Dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: retrospective evaluation of management and extended follow-up review in 6 patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Nussbaum ◽  
Michael T. Madison ◽  
Mark E. Myers ◽  
James Goddard ◽  
Tariq Janjua
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Management Protocol ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Proximal Occlusion ◽  
Individualized Management ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

Object The authors report the management protocol and successful outcomes in 6 patients with dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Methods Medical records and neuroimaging studies of 6 patients who underwent surgical treatment of dissecting PICA aneurysms were reviewed. The mean follow-up duration was 1.8 years. No patient was lost to follow-up review. Results Four patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and 2 with PICA ischemia. All patients underwent surgery, which entailed proximal occlusion with distal revascularization in 3 cases and circumferential wrap/clip reconstruction in 3 cases. The revascularization techniques used were occipital artery–PICA bypass and PICA–PICA anastomosis. Delayed follow-up angiography was performed in all cases. In patients treated with proximal occlusion, delayed angiography showed minimal retrograde opacification of the dissected segments. The 3 patients treated with wrap/clip reconstruction showed unexpectedly significant normalization of their lesions on angiographic studies. Outcome was good in all cases. Conclusions Dissecting PICA aneurysms are rare lesions with an apparent propensity for bleeding. Individualized management including distal revascularization with PICA sacrifice or circumferential wrap/clip reconstruction to reinforce the dissected segment produced good outcomes. Patients treated with aneurysm wrapping may show dramatic angiographic improvement of the dissected segment.

Surgical Management of Fusiform Aneurysms of the Peripheral Posteroinferior Cerebellar Artery

Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 831-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Nussbaum ◽  
Alejandro Mendez ◽  
Paul Camarata ◽  
Leslie Sebring
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Pica Pica ◽  
Acute Hydrocephalus ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Acute Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Individualized Management ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe the management and outcomes of seven patients with fusiform aneurysms of the peripheral posteroinferior cerebellar artery (PICA). METHODS Medical records and neuroimaging studies of seven patients who underwent surgical treatment of fusiform aneurysms of the peripheral PICA were reviewed. Average follow-up time was 1.5 years, and no patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS All patients presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, and most had acute hydrocephalus. All underwent surgery, which entailed distal revascularization in six of the seven patients. Revascularization techniques included occipital artery–PICA bypass, side-to-side PICA-PICA anastomosis, and aneurysm excision with direct end-to-end PICA reanastomosis. Outcome was good in six patients and fair in one. CONCLUSION Fusiform, peripheral PICA aneurysms are rare lesions. Distal revascularization was used in most cases because of the uncertain adequacy of collateral supply. Careful, individualized management allows for a good outcome in the majority of cases.

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.

Remote distal outflow occlusion: a novel treatment option for complex dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Nussbaum ◽  
Michael T. Madison ◽  
James K. Goddard ◽  
Jeffrey P. Lassig ◽  
Tariq M. Janjua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Novel Treatment ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Aneurysmal Dilation ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Lost To Follow Up ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

The authors report a novel management option for patients with complex dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The authors reviewed the medical records and neuroimaging studies of 3 patients who underwent a novel surgical treatment for complicated dissecting PICA aneurysms. The mean follow-up period was 1.1 years, and no patient was lost to follow-up. Two patients were in poor condition following an acute, severe subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 1 presented with headaches and a remote history of bleeding. All patients underwent surgical occlusion of the PICA beyond the tonsillar loop, distal to the aneurysmal segment. Intraoperative and delayed follow-up angiography demonstrated progressive diminution in size of the aneurysmal dilation but persistent filling of the proximal PICA segments supplying the brainstem. Outcome was good in all cases. This novel technique has been used successfully in 3 cases and, to the authors' knowledge, has not been reported previously.

