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.

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.

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.

Routine Cerebral Angiography after Surgery for Saccular Aneurysms: Is It Worth It?

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 1015-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riku P. Kivisaari ◽  
Matti Porras ◽  
Juha Öhman ◽  
Jari Siironen ◽  
Keisuke Ishii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Intraoperative Angiography ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Giant Aneurysms ◽  
Complex Aneurysms ◽  
Major Vessel ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether an angiographically proven rate of saccular intracranial aneurysm occlusion after surgical clipping suggests that postoperative angiography should continue to be used routinely or should be supplanted by intraoperative angiography. These data also should establish a basis for comparing surgery with new endovascular methods of treatment. METHODS: During a 3.5-year period, a consecutive series of 622 patients (955 aneurysms, 808 of which were surgically clipped) who underwent postoperative angiography were studied retrospectively. This series comprised 493 ruptured and 315 unruptured aneurysms. RESULTS: Complete aneurysm closure was achieved in 88% of aneurysms, a neck remnant was discovered in 9%, and a fundus remnant was revealed in 3%. Of 493 ruptured aneurysms, 86% were completely occluded. Of 315 unruptured aneurysms, 91% were completely occluded. The results for clipping of complex aneurysms, i.e., posterior circulation or large to giant aneurysms, were significantly inferior to those for small and anterior circulation aneurysms. In one-third of the large and giant aneurysms, a part of the base was left intentionally because of calcifications or strong wall or to prevent occlusion of any branches. In the series, a significant 5% complication rate of major vessel occlusion was detected. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis revealed that ruptured, posterior circulation, and large/giant aneurysms are more prone to incomplete clipping. Therefore, these aneurysms require postoperative if not intraoperative evaluation with angiography. Many clippings of anterior circulation aneurysms experience unexpected failures, which suggests that intraoperative angiography could be beneficial. This series, which has no selection bias, can be used as a basis to compare the results of other series reporting surgical or endovascular treatment.

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.

Efficacy and safety of flow diverters in posterior circulation aneurysms and comparison with their efficacy in anterior circulation aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 159101992110030
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abdel-Tawab ◽  
Ahmed K Abdeltawab ◽  
Mohamed Abdelmonem ◽  
Mahmoud A Moubark ◽  
Mohamed AH Taha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Flow Diverter ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Purpose We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of flow-diverter stents (FDs) in the management of posterior circulation cerebral aneurysms and compare FD efficacy between anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms. Methods We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies through March 2020. Studies assessing FDs for posterior circulation aneurysms that included ≥20 treated aneurysms were included. Moreover, the studies compared FD efficacy between anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms were included. Data regarding angiographic aneurysmal occlusion, procedural complications, mortality, and morbidity were extracted and pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results Fourteen studies with a total of 659 patients and 676 posterior circulation aneurysms were included. The pooled rate of aneurysmal occlusion at long-term angiographic follow-up was 78% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71–85]. The pooled rates of intraparenchymal hemorrhage, ischemia, and procedure-related mortality and neurological morbidity were 2%, 8%, 7%, and 6%, respectively. Complete occlusion occurred in 82.4% of the posterior circulation aneurysm subgroup and 77.5% of the anterior circulation aneurysm subgroup. The difference was not significant (relative risk 1.01; 95% CI, 0.86–1.19; p = 0.91). Regression analysis showed that elderly patients and females had higher morbidity. Conclusion Posterior circulation aneurysms can be effectively treated with FDs with comparable occlusion rates to those in anterior circulation aneurysms. However, periprocedural complications are not negligible.

scholarly journals Posterior cerebral artery stenosis and posterior circulation revascularization surgery in pediatric patients with moyamoya disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomomi Kimiwada ◽  
Toshiaki Hayashi ◽  
Reizo Shirane ◽  
Teiji Tominaga
Keyword(s):  
Moyamoya Disease ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Posterior Cerebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Initial Diagnosis ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Revascularization Surgery

OBJECTIVESome pediatric patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) present with posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stenosis before and after anterior circulation revascularization surgery and require posterior circulation revascularization surgery. This study evaluated the factors associated with PCA stenosis and assessed the efficacy of posterior circulation revascularization surgery, including occipital artery (OA)–PCA bypass, in pediatric patients with MMD.METHODSThe presence of PCA stenosis before and after anterior circulation revascularization surgery and its clinical characteristics were investigated in 62 pediatric patients (< 16 years of age) with MMD.RESULTSTwenty-three pediatric patients (37%) with MMD presented with PCA stenosis at the time of the initial diagnosis. A strong correlation between the presence of infarction and PCA stenosis before anterior revascularization was observed (p < 0.001). In addition, progressive PCA stenosis was observed in 12 patients (19.4%) after anterior revascularization. The presence of infarction and a younger age at the time of initial diagnosis were risk factors for progressive PCA stenosis after anterior revascularization (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Posterior circulation revascularization surgery, including OA-PCA bypass, was performed in 9 of the 12 patients with progressive PCA stenosis, all of whom showed symptomatic and/or radiological improvement.CONCLUSIONSPCA stenosis is an important clinical factor related to poor prognosis in pediatric MMD. One should be aware of the possibility of progressive PCA stenosis during the postoperative follow-up period and consider performing posterior circulation revascularization surgery.

