PREOPERATIVE EMBOLIZATION OF INTRACRANIAL ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS WITH ONYX

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Weber ◽  
Bernhard Kis ◽  
Ralf Siekmann ◽  
Paul Jans ◽  
Rudolf Laumer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Liquid Embolic ◽  
Delayed Hemorrhage ◽  
The Mean

Abstract OBJECTIVE Preoperative embolization in accordance with multimodal therapies for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is generally the first step in treatment and may result in complete obliteration. The Onyx liquid embolic system (Micro Therapeutics, Inc., Irvine, CA) may offer advantages for intranidal targeted embolization and microsurgical resection. We present our experience in the combined treatment of intracranial AVMs using Onyx embolization and neurosurgical resection. METHODS We treated a total of 47 patients for compact intracranial AVMs that were located in the frontal or frontoparietal area (16 patients); temporal, temporoparietal, or temporo-occipital regions (12 patients); parietal or parieto-occipital areas (8 patients); occipital regions (8 patients); had basal ganglia involvement (2 patients); and was cerebellar (1 patient). The Spetzler-Martin grading scale values were as follows: 25 patients were Grades I or II, 10 patients were Grade III, and 12 patients were Grades IV or V. Twenty-three AVMs were located in eloquent brain regions. RESULTS After we performed final embolizations, the mean nidus reduction was 84%. Seven patients had new, nondisabling neurological deficits, and four patients had new, disabling neurological deficits after embolization. Periprocedurally, five vessel perforations and four stuck microcatheters were encountered without clinical deficits. In two patients, delayed hemorrhage after embolization occurred with good clinical outcome. We completely resected 46 AVMs; in one patient, we detected an AVM on postoperative angiography. The mean operative time was 4.7 hours, and the mean blood loss was 455 mL. Clinical status worsened postoperatively in 14 patients. Angiographic and clinical follow-up examinations were available for 42 patients (89%); the average follow-up period was 13 months. We found no relapse of arteriovenous shunt. Fourteen patients improved clinically after discharge. Of the 42 patients followed up, 23 individuals had no neurological deficit, 16 had a nondisabling deficit, and three had a disabling deficit. CONCLUSION Preoperative use of the Onyx liquid embolic system in cerebral AVM treatment allows profound occlusion by targeted embolization and provides a basis for safe neurosurgical resection.

Curative treatment for low-grade arteriovenous malformations

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Wang ◽  
Grace K Mandigo ◽  
Neil A Feldstein ◽  
Michael B Sisti ◽  
E Sander Connolly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Curative Treatment ◽  
Embolic Agent ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
The Mean

BackgroundSpetzler-Martin (SM) grade I-II (low-grade) arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are often considered safe for microsurgery or radiosurgery. The adjunctive use of preoperative embolization to reduce surgical risk in these AVMs remains controversial.ObjectiveTo assess the safety of combined treatment of grade I-II AVMs with preoperative embolization followed by surgical resection or radiosurgery, and determine the long-term functional outcomes.MethodsWith institutional review board approval, a retrospective analysis was carried out on patients with ruptured and unruptured SM I-II AVMs between 2002 and 2017. Details of the endovascular procedures, including number of arteries supplying the AVM, number of branches embolized, embolic agent(s) used, and complications were studied. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics were compared. Functional status using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) before and after endovascular and microsurgical treatments was compared.Results258 SM I-II AVMs (36% SM I, 64% SM II) were identified in patients with a mean age of 38 ± 17 years. 48% presented with hemorrhage, 21% with seizure, 16% with headache, 10% with no symptoms, and 5% with clinical deficits. 90 patients (68%) in the unruptured group and 74 patients (59%) in the ruptured group underwent presurgical embolization (p = 0.0013). The mean number of arteries supplying the AVM was 1.44 and 1.41 in the unruptured and ruptured groups, respectively (p = 0.75). The mean number of arteries embolized was 2.51 in the unruptured group and 1.82 in the ruptured group (p = 0.003). n-Butyl cyanoacrylate and Onyx were the two most commonly used embolic agents. Four complications were seen in four patients (4/164 patients embolized): two peri-/postprocedural hemorrhage, one dissection, and one infarct. All patients undergoing surgery had a complete cure on postoperative angiography. Patients were followed up for a mean of 55 months. Good long-term outcomes (mRS score ≤ 2) were seen in 92.5% of patients with unruptured AVMs and 88.0% of those with ruptured AVMs. Permanent neurological morbidity occurred in 1.2%.ConclusionsCurative treatment of SM I-II AVMs can be performed using endovascular embolization with microsurgical resection or radiosurgery in selected cases, with very low morbidity and high cure rates. Compared with other published series, these outcomes suggest that preoperative embolization is a safe and effective adjunct to definitive surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up showed that patients with low-grade AVMs undergoing surgical resection or radiosurgery have good functional outcomes.

