Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm Research Articles

A Low Subfrontal Dural Opening for Operative Management of Anterior Skull Base Lesions.

Introduction A low subfrontal dural opening technique that limits brain manipulation was assessed in patients who underwent frontotemporal approaches for anterior fossa lesions. Methods A retrospective review was performed for cases using a low subfrontal dural opening including characterization of demographics, lesion size and location, neurological and ophthalmological assessments, clinical course, and imaging findings. Results A low subfrontal dural opening was performed in 23 patients (17F, 6M), median age of 53 years (range 23-81) with a median follow-up duration of 21.9 months (range 6.2-67.1). Lesions included 22 meningiomas (nine anterior clinoid, 12 tuberculum sellae, and one sphenoid wing), one unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm clipped during a meningioma resection, and one optic nerve cavernous malformation. Maximal possible resection was achieved in all cases including gross total resection in 16/22 (72.7%), near total in 1/22 (4.5%), and subtotal in 5/22 (22.7%) in which tumor involvement of critical structures limited complete resection. Eighteen patients presented with vision loss; 11 (61%) improved postoperatively, three (17%) were stable, and four (22%) worsened. The mean ICU stay and time to discharge were 1.3 days (range 0-3) and 3.8 days (range 2-8). Conclusion A low sub-frontal dural opening for approaches to the anterior fossa can be performed with minimal brain exposure, early visualization of the optico-carotid cistern for cerebrospinal fluid release, minimizing need for fixed brain retraction, and Sylvian fissure dissection. This technique can potentially reduce surgical risk and provide excellent exposure for anterior skull base lesions with favorable extent of resection, visual recovery, and complication rates.

A rare case report of trauma manifesting as multiple pseudoaneurysms of internal carotid artery and ipsilateral carotid cavernous fistula

Carotid cavernous fistula is commonly caused by head trauma. Carotid cavernous fistula may be associated with intracavernous aneurysm of internal carotid artery, but occurrence of aneurysm at other site is rare. Management becomes complicated when carotid cavernous fistula is associated with aneurysm. Carotid cavernous fistula and aneurysm are managed by endovascular coiling with or without stenting. The management is more complicated if aneurysm is in cervical internal carotid artery along with carotid cavernous fistula. The decision to first obliterate what varies according to patient and doctor. We are reporting one of the rarest case of post-traumatic cervical internal carotid artery pseudo-aneurysms with carotid cavernous fistula following blunt head-neck injury and evidence based management strategies in such cases.

Coil Embolization of a Pseudoaneurysm of the Petrous Internal Carotid Artery Presenting with Otorrhagia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Otorrhagia is not a common manifestation of petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Besides idiopathic cases, different etiologies, including trauma, infection, and radiation, have been suggested for petrous ICA aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms. However, there is limited experience in the management of this rare aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm with coil embolization. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old man, who was a known case of chronic otitis media, was referred from the otorhinolaryngology ward with intractable bleeding from the right ear. A pseudoaneurysmal lesion (7 mm × 5 mm) was detected in the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery. The patient underwent coil embolization with no complications. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of petrous ICA pseudoaneurysm, presenting with only intractable otorrhagia. The patient was successfully treated with coil embolization, with no need for further interventions. Besides, a review of petrous ICA aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms presenting with otorrhagia was performed.

Neuroradiological MRI and PET Findings in Muslinoma after Wrapping of an Intracranial Aneurysm: A Five-year Follow-up Case Study with Literature Review

Rarely, the clipping of uncoilable intracranial aneurysms may be too challenging because of anatomical conformation, size, or orientation. An alternative to traditional techniques such as clipping or embolization may be wrapping, a circumferential reinforcement of the aneurism wall with synthetic materials such as muslin. This leads to a local inflammatory reaction resulting in a strong adherent scar tissue. However, the robust fibrotic reaction may cause a foreign body, or muslinomaù, which might be responsible for various neurological complications. Here we describe the temporal evolution of a conservatively managed muslinoma that developed after a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm in a 58-year-old woman with multiple aneurysms. A differential diagnosis of a cerebral abscess versus a granulomatous reaction or even a tumor was hypothesized. The absence of abscess clinical, microbiological, and neuroradiological features led to a muslin-induced foreign body granuloma diagnosis. The patient underwent serial contrast-enhanced MRI imaging at 5, 12, 18, 40, and 60 months. In addition, 18F–fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) scans were performed at 6, 24, 42, and 60 months after surgery. Here we highlight how strict clinical and neuroradiological surveillance is mandatory in order to prevent unnecessary treatments. In our case, using an F–FDG-PET/CT scan as an adjunctive follow-up imaging method was helpful in the decision-making process. After reviewing and reporting similar cases in the literature and considering all the actual therapeutic options for intracranial aneurysm treatment, we believe that wrapping with muslin or gauze materials should be carefully weighed against the rare but possible complication muslin-induced foreign body reaction.

