M2 vessel was identified at the neck of the lesion where it entered and exited. We performed an intraaneurysmal thrombus evacuation to make the lesion clippable.1,2 We used a No. 11 blade and opened the dome away from the neck. Through this 3- to 4-mm incision, we inserted the tip of the ultrasonic aspirator device and used it to evacuate the thrombus in a circumferential fashion. This allowed for wall-to-wall apposition when deploying the aneurysm clip. A Sugita 15-mm clip (Mizuho America Inc., Los Angeles, California, USA) was used to obliterate the lesion. Both microvascular ultrasound and intraoperative angiography were used to confirm patency and flow distal to the aneurysm. In Video 1, we narrate the case and essential details of this approach. Neither Institutional Review Board nor patient consent was required to report this case with no identifiable patient information.

A Patient with a Large Aneurysm Complicated by Stenosis of the Internal Carotid Artery Distal to the Aneurysm in Whom Treatment Using a Pipeline Flex Was Performed.

Objective: We report a case of in-stent stenosis as a complication at 6 months after the deployment of Pipeline Flex. This case necessitated retreatment for parent artery occlusion. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old woman with right-side visual disorder was referred to our hospital for the deployment of Pipeline Flex. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated a large right-side paraclinoid aneurysm in combination with severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis just beyond the aneurysm. We deployed Pipeline Flex under general anesthesia. After deployment, we performed angioplasty through the Pipeline. Six months after deployment, this patient exhibited exacerbation of visual disorder. Follow-up DSA revealed in-stent stenosis at 6 months after the deployment of Pipeline Flex. Therefore, we performed parent artery occlusion. Right-side visual disorder was improved in this patient. Conclusion: If Pipeline is deployed for patients with ICA stenosis just beyond an aneurysm, we need to be aware of in-stent stenosis after deployment.

Acute Recanalization of a Partially Thrombosed Large Intracranial Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosed large intracranial aneurysms (TLIAs) are not continuously contemplated as stable lesions. Spontaneous recanalization of completely occluded large intracranial aneurysms has been described previously. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a middle-aged patient presenting with agitation, acute headache, visual field defects, and left hemiparesis. A large thrombosed posterior communicating (PCom) artery aneurysm was identified with an infarct at the same arterial territory on neuroimaging studies. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed 1 week later demonstrated complete recanalization of the TLIA. It was treated endovascularly with coils. The patient returned several days later with augmenting headaches due to quadrigeminal system subarachnoid hemorrhage. Repeat DSA showed filling of the coiled aneurysm from the internal carotid artery injection. The PCom artery was catheterized and deconstructed. The patient was discharged to home with no additional neurologic deficits. CONCLUSIONS: TLIAs are insidious vascular lesions. They can cause nerve or vessel damage by a mass effect or through ischemic stroke by emitting emboli into distal vasculature. We advise close periodic radiologic follow-up for TLIAs.

Endovascular Treatments in Combination with Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass for Complex Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Although most intracranial aneurysms can be treated with microsurgery or endovascular procedure alone, a subset of aneurysms may require a combined approach. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of endovascular interventions combined with bypass surgery for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records from a prospectively maintained patient database to identify patients who underwent endovascular treatment of an intracranial aneurysm at our institutes between 2007 and 2017. We recruited patients who received a preplanned combination of endovascular treatment and extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (44 aneurysms) were treated with a combined approach. Twenty-four patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment strategies included endovascular parent artery occlusion with the bypass surgery to restore cerebral blood flow (n = 12), endovascular trapping with bypass surgery to isolate incorporated branches (n = 12), and intra-aneurysmal coil embolization with bypass surgery to isolate incorporated branches (n = 20). During a mean period of 35.6 months, follow-up catheter angiography was performed in 35 of 44 patients (79.5%) and demonstrated complete aneurysm obliteration in 29 patients (82.9%) and bypass patency in 33 (94.3%). The postoperative aneurysm-related mortality and morbidity rates were 6.8% and 13.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endovascular and surgical bypass procedures are useful for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms when conventional surgical or endovascular techniques are not feasible and show acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

A Single Center Experience with Coil Embolization for Cerebral Aneurysms Greater than 10 mm in the Internal Carotid Artery.

