Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Research Articles

Unveiling rupture risk and clinical outcomes in midline aneurysms: A matched cohort analysis investigating the impact of localization within the anterior or posterior circulation.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) located in the anterior and posterior circulations of the Circle of Willis present differential rupture risks. This study aimed to compare the rupture risk and clinical outcomes of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcomA) and basilar tip aneurysms (BAs); two IA types located along the midline within the Circle of Willis. We retrospectively collected data from 1026 patients presenting with saccular IAs. Only AcomA and BAs with a 3D angiography were included. Out of 186 included IAs, a cohort of 32 BAs was matched with AcomA based on the patients' pre-existing conditions and morphological parameters of IAs. Clinical outcomes, including rupture risk, hydrocephalus development, vasospasm incidence, and patients' outcome, were compared. The analysis revealed no significant difference in rupture risk, development of hydrocephalus, need for ventricular drainage, or vasospasm incidence between the matched AcomA and BA cohorts. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes post-rupture did not significantly differ between the two groups, except for a higher Fisher Grade associated with BAs. Once accounting for morphological and patient factors, the rupture risk between AcomA and BAs is comparable. These findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for specific IA types and suggest that further investigations should focus on the role of individual patient and aneurysm characteristics in IA rupture risk and clinical outcomes.

Spectrum of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage is a devastating type of stroke that leads to profound morbidity and carries high mortality. Survivors of hemorrhagic stroke suffer not only from physical and social decline but also results in loss of productivity and financial burden.
 Causes of hemorrhagic stroke are hypertension, coagulopathic condition, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. lesional hemorrhagic stroke can be due to subarachnoid hemorrhage from intracranial aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, dural arteriovenous fistula etc.
 Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study carried out at KISTMCTH. Data from six years duration was analysed from hospital records, outpatient department records. Patients that presented with intracranial hemorrhage were included. Post operative patients and traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage cases were not included.
 
 Results: Total of 112 patients was included in the study. 73 (65.1%) of them were male and 39 (34.8%) were female. putamen and caudate region were most common 47 (41.9%) followed by subarachnoid region 27 (24.1%), thalamus 19 (16.9%), cerebellum 9 (8.04%) , lobar region 8 (7.1%) and brainstem 2 (1.7%). Intracranial hemorrhage was more common in age group of 41-60 years 59 (52.6%) followed by age group 61- 100 years 42 (37.5%). 14 (51.8%) female had subarachnoid hemorrage in comparision to 13 male (48.1%). Anterior communicating artery aneurysm had highest occurrence 10 (37%) followed by middle cerebral artery aneurysm 6 (22.2%) , paraclinnoidal / anterior choroidal/posterior communicating artery aneurysm 5 (18.5%), vertebral artery aneurysm 3 (11.1%), distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm 1 (3.7%).
 Intracranial hemorrhage had highest occurrence on the month of January (15%) and lowest on the month of November (3.57%). 29 (25.8%) of total intracranial hemorrhage patient had intraventricular extension of hemorrhage. Intraventricular extension was more common in thalamic hematoma 15 (13.39%) followed by caudate/putaminal hematoma 10 (8.9%), cerebellum 3 (2.6%).Modified Rankin Scale ( MRS) outcome score was found to be highest as MRS 6 for 34 (30.6%) patients . while good outcome in terms of MRS 1 , MRS 2 and MRS 3 were observed for 7 (6.2%), 26 (23.2%), 25 (22.3%) patients respectively.
 Conclusion: Hypertension remains one of the major risk factor that results in various location specific hemorrhage and it shows specific peak seasonal variation. Proper blood pressure control is recommended for prevention of intracranial hemorrhages.