Treatment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations with a Combination of Preoperative Embolization and Surgery

Neurosurgery ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Pasqualin ◽  
Renato Scienza ◽  
Fabrizia Cioffi ◽  
Giovanni Barone ◽  
Aldo Benati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Selective Embolization ◽  
Intraoperative Bleeding ◽  
Microsurgical Approach

Abstract Forty-nine patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were treated with preoperative embolization followed by resection using a microsurgical approach. In 27 patients, the AVM was located in an eloquent area; in 32 patients, the volume of the AVM was over 20 cm3. Preoperatively, flow-directed embolization was performed in 10 patients (28 procedures), selective embolization with threads was performed in 35 patients (46 procedures), and a combination of flow-directed and selective embolization was performed in 4 patients (12 procedures). The percentage of reduction of the AVM volume averaged 36% after embolization. Five minor complications (transient neurological deficits, in 2 cases associated with ischemic areas on the CT scan) were observed after embolization. The interval between the last embolization and surgery was as follows: within 10 days in 7 patients; between 11 and 20 days in 3 patients; between 21 and 30 days in 10 patients; between 31 and 60 days in 11 patients; and 2 months later in 18 patients. The efficacy of this combined treatment (embolization plus surgery) was evaluated by the incidence of hyperemic complications and the clinical outcome. Hyperemic complications occurred more frequently in patients with an AVM volume greater than 20 cm3. When compared with flow-directed embolization, selective embolization was linked with decreased bleeding during surgery; postoperatively, the incidence of cerebral edema was also lower. Clinical outcome was better after selective embolization, with no occurrence of major deficits and no mortality. When the percentage of reduction of the AVM volume after embolization was 40% or more, the incidence of intraoperative hyperemic complications was lower; moreover, new permanent deficits were never observed in patients with this volume reduction. A retrospective clinical comparison of two groups of patients with similar AVM volumes (>20 cm3)—those given combined treatment (n = 32) versus those treated by direct surgery alone (n = 27)—showed that intraoperative bleeding appeared to decrease in patients treated by embolization; the incidence of postoperative hyperemic complications was not different in the two groups. New major deficits and deaths were less frequent in patients treated by embolization (P= 0.05 for the incidence of major deficits); postoperative epilepsy was also less common in these patients. In conclusion, combined treatment with selective preoperative embolization and direct surgery may help the neurosurgeon in the treatment of large, high-flow AVMs, reducing the risks connected with their surgical removal. (Neurosurgery 29:358-368, 1991)

scholarly journals Long-term follow-up results of intentional 2-stage Gamma Knife surgery with an interval of at least 3 years for arteriovenous malformations larger than 10 cm3

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 126-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaaki Yamamoto ◽  
Atsuya Akabane ◽  
Yuji Matsumaru ◽  
Yoshinori Higuchi ◽  
Hidetoshi Kasuya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
The Other ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Final Conclusion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Second Procedure

