Beware of Nihilism: Favorable Outcome despite Poor Admission Status in Posterior Circulation Aneurysms after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Brawanski ◽  
Sepide Kashefiolasl ◽  
Sae-Yeon Won ◽  
Joachim Berkefeld ◽  
Elke Hattingen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Admission Status ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

Abstract Objective As shown in a previous study, aneurysm location seems to influence prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We compared patients with ruptured aneurysms of anterior and posterior circulation, undergoing coil embolization, concerning differences in outcome and prognostic factors. Methods Patients with SAH were entered into a prospectively collected database. We retrospectively identified 307 patients with aneurysms of the anterior circulation (anterior cerebral artery, carotid bifurcation, and middle cerebral artery) and 244 patients with aneurysms of the posterior circulation (aneurysms of the basilar artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery, posterior communicating artery and posterior cerebral artery). All patients underwent coil embolization. The outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable [mRS 0–2] vs. unfavorable [mRS 3–6]) 6 months after SAH. Results In interventionally treated aneurysms of the anterior and posterior circulation, statistically significant risk factors for poor outcome were worse admission status and severe cerebral vasospasm. If compared with patients with ruptured aneurysms of the anterior circulation, patients with aneurysms of the posterior circulation had a significantly poorer admission status, and suffered significantly more often from an early hydrocephalus. Nonetheless, there were no differences in outcome or mortality rate between the two patient groups. Conclusion Patients with a ruptured aneurysm of the posterior circulation suffer more often from an early hydrocephalus and have a significantly worse admission status, possibly related to the untreated hydrocephalus. Nonetheless, the outcome and the mortality rate were comparable between ruptured anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms, treated by coil embolisation. Therefore, despite the poorer admission status of patients with ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms, treatment of these patients should be considered.

Characteristics and surgical treatment of dolichoectatic and fusiform aneurysms

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Anson ◽  
Michael T. Lawton ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Small Subset ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Surgical Treatments ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

✓ Dolichoectatic and fusiform aneurysms represent a small subset of cerebral aneurysms and are often among the most difficult to treat. A consecutive series of 40 patients with 41 of these two types of aneurysms is presented, including their clinical characteristics and surgical treatments. Common to all aneurysms was the pathological involvement of a length of blood vessel with separate inflow and outflow sites (nonsaccular). However, dolichoectatic aneurysms have markedly different symptoms and surgical treatments depending on their location in either the anterior or posterior circulation. Anterior circulation aneurysms involved the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) in one, the supraclinoid ICA in three, the middle cerebral artery in 13, and the anterior cerebral artery in four patients. Posterior circulation aneurysms involved the basilar artery in 13, the vertebral artery in six, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in one patient. Various surgical procedures were performed, including direct clipping, trapping with bypass, proximal occlusion, resection with reanastomosis, transposition, aneurysmorrhaphy with thrombectomy, and wrapping. There was no surgical mortality in the patient series, and treatment was effective in many patients. Overall, outcome at late follow up was good (Glasgow Outcome Scale scores 1–2) in 78% of patients. Patients with anterior circulation aneurysms had better outcomes than patients with posterior circulation aneurysms, with good outcomes in 90% and 65% of the cases, respectively. Dolichoectatic and giant serpentine aneurysms may develop from smaller fusiform aneurysms and represent a spectrum of the same pathological entity. Arterial dissection may also play a role in the initial development of these aneurysms.

scholarly journals Aneurysm location and clipping versus coiling for development of secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Japanese Stroke DataBank

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (6) ◽  
pp. 1555-1561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeki Yamada ◽  
Masatsune Ishikawa ◽  
Kazuo Yamamoto ◽  
Tadashi Ino ◽  
Toru Kimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Normal Pressure ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Acute Hydrocephalus ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Mca Aneurysm