Retrospective Application of Risk Scores to Unruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

Background: Treatment decisions for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) pose a challenge for neurosurgeons, prompting the development of clinical scales assessing hemorrhage risk to provide management guidance. This study compares recommendations from the PHASES and UIA treatment scores (UIATS) applied to anterior communicating artery (AComA) UIAs against real-world management. Methods: While UIATS recommends management, for PHASES, an aneurysm with score of 10 or more was considered “high-risk”. Analysis involved assessing the concordance in each group alongside comparison to real-word management. Results: Among 129 patients, 46.5% were observed and 53.5% were treated. PHASES scores were significantly higher in the treatment group (p = 0.00002), and UIATS recommendations correlated with real-world decisions (p < 0.001). We observed no difference in the frequencies of UIATS recommendations between high- and low-risk groups. When comparing the UIATS and PHASES, 33% of high-risk aneurysms received a UIATS conservative management recommendation. In 39% of high-risk aneurysms, the UIATS recommendation was not definitive. Conversely, 27% of low-risk aneurysms obtained a UIATS UIA repair recommendation. Overall, concordance between PHASES and UIATS was 32%. Conclusions: Significant discordance in therapeutic suggestions underscores the predominant influence of center experience and individual assessments. Future studies should refine and validate decision-making strategies, potentially exploring alternative applications or developing tailored scales.

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Sex Differences: Analysis of Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Risk Factors.

The differences in outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) between the sexes have not been concretely determined. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors between male and female patients with aSAH. We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients with aSAH from 2017 to 2020. We investigated the epidemiological differences between the two sexes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare short-term outcomes between the sexes. Binary logarithmic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio (OR) for dependent survival in patients of different sexes. A total of 5,407 consecutive patients with aSAH were included in this study, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. The peak incidence of aSAH occurred in the 6th and 7th decades in males and females, respectively. There were more female patients with internal carotid artery or posterior communicating artery aneurysms (53.2%), and there were more male patients with anterior cerebral artery or anterior communicating artery aneurysms (43.2%). The incidence of multiple aneurysms was greater in female patients (21.5% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in outcomes before and after PSM at discharge. The dependent survival risk was related only to the clinical condition on admission in women. In addition, age > 50years (OR 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.17-3.02; P = 0.01) and hypertension (OR 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.25-2.61; P = 0.002) were also risk factors for male patients. There were more female patients with aneurysms than male patients in this study. Most aneurysm locations were different between the two groups. There was no significant difference in discharge outcomes before and after PSM. The risk factors for dependent survival were different between female and male patients.

Development of a comprehensive and clinically applicable novel projection classification system for anterior communicating artery aneurysms

Various surgical and anatomical classifications have been proposed to date related to ACoA aneurysm projection. Nonetheless, a universally accepted classification system is yet to be established. This study is aimed at establishing a standardized classification system for ACoA aneurysms with utilization 3D technology and defining reference lines for their projections. The goal is to create a simple, understandable, surgically beneficial, and reliable classification system based on neurovascular structures in the region, including safe and hazardous zones. The radiologic data of 96 patients with ACoA aneurysm who were treated in our university hospital between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and a planned classification scale was developed with the data obtained. The classification aimed to create 9 main projection groups in the sagittal plane: superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior in linear orientation, and anterosuperior, posterosuperior, anteroinferior, posteroinferior, and complex in quadrant orientation. The coronal and axial planes included medial, lateral, and midline classifications, resulting in a 3-dimensional classification system with 25 projections. Among the 96 patients, 32 had linear and 64 had quadrant projections. In the sagittal plane, the linear projection breakdown was as follows: superior (28%), inferior (6.25%), anterior (53%), and posterior (12.5%). For the quadrant projection, the distribution was as follows: anterosuperior (53%), posterosuperior (12.5%), anteroinferior (21.87%), posteroinferior (3.12%), and complex (9.37%). Overall, 35.4% aneurysms were anterosuperior, 17.7% anterior, 14.58% anteroinferior, 9.37% superior, 8.3% posterosuperior, 6.25% complex, 4.16% posterior, 2.08% posteroinferior, and 2.08% inferior projection. Our study proposes a projection classification that utilizes 3D technology for safe surgery based on neurovascular structures in the region and thus better reveals safe and hazardous zones, including three plans, three dimensions, and two orientations. The use of this classification system offers valuable guidance for daily practice in the treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: microsurgical clipping and pitfalls. An overview

Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: microsurgical clipping and pitfalls. An overview

Sexual Dysfunction after Clipping of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

