scholarly journals Treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms using flow-diverter stents: A single-center experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Şükrü Oğuz ◽  
Hasan Dinc
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Proximal Part ◽  
Flow Diverter ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Introduction The effectiveness and reliability of flow-diverter stents, which are commonly used in aneurysms of the anterior circulation, have been demonstrated previously. However, the use of these devices is associated with higher rates of perforator and branch ischemia following the treatment of aneurysms of the posterior circulation. Methods This work involved a single-center; retrospective study reviewing eight patients who had aneurysms related to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and who were treated with flow-diverter stents from September 2013 to May 2017. Results The mean aneurysm diameter was 7.6 mm (range, 5 to 11 mm). The types of aneurysm included five aneurysms that were saccular, two that were fusiform, and one that was dissecting. All saccular aneurysms in the neck involved the PICA origin, and one dissecting aneurysm was localized in the proximal part of the PICA. Procedural success was 100% (8/8), and there were no ischemic complications. One patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage died because of rebleeding (modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 6). Other than this patient all of the patients’ mRS scores were zero at discharge and at the clinical follow-up period (mean, 2.5 years). All of the aneurysms were completely occluded according to the latest angiographic controls (mean follow-up period of 19.5 months). Conclusions Treatment of PICA aneurysms with flow-diverter stents showed positive results with a high rate of technical success and low complication and mortality rates. The use of flow-diverter stents in the treatment of PICA aneurysms should be considered a safe and effective endovascular treatment option.

Flow diversion for the treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a novel classification and strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 663-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Visish M Srinivasan ◽  
Michael George Zaki Ghali ◽  
Oleg E Reznik ◽  
Jacob Cherian ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Flow Diversion ◽  
Partial Reduction ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Institutional Experience ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Direct Placement

BackgroundThe pipeline embolization device (PED) is frequently used in the treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms, especially around the carotid siphon, with generally excellent results. However, treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms with flow diversion (FD) has not been specifically described or discussed. While there are reports of treating PICA aneurysms using placement of FD stents in the vertebral artery, there are no reports of treating these lesions by placement of flow diverting stents in the PICA vessel itself. Due to the unique anatomy and morphology of these aneurysms, it requires special attention. We assessed our multi-institutional experience treating these lesions, including the first reported cases of the PED placed within the PICA.MethodsInstitutional databases of neuroendovascular procedures were reviewed for cases of intracranial aneurysms treated with the PED. Patient and aneurysm data as well as angiographic imaging were reviewed for all cases of PICA aneurysms treated with the PED. PICA aneurysms were defined as aneurysms that involved the PICA. Vertebral aneurysms without disease in the PICA were excluded from the study.Results10 PICA aneurysms were treated during the study period. These were classified based on their morphology and location into two main types and five total subtypes for consideration of treatment with flow diversion. All aneurysms were successfully treated, with 8/10 completely obliterated and 2 with a partial reduction in size. Three patients had the PED placed entirely in the PICA and no patient suffered from a medullary or cerebellar stroke. All PEDs were patent and all patients were independent at the last follow-up.ConclusionsThe PED may be used successfully to treat select aneurysms of the PICA. We present the first described cases of successful PED treatment of PICA aneurysms with direct placement of the PED in the PICA vessel itself. The proposed classification system aids in that selection.

Endovascular parent vessel sacrifice in ruptured dissecting vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: clinical outcomes and review of the literature

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 796-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Madaelil ◽  
Adam N Wallace ◽  
Arindam N Chatterjee ◽  
Gregory J Zipfel ◽  
Ralph G Dacey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Parent Vessel ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