OBJECT The present study aimed to investigate aneurysm locations and treatments for ruptured cerebral aneurysms associated with secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus (sNPH) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by using comprehensive data from the Japanese Stroke DataBank. METHODS Among 101,165 patients with acute stroke registered between 2000 and 2013, 4693 patients (1482 men, 3211 women) were registered as having had an SAH caused by a ruptured saccular aneurysm. Of them, 1448 patients (438 men and 1010 women; mean age 61.9 ± 13.4 years) who were confirmed to have or not have coexisting acute hydrocephalus and sNPH were included for statistical analyses. Locations of the ruptured aneurysms were subcategorized into 1 of the following 4 groups: middle cerebral artery (MCA; n = 354), anterior communicating artery and anterior cerebral artery (ACA; n = 496), internal carotid artery (ICA; n = 402), and posterior circulation (n = 130). Locations of 66 of the ruptured aneurysms were unknown/unrecorded. Treatments included craniotomy and clipping alone in 1073 patients, endovascular coil embolization alone in 285 patients, and a combination of coiling and clipping in 17 patients. The age-adjusted and multivariate odds ratios from logistic regression analyses were calculated after stratification using the Fisher CT scale to investigate the effects of the hematoma volume of SAH. RESULTS Acute hydrocephalus was confirmed in 593 patients, and 521 patients developed sNPH. Patients with a ruptured ACA aneurysm had twice the risk for sNPH over those with a ruptured MCA aneurysm. Those with an ACA aneurysm with Fisher Grade 3 SAH had a 9-fold-higher risk for sNPH than those with an MCA aneurysm with Fisher Grade 1 or 2 SAH. Patients with a ruptured posterior circulation aneurysm did not have any significant risk for sNPH. Clipping of the ruptured aneurysm resulted in twice the risk for sNPH over coil embolization alone. CONCLUSIONS Patients with low-grade SAH caused by a ruptured MCA aneurysm had a low risk for the development of sNPH. In contrast, patients with high-grade SAH caused by a ruptured ACA aneurysm had a higher risk for sNPH. Endovascular coiling might confer a lower risk of developing sNPH than microsurgical clipping.

scholarly journals The Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial: 6-year results

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
Cameron G. McDougall ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Felipe C. Albuquerque ◽  
Nancy K. Hills ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysm ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

OBJECT The authors report the 6-year results of the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT). This ongoing randomized trial, with the final goal of a 10-year follow-up, compares the safety and efficacy of surgical clip occlusion and endovascular coil embolization in patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured aneurysm. The 1- and 3-year results of this trial have been previously reported. METHODS In total, 500 patients with an SAH met the entry criteria and were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 471 were randomly assigned to the treatments: 238 to surgical clipping and 233 to endovascular coiling. Six patients who died before treatment and 57 patients with nonaneurysmal SAHs were excluded, leaving a total of 408 patients who underwent clipping (209 assigned) or coiling (199 assigned). Whether to treat patients within the assigned group or to cross over patients to the other group was at the discretion of the treating physician; 38% (75/199) of the patients assigned to coiling were crossed over to clipping and 1.9% (4/209) assigned to clipping were crossed over to coiling. The outcome data were collected by a dedicated nurse practitioner. The primary outcome analysis was based on the assigned treatment group; poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score > 2 and was independently adjudicated. Six years after randomization, 336 (82%) of 408 patients who had been treated were available for examination. RESULTS On the basis of an mRS score of > 2, and similar to the results at the 3-year follow-up, no significant difference in outcomes (p = 0.24) was detected between the 2 treatment groups. Complete aneurysm obliteration at 6 years was achieved in 96% (111/116) of the clipping group and in 48% (23/48) of the coiling group (p < 0.0001). In the period between the 3- and 6-year follow-ups, 3 additional patients assigned to coiling and none assigned to clipping received retreatment, for overall retreatment rates of 4.6% (13/280) for clipping and 16.4% (21/128) for coiling (p < 0.0001). When aneurysm location was considered, the 6-year results continued to match the previously reported results, with no difference in outcome for anterior circulation aneurysms at most time points. Of the anterior circulation aneurysms assigned to coiling treatment, 42% (70/168) were crossed over to clipping treatment. The outcomes for posterior circulation aneurysms continued to favor coiling. The randomization process was unexpectedly skewed, with 18 of 21 treated aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) being assigned to clipping, but even when PICA aneurysms were removed from the analysis, outcomes for the posterior circulation aneurysms still favored coiling. CONCLUSIONS Although BRAT was statistically underpowered to detect small differences, these results suggest little difference in outcome between the 2 treatments for anterior circulation aneurysms. This was not the case for the posterior circulation aneurysms, where coil embolization appeared to provide a sustained advantage over clipping. Aneurysm obliteration rates in BRAT were significantly lower and retreatment rates significantly higher in the patients undergoing coiling than in those undergoing clipping. However, despite the fact that retreatment rates were higher after coiling, no recurrent hemorrhages were known to have occurred in patients undergoing coiling in BRAT who were followed up for 6 years. Sufficient questions remain about the relative benefits of the 2 treatment modalities to warrant further well-designed randomized trials.

