Efficacy and Outcomes of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) Bypass for Proximal PICA and Vertebral Artery-PICA Aneurysms: A Case Series

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C Rennert ◽  
Ben A Strickland ◽  
Kristine Ravina ◽  
Joshua Bakhsheshian ◽  
Vance Fredrickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Surgical Experience ◽  
Graft Harvest ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Temporary Clip

Abstract BACKGROUND Nonsaccular vertebral artery (VA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms have high morbidity and mortality rates and are difficult to treat using standard microsurgical or endovascular techniques. Definitive revascularization can require clip trapping and/or vessel sacrifice, with PICA bypass. The published surgical experience with these approaches is limited. We herein review our recent surgical experience with PICA revascularization for complex PICA and VA/PICA aneurysms. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and outcomes of PICA bypass for revascularization of nonsaccular PICA and VA/PICA aneurysms. METHODS Retrospective analysis of an institutional review board-approved, prospective database was performed to identify patients with PICA and VA/PICA aneurysms treated with PICA bypass at a single institution. Demographic information, aneurysm characteristics, temporary clip time, and neurological outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Ten cases of PICA revascularization were performed for both ruptured (n = 8) and unruptured (n = 2) nonsaccular proximal PICA or VA/PICA aneurysms. Seven cases were performed without vessel grafts; 3 cases required harvest of the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. Mean temporary clip time was 38 min (range 27-50 min). Good outcomes (Glasgow Outcomes Scale score of 5) were achieved in 70% (n = 7) of patients at time of discharge; the remaining patients had a Glasgow Outcomes Scale of 3. Two bypass-related complications occurred in this series; a hematoma at the graft harvest site requiring evacuation, and severe bypass graft spasm requiring multiple endovascular treatments. CONCLUSION PICA bypass can be a safe, effective, and highly customizable tool for the revascularization of patients with nonsaccular proximal PICA and VA/PICA aneurysms.

Endovascular sacrifice of the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery for treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 777-782
Author(s):  
James G Malcolm ◽  
Jonathan A Grossberg ◽  
Nealen G Laxpati ◽  
Ali Alawieh ◽  
Frank C Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Brainstem Compression ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Diseased Segment ◽  
Suboccipital Decompression ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

BackgroundRuptured aneurysms of the intracranial vertebral artery (VA) or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are challenging to treat as they are often dissecting aneurysms necessitating direct sacrifice of the diseased segment, which is thought to carry high morbidity due to brainstem and cerebellar stroke. However, relatively few studies evaluating outcomes following VA or proximal PICA sacrifice exist. We sought to determine the efficacy and outcomes of endovascular VA/PICA sacrifice.MethodsA retrospective series of ruptured VA/PICA aneurysms treated by endovascular sacrifice of the VA (including the PICA origin) or proximal PICA is reviewed. Collected data included demographic, radiologic, clinical, and disability information.ResultsTwenty-one patients were identified. Median age was 57 years (IQR 11); 15 were female. The Hunt and Hess grade was mostly 3 and 4 (18/21). Seven cases (33%) involved VA-V4 at the PICA take-off, and 14 cases (67%) involved the PICA exclusively. For VA pathology, V4 was sacrificed in all cases, while for PICA pathology, sacrificed segments included anterior medullary (4/14), lateral medullary (7/14), and tonsillomedullary (3/14) segments. Four patients went to hospice (19%). Twelve patients (57%) had evidence of stroke on follow-up imaging: cerebellar (8), medullary (1), and both (3). One patient required suboccipital decompression for brainstem compression. No aneurysm re-rupture occurred. Median discharge modified Rankin Scale score was 2.0 (IQR 2), which decreased to 1.0 (IQR 1) at median follow-up of 6.5 months (IQR 23).ConclusionsEndovascular sacrifice of V4 or PICA aneurysms may carry less morbidity than previously thought, and is a viable alternative for poor surgical candidates or those with good collateral perfusion.

Stent-assisted coil embolization for an unruptured vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm with retrograde access via type 1 persistent primitive proatlantal artery: A case report

2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992097384
Author(s):  
Yasuhiko Nariai ◽  
Tomoji Takigawa ◽  
Ryotaro Suzuki ◽  
Akio Hyodo ◽  
Kensuke Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
External Carotid ◽  
Proatlantal Artery ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
The Right ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Vertebral artery (VA)-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are rare lesions that are difficult to treat with both endovascular and surgical techniques. Tight angulation of the PICA from VA may make access to the PICA difficult from ipsilateral VA if adjunctive techniques are needed. Recently, the safety and efficacy of retrograde access have been reported. We report a case of endovascular treatment for a VA-PICA aneurysm with a stent-assisted technique using retrograde access via contralateral persistent primitive proatlantal artery (PPA). The patient was a 76-year-old woman with an unruptured VA-PICA aneurysm on the dominant VA side. Coil embolization with a stent-assisted technique using retrograde access seemed appropriate. However, the origin of the left VA was not confirmed. Left common carotid artery angiography demonstrated that the PPA (type 1) branching from external carotid artery joined the VA V4 segment. Retrograde access via the PPA for stenting was performed. A microcatheter for stenting was retrogradely advanced to the right PICA at ease. After deploying the stent, coil insertion was completed from the right VA, and the final angiogram showed adequate occlusion of the aneurysm with preservation of the PICA. Thus, PPA may be an approach route in the treatment of VA-PICA aneurysms with unconfirmed contralateral VA orifice and apparent PPA on angiography, when retrograde access is needed.