We investigated endovascular treatment for 10 mm or larger aneurysms in the internal carotid artery (IC), including the cavernous portion, the paraclinoid portion, and the posterior communication artery (PC). Between 2011 and 2014 at our hospital, there were 35 cases of aneurysms that were 10 mm or larger in the carotid artery. We analyzed these 35 cases retrospectively based on the size and location of the aneurysms, method of treatment, number of coils implanted, use of a stent, complications, rupture after treatment, ophthalmologic symptoms, and need for re-treatment. There was no bleeding after treatment. Of the 35 cases, four cases (11%) had permanent complications. Re-treatment was indicated in 11 cases (31%), including eight cases localized in the paraclinoid portion, two cases in the IC-PC, and one case in the cavernous portion. Among these re-treatment cases, two cases required a third treatment. Of the 16 cases with paraclinoid aneurysms, half required re-treatment. Of the 12 cases with ophthalmologic symptoms prior to treatment, 9 (75%) improved or had no change and 3 (25%) became worse. There were no complications in the 13 re-treatment procedures. Re-treatment is not uncommon, and a scheduled follow-up is needed. Coil embolization has been one of the main options for aneurysms that are 10 mm or larger in the IC. In the future, these large aneurysms will be treated with a flow diverter stent (FD).

Recovery of Visual and Ophthalmologic Symptoms After Treating Large or Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm by High-Flow Bypass with Cervical Ligation.

OBJECTIVE: Large or giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms often cause visual deficits and cranial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ligation of the ICA with high-flow bypass. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the findings from patients with visual deficit and ophthalmologic symptoms due to ICA aneurysms. In addition, we analyzed the recovery factors associated with the visual deficit and ophthalmologic symptoms postoperatively, focusing on the type of cranial nerve palsy, aneurysm size, location, and the time to treatment from first symptoms. RESULTS: We identified 38 patients (35 women, 3 men) with a mean age at surgery of 63.6 years (range, 24-81 years) with visual and ophthalmologic symptoms due to large or giant internal carotid aneurysm. Aneurysms ranged in size from 15-50 mm (mean, 25.2 mm). Visual disturbance (7 cases, 18%) and ophthalmoplegia (31 cases, 82%) were the only preoperative cranial nerve palsies. Aneurysms were completely thrombosed in 94.7% of cases (36/38). Visual disturbance improved in 28.5% of cases (2/7), and ophthalmoplegia improved in 87.1% of cases (27/31). Time to therapy from developing a visual disturbance was longer than time to therapy from developing ophthalmoplegia (P = 0.001). Time to therapy was significantly associated with recovery from cranial nerve palsy (P < 0.0001). The recovery of visual disturbance was worse than that of ophthalmoplegia (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early treatment is recommended when the visual and ophthalmologic symptoms are present because treatment delay is a risk factor for nonimprovement of symptoms.

Surgical treatment of large and giant cavernous carotid aneurysms.

Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) are uncommon pathologic entities. Extradural place and the skull base location make this type of an aneurysm different in clinical features and treatment techniques. Direct aneurysm clipping is technically difficult and results in a significant postoperative neurological deficit. Therefore, several techniques of indirect surgical treatment were developed with different surgical outcomes, such as proximal occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA) or trapping with or without bypass (superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass or high-flow bypass). High-flow bypass with proximal ICA occlusion seems to be the most appropriate surgical treatment for CCA because of the high rate of symptom improvement, aneurysm thrombosis, and minimal postoperative complications. However, in cases of CCA presented with direct carotid-cavernous fistula, the appropriate surgical treatment is high-flow bypass with aneurysm trapping, which the fistula can be obliterated immediately after surgery.

Reversal of intraoperative arterial thrombosis with a fibrinolytic agent when treating large and giant partially thrombosed aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombosis of the cerebral arteries is one of the complications of microsurgical operations for partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms. The object of this study was to assess the frequency of intraoperative arterial thrombosis (IAT) during microsurgical treatment of large and giant partially thrombosed aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and also to assess the efficacy of the treatment of this complication. MATERIALS: The authors analyzed a consecutive series of 53 patients who underwent surgery for partially thrombosed aneurysms of the MCA at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute between January 2005 and September 2014. Thirty-two patients had large aneurysms (15-25 mm) and 21 had giant aneurysms (> 25 mm). Clipping of aneurysms was performed in 47 patients, trapping was performed in 3, and wrapping was performed in 3. RESULTS: IAT was diagnosed in 10 patients (18.9%). The authors describe a technique for IAT reversal involving the injection of modified human recombinant prourokinase (mr-proUK). Of the 7 patients who underwent injection of mr-proUK in the thrombosed artery, 5 (71.4%) were discharged without any change in neurological status, 1 (14.3%) experienced moderate deterioration (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 2), and 1 (14.3%) experienced severe deterioration (mRS score of 4). Among the 3 patients who had complications and did not receive an injection of mr-proUK, 2 experienced severe deterioration (mRS score of 3 and 4) and 1 had moderate deterioration (mRS score of 2). CONCLUSIONS: The primary risk factor of thrombectomy with temporary trapping is thrombosis in the MCA branches. The injection of a fibrinolytic agent into thrombosed MCA branches is an effective method for the treatment of IAT.

