Anterior Circulation Aneurysms Research Articles

Role of clipping in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a post hoc analysis of the Earlydrain trial

The choice between clipping and coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains controversial. The recently published Earlydrain trial provides the opportunity to analyze the latest clip-to-coil ratio in German-speaking countries and to evaluate vasospasm incidence and explorative outcome measures in both treatment modalities. We performed a post hoc analysis of the Earlydrain trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating the use of an additional lumbar drain in aneurysmal SAH. The decision whether to clip or to coil the ruptured aneurysm was left to the discretion of the participating centers, providing a real-world insight into current aneurysm treatment strategies. Earlydrain was performed in 19 centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Canada, recruiting 287 patients with aneurysmal SAH of all severity grades. Of these, 140 patients (49%) received clipping and 147 patients (51%) coiling. Age and clinical severity based on Hunt-Hess/WFNS grades and radiological criteria were similar. Clipping was more frequently used for anterior circulation aneurysms (55%), whereas posterior circulation aneurysms were mostly coiled (86%, p < 0.001). In high-volume recruiting centers, 56% of patients were treated with clipping, compared to 38% in other centers. A per-year analysis showed a stable and balanced clipping/coiling ratio over time. Regarding vasospasm, 60% of clipped versus 43% of coiled patients showed elevated transcranial Doppler criteria (p = 0.007), reflected in angiographic vasospasm rates (51% vs. 38%, p = 0.03). In contrast to the Earlydrain main results establishing the superiority of an additional lumbar drain, explorative outcomes after clipping and coiling measured by secondary infarctions, mortality, modified Rankin Score, Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended, or Barthel-Index showed no significant differences after discharge and at six months. In clinical practice, aneurysm clipping is still a frequently used method in aneurysmal SAH. Apart from a higher rate of vasospasm in the clipping group, an exploratory outcome analysis showed no difference between the two treatment methods. Further development of periprocedural treatment modalities for clipped ruptured aneurysms to reduce vasospasm is warranted.

Visualization of “subclinical consequence” after successful and uneventful surgical intervention for unruptured cerebral aneurysms

There are many studies on post-operative cognitive function after surgical clipping (SC) and endovascular coiling (EC) for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, but few reports focusing on possible subclinical damage. The aim of the present study was to detect the subclinical damage after surgical intervention. Patients with anterior circulation aneurysms who underwent either SC (SC group) or EC (EC group) were recruited. Imaging studies and evaluation of cognitive function were performed within 1 month preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The ipsilateral/contralateral cerebral blood flow (CBF) ratio (I/C ratio) calculated from values in four regions of interest (ROIs) placed on N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP)-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to detect "subclinical consequence". "Subclinical consequence" was defined as post-operative CBF reduction without abnormality in other radiological examinations and cognitive tests. There were 14 patients in the SC group (mean age, 60.6±11.7 years) and 33 patients in the EC group (mean age, 67.5±7.2 years). All cognitive assessment results showed no significant reduction through the survey period. However, I/C ratios were restored by 2 years in the EC group not but in the SC group. I/C ratios at 6 months and 2 years were significantly lower in the SC group than the EC group (P<0.01). 123IMP-SPECT revealed a statistically significant reduction in ipsilateral CBF in patients who had an uneventful clinical course and no cognitive problems. The subclinical consequence could persist for at least 2 years following SC, and was less pronounced following EC.

Comparative Analysis of Tailored Minicraniotomy versus Standard Pterional Craniotomy in the Treatment of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Single-Center Case–Control Observational Study

Abstract Introduction Multiple minicraniotomies (Mct) have been proposed as alternatives to standard pterional craniotomy (Pct) for intracranial aneurysm treatment. These approaches offer limited surgical corridors and distinct working angles, posing challenges in addressing all aneurysm types with one method. We suggest a tailored Mct technique, comprising three minimally invasive approaches targeting anterior circulation aneurysm sites (middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery, anterior communicating artery). Methods We conducted a retrospective, case–control study at a single center comparing Pct and Mct outcomes for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Parameters evaluated included conversion rates to Pct or decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), intraoperative rupture (IOR), surgical complications, complete aneurysm exclusion, 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and aesthetic outcomes using a visual analog scale. A total of 146 patients were included, with 103 in the Mct group and 43 in the Pct group, comparable in mean age, sex, and aneurysm topography. Hunt–Hess scores and Fisher grades were lower in the Mct group initially. Results No cases required conversion from Mct to Pct or DHC. No significant differences were observed in IOR, surgical complications, and aneurysm exclusion rates between groups. The Mct group demonstrated better 6-month mRS scores and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion Our study indicates that tailored Mct is as safe and effective as standard Pct for intracranial aneurysms, with significant cosmetic benefits. Thus, tailored Mct can be considered a valuable alternative not only to Pct but also to other minimally invasive surgical methods for these aneurysms.