Impact of Coil Embolization on Overall Management and Outcome of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neurosurgery ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola G. Nilsson ◽  
Hans Säveland ◽  
Birgitta Ramgren ◽  
Mats Cronqvist ◽  
Lennart Brandt
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Doppler Sonography ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Good Recovery ◽  
Southern Sweden ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Number Of Patients

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: We report on the consequences of introducing coil embolization for the total management of and outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: In southern Sweden, a prospective analysis of all patients with SAH of verified aneurysmal origin was conducted during the 3 years when coiling was gradually being introduced. The incidence of acute or chronic hydrocephalus, vasospasm, delayed ischemic deterioration, and outcome at 3 to 6 months after bleeding was analyzed. RESULTS: Coiling of aneurysms was used progressively more compared with clipping during the study period. The number of patients subjected to coiling was 26 (36%) of 73 patients during calendar year 1997, 43 (53%) of 81 patients in 1999, and 55 (74%) of 74 patients in 2001 (P &lt; 0.0001). Gradually, more elderly patients were admitted during the study period. Virtually all aneurysms located in the posterior circulation were treated by coil embolization, even at the start of the study, whereas aneurysms at all other locations were progressively more likely to be treated similarly. The incidence of hydrocephalus in the acute (average for all 3 yr, 39%) or chronic (16%) phase, vasospasm as measured by Doppler sonography (33%), and delayed ischemic deterioration (29%), as well as outcome at 3 to 6 months (61% good recovery, 13% deceased), did not change significantly during the study. The main cause of unfavorable outcome was the severity of the SAH. CONCLUSION: The increasing use of coil embolization for ruptured aneurysms in the anterior circulation did not have any significant impact on the overall incidence of SAH-related complications or outcome. The main determinant for outcome after SAH is still the severity of the SAH.

scholarly journals Surgical Treatment of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms – Anatomical Study and Surgical Technique

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Vitor Yamaki ◽  
Eric Paschoal ◽  
Manoel Teixeira ◽  
Eberval Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Risk Of Rupture ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

AbstractPosterior circulation aneurysms represent 10–15% of intracranial aneurysms. The diagnosis is usually secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to its initial asymptomatic presentation and higher risk of rupture compared with aneurysms in the anterior circulation. The surgical treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms is complex and challenging for neurosurgeons because of the particular anatomy of the posterior circulation with its close relation to the brainstem and cranial nerves and also because of the depth and narrowness of the surgical approach. Aneurysms from different locations have specific anatomical relationships and surgical approaches for better visualization and dissection. Therefore, a detailed anatomy knowledge of the posterior circulation is mandatory for an individualized preoperative planning and good neurological and angiographic outcomes. We selected the main aneurysm sites on the posterior circulation, such as: posterior inferior cerebellar artery, basilar trunk, basilar bifurcation, posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and superior cerebellar artery for a detailed description of the relevant anatomy related to aneurysm, and the main surgical approaches for its surgical treatment. Furthermore, we performed a literature review with the most recent outcomes regarding to the surgical treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms.