Endovascular treatment of the distal internal carotid artery large aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: According to the development of endovascular technique and devices, larger aneurysms on the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) can be treated using a less invasive method. The authors report on clinical and angiographic outcomes of these aneurysms treated using an endovascular technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 21 patients with large aneurysms at distal ICA treated by endovascular method between January 2005 and December 2012 were included in this retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Clinical outcome of patients showed strong correlation with the initial neurologic status (p < 0.05). Aneurysm morphology showed saccular, fusiform, and wide-neck in 12, six and three patients. Six patients underwent stent assisted coiling and the other 15 patients underwent simple coiling. Aneurysm occlusion was performed immediately after embolization with near-complete (Raymond class 1-2) in 20 patients (95.2%) and incomplete (Raymond class 3) in one patient (4.8%). Delayed thrombotic occlusion occurred in two patients and their clinical result was fatal. Another five patients died in the hospital, from massive brain edema and/or increased intracranial pressure due to initial subarachnoid hemorrhage. Overall mortality was 30% (seven out of 21). Fatal complication related to the endovascular procedure occurred in two patients with thrombosis at middle cerebral artery (one with stent, the other without it). CONCLUSION: Recent developed endovascular device and technique is safe enough and a less invasive method for distal large or giant aneurysms. Based on our analysis of the study, we suspect that coil embolization of large distal ICA aneurysms (with or without stenting) is effective and safe.

Endovascular Treatment of the Distal Internal Carotid Artery Large Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE: According to the development of endovascular technique and devices, larger aneurysms on the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) can be treated using a less invasive method. The authors report on clinical and angiographic outcomes of these aneurysms treated using an endovascular technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 21 patients with large aneurysms at distal ICA treated by endovascular method between January 2005 and December 2012 were included in this retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Clinical outcome of patients showed strong correlation with the initial neurologic status (p < 0.05). Aneurysm morphology showed saccular, fusiform, and wide-neck in 12, six and three patients. Six patients underwent stent assisted coiling and the other 15 patients underwent simple coiling. Aneurysm occlusion was performed immediately after embolization with near-complete (Raymond class 1-2) in 20 patients (95.2%) and incomplete (Raymond class 3) in one patient (4.8%). Delayed thrombotic occlusion occurred in two patients and their clinical result was fatal. Another five patients died in the hospital, from massive brain edema and/or increased intracranial pressure due to initial subarachnoid hemorrhage. Overall mortality was 30% (seven out of 21). Fatal complication related to the endovascular procedure occurred in two patients with thrombosis at middle cerebral artery (one with stent, the other without it). CONCLUSION: Recent developed endovascular device and technique is safe enough and a less invasive method for distal large or giant aneurysms. Based on our analysis of the study, we suspect that coil embolization of large distal ICA aneurysms (with or without stenting) is effective and safe.

Large Aneurysm of Azygos Anterior Cerebral Artery: Case Report

A case of large aneurysm of azygos anterior cerebral artery(Azygos ACA) is reported. This 52-year-old male patient became unconscious suddenly on working. The CT scan demonstrated small amount of hemorrhage in the interhemispheric fissure and basal cistern and huge intraventricular hematoma with marked dilatation of all ventricles. Emergency external ventricular drainage was done and his consciousness recovered to the level of possible spontaneous eye opening. 4-vessels angiography done a month later revealed a large revealed a large fusiform aneurysm at the bifurcation of distal end of azygos ACA. Authors preferred interhemispheric approach and clipped the aneurysmal neck uneventfully. Despite the successful clipping of the aneurysm confirmed by postoperative angiography, preoperative mutism, spastic weakness of lower extremities and urinary incontinence didn't recovered. This case suggests that preoperative neurological status is no less critical to the postoperative outcome than surgical technique. This is the first case of large aneurysm at this site so far as we know.