Silk vista baby flow diversion beyond the circle of Willis: A single-center experience with long-term outcomes.

There is a lack of evidence of flow diversion (FD) safety for aneurysms treatment beyond the circle of Willis. Therefore, we provide a single-center real-world experience with the Silk Vista Baby (SVB). A single-center database was retrospectively reviewed for aneurysms treated with SVB flow diverters. Demographic information, clinical presentation, radiographic characteristics, procedural complications, and outcomes were assessed. About 57 patients (66.7% female, mean age 54.3 ± 13.2) encompassing 57 aneurysms were included. Overall, 40.4% were ruptured: 68.4% saccular, 17.5% blister, 8.7% fusiform, and 5.3% dissecting. The majority were in the anterior circulation (68.4%), and in 48.2% of cases, the distal vessel diameter was inferior to 2 mm. The symptomatic ischemic rate was 5.2%, with one case due to in-stent thrombosis (1.8%). There were no hemorrhagic complications. Complication rates did not differ between ruptured and unruptured lesions (p = 0.356). There were no cases of delayed aneurysm rupture, and overall mortality was 1.8%. The median follow-up time was 18 ± 12 months. In-stent stenosis rate was 10.5% (6/57), all of which were asymptomatic. At the last follow-up, 70.2% of cases had an adequate occlusion (OKM C and D), and 96.5% had an mRS of 0-2. In our series, SVB was shown to be a safe device in the treatment of not only distal anterior circulation aneurysms but also in the management of complex posterior fossa and ruptured blister aneurysms. Multicenter studies are needed to confirm and generalize these results.

Microsurgery for Vertebral and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms via Lateral Suboccipital Craniotomy

Among ruptured intracranial aneurysms, aneurysms of the vertebral artery(VA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) are relatively rare, and they exhibit distinct characteristics. These include: 1) a high frequency of diverse aneurysmal morphologies, such as fusiform or dissecting aneurysms; 2) proximity to the lower cranial nerves; 3) the presence of perforators to the medulla oblongata; and, 4) obstruction to the surgical approach by specific bony structures, such as the occipital condyle and jugular tubercle. Consequently, these aneurysms often require interventions that are more complex than simple clipping or coiling, which is typical for anterior circulation aneurysms. Interventions include skull base techniques such as the far-lateral approach and revascularization procedures such as occipital artery(OA)-PICA bypass. Despite these complexities, the rarity of these aneurysms and the recent advancements in endovascular procedures pose challenges for young neurosurgeons in acquiring adequate microsurgical experience. This narrative review addresses the clinical features of VA and PICA aneurysms, the history and variations in the lateral suboccipital approach for these aneurysms, and several bypass techniques for reconstructing the PICA. Lastly, we illustrate our current microsurgical practices through a case presentation accompanied by a surgical video showcasing both the far-lateral approach and the OA-PICA bypass.

Keyhole Alternatives to Pterional Craniotomy for the Microsurgical Clipping of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: Technical Pearls, Surgical Results, and a Case Selection Algorithm.