Object Little information is available on staged Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) with an interval of 3 years or more when used to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with volumes larger than 10 cm3. The goal of this study was to increase knowledge in this area by reporting the authors' experience. Methods The authors describe an institutional review board–approved retrospective study in which they examined databases including information on 250 patients who consecutively underwent GKS for cerebral AVMs during a 16-year period (1988–2004). Among the 250 patients the authors identified 31 patients (12.4%, 15 female and 16 male patients with a mean age of 29 years [range 10–63 years]) in whom 2-stage GKS was intentionally planned at the time of initial treatment because the volume of the AVM nidus was larger than 10 cm3. The most common presentation was bleeding (14 patients), followed by seizures (9 patients), incidental findings (7 patients), and headache with scintillation (1 patient). One patient underwent GKS for the treatment of 2 AVMs simultaneously, and thus 32 AVMs are included in this study. The mean nidus volume was 16.2 cm3 (maximum 55.8 cm3). In all 31 patients, relatively low radiation doses (12–16 Gy directed at the periphery of the lesion) were intentionally used for the first GKS. The second GKS was scheduled for at least 36 months after the first. Results Complete nidus obliteration was obtained after the first GKS in 1 patient. To date, 26 patients have undergone a second procedure with a post-GKS mean interval of 41 months (range 24–83 months); 2 other patients refused to undergo the second GKS, and no further treatment was given because of severe morbidity in 1 case and death due to bleeding in the other case. Among the 26 patients who did undergo a second procedure, 3 patients refused follow-up digital subtraction (DS) angiography, another is scheduled for follow-up DS angiography, and 2 patients died, one of bleeding and the other of an unknown cause. The remaining 20 patients underwent follow-up DS angiography. Complete nidus obliteration was confirmed in 13 patients (65.0%) and remarkable nidus shrinkage in the other 7 patients (35.0%). In 2 of these 7 patients, a third GKS achieved complete nidus obliteration. Therefore, the cumulative complete obliteration rate in this series was 76.2% (16 of 21 eligible patients). Seven patients (22.6%) experienced bleeding. The bleeding rates were 9.7%, 16.1%, 16.1%, and 26.1%, respectively, at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years post-GKS. There were 2 deaths and 3 cases of morbidity (persistent coma, mild hemimotor weakness, and hemianopsia in 1 patient each). Hemorrhage did not produce neurological deficits in the other 2 patients. During the mean post-GKS follow-up period of 105 months (range 42–229 months) to date, mild symptomatic GKS-related complications occurred in 2 patients (6.5%); these were classified as Radiation Oncology Group Neurotoxicity Grade 1 in 1 patient and Grade 2 in the other. Among various pre-GKS clinical factors, univariate analysis showed only patient age to impact complications (hazard ratio 0.675, 95% CI 0.306–0.942, p = 0.0085). The rate of complications in the pediatric cases was 33.3%, whereas that in the adolescent and adult cases was 0% (p = 0.0323). Conclusions Although a final conclusion awaits further studies and patient follow-up, these results suggest 2-stage GKS to be beneficial even for relatively large AVMs.

scholarly journals A Nonadhesive Liquid Embolic Agent of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer and Ethanol Mixture for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI Hamada ◽  
Y. Kai ◽  
T. Mizuno ◽  
M. Morioka ◽  
K. Kazekawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Embolic Agent ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Ethanol Mixture ◽  
Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol ◽  
Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer ◽  
Liquid Embolic ◽  
Liquid Embolic Agent

We report our experience using our new nonadhesive liquid embolic agent, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL)/Ethanol mixture, to treat human arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Between June 1995 and April 2001, 57 patients with confirmed AVM underwent embolization with the EVAL/Ethanol mixture. Using 87 procedures consisting of one to three stages, we embolized 185 feeding arteries to occlude as much of the AVM as possible. Repeated injections under fluoroscopic control could be performed smoothly without encountering cementing of the catheter in the vessel wall. Among 87 procedures undertaken in 57 patients, seven (8.0%) procedures in six patients produced new postembolization symptoms. Resolution of these symptoms occurred within hours or days following four of the seven procedures; permanent neurological deficits remained after three embolization procedures (3.4%). Of the 57 patients, three underwent postembolization radiosurgery, 54 were radically treated with microsurgical extirpation. Histopathological examinations of the 54 specimens disclosed mild inflammation within the embolized lumen without inflammatory reactions in the media or adventitia. Follow-up angiograms obtained three years after they underwent radiosurgery showed that in all three patients the nidus had completely disappeared. The EVAL/Ethanol mixture is handled easily and appears to be an effective and safe embolic agent for the preoperative embolization of AVM.