BackgroundRuptured intracranial dissecting aneurysms must be secured quickly to prevent re-hemorrhage. Endovascular sacrifice of the diseased segment is a well-established treatment method, however postoperative outcomes of symptomatic stroke and re-hemorrhage rates are not well reported, particularly for the perforator-rich distal vertebral artery or proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed cases of ruptured distal vertebral artery or PICA dissecting aneurysms that underwent endovascular treatment. Diagnosis was based on the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage on initial CT imaging and of a dissecting aneurysm on catheter angiography. Patients with vertebral artery aneurysms were selected for coil embolization of the diseased arterial segment based on the adequacy of flow to the basilar artery from the contralateral vertebral artery. Patients with PICA aneurysms were generally treated only if they were poor surgical candidates. Outcomes included symptomatic and asymptomatic procedure-related cerebral infarction, recurrent aneurysm rupture, angiographic aneurysm recurrence, and estimated modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsDuring the study period, 12 patients with dissecting aneurysms involving the distal vertebral artery (n=10) or PICA (n=2) were treated with endovascular sacrifice. Two patients suffered an ischemic infarction, one of whom was symptomatic (8.3%). One patient (8.3%) died prior to hospital discharge. No aneurysm recurrence was identified on follow-up imaging. Ten patients (83%) made a good recovery (mRS ≤2). Median clinical and imaging follow-up periods were 41.7 months (range 0–126.4 months) and 14.3 months (range 0.03–88.6 months), respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with good collateral circulation, endovascular sacrifice may be the preferred treatment for acutely ruptured dissecting aneurysms involving the distal vertebral artery.

Endovascular Surgery for Proximal Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms: An Analysis of Glasgow Outcome Score by Hunt-Hess Grades

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Mericle ◽  
Adam S. Reig ◽  
Matthew V. Burry ◽  
Eric Eskioglu ◽  
Christopher S. Firment ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Endovascular Surgery ◽  
Glasgow Outcome Score ◽  
Clinical Grade ◽  
Outcome Score ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Angiographic Result

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms represent a subset of posterior circulation aneurysms that can be routinely treated with either clipping or coiling. The literature contains limited numbers of patients with proximal PICA aneurysms treated with endovascular surgery. We report our experience with endovascular surgery of proximal PICA aneurysms with emphasis on patients with poor Hunt-Hess grades. METHODS: We reviewed 31 consecutive patients with proximal PICA aneurysms who were treated with endovascular surgery. The following data were analyzed: age, sex, size of aneurysm, Hunt-Hess grade at presentation, Fisher grade at presentation, angiographic result after embolization, complications, number of days hospitalized, duration of follow-up, angiographic follow-up results, and Glasgow Outcome Score at follow-up. RESULTS: Excellent angiographic occlusion was achieved in 30 of 31 (97%) patients. Clinical follow-up with Glasgow Outcome Score was performed on every patient an average of 10 months later. Twenty-one of 31 (68%) patients had good outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Score I or II) at follow-up. Of the patients who presented with a favorable clinical grade (Hunt-Hess 0–III), 13 of 15 (87%) had good outcomes at follow-up. Of the patients who presented with a poor clinical grade (Hunt-Hess Grade IV or higher), 8 of 16 (50%) had good outcomes at follow-up. CONCLUSION: This series demonstrates the safety and efficacy of endovascular surgery for proximal PICA aneurysms. Many patients with poor Hunt-Hess grades from ruptured PICA aneurysms ultimately had a good outcome. This could be secondary to early, aggressive treatment of hydrocephalus and the minimally invasive nature of the endovascular approach.

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.

Woven Endobridge device for treatment of dissection-related PICA aneurysm

2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992096834
Author(s):  
Nicolas K Khattar ◽  
Andrew C White ◽  
Aurora S Cruz ◽  
Shawn W Adams ◽  
Kimberly S Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Excellent Outcome ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Woven Endobridge ◽  
Web Device ◽  
Work Up ◽  
Distal Vessel

Ruptured vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms require urgent, often challenging treatment as they have with a high re-hemorrhage rate within the first 24 hours. The patient is a 57-year-old woman who presented with severe-sudden onset headache. Further work up showed a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the caudal loop of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with associated narrowing distally, in the ascending limb. The aneurysm was immediately occluded with a Woven Endobridge (WEB) device (MicroVention, Tustin, CA, USA) while flow diversion treatment of the diseased ascending limb was postponed. Follow-up angiography three months later showed complete occlusion of the aneurysm, as well as healing of the diseased distal vessel, obviating the need for further intervention. WEB embolization of a ruptured dissecting posterior circulation aneurysm provided an excellent outcome for this patient.