Despite a recent surge in keyhole approaches to aneurysm clipping, only few studies have compared these approaches, and none have laid any foundation or roadmap for surgeons newly venturing into these procedures. To report a single surgeon's experience of multiple keyhole approaches to these aneurysms, and to highlight the case selection algorithm, technical nuances, and surgical results. Twenty-four patients (25 aneurysms) underwent aneurysm clipping using either a mini-pterional approach (MPA), lateral supraorbital approach (LSO), or a supraorbital keyhole approach (SOKHA). Intraoperative premature rupture, adequacy of clipping, and immediate postoperative and long-term functional outcomes were recorded. All but five patients presented with ruptured aneurysms (Hunt and Hess grade 1 in 12 patients, grade 2 in 5 patients, and grade 3 in 2 patients). The anterior communicating artery (A-Comm; n = 14, 56%) was most frequently involved with aneurysms. The MPA was most frequently employed (n = 11, 45.8%), followed by the LSO (n = 9, 37.5%) and the SOKHA (n = 4, 16.7%). An intraoperative rupture (total n = 5, 20.8%) was most frequently seen in the SOKHA group (50%) and the only case of inadequate aneurysm clipping resulted from inadequate clipping ergonomics during the SOKHA for A-Comm aneurysm. Major complications occurred in the supraorbital approaches (one each in the LSO and SOKHA). Irrespective of the approach used, the long-term outcomes were excellent. In properly selected patients, keyhole approaches-particularly the MPA and the LSO-can provide excellent surgical outcomes. The learning curve in the SOKHA is steeper. A pragmatic case selection algorithm is proposed.

Factors Affecting Outcome in Surgically Clipped Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms – A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Ruptured cerebral aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. Failure to diagnose, delay in admission to a neurosurgical centre and lack of facilities could lead to poor surgical outcomes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that predict the outcome of patients undergoing a surgical clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. Materials and Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective study with review of medical records of 306 patients, who were surgically treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in a tertiary care centre from January 2011 to June 2018. Information collected were the patient demographic data, Glasgow Coma Scale prior to surgery, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale and timing between subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) ictus and surgery. The outcomes at discharge and 6 months post-surgery were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Only cases of proven ruptured aneurysmal SAH involving anterior circulation that underwent surgical clipping were included in the study. The data collected were analysed statistically. Results: The mean duration between ictus and time of surgery was found to be 9.89 days, maximum being 43 days. Patients with persisting disabilities (according to mRS) at the 1st month and 3rd month post-surgery had a mean duration of 16.69 and 16.95 days, from ictus to surgery. Conclusions: Delay in surgical clipping of anterior circulation aneurysms and poor grade at presentation were found to have unfavourable outcomes. Health education and training should be incorporated in primary healthcare setups regarding the identification of probable aneurysm rupture in early stage, so that prompt referral to higher centre can be carried out and delay in intervention be curtailed.

Localized Nicardipine Release Implants for Prevention of Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Cerebral vasospasm largely contributes to a devastating outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), with limited therapeutic options. To investigate the safety and efficacy of localized nicardipine release implants positioned around the basal cerebral vasculature at risk for developing proximal vasospasm after aSAH. This single-masked randomized clinical trial with a 52-week follow-up was performed between April 5, 2020, and January 23, 2023, at 6 academic neurovascular centers in Germany and Austria. Consecutive patients with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade 3 or 4 aSAH due to a ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm requiring microsurgical aneurysm repair participated. During aneurysm repair, patients were randomized 1:1 to intraoperatively receive 10 implants at 4 mg of nicardipine each plus standard of care (implant group) or aneurysm repair alone plus standard of care (control group). The primary end point was the incidence of moderate to severe cerebral angiographic vasospasm (aVS) between days 7 and 9 after aneurysm rupture as determined by digital subtraction angiography. Of 41 patients, 20 were randomized to the control group (mean [SD] age, 54.9 [9.1] years; 17 female [85%]) and 21 to the implant group (mean [SD] age, 53.6 [11.9] years; 14 female [67%]). A total of 39 patients were included in the primary efficacy analysis. In the control group, 11 of 19 patients (58%) developed moderate or severe aVS compared with 4 of 20 patients (20%) in the implant group (P = .02). This outcome was paralleled by a lower clinical need for vasospasm rescue therapy in the implant group (2 of 20 patients [10%]) compared with the control group (11 of 19 patients [58%]; P = .002). Between days 13 and 15 after aneurysm rupture, new cerebral infarcts were noted in 6 of 19 patients (32%) in the control group and in 2 of 20 patients (10%) in the implant group (P = .13). At 52 weeks, favorable outcomes were noted in 12 of 18 patients (67%) in the control group and 16 of 19 patients (84%) in the implant group (P = .27). The adverse event rate did not differ between groups. These findings show that placing nicardipine release implants during microsurgical aneurysm repair can provide safe and effective prevention of moderate to severe aVS after aSAH. A phase 3 clinical trial to investigate the effect of nicardipine implants on clinical outcome may be warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04269408.

