Contralateral approaches to bilateral cerebral aneurysms: a microsurgical anatomical study

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric M. Oshiro ◽  
David A. Rini ◽  
Rafael J. Tamargo

✓ In patients with bilateral supratentorial aneurysms, surgical clipping of all aneurysms via a unilateral approach would obviate the need for a second operation. The authors conducted a microsurgical study in human cadaver heads to examine the contralateral exposure for four common aneurysm sites in the anterior circulation: the ophthalmic artery (OA) origin, the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) origin, the internal carotid artery (ICA) termination, and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation. Frontotemporal craniotomies were performed in 16 cadavers to evaluate the corridor for exposure of these sites from the contralateral side. Morphometric data, including lengths and diameters of major arterial segments and optic nerves, were documented for anatomical correlation. In this study, the contralateral OA origin was successfully exposed in 62% of specimens, the PCoA origin in 50%, the ICA bifurcation in 100%, and the MCA bifurcation in 62%. Exposure of the OA origin and, in some cases, the PCoA, required incision of the falciform ligament and mobilization of the contralateral optic nerve. Exposure of the MCA bifurcation was dependent on the length of the M1 segment, with successful exposure only when this segment was shorter than 14 mm. Implications for the contralateral approach to aneurysms at these sites are discussed and the microsurgical corridors for exposure are described. For correlation with the anatomical study, a brief clinical review of patients with bilateral supratentorial aneurysms treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1992 and 1995 is presented. Guidelines for the contralateral approach to aneurysms are discussed with reference to the anatomical study and the clinical review.

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. E1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric M. Oshiro ◽  
David A. Rini ◽  
Rafael J. Tamargo

In patients with bilateral supratentorial aneurysms, surgical clipping of all aneurysms via a unilateral approach would obviate the need for a second operation. The authors conducted a microsurgical study in human cadaver heads to examine the contralateral exposure for four common aneurysm sites in the anterior circulation: the ophthalmic artery (OA) origin, the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) origin, the internal carotid artery (ICA) termination, and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation. Frontotemporal craniotomies were performed in 16 cadavers to evaluate the corridor for exposure of these sites from the contralateral side. Morphometric data, including lengths and diameters of major arterial segments and optic nerves, were documented for anatomical correlation. In this study, the contralateral OA origin was successfully exposed in 62% of specimens, the PCoA origin in 50%, the ICA bifurcation in 100%, and the MCA bifurcation in 62%. Exposure of the OA origin and, in some cases, the PCoA, required incision of the falciform ligament and mobilization of the contralateral optic nerve. Exposure of the MCA bifurcation was dependent on the length of the M1 segment, with successful exposure only when this segment was shorter than 14 mm. Implications for the contralateral approach to aneurysms at these sites are discussed and the microsurgical corridors for exposure are described. For correlation with the anatomical study, a brief clinical review of patients with bilateral supratentorial aneurysms treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1992 and 1995 is presented. Guidelines for the contralateral approach to aneurysms are discussed with reference to the anatomical study and the clinical review.


2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Richard Winn ◽  
John A. Jane ◽  
James Taylor ◽  
Donald Kaiser ◽  
Gavin W. Britz

Object. The prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms is unknown, but is estimated to be as high as 5%. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic incidental aneurysms. Methods. The authors studied all cerebral arteriography reports produced at a single institution, the University of Virginia, between April 1969 and January 1980. A review of 3684 arteriograms demonstrated 24 cases of asymptomatic aneurysms, yielding a prevalence rate of 0.65%. The majority (67%) of the 24 patients harboring unruptured aneurysms were women. More than 90% of the unruptured aneurysms were located in the anterior circulation and in locations similar to those found in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Nearly 80% of the aneurysms were smaller than 1 cm in their greatest diameter. The frequency of asymmetrical unruptured aneurysms (0.6–1.5%) was constant throughout all relevant age ranges (35–84 years). Conclusions. While keeping in mind appropriate caveats in extrapolating from these data, the prevalence rate of asymptomatic unruptured aneurysms found in the present study allows an estimation of the yearly rate of rupture of these lesions. The authors suggest that this yearly rate of rupture falls within the range of 1 to 2%.


