Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Research Articles

Clipping of Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysms Through a Single Craniotomy.

Bilateral ophthalmic aneurysms are rare and involve two aneurysms in the ophthalmic arteries, one on each, leading to potential symptoms such as vision loss and headaches. The treatment options for aneurysms, ranging from surgery and endovascular embolization to observation, depend on various factors, including aneurysm size and the patient's health.Microsurgery, while presenting complexities due to the intricate anatomy of the anterior clinoid region, offers potential advantages such as enhanced decompression rates and reduced aneurysm recurrence. The presented surgical video illustrates the treatment of bilateral ophthalmic artery aneurysms via a single craniotomy. This method reduces surgical duration and trauma, facilitating quicker patient recovery. However, this method bears potential risks, especially to both optic nerves. As underscored in the video, the utmost anatomical understanding in the anterior clinoid area is pivotal for successful outcomes and reduced complications.

Endoscopic cadaveric analysis of the origin of the ophthalmic artery

PurposeThe ophthalmic artery is often involved in suprasellar and parasellar surgeries, but the anatomical structure where the ophthalmic artery originates has not been fully clarified from the perspective of an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA).MethodsA total of 10 fresh cadaveric heads (20 sides) were dissected through an EEA, and the origin of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries and their adjacent structures were observed from a ventral view. The origin of the ophthalmic artery in 50 healthy people was retrospectively studied on computed tomography angiography imaging.ResultsThe ophthalmic artery originated from the intradural segment (75%), paraclinoid segment (15%), or parasellar segment (10%) of the internal carotid artery. The cross-sectional view of the internal carotid artery through the EEA showed that the ophthalmic artery originated from the middle 1/3 (75%) or medial 1/3 (25%) of the upper surface of the internal carotid artery. On computed tomography angiography, the ophthalmic artery originated from the middle 1/3 (77%) and medial 1/3 (22%) of the upper surface of the internal carotid artery. All ophthalmic arteries were near the level of the distal dural ring (DDR) of the internal carotid artery, that is, within 3 mm above or below the DDR.ConclusionsThe ophthalmic artery usually originates in the middle 1/3 of the upper surface of the intradural segment of the internal carotid artery within 3 mm of the DDR. The ophthalmic artery can be protected to the utmost extent after its origin is identified through an EEA.

A Computed Tomographic Investigation of the Ophthalmic Artery Volume and Its Relevance to Soft Tissue Filler Injections.

The measured intraarterial volume of cadaveric ophthalmic arteries was utilized for safety recommendations during facial soft tissue filler injections. However, its clinical practicability and model applicability have become questionable. To measure the volume of the ophthalmic artery in living individuals by utilizing computed tomography (CT) imaging technology. A total of 40 Chinese patients (23 males, 17 females) were included in this study with a mean age of 61.0 (14.2) years and a mean body mass index of 23.7 (3.3) kg/m2. Patients were investigated with CT imaging technology to evaluate the length, diameter, and volume of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries as well as the length of the bony orbits, resulting in a total of 80 investigated ophthalmic arteries and orbits. Independent of gender, the average length of the ophthalmic artery was 80.6 (18.7) mm, the calculated volume of the ophthalmic artery was 0.16 (0.05) mL and the minimal and maximal internal diameter of the ophthalmic artery were 0.50 (0.05) mm and 1.06 (0.1) mm, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the investigation of 80 ophthalmic arteries it must be concluded that current safety recommendations should be reevaluated. The volume of the ophthalmic artery appears to be 0.2 mL rather than 0.1 mL as previously reported. In addition, it appears impractical to limit the volume of soft tissue filler bolus injections to 0.1 mL due to the aesthetic requirements of each individual patient and treatment plan.