Efficacy of Coil Embolization in Small, Anterior Circulation Aneurysms in Patients Less Than 40 Years Old.

Background: Ruptured and unruptured aneurysms are less common in younger individuals compared to older patients. Endovascular treatment has gained popularity over surgical options in the general population, but surgery remains the primary treatment for younger patients due to concerns about higher recurrence rates with endovascular procedures. Methods: This study compared the immediate and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients under 40 years with those aged 41-60. The study included 239 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms, divided into two age groups: under 40 and 41-60 years. The rates of immediate radiologic outcomes, complications, and recurrence were assessed. Results: The results showed successful aneurysm obliteration rates of 70.1% in the younger group and 64.0% in the older group. The complication rates were 1.5% in the younger group and 3.5% in the older group, with the older group experiencing more procedure-related complications, though this difference was not statistically significant. Long-term follow-up revealed recurrence rates of 23.2% in the younger group and 18.2% in the older group, with no significant difference. Conclusions: The study suggests that endovascular treatment is as effective and safe for patients under 40 years. Therefore, it may be considered an acceptable first-line treatment for younger patients, aligning its use with that in older populations.

Perianeurysmal vasogenic oedema (PAVO): A single centre 10-year retrospective review.

Perianeurysmal Vasogenic Oedema (PAVO) is a rare but important complication of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Many potential risk factors have been identified including age, aneurysm size, aneurysm location, immunological profile, type of coil used, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. PAVO can cause persistent post-procedural symptoms, subsequently increasing post-embolization morbidity. A 10-year retrospective review was conducted between 2011 and 2021 at Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK. We identified 8 patients that fit our inclusion criteria. This included 6 (75%) females and 2 (25%) males. The mean age was 64. All patients had anterior circulation aneurysms with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) being the most common site. The mean aneurysm size was 12mm. Our patients were managed with a range of endovascular techniques. One patient had pre-treatment PAVO while 7 patients had post-embolization PAVO. Five patients were symptomatic, and 3 cases were asymptomatic with only radiological evidence of PAVO. Five patients were managed with varying courses of dexamethasone. PAVO resolution was achieved in 4 cases. The oedema significantly improved in 3 cases, but transiently progressed in 1 case. PAVO is a rare but important complication of endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms. We have shown that patients can be effectively managed with steroids with resultant oedema regression and symptomatic improvement. Many risk factors have been associated with PAVO, but further research is needed to better understand their role in PAVO development and help develop other therapeutic options.

Transpalpebral Transorbital Approach for Pediatric Temporal Epilepsy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The transpalpebral approach provides a minimally invasive corridor to the anterior skull base and temporal lobe. It has been described for anterior circulation aneurysms and skull base tumors as well as more recently for resection of epileptogenic pathology in the adult population. We describe our experience using this approach in a 13-year-old adolescent boy suffering from epilepsy secondary to concomitant left temporal focal cortical dysplasia and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma extending throughout the amygdala with excellent results.1-5 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case using the transpalpebral approach for this pathology, as well for epilepsy in the pediatric population. The patient consented to the procedure and to the publication of his image.

The prognostic value of emergency microsurgical clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms

The prognostic value of emergency microsurgical clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms

Improved rates of postoperative ischemia, completeness of aneurysm occlusion and neurological deficits in elective clipping of anterior circulation aneurysms over the past 20 years – association with technical improvements

