Dissecting spontaneous vertebral artery aneurysms (V4). Endovascular Reconstructive techniques with fd stents. Case series

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (SVAD) is rare and occurs in young patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (HSA) or stroke (3 to 5%). Only 11% occur in the V4 segment of VA. Its treatment changed in parallel with the progress of endovascular technology. Material and Methods: Six consecutive cases of dissecting vertebral artery aneurysms V4 are reported. All males with mean age 35 years. Clinical presentation with headache and neckache in all cases, ischemic stroke and SAH one case each. All patients underwent reconstructive endovascular treatment with FD stent, with or without microcoils. Results: All patients were under dual antiplatelet therapy before EVT (Aspirin 200mg and clopidogrel 75mg or ticagrelor 180mg/day). Reconstructive technique was performed with FD stent in two cases, associated of microcoils and “jailing technique” in two cases or multiple telescoping stents in three cases. Occlusion of the aneurysm and arterial permeability were found in long term follow up in 5 cases. In a case of fusiform aneurysm, there was late thrombosis of the telescoped stents and arterial occlusion without clinical repercussion. Conclusion: Due to the high rate of surgical morbidity, endovascular treatment became the first line for this kind of aneurysm. The reconstruction using a flow bypass and device reconstructive technique is an attractive alternative, showing long-term favorable clinical and angiographic outcomes with the ability to maintain patency of the parental and lateral branch arteries.