Basilar Bifurcation Research Articles

Challenges in endoscopic third ventriculostomy for patients with achondroplasia: a focus on third ventricle floor anatomy.

Hydrocephalus is one of the neurological risks occurring in patients with achondroplasia. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion is the most common treatment. However, reports of successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) suggest that ETV may be a good alternative to VPS insertion in achondroplasia. However, it has been stated that ETV in achondroplasia patients is technically demanding to perform. The current study examined the anatomical variations of the third ventricle and the brainstem in achondroplasia patients and correlated the findings with the difficulty of performing ETV. A retrospective analysis of 51 patients with achondroplasia and 138 hydrocephalus patients without achondroplasia (48 patients had tumor-related hydrocephalus and 90 patients had hydrocephalus of nontumorous origin) who have visited the authors' institution since 2012 was performed. Preoperative T2-weighted sagittal MR images were used to measure α (steepness of the third ventricle floor), β (endoscopic angle of incidence), d1 (vertical distance between the dorsum sellae and basilar bifurcation), and d2 (horizontal distance between the dorsum sellae and basilar artery). Each value was compared using the Tukey multicomparison test. Achondroplasia patients showed significantly smaller α (p < 0.001) and β (p < 0.001) angles, while there were no significant differences between the control groups (p = 0.947 for α, p = 0.836 for β). The d1 value was significantly larger in achondroplasia patients (p < 0.001), and d2 was smaller (p < 0.001). The control groups showed similar d1 and d2 values (p = 0.415 for d1, p = 0.154 for d2). Smaller α and β values meant that in achondroplasia patients the third ventricle floor stood more vertically than in other patients with hydrocephalus, and the endoscopic contact angles were small, increasing the risk of ventriculostomy devices slipping down into the infundibular recess. Additionally, a large d1 meant that the basilar artery was shifted upward and a small d2 indicated that the basilar artery was located closer to the dorsum sellae, potentially increasing the risk of basilar artery damage. Achondroplasia patients' skull and brain anatomies were significantly different from those of other hydrocephalus patients, with steeper third ventricle floors and basilar arteries closer to the dorsum sellae. Because these anatomical differences lead to difficulties in performing ETVs in achondroplasia patients, such differences should be considered when ETV is planned for the patients.

Assessing Radiation Exposure and Contrast Agent Utilization: A Comparative Analysis of the Woven EndoBridge Device and Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for Managing Unruptured Wide-Neck Bifurcation Aneurysms.

In this study, we determined whether there were significant differences in procedure time, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, and total contrast media dose when unruptured wideneck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) were treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device and stent-assisted coil (SAC) embolization. The WEB device and SAC embolization (14:17) were used to treat 31 cases of internal carotid artery bifurcation, anterior communicating artery, middle cerebral artery bifurcation, and basilar bifurcation aneurysms between August 2021 and December 2022. The procedure time, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, and total contrast medium dose between the 2 treatment groups were compared and analyzed. In the WEB device group, the results between operators were compared, and the follow-up radiologic outcomes were investigated. The procedure and fluoroscopy times were significantly shorter in the WEB device group. Radiation and total contrast media dose were also significantly smaller in the WEB device, but there was no significant difference in results between operators. The follow-up radiological outcome showed adequate occlusion in 83.3% (10/12) of cases. The WEB device can be used as an alternative treatment method among the available endovascular treatment methods for WNBAs to reduce radiation exposure and the dose of contrast media when used adequately with appropriate indications.

Numerical simulation of flow behavior in basilar bifurcation computed tomography angiography.

In this study, a moving boundary deformation model based on four-dimensional computed tomography angiography (4D-CTA) with high temporal resolution is constructed, and blood flow dynamics of cerebral aneurysms are investigated by numerical simulation. A realistic moving boundary deformation model of a cerebral aneurysm was constructed based on 4D-CTA in each phase. Four hemodynamic factors (wall shear stress [WSS], wall shear stress divergence [WSSD], oscillatory shear index [OSI], and residual residence time [RRT]) were obtained from numerical simulations, and these factors were evaluated in basilar artery aneurysms. Comparison of the rigid body condition and the moving boundary condition investigating the relationship between wall displacement and hemodynamic factors clarified that the spatial-averaged WSS and maximum WSSD considering only the aneurysmal dome has a large difference between conditions during the peak systole, and there were also significant differences in OSI and RRT.