Background/PurposeSeveral periprocedural adjuncts for elective surgical aneurysm treatment have been introduced over the last 20 years to increase safety and efficacy. Besides the introduction of IONM in the late-1990s, ICG-videoangiography (ICG-VAG) since the mid-2000s and intraoperative CT-angiography/-perfusion (iCT-A/-P) since the mid-2010s are available. We aimed to clarify whether the introduction of ICG-VAG and iCT-A/-P resulted in our department in a stepwise improvement in the rate of radiologically detected postoperative ischemia, complete aneurysm occlusion and postoperative new deficits.MethodsPatients undergoing microsurgical clip occlusion for unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms between 2000 and 2019 were included, with ICG-VAG since 2009 and iCT-A/-P (for selected cases) since 2016. Baseline characteristics and treatment-related morbidity/outcome focusing on differences between the three distinct cohorts (cohort-I: pre-ICG-VAG-era, cohort-II: ICG-VAG-era, cohort-III: ICG-VAG&iCT-A/-P-era) were analyzed.Results1391 patients were enrolled (n = 74 were excluded), 779 patients were interventionally treated, 538 patients were surgically clipped by a specialized vascular team (cohort-I n = 167, cohort-II n = 284, cohort-III n = 87). Aneurysm size was larger in cohort-I (8.9 vs. 7.5/6.8 mm; p < 0.01) without differences concerning age (mean:55years), gender distribution (m: f = 1:2.6) and aneurysm location (MCA:61%, ICA:18%, ACA/AcomA:21%). There was a stepwise improvement in the rate of radiologically detected postoperative ischemia (16.2vs.12.0vs.8.0%; p = 0.161), complete aneurysm occlusion (68.3vs.83.6vs.91.0%; p < 0.01) and postoperative new deficits (10.8vs.7.7vs.5.7%; p = 0.335) from cohort-I to -III. After a mean follow-up of 12months, a median modified Rankin scale of 0 was achieved in all cohorts.DiscussionAssociated with periprocedural technical achievements, surgical outcome in elective anterior circulation aneurysm surgery has improved in our service during the past 20 years.

The Outcome after Surgical Management of Ruptured Versus Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms.

The present article aimed to review the safety and the clinical and radiological outcomes of clipped ruptured and unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. The study investigated the relative articles involving the outcome after surgical management of ruptures versus unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms through electronic databases from January 1980 to January 2023. The primary outcomes were mortality and modified Rankin scale (mRS) >3. Information on mRS >3 was found in six articles totalizing 2096 patients, of whom 130 subjects had ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Data about mortality was provided by eight studies totalizing 2454 participants, of whom 140 subjects had ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. The current meta-analysis indicates that surgical clipping is a safe procedure for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms of anterior circulation.

Differences and Correlations of Morphological and Hemodynamic Parameters between Anterior Circulation Bifurcation and Side-wall Aneurysms.

The objective of this research was to explore the difference and correlation of the morphological and hemodynamic features between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms in anterior circulation arteries, utilizing computational fluid dynamics as a tool for analysis. In line with the designated inclusion criteria, this study covered 160 aneurysms identified in 131 patients who received treatment at Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, from January 2021 to September 2022. Utilizing follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data, these cases were classified into two distinct groups: the sidewall aneurysm group and the bifurcation aneurysm group. Morphological and hemodynamic parameters in the immediate preoperative period were meticulously calculated and examined in both groups using a three-dimensional DSA reconstruction model. No significant differences were found in the morphological or hemodynamic parameters of bifurcation aneurysms at varied locations within the anterior circulation. However, pronounced differences were identified between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms in terms of morphological parameters such as the diameter of the parent vessel (Dvessel), inflow angle (θF), and size ratio (SR), as well as the hemodynamic parameter of inflow concentration index (ICI) (P<0.001). Notably, only the SR exhibited a significant correlation with multiple hemodynamic parameters (P<0.001), while the ICI was closely related to several morphological parameters (R>0.5, P<0.001). The significant differences in certain morphological and hemodynamic parameters between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms emphasize the importance to contemplate variances in threshold values for these parameters when evaluating the risk of rupture in anterior circulation aneurysms. Whether it is a bifurcation or sidewall aneurysm, these disparities should be considered. The morphological parameter SR has the potential to be a valuable clinical tool for promptly distinguishing the distinct rupture risks associated with sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms.