Sexual dysfunction significantly affects interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life. It remains a matter of concern for risk assessment and counseling in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. To assess the sexual dysfunctions in patients undergoing clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysms and comparative evaluation among different anterior circulation aneurysms. We prospectively included 40 male patients of ruptured intracranial aneurysms of anterior circulation (age range: 20-60 years; sexually active preoperatively), managed with craniotomy and clipping. We evaluated the sexual outcome in patients with excellent Glasgow outcome score (GOS) five at a minimum one year of follow-up. Patients with GOS-5 status at follow-up were broadly classified into two groups: Anterior communicating artery aneurysm (Acom), and non-Acom) aneurysms. We valued sexual outcome with Subjective Sexual Arousal Scale for Men at follow-up, and compared in the two groups. Mean age of patients was 44.78 ± 9.51 years. Besides 20 Acom aneurysms, other groups included 11 middle cerebral artery aneurysms, five internal carotid artery aneurysms, three posterior communicating artery aneurysms, and one distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. The mean follow-up was 24.45 ± 13.58 months. Patients with non-Acom aneurysms had an overall better outcome in the sexual performance domain "P = 0.015," mental satisfaction domain "P = 0.009," and sexual assertiveness domain "P = 0.007." However, there was no statistical difference in partner communication domain "P = 0.593," and partner relationship domain "P = 0.378." Overall, the sexual outcome was inferior in patients treated for Acom aneurysms compared to other anterior circulation aneurysms. In cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, sexual dysfunctions are common even after good clinical outcomes. The study revealed prominent differences in outcomes on the sexual quality of life in patients harboring Acom aneurysms as compared to anterior circulation aneurysms located off-midline.

Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms and Dissecting Aneurysms in Patients with COVID-19: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been associated with a hypercoagulable state and ischemic stroke. However, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is uncommon. Here, we report a case series of SAH caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysms or dissecting aneurysms (DAs) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and discuss the potential relationships between them. Case Description Four of the six patients had a history of COVID-19, ranging from 2 to 9 days, one had COVID-19 pneumonia for 1 month, and one had SARS-CoV-2 positivity on admission. Plain head computed tomography revealed diffuse SAH in all cases, while angiography revealed a DA in the right posterior cerebral artery (P2 portion) in patient 1, DA in the right vertebral artery (VA) in patients 2 and 6, anterior communicating artery aneurysm in patient 3, blister aneurysm in the right internal cerebral artery (ICA) (C2 portion) in patient 4, and DAs in the right VA and extracranial portion of the right ICA in patient 5. Treatment comprised internal trapping for patients 1, 2, and 6; neck clipping for patient 3; stent-assisted coiling for patient 4; and internal trapping and flow diversion for patient 5. All the patients' postoperative courses were uneventful. Conclusion The present cases alone do not provide clear evidence on whether SARS-CoV-2 infection causes ruptured cerebral aneurysms or DAs. Therefore, accumulation of more cases and further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and these aneurysm conditions.

Incidental Postmortem Diagnosis of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm After Successful Treatment of Double Aneurysms of the Superior Cerebellar and Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Arteries

Intracranial aneurysm diagnosis uses several tools, of which digital subtraction angiography is still the gold standard. Computed tomography angiography is widely used for its specificity and sensibility. The 3D slicer software is an interesting diagnosis tool that provides high-quality 3D modeling. It facilitates diagnosis and improves aneurysm assessment. However, it is still not approved for clinical tasks. We present a case of a woman treated for a ruptured paraclinoid and superior cerebellar artery aneurysms, and who succumbed to a post-procedural rebleeding. During a research routine, we realized a computed tomography angiography-based 3D slicer modeling that detected an incidental anterior communicating artery aneurysm. This case illustrates an unusual association of two rare intracranial aneurysm locations and the usefulness of the 3D slicer modeling tool in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. Through this report, we recommend using this tool worldwide for clinical tasks.