Endoscopic treatment of patients with idiopathic hydrocephalus with extraventricular cisternal obstruction of the cerebrospinal tract

The possibility of developing extraventricular CSF pathways obstruction was demonstrated in the mid-20th century. The development of neuroimaging (mainly MRI) and endoscopic techniques made it possible to plan and perform minimally invasive surgeries in a narrow anatomical corridor and achieve the regression of neurological symptoms. Purpose of the study: to determine the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery for hydrocephalus due to idiopathic extraventricular CSF pathways obstruction. Materials and methods. Sixty-five patients with signs of extraventricular obstruction underwent examination and surgical treatment at the Center of Neurosurgery from 2007 to 2020. The preoperative Kiefer Scale score was 6.8±3.3 (0-15) points, and the Rankin Scale score — 2.2±1 (0-5) points. Endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy was performed as the first operation in 42 (64.6 %) patients. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting was performed in 17 (26.1 %) patients. Six (9.2 %) patients were not operated on. Results. After endoscopic surgery, the condition of the patients significantly improved (p &lt; 0.001) after 2 and 12 months. Complete or partial regression of symptoms was noted in 85 % of the patients 1 year after surgery. After shunt surgery, the trend was comparable. The only radiological parameter that changes and correlates with the patients’ condition is the position of the premammillary membrane and the flow void. The remaining indicators of the CSF system of the brain did not actually change. In all cases of the endoscopic surgery, an additional membrane conglomerate that corresponded to preoperative tomograms was found under the premammillary membrane. Conclusion. The high efficiency of endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy allows recommending this technique as the primary one in patients with extraventricular CSF pathways obstruction, with the exception of cases of anatomy abnormalities of the third ventricular fundus area (short premammillary membrane in combination with a high-lying basilar bifurcation) and cisterns of the posterior cranial fossa base (narrow cisterns, whose dimensions do not allow inserting an endoscope under the premamillary membrane).

Basilar artery bifurcation anatomy as a determinant of recanalization and stroke outcome: Basilar artery bifurcation anatomy and stroke outcome

ObjectivesThrombectomy improves outcomes in patients with basilar artery (BA) occlusion. We hypothesized that the anatomic configuration of the BA bifurcation, classified as T- or Y-shaped, may impact the outcome as a T-shaped BA would involve more deep penetrating arteries of the midbrain and thalamus. Materials and methodsIn this 2-center retrospective cohort study, we included patients with stroke due to distal BA occlusion and performed blinded classification of their BA distal bifurcation as either T- or Y-shaped. The primary outcomes were favorable outcome at 90-days (modified Rankin Scale 0 – 2) and successful recanalization (TICI scores 2B or 3). Results70 patients (mean age 66 years, 36% women) were included. 38 had T- and 32 had Y-shaped bifurcations. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups, including demographics, onset to arterial puncture time, baseline NIHSS, THRIVE score, posterior circulation collateral score, and presence of tandem occlusion. Comparing the T- to the Y- shape, there was no difference in the likelihood of successful recanalization (RR: 1.02, CI: [0.86–1.21], p=1.00) nor 90-day favorable mRS (0-2) score (RR: 0.58, CI: [0.25–1.32]; p=0.18). Similarly, mortality at 30 and 90-days were not significantly affected by the type of bifurcation. ConclusionsThe configuration of the basilar artery does not significantly impact on recanalization success or stroke outcome in our study. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations.

Abstract 068: Basilar artery bifurcation anatomy as a determinant of recanalization and stroke outcome