Expanding the Indications for Flow Diversion: Treatment of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S76-S84
Author(s):  
Nimer Adeeb ◽  
Christopher S Ogilvy ◽  
Christoph J Griessenauer ◽  
Ajith J Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Antiplatelet Agents ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Flow Diversion ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Risk Of Rupture ◽  
Lower Complication ◽  
Ischemic Complications ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms

Abstract Posterior circulation aneurysms are often associated with a higher risk of rupture and compressive symptoms compared to their anterior circulation counterpart. Due to high morbidity and mortality associated with microsurgical treatment of those aneurysms, endovascular therapy gained ascendance as the preferred method of treatment. Flow diversion has emerged as a promising treatment option for posterior circulation aneurysms with a higher occlusion rate compared to other endovascular techniques and a lower complication rate compared to microsurgery. While treatment of saccular and dissecting aneurysms is often associated with comparatively good outcomes, fusiform and dolichoectatic aneurysms should be carefully selected prior to treatment to avoid devastating thromboembolic complications. Occlusion of covered posterior circulation branches showed no correlation with ischemic complications, and appropriate antiplatelet regimen and switching Clopidogrel nonresponders to different antiplatelet agents were associated with lower complication rates following flow diversion of posterior circulation aneurysms.

Predictors of cerebral aneurysm persistence and occlusion after flow diversion: a single-institution series of 445 cases with angiographic follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 259-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew T. Bender ◽  
Geoffrey P. Colby ◽  
Li-Mei Lin ◽  
Bowen Jiang ◽  
Erick M. Westbroek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Flow Diversion ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Complete Occlusion ◽  
Aneurysm Size ◽  
Branch Vessel ◽  
Aneurysm Occlusion ◽  
Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

OBJECTIVEFlow diversion requires neointimal stent overgrowth to deliver aneurysm occlusion. The existing literature on aneurysm occlusion is limited by heterogeneous follow-up, variable antiplatelet regimens, noninvasive imaging modalities, and nonstandard occlusion assessment. Using a large, single-center cohort with low attrition and standardized antiplatelet tapering, the authors evaluated outcomes after flow diversion of anterior circulation aneurysms to identify predictors of occlusion and aneurysm persistence.METHODSData from a prospective, IRB-approved database was analyzed for all patients with anterior circulation aneurysms treated by flow diversion with the Pipeline embolization device (PED) at the authors’ institution. Follow-up consisted of catheter cerebral angiography at 6 and 12 months postembolization. Clopidogrel was discontinued at 6 months and aspirin was reduced to 81 mg daily at 12 months. Occlusion was graded as complete, trace filling, entry remnant, or aneurysm filling. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of aneurysm persistence.RESULTSFollow-up catheter angiography studies were available for 445 (91%) of 491 PED procedures performed for anterior circulation aneurysms between August 2011 and August 2016. Three hundred eighty-seven patients accounted for these 445 lesions with follow-up angiography. The population was 84% female; mean age was 56 years and mean aneurysm size was 6.6 mm. Aneurysms arose from the internal carotid artery (83%), anterior cerebral artery (13%), and middle cerebral artery (4%). Morphology was saccular in 90% of the lesions, and 18% of the aneurysms has been previously treated. Overall, complete occlusion was achieved in 82% of cases at a mean follow-up of 14 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 72%, 78%, and 87% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. At 12 months, adjunctive coiling predicted occlusion (OR 0.260, p = 0.036), while male sex (OR 2.923, p = 0.032), aneurysm size (OR 3.584, p = 0.011), and incorporation of a branch vessel (OR 2.206, p = 0.035) predicted persistence. Notable variables that did not predict aneurysm occlusion were prior treatments, vessel of origin, fusiform morphology, and number of devices used.CONCLUSIONSThis is the largest single-institution study showing high rates of anterior circulation aneurysm occlusion after Pipeline embolization. Predictors of persistence after flow diversion included increasing aneurysm size and incorporated branch vessel, whereas adjunctive coiling predicted occlusion.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document