scholarly journals Massive haemorrhagic complications of ruptured pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: outcomes from a 12 years’ retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Ma ◽  
Bing Jie ◽  
Dong Yu ◽  
Ling-Ling Li ◽  
Sen Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Arterial Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Arterial Oxygen ◽  
Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia ◽  
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Peripheral Lung ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The life-threatening haemorrhagic complications of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are extremely rare, and only described in isolated cases. This study was designed to comprehensively investigate management of ruptured PAVMs. Methods We retrospectively assessed clinical and imaging data of ruptured PAVMs to summarize incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes following embolisation between January 2008 and January 2021. Results Eighteen of 406 (4.4%) patients with PAVMs developed haemorrhagic complications. Twelve of 18 patients were clinically diagnosed with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Haemorrhagic complications occurred with no clear trigger in all cases. Eight of 18 patients (44.4%) were initially misdiagnosed or had undergone early ineffective treatment. 28 lesions were detected, with 89.3% of them located in peripheral lung. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed indirect signs to indicate ruptured PAVMs in all cases. Lower haemoglobin concentrations were associated with the diameter of afferent arteries in the ruptured lesions. Successful embolotherapy was achieved in all cases. After embolotherapy, arterial oxygen saturation improved and bleeding was controlled (P < 0.05). The mean follow-up time was 3.2 ± 2.5 years (range, 7 months to 10 years). Conclusions Life threatening haemorrhagic complications of PAVMs are rare, they usually occur without a trigger and can be easily misdiagnosed. HHT and larger size of afferent arteries are major risk factors of these complications. CTA is a useful tool for diagnosis and therapeutic guidance for ruptured PAVMs. Embolotherapy is an effective therapy for this life-threatening complication.

scholarly journals Natural history and treatment options of radiation-induced brain cavernomas: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gildas Patet ◽  
Andrea Bartoli ◽  
Torstein R. Meling
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
The Mean

AbstractRadiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are delayed complications of brain irradiation during childhood. Its natural history is largely unknown and its incidence may be underestimated as RCIMS tend to develop several years following radiation. No clear consensus exists regarding the long-term follow-up or treatment. A systematic review of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed. Based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included, totaling 113 children with RICMs, 86 were treated conservatively, and 27 with microsurgery. We were unable to precisely define the incidence and natural history from this data. The mean age at radiation treatment was 7.3 years, with a slight male predominance (54%) and an average dose of 50.0 Gy. The mean time to detection of RICM was 9.2 years after radiation. RICM often developed at distance from the primary lesion, more specifically frontal (35%) and temporal lobe (34%). On average, 2.6 RICMs were discovered per child. Sixty-seven percent were asymptomatic. Twenty-one percent presented signs of hemorrhage. Clinical outcome was favorable in all children except in 2. Follow-up data were lacking in most of the studies. RICM is most often asymptomatic but probably an underestimated complication of cerebral irradiation in the pediatric population. Based on the radiological development of RICMs, many authors suggest a follow-up of at least 15 years. Studies suggest observation for asymptomatic lesions, while surgery is reserved for symptomatic growth, hemorrhage, or focal neurological deficits.

scholarly journals Stereotactic radiosurgery at a low marginal dose for the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations: obliteration, complications, and functional outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Potts ◽  
Sunil A. Sheth ◽  
Jonathan Louie ◽  
Matthew D. Smyth ◽  
Penny K. Sneed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an established treatment modality for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children, but the optimal treatment parameters and associated treatment-related complications are not fully understood. The authors present their single-institution experience of using SRS, at a relatively low marginal dose, to treat AVMs in children for nearly 20 years; they report angiographic outcomes, posttreatment hemorrhage rates, adverse treatment-related events, and functional outcomes. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of 2 cohorts of children (18 years of age or younger) with AVMs treated from 1991 to 1998 and from 2000 to 2010. Results A total of 80 patients with follow-up data after SRS were identified. Mean age at SRS was 12.7 years, and 56% of patients had hemorrhage at the time of presentation. Median target volume was 3.1 cm3 (range 0.09–62.3 cm3), and median prescription marginal dose used was 17.5 Gy (range 12–20 Gy). Angiograms acquired 3 years after treatment were available for 47% of patients; AVM obliteration was achieved in 52% of patients who received a dose of 18–20 Gy and in 16% who received less than 18 Gy. At 5 years after SRS, the cumulative incidence of hemorrhage was 25% (95% CI 16%–37%). No permanent neurological deficits occurred in patients who did not experience posttreatment hemorrhage. Overall, good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale Scores 0–2) were observed for 78% of patients; for 66% of patients, functional status improved or remained the same as before treatment. Conclusions A low marginal dose minimizes SRS-related neurological deficits but leads to low rates of obliteration and high rates of hemorrhage. To maximize AVM obliteration and minimize posttreatment hemorrhage, the authors recommend a prescription marginal dose of 18 Gy or more. In addition, SRS-related symptoms such as headache and seizures should be considered when discussing risks and benefits of SRS for treating AVMs in children.