Endovascular treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a 7-year single-center experience

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Xu ◽  
Yong Hong ◽  
Yongtao Zheng ◽  
Qiang Xu ◽  
Bing Leng
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Endovascular Embolization ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Selective Embolization ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

AimTo report our experience with endovascular treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms.MethodsBetween January 2007 and December 2014, 40 patients with 42 PICA aneurysms were treated with endovascular embolization at our institution. Twenty-eight patients had 29 saccular aneurysms and 12 patients had 13 fusiform/dissecting aneurysms. The endovascular modalities were: (1) selective occlusion of the aneurysm with or without stent assistance (n=19); (2) occlusion of the aneurysm and the parent artery (n=22); and (3) occlusion of the aneurysm including the vertebral artery and PICA origin (n=1). Specifically, selective embolization was performed in 93.3% of aneurysms (14/15) proximal to the telovelotonsillary segment.ResultsImmediate angiographic results included 31 complete occlusions (74%), 3 nearly complete occlusions (7%), and 8 incomplete occlusions (19%). Mean follow-up of 20 months in 31 aneurysms showed 27 stable results, 3 further thromoboses, and 1 recurrence. Final results included 27 complete occlusions (87.1%) and 4 incomplete occlusions (12.9%). There were 5 overall procedural-related complications (12.5%), including 1 infarction (2.5%) and 4 intraprocedural ruptures (10.0%). Procedure-related morbidity and morbidity was 5.0% (2/40) and 2.5% (1/40), respectively. Clinical outcome was excellent (Glasgow Outcome Scale 5 in 31 of 33 patients at long-term follow-up).ConclusionsPICA aneurysms may be effectively treated by different endovascular approaches with favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes. Further studies are required to compare the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment with open surgery.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes in patients with ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a comparative analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Williamson ◽  
David A. Wilson ◽  
Adib A. Abla ◽  
Cameron G. McDougall ◽  
Peter Nakaji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerve Dysfunction ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Nerve Dysfunction ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

OBJECT Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms is uncommon, and long-term outcome data for patients who have suffered such hemorrhages is lacking. This study investigated in-hospital and long-term clinical data from a prospective cohort of patients with SAH from ruptured PICA aneurysms enrolled in a randomized trial; their outcomes were compared with those of SAH patients who were treated for other types of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The authors hypothesize that PICA patients fare worse than those with aneurysms in other locations and this difference is related to the high rate of lower cranial nerve dysfunction in PICA patients. METHODS The authors analyzed data for 472 patients enrolled in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) and retrospectively reviewed vasospasm data not collected prospectively. In the initial cohort, 57 patients were considered angiographically negative for aneurysmal SAH source and did not receive treatment for aneurysms, leaving 415 patients with aneurysmal SAH. RESULTS Of 415 patients with aneurysmal SAH, 22 (5.3%) harbored a ruptured PICA aneurysm. Eight of them had dissecting/fusiform-type aneurysms while 14 had saccular-type aneurysms. Nineteen PICA patients were treated with clipping (1 crossover from coiling), 2 were treated with coiling, and 1 died before treatment. When comparing PICA patients to all other aneurysm patients in the study cohort, there were no statistically significant differences in age (mean 57.6 ± 11.8 vs 53.9 ± 11.8 years, p = 0.17), Hunt and Hess grade median III [IQR II–IV] vs III [IQR II–III], p = 0.15), Fisher grade median 3 [IQR 3–3] vs 3 [IQR 3–3], p = 0.53), aneurysm size (mean 6.2 ± 3.0 vs 6.7 ± 4.0 mm, p = 0.55), radiographic vasospasm (53% vs 50%, p = 0.88), or clinical vasospasm (12% vs 23%, p = 0.38). PICA patients were more likely to have a fusiform aneurysm (36% vs 12%, p = 0.004) and had a higher incidence of lower cranial nerve dysfunction and higher rate of tracheostomy/percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement compared with non-PICA patients (50% vs 16%, p < 0.001). PICA patients had a significantly higher incidence of poor outcome at discharge (91% vs 67%, p = 0.017), 1-year follow-up (63% vs 29%, p = 0.002), and 3-year follow-up (63% vs 32%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms had a similar rate of radiographic vasospasm, equivalent admission Fisher grade and Hunt and Hess scores, but poorer clinical outcomes at discharge and at 1- and 3-year follow-up when compared with the rest of the BRAT SAH patients with ruptured aneurysms. The PICA's location at the medulla and the resultant high rate of lower cranial nerve dysfunction may play a role in the poor outcome for these patients. Furthermore, PICA aneurysms were more likely to be fusiform than saccular, compared with non-PICA aneurysms; the complex nature of these aneurysms may also contribute to their poorer outcome.