A Case of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Combined With an Atypical Origin of the Ipsilateral Ophthalmic Artery

Objective: Anatomy of the ophthalmic artery (OA) is of great practical importance in surgery for anterior circulation aneurysms. In most cases, the OA arises from the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and enters the orbit through the optic canal inferolaterally to the optic nerve. The OA arising from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and entering the optic canal above the optic nerve is extremely rare.Clinical case: We report a case of a 29-year-old female patient admitted to Scientific Research Institute – Ochapovsky Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 (Krasnodar, Russian Federation) with a ruptured true aneurysm of the left posterior communicating artery (PCoA) and an abnormal origin of the OA from the ACA. The disease manifested itself as ischemic stroke in the basal ganglia on the left causing diagnostic difficulties during initial hospitalization. Cerebral angiography confirmed a PCoA aneurysm and origin of the OA from the ipsilateral ACA. During surgery the neck of the aneurysm was clipped, and the aneurysm dome was opened to control the extent of clipping and remove thrombotic masses. During their removal, hemorrhage appeared from the posterior pole of the aneurysm. During the exploration it was found that the aneurysm was a dilated PCoA connecting the right ICA with the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). A thrombosed anterior thalamoperforating artery emerged from the superior surface of the dome, and its junction with the precommunicating segment of the right PCA was detected in the region of the posterior pole of the aneurysm. The second clip was placed at the communication site between the aneurysm and the right PCA. The patient was discharged in satisfactory condition with a stable neurological status.Conclusions: The combination of abnormal anatomy of arteries at the base of the brain and cerebral aneurysms increases the risk of tactical errors and perioperative complications. Each such case requires a careful comparison of the clinical, imaging, and intraoperative findings. In the presented case of the patient with the ruptured rare PCoA aneurysm, the disease manifested atypically due to the partial thrombosis of the aneurysm and hemorrhage into the aneurysmal wall. The imaging findings revealed lacunar stroke in the thalamoperforating artery basin and an ICA aneurysm with no signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage. During the surgery the aneurysm was initially regarded as typical saccular. The opening of the dome and removal of all thrombotic masses made it possible to determine the eccentric fusiform nature of the aneurysm, perform its radical exclusion, and prevent fatal hemorrhage in the postoperative period.

Comparative analysis of supra-orbital keyhole approach and pterional approach for surgical clipping of intracranial anterior circulation aneurysms in patients with favorable Hunt and Hess grades

IntroductionTraditional large craniotomies have been the standard for aneurysm surgery. However, minimally invasive “keyhole” approaches have gained popularity for aneurysm clipping in recent years. This study focuses on Supra-Orbital Keyhole Approach (SOKHA),its use in clipping of aneurysms of the anterior Circle of Willis. Here we share the experiences of a tertiary care center regarding aneurysm clipping using SOKHA. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 166 cases involving aneurysm clipping, with 62 patients undergoing SOKHA and 104 patients undergoing the pterional approach. Factors evaluated included patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, incidence of intraoperative complications, temporary-clipping usage, and postoperative clinical outcomes. Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were utilized to assess clinical outcomes. ResultsThe study found that both the SOKHA and pterional approaches were similar in terms of age distribution, Hunt and Hess grades, and the incidence of hydrocephalus. The majority of aneurysms in both groups were anterior communicating artery aneurysms.Hydrocephalus was observed in 14.5 % of SOKHA cases and 13.5 % of pterional cases. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture occurred in 8.1 % of SOKHA cases and 7.7 % of pterional cases. There were no mortalities in the SOKHA group, while the pterional group had 1.92 % mortality rate. At the last follow-up, 77.4 % of SOKHA cases and 75.9 % of pterional cases had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale IV and V), with no significant difference. ConclusionSOKHA offers the advantage of potential cosmetic benefit with neurological outcomes comparable to those of the traditional pterional approach, in properly selected patients.

Predictors of In-Stent Stenosis Following the Implantation of Pipeline Embolization Devices for the Treatment of Aneurysms Located at or beyond the Circle of Willis in the Anterior Circulation.