scholarly journals Current surgical results with low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 912-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Potts ◽  
Darryl Lau ◽  
Adib A. Abla ◽  
Helen Kim ◽  
William L. Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Brain Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Delayed Hemorrhage ◽  
Martin Grade

OBJECT Resection is an appealing therapy for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) because of its high cure rate, low complication rate, and immediacy, and has become the first-line therapy for many AVMs. To clarify safety, efficacy, and outcomes associated with AVM resection in the aftermath of A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain AVMs (ARUBA), the authors reviewed their experience with low-grade AVMs—the most favorable AVMs for surgery and the ones most likely to have been selected for treatment outside of ARUBA's randomization process. METHODS A prospective AVM registry was searched to identify patients with Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II AVMs treated using resection during a 16-year period. RESULTS Of the 232 surgical patients included, 120 (52%) presented with hemorrhage, 33% had Spetzler-Martin Grade I, and 67% had Grade II AVMs. Overall, 99 patients (43%) underwent preoperative embolization, with unruptured AVMs embolized more often than ruptured AVMs. AVM resection was accomplished in all patients and confirmed angiographically in 218 patients (94%). There were no deaths among patients with unruptured AVMs. Good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–1) were found in 78% of patients, with 97% improved or unchanged from their preoperative mRS scores. Patients with unruptured AVMs had better functional outcomes (91% good outcome vs 65% in the ruptured group, p = 0.0008), while relative outcomes were equivalent (98% improved/unchanged in patients with ruptured AVMs vs 96% in patients with unruptured AVMs). CONCLUSIONS Surgery should be regarded as the “gold standard” therapy for the majority of low-grade AVMs, utilizing conservative embolization as a preoperative adjunct. High surgical cure rates and excellent functional outcomes in patients with both ruptured and unruptured AVMs support a dominant surgical posture for low-grade AVMS, with radiosurgery reserved for risky AVMs in deep, inaccessible, and highly eloquent locations. Despite the technological advances in endovascular and radiosurgical therapy, surgery still offers the best cure rate, lowest risk profile, and greatest protection against hemorrhage for low-grade AVMs. ARUBA results are influenced by a low randomization rate, bias toward nonsurgical therapies, a shortage of surgical expertise, a lower rate of complete AVM obliteration, a higher rate of delayed hemorrhage, and short study duration. Another randomized trial is needed to reestablish the role of surgery in unruptured AVM management.

The role of exudation in chronic subdural hematomas

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Tokmak ◽  
A. Celal Iplikcioglu ◽  
Sirzat Bek ◽  
Cem Atilla Gökduman ◽  
Mustafa Erdal
Keyword(s):  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Subdural Hematomas ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Exudation Rate

Object Chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) are a local inflammatory process that causes the formation of a granulation tissue often referred to as the external or outer membrane. This membrane has abnormally permeable macrocapillaries. Therefore, exudation from the macrocapillaries in the outer membrane of chronic SDH may play an important role in the enlargement of chronic SDH. In this study the authors investigated the role of exudation in chronic SDH. Methods The authors examined 24 patients (16 men and eight women; age range 38–86 years [mean age 61.4 years]) with 27 chronic SDHs. The clinical status of the patients was evaluated according to the classification described by Markwalder. The diagnosis was established on computed tomography (CT) scans in all cases. The authors also used the Nomura Classification for judging the lesion's appearance on CT scans. Immediately after the diagnosis, all patients were administered 20 mCi (740 mBq) technetium-99m human serum albumin. Four hours later, blood and SDH samples were taken and radioactivity levels were measured in each. The ratio of activity of the samples taken from chronic SDH to the radioactivity of blood was determined as a percentage and defined as the exudation rate. On the follow-up CT scan obtained on postoperative Day 20, subdural collections thicker than 5 mm were determined to be a reaccumulation. Results The correlations between the exudation rate and age of the patients, clinical grades, CT appearances, and amount of reaccumulation were investigated. In this series the average exudation rate was 13.24% (range 2.05–28.88%). The mean exudation rates according to the clinical grades assigned to patients were as follows: Grade 0, 8.67 ± 5.64% (three patients); Grade 1, 5.07 ± 1.43% (eight patients); Grade 2, 17.87 ± 3.73% (seven patients); and Grade 3, 19.65 ± 7.67% (six patients). Exudation rates in patients with Grades 2 and 3 were significantly higher than those in Grades 0 and 1 (p < 0.05). The mean exudation rates according to the lesion's appearance on CT scans were found as follows: hypodense appearance, 6.55 ± 4.52% (eight patients); isodense appearance, 11.07 ± 6.32% (five patients); hyperdense appearance, 19.47 ± 13.61% (three patients); and mixed-density appearance, 17.40 ± 5.80% (nine patients). The differences among the groups were significant (p < 0.05). The average exudation rate was statistically higher in the patients with reaccumulation (16.30 ± 8.16%) than that in the patients without reaccumulation (9.96 ± 6.84%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The exudation rate in chronic SDH is correlated with a higher clinical grade (Markwalder Grade 2 or 3), mixed-density CT appearance, and reaccumulation. Therefore, exudation from macrocapillaries in the outer membrane of chronic SDH probably plays an important role in the pathophysiology and the growth of chronic SDH.