The poor prognosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 791-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Eelco F. M. Wijdicks ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Chu-Pin Chu ◽  
W. Michael O'Fallon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Medical Record Linkage ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Series ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The first 48 hours after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are critical in determining final outcome. However, most patients who die during this initial period are not included in hospital-based studies. We investigated the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a population-based study to evaluate possible predictors of poor outcome. All patients diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between 1955 and 1984 were selected for analysis of mortality in the first 30 days using the medical record—linkage system employed for epidemiological studies in Rochester, Minnesota. One hundred and thirty-six patients were identified. The mean age of these 99 women and 37 men was 55 years. Rates for survival to 48 hours were 32% for the 19 patients with posterior circulation aneurysms, 77% for the 87 patients with anterior circulation aneurysms, and 70% for the 30 patients with a presumed aneurysm (p < 0.0001). Rates for survival to 30 days were 11%, 57%, and 53%, respectively, in these three patient groups (p < 0.0001). Clinical grade on admission to the hospital, the main variable predictive of death within 48 hours, was significantly worse in patients with posterior circulation aneurysms than in others (p < 0.0001). The prognosis of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms is poor. The high early mortality explains why posterior circulation aneurysms are uncommon in most clinical series of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The management of incidentally discovered intact posterior circulation aneurysms may be influenced by these findings.

ENDOVASCULAR COIL EMBOLIZATION OF RUPTURED AND UNRUPTURED POSTERIOR CIRCULATION ANEURYSMS

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 626-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditya S. Pandey ◽  
Christopher Koebbe ◽  
Robert H. Rosenwasser ◽  
Erol Veznedaroglu
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Endovascular Coil Embolization

Abstract OBJECTIVE Treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms poses a great technical challenge for the practicing neurosurgeon. The advent of endovascular techniques has made such treatment more feasible. We report our experience with the endovascular management of ruptured and unruptured posterior circulation aneurysms during the past 10 years. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with posterior circulation aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience between July 1995 and December 2005. This yielded 275 patients (67 men and 208 women). The degree of aneurysm occlusion was determined by the operating endovascular neurosurgeon at the time of the procedure. Successful embolization was defined as greater than 95% occlusion of the dome without any coil prolapsing into the parent vessel. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the modified Glasgow Outcome Scale. Clinical follow-up data was obtained for 262 patients (95.3%); the follow-up period ranged from 1 to 94 months (mean, 31.8 mo for procedures performed before 2004 and 13.3 mo for procedures performed during 2004 and 2005). Angiographic follow-up data was obtained for 224 patients (84.8%) for periods ranging from 6 to 94 months (mean, 31.3 mo for procedures performed before 2004 and 13.7 mo for procedures performed during 2004 and 2005). RESULTS Based on the Hunt and Hess grading scale, the patient population included 106 patients (38.5%) with unruptured aneurysms, 43 patients (15.6%) with Grade I aneurysms, 16 patients (5.8%) with Grade II aneurysms, 56 patients (20.5%) with Grade III aneurysms, and 54 patients (19.6%) with Grade IV aneurysms. The locations of the posterior circulation aneurysms included 189 (68.7%) in the basilar apex or posterior cerebral artery, 23 (8.4%) in the basilar trunk/anterior inferior cerebellar artery, 22 (8%) in the superior cerebellar artery, and 41 (14.9%) in the vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Of the 275 patients, 208 (76%) were women and 67 (24%) were men. The mean age at the time of treatment was 53.9 years (range, 7–90 yr). Of all patients treated, 237 patients (87.8%) had successful embolization (&gt;95% occlusion of the dome). On angiographic follow-up, 55 patients (24.5%) developed recanalization of at least 5%. Retreatment was required in 11 patients (4.9%; 0.01%/patient yr) and rehemorrhage occurred in three patients (1.1%; 0.003%/patient yr). Clinical follow-up was graded using the modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (mGOS) and revealed 229 patients (87.4%) in the mGOS I category, 12 patients (4.6%) in the mGOS II category, eight patients (3%) in the mGOS III category, two patients (0.8%) in the mGOS IV category, and 11 patients (4.2%) were deceased (mGOS V). Clinically significant vasospasm requiring angioplasty occurred in 11 patients (6.5%) with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 120 patients (71%) with subarachnoid hemorrhage required ventricular shunts. Complications causing clinical morbidity occurred in 14 patients (5.1%) and ranged from postoperative ischemia to recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage. Of all clinical factors evaluated, Hunt and Hess grade was the strongest predictor of good clinical outcome (P &lt; 0.0001). CONCLUSION Endovascular coil embolization of posterior circulation aneurysms is an effective treatment in the short term but is associated with recurrence, which requires close surveillance, possible retreatment, and can, albeit very rarely, lead to rehemorrhage. Future technological advancements such as the development of biologically active coils will be essential in the permanent obliteration of aneurysms.