1990 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 864-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjeld Dons Eriksen ◽  
Torben Bøge-Rasmussen ◽  
Christian Kruse-Larsen

✓ Damage to the olfactory nerve during frontotemporal approach to the basal cisternal region has not previously been investigated in a quantified manner. In this retrospective study of 25 patients operated on for ruptured intracranial aneurysms via the frontotemporal route, 22 patients suffered postoperatively from anosmia ipsilateral to the side of surgery. This complication most often goes unrecognized by the patient as well as the physician, and attention should be drawn to it because of its widespread occurrence. This investigation demonstrates a high incidence of anosmia (24 (88.9%) of 27 surgical sides) occurring ipsilateral to the frontotemporal approach in aneurysm surgery. Recovery after traumatic anosmia has been recorded up to 5 years after injury.1 Nevertheless, the authors believe that the damage is permanent when lasting 35 months or longer.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Raftopoulos ◽  
Pierre Mathurin ◽  
Dutcho Boscherini ◽  
Rudolf F. Billa ◽  
Michel Van Boven ◽  
...  

Object. The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the results of treating cerebral aneurysms with coil embolization (CE) or with surgical clipping when CE was considered the first option.Methods. Whenever an aneurysm was to be treated, CE was first considered by our neurovascular team. Surgical clipping was reserved for cases excluded from CE or cases in which CE failed. The study consisted of 103 consecutive patients with 132 aneurysms, of which 127 were treated. Coil embolization was performed using Guglielmi detachable coils, and surgery was performed using Zeppelin clips. Three groups were defined: Group A consisted of 64 aneurysms that were treated by CE (neck/sac ratio < 1:3); Group B, 63 aneurysms that were surgically clipped; and Group C, 12 aneurysms that failed to be satisfactorily (≥ 95%) embolized and were subsequently clipped. The percentages of residual aneurysm were 31.2% in Group A, 1.6% in Group B, and 0% in Group C. The percentages of patients with poor Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores (GOS Scores 1–3) were 13.3% in Group A, 6.1% in Group B, and 8.3% in Group C. The percentages of poor outcome (GOS Scores 1–3) in patients with good clinical status before treatment were 10.7% in Group A, 0% in Group B, and 8.3% in Group C.Conclusions. Even with preselection, CE remains associated with a significant number of treatment failures and poor outcomes, even in patients with good preoperative clinical status. Surgical clipping can offer better results than CE, even for more complex aneurysms of the anterior circulation, especially for those involving the middle cerebral artery cases. However, because CE can be effective and causes less stress and invasiveness for the patient, it should be considered first in aneurysms strictly selected by a neurovascular team.


1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 865-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry J. Cloft ◽  
Nasser Razack ◽  
David F. Kallmes

Object. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cerebral saccular aneurysms in patients with persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA). The prevalence of cerebral saccular aneurysms in patients with PPTA previously has been reported to be 14 to 32%, but this rate range is unreliable because it is based on collections of published case reports rather than a series of patients chosen in an unbiased manner.Methods. The authors retrospectively evaluated their own series of 34 patients with PPTA to determine the prevalence of cerebral aneurysms in this population. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with PPTA was approximately 3% (95% confidence interval 0–9%).Conclusions. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with PPTA is no greater than the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in the general population.


1989 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Newell ◽  
Peter D. LeRoux ◽  
Ralph G. Dacey ◽  
Gary K. Stimac ◽  
H. Richard Winn

✓ Computerized tomography (CT) infusion scanning can confirm the presence or absence of an aneurysm as a cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Eight patients who presented with spontaneous hemorrhage were examined using this technique. In five patients the CT scan showed an aneurysm which was later confirmed by angiography or surgery; angiography confirmed the absence of an aneurysm in the remaining three patients. This method is an easy effective way to detect whether an aneurysm is the cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.


1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donlin M. Long

The role of The Johns Hopkins University as an innovative school with a basic mission of scientific research is discussed. Its principle that research is best performed by faculty and students at a graduate level gave birth to the revolutionary concept of a research university. Against this background, the hospital and later the medical school were founded. The innovations that emerged from this medical education structure are touched on.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose F. Alén ◽  
Alfonso Lagares ◽  
Ramiro D. Lobato ◽  
Pedro A. Gómez ◽  
Juan J. Rivas ◽  
...  