Diagnosis of extracranial carotid stenosis by MRA of the brain

Severe extracranial carotid stenosis (SECS) patients may present with nonspecific neurological symptoms that require intracranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-of-flight (TOF)-MR angiography (MRA) to exclude intracranial pathology. Recognition of SECS on intracranial TOF-MRA findings is beneficial to provide a prompt carotid imaging study and aggressive stroke prevention. Patients with SECS (January 2016 to May 2019) undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) were included. Differences in normalized signal intensities (SRICA) and diameters (DICA) between bilateral petrous internal carotid arteries (ICAs) were calculated 1 cm from the orifice. A hypothesized criterion describing the opacification grades (GOPH) of bilateral ophthalmic arteries was proposed. We correlated SRICA (p = 0.041), DICA (p = 0.001) and GOPH (p = 0.012), with the severity of extracranial carotid stenosis on digital subtractive angiography (DSA) in the examined group (n = 113), and all showed statistical significance in predicting percentages of ICA stenosis. The results were further validated in another patient group with SECS after radiation therapy (n = 20; p = 0.704 between the actual and predicted stenosis grades). Our findings support the evaluation of the signal ratio and diameter of intracranial ICA on TOF-MRA to achieve early diagnosis and provide appropriate management of SECS.

Angiographic investigation of orbital vascular variations in the rabbit and implications for endovascular intra-arterial chemotherapy models

BackgroundThe New Zealand White rabbit (NZWR) is the first small-animal experimental model of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma treatment. The NZWR has dual ophthalmic arteries (OA): the external OA (EOA)...

Bilateral Giant Opthalmic Carotid Artery Aneurysms Presenting as Unilateral Diplopia: A Case Report

Introduction: The etiology of giant aneurysms is multifactorial. It becomes symptomatic in 9/100.000, most frequently in the fifth and sixth decades of the life. Intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms (ICAAs) represent less than 1% of intracranial aneurysms and show a slight female predominance. Case-Report: We report an interesting case of bilateral ICAA in 42-year-old female presented as acute diplopia and emphasize the need of a thorough systemic evaluation in young patients with diplopia and treated with endovascular coil embolization. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to the neurology department suffering from the unilateral diplopia. Neurological examination showed the left sixth cranial nerve palsy and had no further general motor or sensory symptoms. Digital Subtraction Angiogram (DSA) showed bilateral ophthalmic artery aneurysm. The patient was treated with endovascular loose packing coil embolization and Derivo 3.5x30mm flow diverter stent. Conclusion: It should be kept in mind that intracavernous carotid artery aneurysms may be bilateral in patients with unilateral cranial nerve symptoms.

Initial clinical experience of a prototype ultra-high-resolution CT for assessment of small intracranial arteries.

Diagnostic and neurosurgical procedures require the precise localization of small intracranial arteries, but this may be difficult using conventional computed tomography angiography (CTA). This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of CTA images acquired using a prototype ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT) system compared with those acquired using a conventional computed tomography (C-CT) system. From July through September 2015, 10 adult patients (6 women and 4 men) previously scanned by C-CT were examined using U-HRCT to locate and assess cerebral aneurysms. The bilateral ophthalmic artery (Opth A), anterior choroidal artery (Acho A), and thalamoperforating arteries (TPAs) were visually evaluated in randomly presented CTA images. Images were graded on a 5-point scale, and differences in scores between U-HRCT and C-CT were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Visual evaluation scores for images of the Opth A, Acho A, and TPAs were significantly higher for U-HRCT than for C-CT. U-HRCT images achieved good visualization (score > 3) for C-CT images with poor visualization (score < 3) in 66.7-100% of all the small arteries. U-HRCT is superior to C-CT for detecting and evaluating clinically significant small intracranial arteries.

Pituitary neoplasms associated with intracranial aneurysm: A report of 4 cases and literature review

Objective To summarize the imaging findings, treatment and prognosis of pituitary adenoma associated with intracranial aneurysm. Methods From July 2014 to June 2017, 4 patients (3 females and 1 male) with pituitary macroadenoma associated with intracranial aneurysm were admitted to Neurosurgery Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Among them, 1 patient had bilateral ophthalmic artery aneurysms and 2 cases had right ophthalmic artery aneurysms. All those 3 cases underwent endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms followed by transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. The other 1 patient with anterior communicating artery aneurysm underwent successful clipping of aneurysm after removal of pituitary adenoma. Results Of the 4 patients with pituitary adenoma and intracranial aneurysm, 3 underwent endovascular embolization of the aneurysm followed by endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection. MRI showed no recurrence after resection. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed and revealed that the aneurysm had no recurrence and a good prognosis. One patient with anterior communicating artery aneurysm, although undergoing aneurysm clipping and pituitary adenoma resection, eventually gave up treatment due to pulmonary infection, resulting in a poor prognosis. Conclusions For patients with pituitary adenoma with high risk factors, it is recommended to perform magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and/or DSA before surgery. MRI T1 and T2 weighted sequences showing flow shadow is an important factor for pituitary adenoma with intracranial aneurysms. For patients with pituitary adenomas with intracranial aneurysms, one or two stages of surgery should be performed according to the presence or absence of aneurysm, and a relatively good prognosis can be obtained. Key words: Pituitary neoplasms; Intracranial aneurysm; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prognosis