Important Factors for a Combined Neurovascular Team to Consider in Selecting a Treatment Modality for Patients with Previously Clipped Residual and Recurrent Intracranial Aneurysms

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 732-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian L. Hoh ◽  
Bob S. Carter ◽  
Christopher M. Putman ◽  
Christopher S. Ogilvy
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Parent Vessel ◽  
Surgical Risk ◽  
Fatal Hemorrhage ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract OBJECTIVE Intracranial residual and recurrent aneurysms can occur after surgical clipping, with risks of growth and rupture. In the past, surgical reoperation, which can be associated with higher risk than the initial operation, was the only available treatment. A combined neurovascular team that uses both surgical and endovascular therapies could maximize efficacy and outcomes while minimizing risks in these difficult cases. The indications for which surgical or endovascular treatment should be used to treat patients with residual or recurrent aneurysms, however, have not been elucidated well. We have reviewed the 10-year experience of our combined neurovascular team to determine in a retrospective manner which factors were important to treatment modality selection for patients with these residual and recurrent lesions. METHODS From 1991 to 2001, the combined neurovascular unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital treated 25 residual and recurrent previously clipped aneurysms (15 had been clipped at other centers). Only patients in whom a clip had been placed were included in the study; patients who did not have a clip placed or whose aneurysms were wrapped or coated were excluded. The radiographic studies and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively to determine the efficacy, outcomes, and factors important to the selection of treatment strategy in these patients. RESULTS The patients' clinical presentations were radiographic follow-up, 17 patients; rehemorrhage, 3; mass effect, 3; and thromboembolism, 2. The mean aneurysm recurrence or residual size was 11 mm (range, 4–26 mm). The mean interval until representation was 6.6 years (range, 1 wk–25 yr). Treatment consisted of: coiling, 11 patients; reclipping, 8; proximal parent vessel balloon occlusion, 2; extracranial-intracranial bypass with coil occlusion of aneurysm and parent vessel, 2; extracranial-intracranial bypass with clip trapping, 1; and extracranial-intracranial bypass with proximal clip occlusion of parent vessel, 1. The mean radiographic follow-up period was 11 months. Complete angiographic occlusion was found in 19 aneurysms (76%), at least 90% occlusion was found in 4 aneurysms (16%), intentional partial coil obliteration was found in 1 fusiform lesion (4%), and intentional retrograde flow was found in 1 fusiform lesion (4%). Clinical outcomes were excellent or good in 19 patients (76%). Twenty-one patients (84%) were neurologically the same after retreatment (13 remained neurologically intact, and 8 had preexisting neurological deficits that did not change). Three patients (12%) had new neurological deficits after retreatment, and one patient (4%) died. There were four complications of retreatment (16%), one of which was a fatal hemorrhage in a patient 1 month after intentional partial coil obliteration of a fusiform vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm. Factors important to the selection of treatment modality were recurrence or residual location (all posterior circulation lesions were treated endovascularly), lesion size (lesions larger than 10 mm were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques), and aneurysm morphology (fusiform and wide-necked lesions were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques). CONCLUSION The proper selection of surgical or endovascular treatment for residual and recurrent previously clipped aneurysms can achieve excellent radiographic efficacy with low mortality. Factors important to the selection of treatment by this combined neurovascular team were posterior circulation location, aneurysm size larger than 10 mm, and fusiform morphology, which were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques because of the higher surgical risk associated with these factors. For aneurysms with lower surgical risk, such as some anterior circulation aneurysms and aneurysms smaller than 10 mm, we prefer to perform a reoperation because of superior radiographic cure without compromising the outcome.

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