Introduction Background: Thrombectomy improves outcomes in patients with basilar artery (BA) occlusion [1,2]. We hypothesized that the anatomic configuration of the BA bifurcation, classified as T‐ or Y‐shaped, may impact the outcome. Specifically, we expected that a T‐shaped BA would involve more deep penetrating arteries of the midbrain and thalamus, leading to greater disability or death [3,4]. Methods In this 2‐center retrospective cohort study over seven years, we included patients with stroke due to distal BA occlusion and performed blinded classification of their BA anatomy as either T‐ or Y‐shaped [Figure 1]. The primary outcomes were favorable functional status at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0 – 2) and successful reperfusion (TICI scores 2B or 3). Results 70 patients (mean age 66 years, 36% women) were included. 38 had T‐ and 32 had Y‐shaped bifurcations. Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups, including demographics, treatment time, baseline NIHSS, THRIVE score, posterior circulation collateral score, and presence of tandem occlusion. Comparing the T‐ to the Y‐ shape, there was no difference in the likelihood of successful reperfusion (1.09 [0.52–2.27], p=1.00) nor 90‐day favorable mRS (0‐2) score (RR: 0.68 [0.37–1.27]; p=0.18). Similarly, mortality at 30 and 90 days were not significantly affected by the type of bifurcation. Conclusion The configuration of the basilar artery does not significantly impact reperfusion success or stroke outcome.

Basilar tip fenestration giving rise to Percheron's and mesencephalic arteries.

The basilar bifurcation region is a common site for intracranial aneurysms, as well as it gives rise to a group of perforating arteries that supply the mesencephalon and the thalamus. Complex vascular microanatomy poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neurologists. In this paper, we present a previously unreported case of basilar tip fenestration that gave rise to five perforating arteries: the artery of Percheron and four mesencephalic arteries. Due to invaluable clinical significance, the possibility of such a variant must be considered during performing various neurovascular procedures, since e.g., embolization of the fenestration misdiagnosed as an aneurysm would inevitably lead to severe neurological complications (consciousness disturbances, quadriplegia, and sensory loss). Comprehensive knowledge of the neuroanatomy and neuroembryology is crucial to safe execution of intracranial interventions.

112 RNA Sequencing Analysis of Endothelium in a Patient-Specific Intracranial Aneurysm Model

INTRODUCTION: Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are responsible for 5-10% of all strokes yet can carry a mortality rate as high as 50%. The growth and rupture of aneurysms is a consequence of complex arterial wall remodeling resulting from complex interactions between cellular biological processes METHODS: A total of eight aneurysm casts were created from patients’ 3D rotational angiographic data in our institution's database. Models represented two morphologies (bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms), four locations (middle cerebral artery bifurcation, basilar tip bifurcation, internal cerebral artery-posterior communicating artery sidewall, internal cerebral artery-superior hypophyseal artery sidewall), and two clinical conditions (stable aneurysms and growing aneurysms). The lumen were coated with fibronectin, connected to a pump infusing a cell suspension of HUVEC cells. After culturing to achieve confluence, specimens from the aneurysm and parent artery were separately cut to extract RNA used for sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 358 DEGs were identified between aneurysm and parent vessel, 222 DEGs were identified between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysm morphologies and 20437 DEGs were identified between growing and stable aneurysms. Genes such as SYNPO, CHSY3 ALKBH8 were found to be upregulated in endothelial cells within the aneurysms while genes such as FABP4, ANGPT2, SMAD6 and ADAMTS18 were found to be downregulated in comparison with endothelial cells within the parent artery. SERPINB6 was found to be upregulated and FOXN2 was found to be downregulated in growing aneurysms compared to stable aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the successful development of a patient specific, in-vitro pulsatile intracranial aneurysm cell culture model which can be used to study the complex interactions of endothelial cell biology, specifically the unique transcriptomic profiles of various endothelial cell populations that are subject to varying hemodynamic conditions based on location within the vasculature

Four‐Year Follow‐Up on the First‐in‐Human Experience With Nautilus Intrasaccular System Assisted Coiling for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Background The authors present the long‐term (4 year) results of a first‐in‐man, single‐center case series with the Nautilus Intrasaccular System for the embolization of wide‐neck intracranial aneurysms. Methods From February 2018 to July 2018, the authors enrolled 5 patients into a first‐in‐human study of the Nautilus device. After treatment, patients underwent 6 months with digital subtraction angiography and 3 years with magnetic resonance angiography according to institutional standard of care. Occlusion rates were core‐laboratory adjudicated for the digital subtraction angiography and independently assessed by a neurointerventionalist not part of the care team for the magnetic resonance angiography. Neurological outcome (modified Ranking scale score) was evaluated at 24 hours, 7 days, 6 months, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, and adverse events were collected during the first 6 months post treatment. Results Five patients with unruptured, wide‐necked aneurysms were treated and followed up for 4 years. Aneurysm locations included basilar bifurcation (2 of 5), internal carotid artery terminus (1 of 5), superior cerebellar artery (1 of 5), and the anterior communicating artery (1 of 5). The average aneurysm size was 7.6 mm and the average neck diameter was 5.2 mm. Immediate complete and near‐complete occlusion (Raymond–Roy classification class I and II) was achieved in 80% (4 of 5) of the aneurysms. Occlusion results improved at 6 months and remained stable at 3 years, without retreatment (Raymond–Roy classification class I 80%, class I and II 100%). All patients maintained good neurological outcome at all follow‐ups (modified Ranking scale 0). Conclusion This initial clinical experience provides early evidence of the long‐term safety and effectiveness of the new intrasaccular neck bridging device, Nautilus. The Nautilus appears to add a simple, safe, and effective option and solution to the coil embolization of the wide‐neck aneurysm.