scholarly journals Surgical Management of Ruptured Posterior Circulation Aneurysms – A Single Center Experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (01) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Silva ◽  
Joana Machado ◽  
Ana Machado ◽  
Célia Pinheiro ◽  
Joaquim Rei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysm ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Early Surgical Treatment

Objective The treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation is a controversy in neurosurgery. The aim of this work is to describe the experience and results of the early surgical treatment of this pathology at Centro Hospitalar do Porto. Method We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients aged over 18 who, in the period between 1999–2013, were admitted to our center with the diagnosis of ruptured saccular posterior circulation aneurysm. The patients were clinically staged at admission using the Hunt & Hess (H&H) scale. The modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (mGOS) was used to assess the outcome at discharge and after 6 months. Results Between 1999–2013, 59 patients underwent surgery for ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms. Eighty percent of the patients were female, and their average age was 58.7 years. Posterior-inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms accounted for 49.2% of surgeries, while basilar aneurysms accounted for 28.8%. Upon admission, 86.4% of patients were classified as H&H1–3, and 13.6% as H&H4–5. The outcomes at discharge and at 6 months were as follows: at discharge, mGOS1 in 5.1%, mGOS2–3 in 18.6%, and mGOS4–5 in 76.3%; at 6 months, mGOS1 in 10.2%, mGOS2–3 in 10.2%, and mGOS4–5 in 79.6%. There was a statistically significant correlation between basilar aneurysms and worse outcomes (p = 0.011). No correlation was found between the values of the H&H scale upon admission and outcome. Conclusions The functional outcome of our group of patients is mainly in line with what is described in other series from the literature. However, there is a trend toward lower mortality but higher morbidity rates.

Outcomes after Aneurysm Rupture during Endovascular Coil Embolization

Neurosurgery ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1059-1067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramachandra P. Tummala ◽  
Ray M. Chu ◽  
Michael T. Madison ◽  
Mark Myers ◽  
David Tubman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Systemic Hypertension ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Detachable Coil ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Guglielmi Detachable Coil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Intracranial aneurysm rupture during placement of Guglielmi detachable coils has been reported, but the management and consequences of this event have not been extensively described. We present our experience with this feared complication and report possible neuroradiological and neurosurgical interventions to improve outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records for 701 patients with 734 intracranial aneurysms that were treated with endovascular coiling, during a 6-year period, in the metropolitan Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minnesota) area. This analysis revealed 10 cases of perforation during coiling. The management and outcomes were recorded, and the pertinent literature was reviewed. RESULTS All 10 cases involved previously ruptured aneurysms. This complication occurred sporadically and was not observed in the first 100 cases. Perforation occurred during microcatheterization of the aneurysm in two cases and during coil deposition in eight cases. Seven of the perforated aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation and three in the posterior circulation. Six of the 10 patients made good or fair recoveries; all three patients with posterior circulation lesions died immediately after rehemorrhage. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was noted for all five patients with intraventricular catheters in place. Bilateral pupil dilation and profound hemodynamic changes were noted for eight patients. Coiling was rapidly completed, and total or nearly total occlusion was achieved in all cases. Emergency ventriculostomy was performed to rapidly reduce increased ICP for two patients, both of whom made good recoveries. Hemodynamic and angiographic factors after perforation, such as prolonged systemic hypertension, persistent dye extravasation after deployment of the first Guglielmi detachable coil, and persistent prolongation of contrast dye transit time (suggesting ongoing ICP elevation), were correlated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSION Previously ruptured aneurysms seem to be more susceptible to endovascular treatment-related perforation than are unruptured lesions. Worse prognoses are associated with iatrogenic rupture during coiling of posterior circulation lesions, compared with those in the anterior circulation. When perforation is recognized, the definitive treatment seems to be reversal of anticoagulation therapy and completion of Guglielmi detachable coil embolization. Immediate neurosurgical intervention is limited in these cases and focuses on decreasing ICP via emergency ventriculostomy. However, these measures may be life-saving, and neurosurgical assistance must be readily available during treatment of these cases.

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