Endovascular treatment for ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms involving PICA: Reconstruction or deconstruction? Experience from 16 patients

2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992097003
Author(s):  
Xiangjie Kong ◽  
Zeyu Sun ◽  
Chenhan Ling ◽  
Liang Xu ◽  
Cong Qian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
First Line ◽  
Optimal Method ◽  
Parent Artery Occlusion ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Proximal Occlusion ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

Objective Ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms (VDAs) with posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) involved require an optimal method to isolate the dissection and prevent the symptomatic infraction. This study aims to present our experience with both parent artery occlusion (PAO) and stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and provide a favorable strategy to the management of ruptured VDAs with PICA involved. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in our database from March 2013 to December 2018, suffering from dissecting aneurysms of the intradural vertebral arteries and endovascularly treated. A total of 16 cases with PICA involved were included. Basic information, aneurysm characteristics, procedure related complications and outcomes of patients were analyzed. Results 10 (62.5%) aneurysms were managed with PAO containing 3 proximal occlusion and 8 targeted-trapping preserved the PICA. 5 (31.3%) aneurysms were treated with SAC and one 6.3%) treated with vertebral artery to PICA stenting and trapping. Two (12.5%) patients died in the acute phase. Good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 3) were observed in 13(81.5%) cases in 30 days follow-up. PICA territory infraction was happened in one patient without any dysfunction. Favorable occlusion was observed in 9 of 12 (75%) which were free of further treatment. Conclusions For patients with good contralateral circulation, PAO could be a first line management for ruptured VDAs with PICA involved. Targeted-trapping with either reserved PICA or proximal occlusion with moderate coiling in aneurysm are promising modalities to prevent severe PICA infraction.

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 Treatment of Bilateral Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Presenting With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons75-ons81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Sam Shin ◽  
Byung Moon Kim ◽  
Se-Hyuk Kim ◽  
Sang Hyun Suh ◽  
Chang Woo Ryu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Stent Insertion ◽  
Treatment Methods ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Endovascular Methods ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

Abstract BACKGROUND: Optimal management of bilateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (bi-VDAs) causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment methods and outcomes of bi-VDA causing SAH. METHODS: Seven patients were treated endovascularly for bi-VDA causing SAH. Treatment methods and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Two patients were treated with 2 overlapping stents for both ruptured and unruptured VDAs, 2 with 2 overlapping stents and coiling for ruptured VDA and with conservative treatment for unruptured VDA, 1 with internal trapping (IT) for ruptured VDA and stent-assisted coiling for unruptured VDA, 1 with IT for ruptured VDA and 2 overlapping stents for unruptured VDA, and 1 with IT for ruptured VDA and a single stent for unruptured VDA. None had rebleeding during follow-up (range, 15-48 months). All patients had favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2). On follow-up angiography at 6 to 36 months, 9 treated and 2 untreated VDAs revealed stable or improved state, whereas 3 VDAs in 2 patients showed regrowth. Of the 3 recurring VDAs, 1 was initially treated with IT but recurred owing to retrograde flow to the ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), the second was treated with single stent but enlarged, and the last was treated with 2 overlapping stents and coiling but recurred from the remnant sac harboring the PICA origin. All 3 recurred VDAs were retreated with coiling with or without stent insertion. CONCLUSION: Bilateral VDAs presenting with SAH were safely treated with endovascular methods. However, endovascular treatment may be limited for VDAs with PICA origin involvement.

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.

scholarly journals Treatment of Dissecting Vertebral Aneurysm

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Kai ◽  
J. Hamada ◽  
M. Morioka ◽  
T. Todaka ◽  
T. Mizuno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Retrograde Filling ◽  
Angiographic Evidence ◽  
Vertebral Aneurysm ◽  
Proximal Occlusion ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

We report 17 patients with dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery (VA) who were treated by direct surgery (n=8) or interventional surgery (n=9). Eight patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and nine with ischemia. Ten patients were treated by trapping of the aneurysm that was occlusion of the VA on both sides of aneurysm (direct surgery, n=2; interventional surgery, n=8). The other seven patients were treated by ligation of the VA proximal to the aneurysm (direct surgery, n=6; interventional surgery, n=1). Two patients underwent transposition of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). In 15 patients, there were no major complications. Two patients who had been treated by proximal occlusion of the VA developed rebleeding and ischemia due to persistent retrograde filling of the dissecting site. We suggest that angiographic evidence of retrograde filling of the dissecting site should have been considered as an indication for trapping. Trapping of VA dissecting aneurysms is easier and safer by interventional surgery than by direct surgery.