Association between flow patterns of the posterior cerebral arterial circle and basilar-tip aneurysms

The Cerebral arterial circle presents multiple individual anatomical configurations which are of the highest importance regarding the pathological processes for intracranial aneurysms development. Previous studies highlighted the importance of geometry and especially arterial bifurcations leading to aneurysms development. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a flow pattern asymmetry of the P1 segments of the posterior cerebral arteries was associated with a higher risk of basilar tip aneurysm. Two different populations were retrospectively reviewed. The first population, without aneurysm, for which TOF MRI sequences were reviewed. The second population with patients harboring basilar tip aneurysms for whom cerebral angiograms were reviewed. We retrospectively analyzed the flow contribution and symmetry of the two right and left P1 segments of the posterior cerebral arteries and the two posterior communicating arteries (Pcomm). We analyzed the association and risk factors for basilar tip aneurysm. The anatomical and flow configurations of P1 and Pcomm have been reviewed in 467 patients without aneurysms and 35 patients with aneurysms. We identified a significant association between the flow pattern asymmetry of the P1 segments and the presence of a basilar tip aneurysm (OR = 2.12; IC95% = [1.01-4.36]; p = 0.04). We also confirmed that the male gender was protective against aneurysm (OR = 0.45; IC95% = [0.194-0.961]; p = 0.04). Non-modal basilar tip bifurcation and flow asymmetry of P1 segments are associated with an increased risk of basilar tip aneurysm. These findings highlight the importance of analyzing MRI-TOF of the posterior configuration of the Cerebral arterial circle to potentially refine the aneurysms risk prediction.

Topographic anatomy of two-piece orbitozygomatic, modified orbitozygomatic and transzygomatic approaches: A comparative analysis of neurosurgical options

Aim to measure and compare the vertical and horizontal angles of attack on different intracranial surgical targets provided by the transzygomatic, modified orbitozygomatic and classic two-piece orbitozygomatic approaches, to determine the most optimal approaches to different surgical targets.&#x0D; Material and methods. The study was conducted on 8 sides of en bloc specimens of human head and neck. The marking was performed with BrainLAB Kolibri navigational station (Germany) to highlight the surgical landmarks and measure the angles. The dissection was started macroscopically with standard instruments and photographic fixation of every stage of the approach. The craniotomy was performed with Stryker high speed drill (USA). After that, the microscopic stage was carried out with the ZEISS OPMI Vario/S88 surgical microscope (Germany). On each side, the following steps were completed: soft tissues dissection, cutting the zygomatic arch, fronto-temporal craniotomy, orbitozygomatic osteotomy, opening of the dura mater and dissection of structures of the cranial base, measurement of angles of attack with their apex located on skull base structures&#x0D; Results. The angles of attack on different intracranial surgical targets were measured and compared for two-piece orbitozygomatic, modified orbitozygomatic and transzygomatic approaches.&#x0D; Conclusion. The two-piece orbitozygomatic craniotomy is the most universal and optimal to approach the basilar artery bifurcation and lesions located in both anterior and middle cranial fossae. However, to minimize the surgical trauma and the risks of complications when exposing exclusively anterior cranial fossa, the modified orbitozygomatic approach is more adequate. When the lesion is small and located exclusively in middle cranial fossa, performing the transzygomatic approach is recommended.