scholarly journals Vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: Results of microsurgical treatment of eighty patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Yuri Pilipenko ◽  
Shalva Eliava ◽  
Dmitry Okishev ◽  
Elena Okisheva ◽  
Andronikos Spyrou
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Vegetative State ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Microsurgical Treatment ◽  
Suboccipital Craniotomy ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Angiographic Data ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Background: The choice of surgical approaches and options for the microsurgical vertebral artery (VA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms repair remains controversial. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical, surgical, and angiographic data of 80 patients with VA and PICA aneurysms treated from 2012 to 2018 was performed. Results: The aneurysms were saccular in 50 cases (62.5%) and fusiform in 30 cases (37.5%). The median suboccipital craniotomy was the most common approach (73.8%). Retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed in 25% of patients. There were the following types of microsurgical operations: neck clipping (61.25%), clipping with the artery lumen formation (13.75%), trapping (10%), proximal clipping (5%), and deconstruction with anastomosis (10%). Fifty-seven (71.3%) patients were discharged without worsening of the clinical signs after surgery. The most common postoperative neurological disorder was palsy of IX and X cranial nerve revealed in 14 (17.5%) patients. No fatal outcomes or patients in vegetative state were identified. The complete occlusion of PICA and VA aneurysms according angiography was in 77 (96.3%) cases. Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment is an effective method for VA and PICA aneurysms. The majority of VA and PICA aneurysms do not require complex basal approaches. A thorough preoperative planning, reconstructive clipping techniques, and anastomoses creation, as well as patient selection based on the established algorithms and consultations with endovascular surgeons, may reduce the number of complications and increase the rate of complete microsurgical occlusion in VA and PICA aneurysms.

scholarly journals Distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm: case report

2005 ◽  
Vol 63 (2a) ◽  
pp. 335-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Ramina ◽  
Viviane Aline Buffon ◽  
Jerônimo Buzetti Milano ◽  
Erasmo Barros da Silva Jr ◽  
Kelly Cristina Bordignon
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Intraventricular Hemorrhage ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Subarachnoidal Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Clinical Series ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

The majority of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are usually found on the bifurcation of the vertebral artery (VA) - PICA junction. Aneurysms arising from more peripheral PICA segments named distal PICA aneurysm are uncommon. The major clinical manifestation is that of an intracranial bleeding and the site of hemorrhage is related to the PICA segment originating the aneurysm. Lesions originating from distal PICA segments, particularly those arising from the telovelotonsillar segment, are associated with hemorrhage extending into the ventricular system, mainly the IV ventricle. A case of a 50-year-old woman with sudden headaches and vomiting, and intraventricular hemorrhage (four ventricles) caused by an aneurysm of the telovelotonsillar segment of the PICA, is presented. No signs of subarachnoidal hemorrhage were found in the computerized tomography. The aneurysm was clipped and the patient presented a favorable outcome. Anatomical aspects and clinical series are reviewed.

Surgical treatment for vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: special reference to the importance of the cerebellomedullary fissure dissection

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 460-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatou Kawashima ◽  
Yukinori Takase ◽  
Toshio Matsushima
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Lateral Part ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Aneurysm Surgery ◽  
Lesion Side ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cerebellomedullary Fissure ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Object The cerebellomedullary fissure (CMF) is a space between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata, which often adhere to each other. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the importance of the unilateral CMF dissection for clipping vertebral artery (VA)–posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms. Methods Five adult cadaveric specimens were studied after colored silicone was infused into the arteries and veins. The microsurgical anatomy of the CMF and the trans-CMF approach for VA-PICA aneurysm surgery were examined in stepwise dissections. In addition, 6 patients underwent surgery for VA-PICA saccular aneurysms (2 ruptured and 4 unruptured aneurysms) via posterolateral approaches, with wide opening of the unilateral CMF to obtain good visualization and a wide working space in the lateral part of the cerebellomedullary cistern. Clinical data including neurological and radiological findings and patient outcomes were analyzed in all 6 cases. Results In all cases, the aneurysm was successfully clipped and no permanent neurological deficits remained. The wide opening of the unilateral CMF on the lesion side made it possible to retract the inferolateral part of the cerebellum easily, provided a wide operative field in the cerebellomedullary cistern, and enabled successful clip placement without difficulty. Conclusions For safe and effective VA-PICA aneurysm surgery, it is very important to dissect the CMF on the lesion side as well as to remove the lateral part of the foramen magnum. Direct clip placement is very safe and useful in cases involving VA-PICA aneurysms.