scholarly journals Ten years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Juszkat ◽  
Paweł Kram ◽  
Katarzyna Stanisławska ◽  
Roman Jankowski ◽  
Bogumiła Stachowska-Tomczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Endovascular Stents ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Background The aim of this study is to present our 10 years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) saccular aneurysms and to compare clinical presentation and outcome after endovascular treatment between patients with PICA aneurysms and patients with aneurysms in different locations. Methods and findings Out of 932 patients with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm treated endovascularly in our institution, 38 aneurysms were located at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Clinical presentation, mean aneurysm diameter and outcome of the therapy in this group were compared with the same for ruptured aneurysms in other locations. Patients discharged with favourable outcomes were checked angiographically in the follow-up period. Thirty-four patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms were treated by selective endovascular coiling. Two patients with wide-necked aneurysms had endovascular stents implanted. In two cases, the parent vessel was occluded due to failure to catheterise the target aneurysm. The evaluated variables did not differ significantly between two groups, but significantly more ruptured aneurysms in the PICA group were under 6 mm in diameter. 29.4% of controlled aneurysms needed additional reembolisation in the follow-up period. Conclusions Clinical presentation, extension of subarachnoid haemorrhage and outcome after endovascular treatment did not differ significantly between patients with ruptured aneurysms located on the PICA and patients with aneurysms located elsewhere intracranially. Endovascular treatment is an effective method of therapy in patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms. In our experience, even when sacrificing of the PICA is required, the results of treatment are favourable.

scholarly journals Microneurosurgical Management of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms: Results of a Consecutive Series

2021 ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
Mattia Del Maestro ◽  
Sabino Luzzi ◽  
Renato Galzio
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Complex Anatomy ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

AbstractAneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are uncommon. The complex anatomy of PICA and its intimate relationships with medulla, lower cranial nerves, and jugular tubercle makes the surgical treatment of these aneurysms fascinating. The reported is study aimed at a critical review of the overall results of a personal series of PICA aneurysms, treated by the senior author, R. Galzio. Demographics, charts, videos, outcome, and follow-up of a cohort of PICA aneurysms managed in the last 10 years were retrospectively analyzed, focusing only upon those treated with microneurosurgery. Twenty-five patients, harboring a single aneurysm, were operated on. Fifteen aneurysms were ruptured. Nineteen were proximal, all of these being been treated through a far-lateral approach. Trans-condylar or trans-tubercular variants were rarely necessary and however reserved to peculiar cases. Twenty-three aneurysms underwent direct treatment consisting of clip ligation. At 6-month follow-up, 60% of patients had a modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0–2. Given the high anatomical variability of both PICA and patients’ bony anatomy, a case-by-case meticulous preoperative imaging evaluation is mandatory for the choice of the most suitable and tailored surgical corridor which, in turn, is pivotal to achieve the best outcome.

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