Endovascular Treatment of Small Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: Safety and Efficacy in a Contemporary Cohort.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of small anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms accompanies a high risk of intraprocedural rupture (IR) because of anatomic location and aneurysm orientation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of EVT for small ACoA aneurysms in a contemporary cohort. ACoA aneurysms treated at the Medical University of South Carolina between April 2012 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Periprocedural baseline characteristics, aneurysm size, and clinical and radiological outcomes were collected. Aneurysms were dichotomized into <4 and ≥4 mm in maximum size. The IR rate, favorable occlusion rate (Raymond-Roy I and II), and the favorable outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale 0-2 were compared. A total of 174 patients were identified, of whom 111 (63.8%) were female, and the median age was 57.7 (interquartile range 50.6-69.6) years. 98 (56.3%) aneurysms were ruptured, and 53 (30.5%) were <4 mm. IR was not observed in unruptured ACoA aneurysms, and there was no significant difference in the IR rates between <4 mm and ≥4 mm ruptured aneurysms (6.5% vs 4.5%, P = .65). Favorable occlusion rate and favorable outcome were observed in 94.7% and 78.2% of patients, respectively. EVT of small ACoA aneurysms is safe and effective.

The impact of selection bias in the treatment for ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: different results or different patients?

BackgroundAnterior communicating artery is one of the most frequent locations for the development of intracranial aneurysm. The availability and advances of different treatments modalities allows for case-specific selection, but potentially impacts our ability to assess equipoise among them. ObjectiveInvestigate and compare clinical and morphological variables among surgical and endovascular treatment groups with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms. MethodsData from patients from a single university hospital treated for ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms after multidisciplinary discussion in a period from January 2009 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, clinical status, aneurysm morphologic features and in-hospital complications were registered for each treatment (endovascular coiling vs. microsurgical clipping). Clinical assessment was made from outpatient evaluation at 1-year follow-up. ResultsA total of 119 patients was obtained adding surgical (n = 80) and endovascular (n = 39) treatment groups. No significant changes between groups were detected regarding gender, age of treatment or other risk factors. Global complication rate (p = 0.335, p = 0.225, p = 0.428) and clinical outcome (p = 0.802) was similar among both groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between endovascular and surgical treatment groups regarding dome orientation (p = 0.011), aneurysm height (p < 0.001) and maximum diameter (p < 0.001), aspect-ratio (p < 0.001), dome-to-neck ratio (p < 0.001) and dome diameter (p = 0.014). ConclusionsDespite similar clinical outcomes and rate of complications, morphological differences highlight the presence of a selection bias and high heterogeneity, which hampers inferential analysis when comparing both techniques.

Akinetic mutism after embolization of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm: Willis variant

Akinetic mutism after embolization of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm: Willis variant

Predictive value of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex variations for the incidence and rupture of ACoA aneurysms

BackgroundIncrease pressure on arteries branching points and curves (hyperdynamic theory) is the most popular theory to explain the aneurysms formation that augmented by the observation of high incidence of anomalies (either A1 aplasia or hypoplasia) and the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. It still underestimated the correlation between these anatomical anomalies and aneurysm occurrence and its rupture. We aim to estimate the incidence and type of anatomical anomalies of the anterior cerebral circulation, including the A2 segment in patients with ACoA aneurysms and their predictive value for aneurysm occurrence and rupture parallel to the risk of hypertension. Also, we study the impact of these anomalies on the configuration of the aneurysm, including the neck and size.ResultsA1 hypoplasia and aplasia were significantly higher in AcoA aneurysms group than in the control group (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). These anomalies have no significant statistical difference between rupture and unruptured ACoA aneurysms. A2 anomalies were insignificantly different between both groups.ConclusionCongenital anomalies in the A1 segment (hypoplasia and aplasia) have a significant predictive value for AcoA aneurysms formation, with no predictive value for the aneurysm rupture. Concomitantly, A2 anomalies have no significant risk for AcoA aneurysms formation and rupture.

Abstract 167: Surgical treatment for unruptured Anterior communicating artery aneurysm

