Endovascular Coiling of Ruptured Tiny Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of endovascular coiling of ruptured tiny saccular intracranial aneurysms (IAs) (≤ 3mm) remains unknown. MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scorpus databases up to November 15, 2023 was performed. Pooled prevalence was calculated for occlusion rates, recanalization, retreatment, long-term favorable outcome, and procedure-related complications and mortality. Pooled odds ratios were calculated to compare these outcomes between coiling and stent-assisted coiling (SAC). Results42 studies with 2,174 ruptured tiny saccular IAs treated with coiling were included. The follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion rate was 83.9% (95% CI: 77.2–88.9%). The rates of recanalization and retreatment were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.7–10.2%) and 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5–7.5%). The range of median Hunt and Hess grades was 1.4–2.9 and the favorable outcome rate was 85.6% (95% CI: 81.1–89.2%). The rates of thromboembolism, intraprocedural rupture, and mortality were 4.6% (95% CI: 3.6–5.8%), 5.4% (95% CI: 4.1–7.0%), and 5.6% (95% CI: 4.4–7.2%), respectively. Comparison of coiling and SAC revealed no significant difference, except for a higher likelihood of follow-up complete aneurysm occlusion in SAC (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.80) and recanalization in the coiling (OR, 3.21 [95% CI, 1.37–7.51]). ConclusionsOur meta-analysis demonstrates that coiling for ruptured tiny saccular IA is a feasible, effective, and safe approach that is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in both the short and long term for patients with mild to moderate Hunt and Hess grades.