Simultaneous Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery for Bilateral Retinoblastoma (Tandem Therapy).

ObjectiveReport on the 7-year experience with bilateral ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC-Tandem therapy) for bilateral retinoblastoma.DesignRetrospective, single institution study.Subjects120 eyes of 60 children with bilateral retinoblastoma treated since March 2008.MethodsRetrospective review of all children treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering with bilateral ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (Melphalan, Carboplatin, Topotecan, Methotrexate) delivered in the same initial session to both naïve and previously treated eyes.Main Outcome MeasuresOcular survival, metastatic disease, patient survival from metastases, second cancers, systemic adverse effects, need for transfusion of blood products, electroretinogram before and after treatment.Results116 eyes were salvaged (4 eyes were enucleated: 3 because of progressive disease, 1 family choice). Kaplan Meier ocular survival was 99.2% at one year, 96.9% at 2 and 3 years and 94.9% for years 4 through 7. There were no cases of metastatic disease or metastatic deaths with a mean follow-up of 3.01 years. Two children developed second cancers (both pineoblastoma) and one of them died. Transfusion of blood products was required in 3 cases (4 transfusions), 1.9%. Two children developed fever/neutropenia requiring hospitalization (0.95%). ERGs were improved in 21.6% and unchanged after treatment in 52.5% of cases (increase or decrease of less than 25μV).ConclusionsBilateral ophthalmic artery chemosurgery is a safe and effective technique for managing bilateral retinoblastoma-even when eyes are advanced bilaterally, and if both eyes have progressed after systemic chemotherapy. Ocular survival was excellent (94.9% at 8 years), there were no cases of of metastatic disease and no deaths from metastatic disease, but children remain at risk for second cancers. In 21.6% of cases ERG function improved. Despite using chemotherapy in both eyes in the same session, systemic toxicity was low.

Ophthalmic systems completely supplied from dural arteries indicate the utility of endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms

We report a 67-year-old man who harboured an unruptured left basilar-superior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Cerebral angiography and cone beam computed tomography with diluted contrast medium showed that the bilateral ophthalmic arteries were not supplied from internal carotid arteries but, rather, were supplied from the middle meningeal and accessory meningeal arteries. This meant that the ophthalmic system was predominantly supplied from the dural arteries and, therefore, pterional craniotomy might cause a compromise in blood supply to the retinal artery. To avoid this complication, coil embolization was selected instead of neck clipping, and this endovascular therapy succeeded without neurological deficit. This case report shows the importance of cerebral angiography (including cone beam computed tomography) and consideration of the patterns of ophthalmic artery perfusion when selecting operative procedures for management of aneurysms that require manipulation around the sphenoid ridge.

Interhemispheric approach for endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula

We describe the endoscopic ligation of an anterior cranial fossa (ACF) dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) through an interhemispheric approach. Intracranial DAVF of the ACF are rare and associated with an aggressive natural history, due to their ubiquitous direct cortical venous drainage and frequent coincidence of venous ectasia. Although surgical ligation is the preferred treatment for ACF DAVF, the role of endoscopy in the surgical management of DAVF is undefined. A 53-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with an ACF DAVF. Cerebral angiography showed a Borden type III, Cognard type IV left sided ACF DAVF, supplied by ethmoidal branches of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries and draining directly into an enlarged and ectatic left inferior frontal cortical vein, with a venous varix distal to the point of fistulization. An initial attempt at endovascular treatment from a transvenous approach was unsuccessful, due to significant stenosis of the left cavernous sinus. Therefore, we elected to proceed with surgical ligation. From an interhemispheric approach and under the guidance of frameless stereotactic neuronavigation, a 0° endoscope was advanced into the interhemispheric fissure until the arterialized draining vein was visualized. After dissecting along the draining vein to the point of fistulization, the proximal portion of the draining vein was ligated. Intraoperative angiography confirmed complete obliteration of the DAVF, and the patient was asymptomatic at the 6week postoperative follow-up. Endoscopy provides excellent visualization of ACF DAVF and can safely facilitate surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients with these lesions.