Far-Lateral Approach Without Drilling the Occipital Condyle for Vertebral Artery–Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Seoane ◽  
Samuel Kalb ◽  
Justin C. Clark ◽  
Juan C. Rivas ◽  
David S. Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Occipital Condyle ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Abstract BACKGROUND: The far-lateral transcondylar surgical approach is often used to clip vertebral artery (VA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms. The role of condyle resection during this approach is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient outcomes in patients with VA–PICA aneurysms in whom drilling the occipital condyle was not necessary. METHODS: Between May 2005 and December 2012, a total of 56 consecutive patients with incidental or ruptured VA–PICA aneurysms underwent surgery with a far-lateral approach without condylar resection. Clinical presentation, surgical reports, presurgery and postsurgery radiological examinations, and clinical follow-up reports were assessed. Anatomic aneurysm location was analyzed through angiography or computed tomography angiography. We compared postsurgical Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, modified Rankin Scale scores, and morbidity in 2 groups: those with aneurysms in the anterior medullary segment and those with aneurysms in the lateral medullary segment. RESULTS: The predominant presentation was subarachnoid hemorrhage in 34 patients (60.7%). Most aneurysms (n = 27 [48.2%]) were located in the lateral medullary segment of the PICA, followed by the anterior medullary segment (n = 25 [44.6%]). Total aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 100% of patients, and bypass techniques were necessary in 3 patients (5.4%). Fifty-two patients (92.8%) had Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5 postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: A far-lateral approach that leaves the occipital condyle intact is adequate for treating most patients with VA–PICA aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery-Vertebral Artery Complex: Variations on a Theme

Neurosurgery ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Salcman ◽  
Daniele Rigamonti ◽  
Yuji Numaguchi ◽  
Norihiro Sadato
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Radiographic Examination ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Suboccipital Craniectomy ◽  
Cranial Nerve Dysfunction ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Basilar Arteries ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Variations On A Theme

Abstract Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery-vertebral artery complex are relatively uncommon lesions. They include aneurysms at the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA-VA), aneurysms on the distal artery (PICA) and aneurysms at the junction of the vertebral and basilar arteries (VA-BA). We have had the opportunity to treat 17 patients and study the radiological records of 9 additional patients in the past 8 years. The aneurysms ranged in size from 3 to 30 mm, with mean values of 10.6, 7.3, and 9 mm for PICA-VA lesions, distal PICA lesions, and VA-BA lesions, respectively. Three of the 4 VA-BA aneurysms were located at the midline, and the mean distance of the PICA-VA aneurysms from the midline was 7.6 to 9.4 mm; 2 aneurysms crossed the midline from their parent VA. The aneurysms were located slightly more often on the left side (left:right ratio, 1:2), were found more frequently in women (2.25:1), and occurred at a mean age of 50 years. Ten aneurysms at the origin of the PICA and 4 VA-BA aneurysms were treated via a lateral suboccipital craniectomy; 3 distal PICA aneurysms were exposed by a midline craniectomy. Surgery was carried out acutely in 5 patients. Tortuousness of the VA required contralateral approaches in 2 patients, an exploratory craniectomy in 1 patient, and an approach toward the dome of 1 patient with a VA-BA aneurysm. Morbidity was primarily due to cranial nerve dysfunction. There were no perioperative deaths. These aneurysms can easily be missed on initial radiographic examination; one appeared only on the second study, one was seen to grow over 16 days, and one was discovered at the level of C1 extracranially. Our radiographic and surgical approach to the treatment of these lesions is presented.

scholarly journals Contralateral far-lateral approach for clipping of a ruptured vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. E9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taryn McFadden Bragg ◽  
Edward A. M. Duckworth
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Far Lateral ◽  
The Right ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Numerous nuanced approaches have been used to access posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms for microsurgical clipping. The authors report the case of a patient with a right vertebral artery (VA)–PICA aneurysm that was reached via a contralateral far-lateral approach. The wide-necked saccular/fusiform aneurysm arose from the lateral aspect of the right V4 segment just proximal to the PICA origin, anterior to the jugular tubercle at the level of the hypoglossal canal. Computed tomography angiograms demonstrated the size and configuration of the aneurysm, and 3D reconstructions revealed the tortuosity of the right VA, defining its location just left of the midline adjacent to the lower clivus. A contralateral far-lateral approach to VA–PICA aneurysms should be considered when aneurysms cross the midline. Computed tomography angiography with volume rendering and interactive software capabilities can help identify the relationship of such an aneurysm to an individual's particular skull base osseous anatomy and is paramount in selecting the optimal microsurgical approach.

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