Revascularization and Aneurysm Surgery

Neurosurgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 482-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Yashar S. Kalani ◽  
Wyatt Ramey ◽  
Felipe C. Albuquerque ◽  
Cameron G. McDougall ◽  
Peter Nakaji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Superficial Temporal Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
External Carotid ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Aneurysm Surgery ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Abstract BACKGROUND: Given advances in endovascular technique, the indications for revascularization in aneurysm surgery have declined. OBJECTIVE: We sought to define indications, outline technical strategies, and evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with bypass in the endovascular era. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all aneurysms treated between September 2006 and February 2013. RESULTS: We identified 54 consecutive patients (16 males and 39 females) with 56 aneurysms. Aneurysms were located along the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) (n = 1), petrous/cavernous ICA (n = 1), cavernous ICA (n = 16), supraclinoid ICA (n = 7), posterior communicating artery (n = 2), anterior cerebral artery (n = 4), middle cerebral artery (MCA) (n = 13), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) (n = 3), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 4), and vertebrobasilar arteries (n = 5). Revascularization was performed with superficial temporal artery (STA) to MCA bypass (n = 25), STA to superior cerebellar artery (SCA) (n = 3), STA to PCA (n = 1), STA-SCA/STA-PCA (n = 1), occipital artery (OA) to PCA (n = 2), external carotid artery/ICA to MCA (n = 15), OA to MCA (n = 1), OA to posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 1), and in situ bypasses (n = 8). At a mean clinical follow-up of 18.5 months, 45 patients (81.8%) had a good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5). There were 7 cases of mortality (12.7%) and an additional 9 cases of morbidity (15.8%). At a mean angiographic follow-up of 17.8 months, 14 bypasses were occluded. Excluding the 7 cases of mortality, the majority of aneurysms (n = 42) were obliterated. We identified 7 cases of residual aneurysm and recurrence in 6 patients at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Given current limitations with existing treatments, cerebral revascularization remains an essential technique for aneurysm surgery.

Intracranial Bypass of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms: Indications, Technical Aspects, and Clinical Outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Bonda ◽  
Mohamad Labib ◽  
Jeffrey M. Katz ◽  
Rafael A. Ortiz ◽  
David Chalif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Traumatic Aneurysm ◽  
Surgical Clipping ◽  
Bypass Patency ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Diseased Segment ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Abstract BACKGROUND: For some posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms, there is no constructive endovascular or direct surgical clipping option. Intracranial bypass is an alternative to a deconstructive technique. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features, surgical techniques, and outcome of PICA aneurysms treated with bypass and obliteration of the diseased segment. METHODS: Retrospective review of PICA aneurysms treated via intracranial bypass was performed. Outcome measurements included postoperative stroke, cranial nerve deficits, gastrostomy/tracheostomy requirement, bypass patency, modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge, and mRS at 6 mo. RESULTS: Seven patients with PICA aneurysms treated with intracranial bypass were identified. Five had fusiform aneurysms (4 ruptured, 1 unruptured), 1 had a giant partially thrombosed saccular aneurysm (unruptured), and 1 had a dissecting traumatic aneurysm (ruptured). Two aneurysms were at the anteromedullary segment, 4 at the lateral medullary segment, and 1 at the tonsillomedullary segment. Three patients underwent PICA-to-PICA side to side anastomoses, 2 PICA-to-PICA reanastomosis, 1 vertebral artery-to-PICA bypass, and 1 occipital artery-PICA bypass. Six out of 7 aneurysms were obliterated surgically and 1 with additional endovascular occlusion after the bypass. All bypasses were patent intraoperatively; 2 were later demonstrated occluded without radiological signs or symptoms of stroke. No patients had new cranial nerve deficit postoperatively. With the exception of 1 death due to pulmonary emboli 3 mo postoperatively, all others remain at a mRS ≤ 2. CONCLUSION: Constructive bypass and aneurysm obliteration remains a viable alternative for treatment of PICA aneurysms not amenable to direct surgical clipping or to a vessel-preserving endovascular option.

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