PConus device for endovascular treatment of basilar bifurcation aneurysms

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bifurcation stents in the treatment of basilar bifurcation aneurysms. A retrospective analysis included 34 patients with basilar bifurcation aneurysms between 2016 and 2022. The pConus bifurcation stent was used as a stent-assistance for endovascular occlusion of aneurysms with microcoils. We analyzed technical features of stent implantation and clinical results of endovascular treatment. Mean aneurysm dimension was 8.4 mm, neck size - 4.6 mm. Preoperative MSR score 0-2 was observed in 94.7% of patients, 3-5 scores - in 5.3% of patients. There were no significant changes in functional status early after surgery (MSR grading system). Total aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 67.6% of patients, subtotal - 17.6% of cases, partial - 14.8%. There were no technical or early postoperative clinical complications. Six months after surgery, total occlusion was observed in 77.8% of patients, subtotal occlusion - 14.8%, partial occlusion - 4%. MSR score 0-2 was observed between 3 and 12 months after surgery. One patient died from other cause rather aneurysm. Redo intervention due to aneurysm recanalization was performed in 1 patient. The pConus bifurcation stent is effective and safe in endovascular treatment of basilar bifurcation aneurysms of the most complex configuration. There was a minimal risk of aneurysm recanalization in long-term postoperative period.

Vertical One-and-a-Half Syndrome with Pseudoabducens Palsy and Midbrain Horizontal Gaze Paresis

ABSTRACT The rostral mesencephalon may influence ocular motility in the vertical, horizontal, and torsional trajectories through intricate supranuclear, internuclear, and infranuclear neural networks. Strategic unilateral midbrain lesions may result in contralateral horizontal gaze palsy with saccadic failure due to combined interruption of supranuclear corticofugal fibers from the frontal eye field and colliculofugal fibers from the superior colliculus. In this article, we report a patient who sustained combined vertical and horizontal gaze deficits after a single infarct involving the mesodiencephalic junction. The neural substrate for each deficit is briefly discussed in light of clinical findings. This case presented a triad of three distinct syndromes of horizontal gaze paresis, vertical one-and-a-half syndrome, and pseudoabducens palsy due to damage of nuclear and supranuclear projections within the rostral mesencephalon. This combination was due to a single embolic infarct in the territory of the posterior thalamosubthalamic artery (artery of Percheron) that arises at the basilar bifurcation. Coexistence of these phenomena exemplified how rostral midbrain lesions may affect ocular motility in the vertical, horizontal, and torsional planes, along with disruption of normal vergence control.

Comparing treatment outcomes of various intracranial bifurcation aneurysms locations using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device

BackgroundThe Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device has Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. The WEB device has been shown to result in adequate occlusion in...

Transvascular in vivo microscopy of the subarachnoid space

BackgroundThe micro-architectonics of the subarachnoid space (SAS) remain partially understood and largely ignored, likely the result of the inability to image these structures in vivo. We explored transvascular imaging with...

Endovascular Treatment of Basilar Bifurcation Aneurysms With PulseRider-Assisted Coiling: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms pose technical and anatomical challenges to endovascular treatment, which make the simpler assisted (balloon or single stent) coiling techniques less effective.1 Consequently, unique endovascular solutions to treat such aneurysms have been devised.2,3 One such device is PulseRider (Cerenovus, New Brunswick, New Jersey), which is designed to provide neck support for a coil mass while protecting the bifurcation.3 The device comprises a body or stem that is deployed in the parent artery and a saddle component that sits at the aneurysm neck to keep the coil mass away from the bifurcation. There are several technical nuances involved in successful use of the device during positioning, deployment, and detachment.3 We present a surgical video detailing the steps of PulseRider-assisted coiling of unruptured basilar bifurcation (or basilar apex) aneurysms. The first case highlights index treatment at diagnosis and the second showcases treatment of a recurrent basilar apex aneurysm. Both patients provided informed consent to the procedure. We also briefly discuss the rationale for treating basilar apex aneurysms.4,5.