Object. Some authors have questioned the need to perform cerebral angiography in patients presenting with a benign clinical picture and a perimesencephalic pattern of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on initial computerized tomography (CT) scans, because the low probability of finding an aneurysm does not justify exposing patients to the risks of angiography. It has been stated, however, that ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms may present with a perimesencephalic SAH pattern in up to 10% of cases. The aim of the present study was twofold: to define the frequency of the perimesencephalic SAH pattern in the setting of ruptured posterior fossa aneurysms, and to determine whether this clinical syndrome and pattern of bleeding could be reliably and definitely distinguished from that of aneurysmal SAH. Methods. Twenty-eight patients with ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms and 44 with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH were selected from a series of 408 consecutive patients with spontaneous SAH admitted to the authors' institution. The admission unenhanced CT scans were evaluated by a neuroradiologist in a blinded fashion and classified as revealing a perimesencephalic SAH or a nonperimesencephalic pattern of bleeding. Of the 28 patients with posterior circulation aneurysms, five whose grade was I according to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale were classified as having a perimesencephalic SAH pattern on the initial CT scan. The data show that the likelihood of finding an aneurysm on angiographic studies obtained in a patient with a perimesencephalic SAH pattern is 8.9%. Conversely, ruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation present with an early perimesencephalic SAH pattern in 16.6% of cases. Conclusions. This study supports the impression that there is no completely sensitive and specific CT pattern for a nonaneurysmal SAH. In addition, the authors believe that there is no specific clinical syndrome that can differentiate patients who have a perimesencephalic SAH pattern caused by an aneurysm from those without aneurysms. Digital subtraction angiography continues to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms and should be performed even in patients who have the characteristic perimesencephalic SAH pattern on admission CT scans.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motoshi Sawada ◽  
Yasuhiko Kaku ◽  
Shinichi Yoshimura ◽  
Masahiro Kawaguchi ◽  
Takashi Matsuhisa ◽  
...  

✓ Occlusion of the parent artery is a traditional method of treatment of unclippable cerebral aneurysms. Surgical or endovascular occlusion of the parent artery proximal to the aneurysm has been recommended for the treatment of dissecting aneurysms located in the vertebrobasilar circulation. Nevertheless, occlusion of the parent artery may not result in permanent exclusion of the aneurysm from the systemic circulation because, occasionally, postoperative rebleeding occurs after proximal occlusion. Alternatively, endovascular occlusion of the affected site, including the aneurysmal dilation, and parent artery, is a safe and reliable treatment for dissecting aneurysms. The authors present two rare cases of ruptured vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms that were treated by endovascular occlusion of the affected site including the aneurysm and parent artery by using Guglielmi detachable coils. In both cases the VA recanalized in an antegrade fashion during the follow-up period. Based on these unique cases, the authors suggest that a careful angiographic follow up of dissecting aneurysms is required, even in patients successfully treated with endovascular occlusion of the affected artery and aneurysm.


2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 733-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Proust ◽  
Patrick Toussaint ◽  
José Garniéri ◽  
Didier Hannequin ◽  
Daniel Legars ◽  
...  

Object. The exceptional pediatric aneurysm can be distinguished from its adult counterpart by its location and size; however patient outcomes remain difficult to evaluate based on the published literature. Methods. Twenty-two children, all consecutively treated in three neurosurgery departments, were included in this study. Each patient's preoperative status was determined according to the Hunt and Hess classification. Routine computerized tomography scanning and angiography were performed in all children on the 10th postoperative day. Each patient's clinical status was evaluated 2 to 10 years postoperatively by applying the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Twenty-one children presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and one child harbored an asymptomatic giant aneurysm. Thirteen patients were in good preoperative grade (Hunt and Hess Grades I to III) and eight in poor preoperative grade (Hunt and Hess Grade IV or V). The symptomatic aneurysms were located on the internal carotid artery bifurcation (36.4%); middle cerebral artery (36.4%), half of which were found on the distal portion; anterior communicating artery (18.2%); and within the vertebrobasilar system (9.1%). A giant aneurysm was observed in 14% of patients. Overall outcome was favorable (GOS Score 5) in 14 children (63.6%) and death occurred in five (22.7%). Causes of unfavorable outcome included the initial SAH in four children, a complication in procedure in three children, and edema in one child. Conclusions. Pediatric aneurysms have a specific distribution unlike that of aneurysms in the adult population. The incidence of giant aneurysms and outcomes were similar to those in the adult population. The major cause of poor outcome was the initial SAH, in particular, the high proportion of rebleeding possibly due to a delay in diagnosis.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document