Resolution of Diminished Olfactory Sensation After Treatment of Bilateral Ophthalmic Segment Aneurysms With Flow Diversion

Olfactory tract dysfunction due to an unruptured intracranial aneurysm is rare. We present a case in which a patient with impaired olfaction related to bilateral internal carotid artery aneurysms experienced subjective and quantitative objective improvement of olfactory sensation after treatment of ophthalmic segment aneurysms with flow diversion. A 44-year-old woman presented with hyposmia and bilateral ophthalmic segment internal carotid artery aneurysms. The symptom of hyposmia, worsening over a period of several months, was suspected to be due to mass effect from bilateral unruptured ophthalmic segment aneurysms pressing on the olfactory tracts. Each aneurysm was treated with a Pipeline embolization device (PED). Follow-up angiography at 5 months showed occlusion of both aneurysms. The patient experienced subjective improvement in olfaction and complete objective resolution of her hyposmia as measured by the validated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Intracranial aneurysms causing dysfunction of olfactory sensation due to mass effect upon the olfactory tract can be successfully treated with flow diversion. Flow diversion should be considered as one of the treatment options for patients with cranial nerve dysfunction due to unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Automated Subtraction CT Angiography for Visualization of the Whole Brain Vasculature: A Feasibility Study

To develop an automated computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging protocol that allows visualization of the whole brain vasculature and evaluate the clinical usefulness of the technique for delineation of intracranial vessels in patients with cerebrovascular disorders. We prospectively included 100 patients who underwent automated subtraction CTA for suspected cerebrovascular disorders. The nonenhanced and contrast enhanced scans were obtained with the same table feeding speed. The x-ray tube start angles of the two scans were matched to enable accurate registration and subtraction of the CTA datasets. Subtracted CTA datasets were reformatted as three-dimensional volume rendering and maximum intensity projection images for further review. Two independent readers assessed the quality of subtraction and delineation of intracranial vessels. The visibility of ophthalmic arteries was also assessed. Subtraction was successful in all patients. The image quality of bone removal was rated excellent in 95 patients, with no or minimal bone remnants. Incomplete bone removal was observed in five patients because of severe motions between the scans. In 97 of 100 patients, arterial segments at the circle of Willis could be clearly visualized. Excellent delineation of bilateral ophthalmic arteries was possible in 81 of 100 patients. The whole brain vasculature would be clearly visualized by using the optimized automated CTA protocol. Our automated, single-source, dual-energy subtraction CTA protocol is a fully automated subtraction method that is capable of delineating major intracranial vessels as well as very small arteries.

A Case of Suspected Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion, Spinal Cord Infarction, and Agranulocytosis in a Cocaine User (P07.234)

A Case of Suspected Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion, Spinal Cord Infarction, and Agranulocytosis in a Cocaine User (P07.234)

Visualization of the ophthalmic artery by phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography: a pilot study

This study aimed at investigating whether phase-contrast (PC) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography is useful for visualizing the ophthalmic artery (OA). This prospective study enrolled 196 consecutive outpatients who underwent three-dimensional PC MR angiography. The basal image parallel to the anteroposterior dimension of the OA was extracted for analysis from the imaging data. The 99 male and 97 female subjects were aged from 10 years to 80 years (mean 47.9 years). The OAs were supplied only by the external carotid system or in combination with the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 18 subjects (9.2%). The bilateral OAs were symmetrical in 12%, asymmetrical in 87%, and unidentified in 1%. The contour of the proximal segment of the OAs could be classified into straight, curved, and tortuous types. The ICA-OA angle defined by the angle between the approximate line of the proximal OA and the vertical line was also variable. The first bend of the OA corresponded to the anastomosis site with the external carotid system. The proximal medial bend was the origin of the posterior ethmoidal artery, and the distal medial bend was the origin of the anterior ethmoidal artery. According to the results the OA not only possesses three characteristic bends, but also shows prominent individual variability and commonly shows bilateral asymmetry. The contour of the OA may be regulated by the anchor effect at the bend sites. PC MR Angiography is useful for visualizing the main trunk of the OA.