Recovery from Cranial Nerve Symptoms after Flow Diversion without Coiling for Unruptured Very Large and Giant ICA Aneurysms.

Cranial nerve symptoms, including visual impairment and ophthalmoplegia, are one of the most common presentations of very large and giant (≥15 mm) ICA aneurysms. In this study, we evaluated the treatment outcomes of flow diversion and conventional coiling in terms of recovery from cranial nerve symptoms and postoperative complications. Seventy-nine patients with unruptured ICA aneurysms of >15 mm who were treated with flow diversion or conventional coiling between December 2009 and December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. We compared the radiologic and clinical outcomes, including recovery from cranial nerve symptoms, between the 2 groups. Twenty-eight of 49 patients (57.1%) treated with flow diversion and 10 of 30 patients (33.3%) treated with conventional coiling initially presented with cranial nerve symptoms (P = .068). In the clinical follow-up, the symptom recovery rate was significantly higher in those treated with flow diversion (15 [50%] versus 3 [25%] with conventional coiling, P = .046). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that flow diversion was significantly associated with symptom recovery (OR, 7.425; 95% CI, 1.091-50.546; P = .040). The overall postoperative complication rate was similar (flow diversion, 10 [20.4%]; conventional coiling, 6 [20.0%], P = .965), though fatal hemorrhagic complications occurred only in patients with intradurally located aneurysms treated with flow diversion (4 [8.2%] versus 0 [0.0%] with coiling, P = .108). Flow diversion without coiling for very large and giant ICA aneurysms yielded a higher rate of recovery from cranial nerve symptoms, but it may be related to an increased hemorrhagic complication rate, especially for intradurally located aneurysms.

Comparison of Symptomatic Vasospasm after Surgical Clipping and Endovascular Coiling.

Vasospasm, initial neurological damage, rebleeding, and periprocedural complications are associated prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In this study, factors related to delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) are evaluated using data from our institute for the last 18 years. Data from 2001 to 2018 of patients with aneurysmal SAH who underwent surgical clipping (SC) or endovascular coiling (EC) within 7 days of onset were retrospectively analyzed. Cases of mortality within 5 days after treatment were excluded. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the risk factors for DIND. In total, 840 cases of SAH were assessed; among these cases, 384 (45.7%) and 456 (54.3%) were treated with SC and EC, respectively. The frequency of DIND in the EC group was significantly less than that in the SC group (11.8% vs. 17.7%; p = 0.016). In the results of multivariate analysis, internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm and hemorrhagic complications were the risk factors for DIND. Cilostazol administration and EC were significant factors for vasospasm prevention after aneurysmal SAH (odds ratio of ICA aneurysm: 1.59, hemorrhagic complications: 1.76, SC: 1.51, and cilostazol administration: 0.51, respectively). Cilostazol administration was also a significant factor in patients who were treated with EC. ICA aneurysm, treatment strategy, hemorrhagic complications, and cilostazol administration were associated with DIND. Oral administration of cilostazol and avoiding hemorrhagic complications were effective in DIND prevention. If both treatments are available for ruptured aneurysms, clinicians should choose EC on the basis of its ability to prevent DIND.

Predicting difficulty in Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) deployment using angiography: A technical note

The Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) is widely used to treat large intracranial unruptured cerebral aneurysms; however, some cases of deployment failure have been observed. Most of these cases occur in internal carotid artery aneurysms around the siphon. We report a method that we developed to predict the success of FRED deployment by using a preoperative angiography in simple lateral view.

Emergency extra-intracranial bypass surgery in a patient with neurologic deficit after an accident in carotid occlusive test: A case report.