The Analysis of Morphoradiological Parameters in Predicting Risk of Basilar Artery Tip Aneurysm Rupture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PurposeBasilar artery tip aneurysms can have fatal consequences and poor prognostic outcomes in case of rupture. We investigated the standard parameters used to evaluate aneurysmal morphology to predict aneurysm rupture.Patients and MethodsWe measured the differences between ruptured and unruptured basilar bifurcation aneurysms in terms of morphological features, including aneurysm size, size ratio, aneurysm height, perpendicular height, aneurysm width, bottleneck ratio, aspect ratio, and present daughter domes, using 3D angiography.ResultsAmong 34 patients, 21 (61.8%) and 13 (38.2%) had ruptured and unruptured basilar tip aneurysms, respectively. In the ruptured group, the mean aneurysm size, and aspect, size, and bottleneck ratios were 6.8 ± 1.9 mm, 3.2 ± 1.0, 2.3 ± 0.5, and 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively, compared to 4.5 ± 1.5 mm, 4.4 ± 2.0, 1.6 ± 0.4, and 2.7 ± 0.7, respectively, in the non-ruptured group. Univariate analysis showed a larger aneurysmal cross-sectional diameter (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–5.392; p < 0.05), a larger size ratio (OR, 21.375; 95% CI, 3.283–139.177; p < 0.05), and presence of a daughter dome (OR, 72.0; 95% CI, 6.7–776.5; p < 0.05) with ruptured basilar artery tip aneurysms.ConclusionA larger aneurysm size and size ratio, and the presence of a daughter dome were significantly associated with increased rupture risk in basilar tip aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of complex bifurcation aneurysms using the pConus device: clinical cases

The objective is to present the clinical experience of using the pConus stent-like device in the treatment of complex bifurcation aneurysms.Clinical cases. A 64-year-old patient was admitted with complaints of periodic headache without loss of consciousness and an increase in focal symptoms. Saccular aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery and the left superior cerebellar artery were found without signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage. For occlusion of the aneurysm of the left superior cerebellar artery (dimensions 7.4 х 5.3 mm, neck width 5.0 mm, facing left and up, body/neck ratio 1.48, the branch of the artery branched off from the neck), a pConus device (crown diameter 8 mm) was used with micro-coils.A 61-year-old patient was admitted with complaints of headache in the occipital region, accompanied by repeated vomiting and an increase in blood pressure to 200/110 mm Hg. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and a saccular aneurysm of the basilar artery bifurcation (facing up, anteriorly and somewhat to the left, measuring 4.9 x 3.4 mm, neck width 3.1 mm, dome/neck ratio 1.1) were revealed. A pConus device was used for micro-coils occlusion (4-25-6 mm).In the postoperative period, both patients did not experience an increase in focal neurological symptoms. Control angiography after 6 months confirmed stable occlusion, all major vessels were passable.Conclusion. In the described cases, there were no technical problems during the installation and implantation of the device. The use of the pConus device in the treatment of complex bifurcation aneurysms technically simplifies surgical intervention, since it does not require catheterization of the efferent vessels of the aneurysm.

Management of a double basilar tip aneurysm

Complex basilar tip aneurysms are still challenging to secure with coils or stent-assisted coiling. Double aneurysms at the basilar bifurcation and the basilar artery-superior cerebellar artery are a rare particular situation that usually requires more appropriate treatment. This case reports details of our experience with a double basilar tip aneurysm treated in two steps by coiling repair and stent-assisted coiling.

A retrospective longitudinal study of age-related shifts and deformations in the basilar artery bifurcation.

Previous studies have indicated that cerebral arterial morphology is linked to aging and some cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of morphological changes remain unclear. This study evaluated age-related positional changes in the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation based on longitudinal computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. This retrospective study evaluated clinical and imaging data from 72 subjects who underwent two CTA scans between July 2011 and August 2019. Three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed for each subject based on the two CTA scans with the longest separating interval. Skull landmarks were used to fuse the two models, and the fused model was used to evaluate positional changes in the BA bifurcation. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify variables that were correlated to BA bifurcation shifting. Pearson's correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the shifting distance and change in the BA bifurcation angle. Significant differences between aneurysm and non-aneurysm cases were observed in terms of sex (p = 0.004), CTA scan interval (p = 0.023), and BA bifurcation shifting distance (p = 0.007). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that the BA bifurcation shifting distance was significantly correlated with the CTA scan interval (p = 0.038) and the presence of aneurysms (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the shifting distance was positively correlated with widening of the BA bifurcation angle (p = 0.002). Aging-related widening of the BA bifurcation angle may be related to distal shifting of the BA bifurcation's position, and larger distal shifting of the BA bifurcation may be associated with the risk of aneurysm formation.