Isolated Orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is a fatal infection in immunocompromised hosts. Prompt recognition of this clinical condition is essential for early diagnosis to avoid a delay of treatment. The presence of black eschar, usually in the nasal cavity, is the most alerting sign to the diagnosis. We present a patient with extremely fulminant ROCM in which the disease might be acquired via an orbital infection without nasal or paranasal involvement. With black eschars appearing at the bilateral canthi as the first alarm to extensive vascular involvement, the lethal infection rapidly evolved to occlusion of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries and eventually major intracranial arteries.

Transarterial embolization of a high-flow maxillary arteriovenous malformation fed by multiple arteries

A high-flow maxillary arteriovenous malformation fed by multiple arteries, including bilateral internal maxillary arteries and ophthalmic artery, is reported. A combination of polyvinyl alcohol particles and N-butyl-cyanoacrylate mixed with lipiodol was progressively deposited within the distal vascular bed by transarterial superselective embolization of the branches of bilateral internal maxillary arteries, resulting in complete anatomic and clinical cure. The authors feel that this approach is more secure and effective compared with transfemoral venous embolization and direct transosseous puncture. It also avoids mutilating surgery.

Bilateral Ophthalmic Artery Occlusion in Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis

PurposeTo report a case of bilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.MethodsReviewed clinical charts, photographs, and fluorescein angiography.ResultsAn 89-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes developed sudden bilateral ptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia of the right eye, and superior rectus palsy of the left eye. Brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging showed midbrain infarction and mild diffuse sinusitis. On the 2nd day of hospitalization, sudden visual loss and light reflex loss developed. There were retinal whitening, absence of retinal arterial filling, and a total lack of choroidal perfusion on fluorescein angiography of the right eye. The left eye showed a cherry red spot in the retina and the absence of retinal arterial filling and partial choroidal perfusion on fluorescein angiography. On rhinologic examination, mucormyosis was noticed. Despite treatment, visual acuity and light reflex did not recover and he died 4 days after admission.ConclusionsBilateral ophthalmic artery occlusion can occur in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis.

Venous Aneurysm Development Associated With a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Anterior Cranial Fossa With Devastating Hemorrhage-Case Report-

A 67-year-old man presented with devastating intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) from an anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Four years earlier, digital subtraction angiography had disclosed a DAVF at the right anterior cranial fossa fed mainly by the ethmoidal branches of the bilateral sphenopalatine arteries and slightly by the ethmoidal arteries of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries, and drained primarily by the sphenoparietal and cavernous sinuses via two dilated cortical veins and slightly by the superior sagittal sinus via a frontal ascending vein. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed the development of a venous aneurysm on the main draining vein over a 4-year period, but no other changes. Venous aneurysm development may be part of the natural history of DAVF with cortical venous drainage and may contribute to the occurrence of ICH.

Case of Infectious Endocarditis Predicted by Orbital Color Doppler Imaging

There are no specific ocular findings for infectious endocarditis. We report a case of infectious endocarditis detected by combining orbital color Doppler imaging (CDI) and ophthalmological findings. A 47-year-old man suffered from lumbar pain and low-grade fever. He had undergone heart surgery for a ventricular septal defect and received blood transfusions 20 years earlier, and he had started interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C 8 months previously. Systemic examinations suggested either collagen disease, malignant lymphoma, or infectious disease. The patient underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including CDI. Ophthalmoscopy showed multiple cotton-wool patches in both eyes and branch retinal artery occlusion in the left eye. Orbital CDI showed that bilateral ophthalmic arteries and central retinal arteries flowed synchronously with abnormal waves composed of three narrow, sharp peaks. These findings were suggestive of a cardiac valve disorder, which can lead to embolisms. Echocardiography established the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of infectious endocarditis detected by orbital CDI.