In-stent stenosis is commonly observed after stent implantation. There is no consensus on the contributing factors for in-stent stenosis, especially for aneurysms located at or beyond the circle of Willis in the anterior circulation. This study aimed to investigate the morbidity and determinants of in-stent stenosis in distal anterior circulation aneurysms following the implantation of Pipeline Embolization Devices. Patients who underwent Pipeline Embolization Device treatment at our center between January 1, 2018, and June 15, 2023, were enrolled. Distal anterior circulation aneurysms were defined as those occurring at or beyond the circle of Willis, including anterior communicating artery aneurysms, anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, and MCA aneurysms. Baseline information, aneurysm characteristics, and follow-up data of patients were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the in-stent stenosis group (patients with a loss of >25% of the lumen diameter of the parent artery) and the non-in-stent stenosis group. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline curves were used to explore risk factors. We included 85 cases of 1213 patients treated with flow-diverter devices at our hospital. During an average follow-up period of 9.07 months, the complete occlusion rate was 77.64%. The overall incidence of in-stent stenosis was 36.47% (31/85), of which moderate stenosis accounted for 9.41% (8/85), and severe stenosis, 5.88% (5/85) (triglyceride-glucose index ≥ 8.95; OR = 6.883, P = .006). The difference in diameters between the stent and parent artery of ≥0.09 mm (OR = 6.534, P = .015) and 55 years of age or older (OR = 3.507, P = .036) were risk factors for in-stent stenosis. The restricted cubic spline curves indicated that the risk of in-stent stenosis increased as the difference in diameter between stent and parent artery and the triglyceride-glucose index increased. Compared with the on-label use of Pipeline Embolization Devices, the rate of in-stent stenosis did not obviously increase when treating distal anterior circulation aneurysms with these devices. The incidence of in-stent stenosis was 36.47% when defined as a lumen diameter loss of >25%, and 15.2% when defined as a lumen diameter loss of >50%. Stent-size selection and biochemical indicators can potentially impact the incidence of in-stent stenosis.

Prevalence of small vessel disease and incidental DWI-positive lesions in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage versus intracerebral hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are main forms of hemorrhagic stroke. Data regarding cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) burden and incidental small lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) following aSAH are sparse. We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of aSAH and ICH patients with brain MRI within 30 days after onset from March 2015 to January 2023. White matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacune, perivascular space, cerebral microbleed (CMB), total SVD score, and incidental DWI lesions were assessed and compared between aSAH and ICH. Clinical and radiological characteristics associated with small DWI lesions in aSAH were investigated. We included 180 patients with aSAH (median age [IQR] 53 [47-61] years) and 299 with ICH (63 [53-73] years). DWI lesions were more common in aSAH than ICH (47.8% vs 14.4%, p < 0.001). Higher total SVD score was associated with ICH versus aSAH irrespective of hematoma location, whereas DWI lesions and strictly lobar CMBs were correlated with aSAH. Multivariable analysis showed that shorter time from onset to MRI, anterior circulation aneurysm rupture, CMB ⩾ 5, and total SVD score were associated with DWI lesions in aSAH. Incidental DWI lesions and strictly lobar CMBs were more frequent in aSAH versus ICH whereas ICH had higher SVD burden. Incidental DWI lesions in aSAH were associated with multiple clinical and imaging factors. Longitudinal studies to investigate the dynamic change and prognostic value of the covert hemorrhagic and ischemic lesions in aSAH seem justified.

Neurosurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling for patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the safety and efficacy of clipping and coiling in patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. A systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase) was conducted to identify comparative articles on endovascular coiling and surgical clipping in patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. Nineteen studies, including 1983 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed that neurosurgical clipping was associated with a lower incidence of retreatment (OR:0.28, 95% CI (0.11, 0.70), P = 0.006) than endovascular coiling, which seemed to be a result of incomplete occlusion (OR:0.22, 95% CI (0.11, 0.45), P < 0.001). Neurosurgical clipping was associated with lower mortality (OR:0.45, 95% CI (0.25, 0.82), P = 0.009) at short-term follow-up than endovascular coiling. However, neurosurgical clipping showed a higher incidence of ischemic infarction (OR:2.28, 95% CI (1.44, 3.63), P < 0.001) and a longer length of stay (LOS) (WMD:6.12, 95% CI (4.19, 8.04), P < 0.001) after surgery than endovascular coiling. Furthermore, the pooled results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding poor outcome, long-term mortality, rebleeding, vasospasm, and hydrocephalus. Evidence from this systematic review illustrates that neurosurgical clipping may be superior to endovascular coiling for ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. Large-scale RCTs should be conducted to verify these outcomes and provide results according to patient status.