Introduction We report the results of endovascular surgery as the first‐line treatment for unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Methods Fifty‐seven patients (F:M, 30:27; mean age, 65.5 years) underwent surgery for unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2023. Results The mean aneurysm dome size was 5.29 mm (2–22 mm), and the mean aneurysm neck size was 3.2 mm (1.5–7 mm). Coil embolization was performed for fifty‐four patients using various adjunctive techniques (simple, 7; double catheter, 15; balloon neck remodeling, 7; stent‐assisted, 26 (LVIS Jr., 12; ATLAS, 14). Neck clipping was performed in 3 cases. The surgical results revealed complete coil embolization in 27, neck remnant in 26, and dome filling in 1 patient(s). The reason for 3 patients treated with neck clipping are patient's preference in one, associated with severe Middle cerebral artery stenosis needed TSA MCA anastomosis on one, and difficulty of embolization in one patient. Postoperative thrombotic complications were observed in 1 patient. The modified Rankin scale scores were 0 in 32 (96.5%) patients, 3 in 1 (1.7%) patients, and 6 in 1 (1.7%) patient. Follow‐up was performed in 55 patients, averaging 29.5 months (3–45 months). However, one patient underwent re‐aneurysm embolization for major recanalization of the aneurysm dome, and none of them suffered from rupture of the treated aneurysm. Conclusion Endovascular surgery may be the first choice of treatment for unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Correlation Between Aneurysm Dome Direction and Patient Outcomes Following Surgery for Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

Background Anterior communicating (Acom) artery aneurysms are the most common type of intracranial aneurysms. Despite the enormous advancements in the field of endovascular surgery for intracranial aneurysms, open surgical clipping of aneurysms remains the most durable management of Acom aneurysms. There have been various studies based on the clinical-radiological profile and outcome of open clipping for intracranial aneurysms, but the correlation of the direction of the aneurysm with the surgical outcome remains incompletely defined. Aim To analyze the correlation between the direction of the aneurysm dome and patient outcomes after surgery for ruptured Acom artery aneurysms. Materials and methods CT angiography of the brain was done in all patients pre-operatively as part of the standard treatment protocol. Retrospective data was collected from an inter-departmental computerized database, which included the patient's details, history, investigations, a course in the hospital from admission to discharge, and an operative note by the surgeon. Prospective data was collected from patients with ruptured Acom artery aneurysms. We analyzed the relationship between the direction of the dome of the Acom aneurysm and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. Results Of the 48 patients who underwent surgery for ruptured aneurysms, 34 (70.8%) were female and 14 (29.2%) were male. Among the 27 cases with anteriorly projecting aneurysms, 11 (40.7%) experienced postoperative complications. Of the five cases with posteriorly projecting aneurysms, two (40%) experienced postoperative complications. One-third of cases of the inferior dome direction and 10% of cases of the superior direction of the dome of aneurysm were also found to have postoperative complications. However, using the chi-square test, the association between postoperative complications and the direction of the aneurysm was determined to be statistically non-significant (p-value = 0.93). Conclusion The findings of our investigation indicate that aneurysms with superior projection exhibit the lowest likelihood of experiencing intraoperative rupture. However, it was seen that the outcome was influenced by dome projection throughout the three-month follow-up. The findings of our study indicate that aneurysms with a superior orientation exhibit the least likelihood of experiencing intraoperative rupture.

Use of Per-Operative Angiogram and Doppler Ultrasound as an Adjunct to Assess the Cerebral Vessels Following Aneurysmal Brain Surgery

Objective: To study the efficacy of per-operative angiogram and Doppler ultrasound as an adjunct to assess the cerebral vessels during intracranial aneurysm clipping surgery. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neurosurgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan 2020 to Dec 2021. Methodology: Forty-eight diagnosed cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to ruptured aneurysm were included. All the patients who were not coiled-able (broad-based, multi-lobed, complex) were operated on (craniotomy and clipping of aneurysm). Intraoperative angiogram and Doppler ultrasound of cerebral vasculature were done in all cases to see the patency of vessels and the position of clips. Results: Mean age of the patients was 43.97±8.23 years. 24(50.00%) patients had anterior communicating artery aneurysms, 18(37.50%) had middle cerebral artery aneurysms, whereas 6(12.50%) were of an anterior cerebral artery. Craniotomy and clipping of aneurysm were done in all the cases; among them, 15(31.25%) were operated on early (between 48-96 hrs), whereas 33(68.75%) were operated on after 10-14 days. Per-operatively, cerebral angiogram and Doppler ultrasound were used to assess the cerebral vasculature and position of the clip. About of 5(10.00%) required clip readjustment, 4(8.33%) had parent vessel occlusion, 10(20.83%) required vasodilator therapy due to vasospasm, and 4(8.33%) had residual aneurysm neck. All these were rectified during the same procedure. Conclusion: Per-operative angiography and Doppler ultrasound are useful adjuncts in aneurysmal brain surgery to prevent complications like cerebral ischemia, recurrence, residual aneurysm and re-bleed.

Microsurgical Treatment of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: An Analysis of 74 Consecutive Cases. Approach Side Choice and Outcome Considerations

Abstract Introduction Anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACoAAs) are intracranial aneurysms whose treatment is still considered a challenging task. Materials and Methods Altogether, 74 patients were included in this study. The variables included age, sex, comorbidities, incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the Fisher, Hunt-Hess, and WFNS scores, approach side, length of hospital stay, and mortality. We also investigate A1/A2 dimensions, association with approach side choice and the influence of surgeon's experience on the outcome. Results There were 61 patients (82.2%) admitted with SAH and 13 were treated for unruptured aneurysms. The A1 and A2 branches were larger ipsilaterally to the selected approach side (p &lt; 0,001). No deaths occurred in the unruptured aneurysm group. In the SAH group, mortality was strongly correlated with the Hunt-Hess score (p &lt; 0.001), Fisher grade (p &lt; 0.001), and WFNS score (p &lt; 0.001). No significant difference was found in mortality between the right-side and the left-side approaches (p = 0.253). A significant survival difference was identified on the group operated by the senior surgeon versus the non-senior group (p = 0.048). Discussion and Conclusion A1 dominance was identified as a factor associated to the approach side for SAH cases at our center. Understanding the factors involved in brain aneurysm surgery remains a relevant and underexplored subject. Further studies involving larger case series and multicenter collaborations are necessary to elucidate these factors and to determine the external validity of our findings.

Safety and Efficacy of Flow Diverters for Treatment of Unruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: Retrospective Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe anterior communicating artery (AComm) region is the most common site of intracranial aneurysms, with increased rupture risk compared with other locations. Overall, flow diverters present as a safe and...

Hypotension and Bradycardia Following Papaverine Installation During Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract Introduction One of the major complications of intracranial aneurysm surgery is vasospasm. Papaverine is an effective vasodilator that can be instilled directly onto the vessels in the operative field with the aim of preventing intraoperative and postoperative vasospasm. Several case reports of hemodynamic instability in general and of hypotension, in particular, were reported after the use of topical papaverine during aneurysm clipping surgery. Case description Herein, we report three cases of transient profound hypotension and relative bradycardia after intracisternal papaverine usage during ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping surgery. Conclusion Caution should be taken while using papaverine intracisternally during anterior circulation aneurysm clipping, since it may cause several serious complications, including profound hemodynamic instability, particularly when instilling on a fenestrated lamina terminalis.

B - 81 Neuropsychological Case Study: Transient Amnesia or "Sentinel Seizure?" Potential Prodromal Symptoms of an ACoA Aneurysm Rupture.

We present the neuropsychological profile of a 33-year-old female with a history of transient amnestic events preceding frontal intraparenchymal/intraventricular hemorrhage, bilateral frontal cerebral edema and subarachnoid hemorrhage following a rupture of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm (ACoA). Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation referral by neurology to assist with treatment planning given cognitive and behavioral changes since rupture of ACoA aneurysm. Prior to hospitalization, transient episodes of feeling as if she had been "drugged at a party," followed by behavior changes (e.g., irritability/agitation, "not herself") were notable, while the patient was amnestic to the events; spanning days at a time. Intellectual functioning was well-preserved. Neuropsychological testing revealed weaknesses in visuospatial organization, word retrieval, and aspects of executive functioning. Most salient were deficiencies in memory; patient was amnestic to tests shortly after administration. Striking emotional lability/frequent bouts of laughing disproportionate to the conversation and social comportment inappropriate to the setting were present. To our knowledge, amnestic events preceding ACoA aneurysm rupture have not been reported, and perhaps the symptoms this patient experienced prior to the event were indeed prodromal in nature. Therefore, the potentially rare phenomena in the form of transient amnesia should be further investigated. While these symptoms of memory lapses may be nonspecific and unique to the patient, we also cannot rule out possible "sentinel seizure" as a potential warning sign.