ObjectiveBTO is the procedure performed to assess the collateral circulation within the Willis circle in a giant ICA aneurysm. An ICA occlusion after BTO is very rare. We present a case of an internal carotid artery occlusion as a complication of BTO that required urgent revascularization surgery.Case presentationA 56-year-old female with a history of transient ischemic attacks for one year was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms: a giant aneurysm of the left supra-clinoid ICA, two small ones on left MCA and right ophthalmic. A BTO was performed to assess collateral supply and determine whether bypass surgery should be necessary. During the procedure, the balloon was detached while insufflating, and the patient had a subsequent neurological decline consistent with an MCA syndrome. EC-IC bypass surgery was performed with an end-to-side anastomosis of STA-MCA by trapping the giant aneurysm and clipping the ipsilateral MCA aneurysm. The patient had a reversal of neurological symptoms and made an uneventful recovery.DiscussionWe discuss the epidemiology of giant ICA aneurysms, the indications for BTO, and its complication. Emergency intracranial and extracranial bypass surgery in case of acute ICA injury is also discussed. We also highlighted the attributable factors to treatment strategies under restrictive conditions in Vietnam.ConclusionsICA occlusion due to insufflated balloon detachment is an unreported complication in literature. Emergency bypass surgery is a potential treatment choice for this unusual iatrogenic complication.

Influence of postural changes on haemodynamics in internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysm using numerical methods

Cerebral intracranial aneurysms are serious problems that can lead to stroke, coma, and even death. The effect of blood flow on cerebral aneurysms and their relationship with rupture are unknown. In addition, postural changes and their relevance to haemodynamics of blood flow are difficult to measure in vivo using clinical imaging alone. Computational simulations investigating the detailed haemodynamics in cerebral aneurysms have been developed in recent times not only to understand the progression and rupture but also for clinical evaluation and treatment. In the present study, the haemodynamics of a patient-specific case of a large aneurysm on the left side internal carotid bifurcation (LICA) and no aneurysm on the right side internal carotid bifurcation (RICA) was investigated. The simulation of these patient-specific models using fluid–structure interaction provides a valuable comparison of flow behavior between normal and aneurysm models. The influences of postural changes were investigated during standing, sleeping, and head-down (HD) position. Significant changes in flow were observed during the HD position and quit high arterial blood pressure in the internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm model was established when compared to the normal ICA model. The velocity increased abruptly during the HD position by more than four times (LICA and RICA) and wall shear stress by four times (LICA) to ten times (RICA). The complex spiral flow and higher pressures prevailing within the dome increase the risk of aneurysm rupture.

Expression of Concern: Giant Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

Expression of Concern: Giant Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

Simultaneous Biplane High Speed 1000 fps X-ray Angiography (HSAngio).

High-speed 1000-fps x-ray Angiography (HSAngio) images can be used to visualize blood-flow patterns and derive flow velocities during neurointerventional procedures. In this work, we present for the very first-time, orthogonal views of contrast injection in an aneurysm model acquired simultaneously using biplane HSAngio imaging. 3-D printed in-vitro models A and B of two different internal carotid-artery aneurysms were connected to a flow loop (circulation fluid: 60% water, 40% glycerol solution, circulation flow rate: 8 L/s). An automatic programmable injector (KD Scientific Legato 110) injected iodine contrast agent at a rate of 88 mL/min for a duration of 3 sec. With an RQA5 spectrum, 1000 fps HSAngio sequences of the contrast injection were acquired simultaneously on the frontal plane using the Actaeon detector (Direct Conversion, Stockholm) and on the lateral plane using the Aries (Direct Conversion, Stockholm) detector. The start of contrast injection and simultaneous biplane x-ray exposures and detector image acquisitions were manually synchronized to capture the initial inflow of contrast into the aneurysm region. For model A the frontal plane images gave a better visualization of the flow streamlines in the parent artery in the inflow (average velocity 28 cm/s) and outflow (average velocity 24 cm/s) region of the aneurysm. The vortices within the aneurysm region especially within the aneurysm dome were better visualized in the lateral plane images (average velocity 27 cm/s). Biplane HSAngio imaging techniques can give more accurate representations of 3-D blood flow within the complex vascular pathology of the human brain, compared to single-plane imaging.

Use of 1000fps High Speed X-ray Angiography (HSAngio) to quantify differences in flow diversion effects of three stents with different coverage densities in a cerebral aneurysm invitro model.

High temporal resolution images acquired using 1000fps HSAngio can be used to visualize blood flow patterns and derive flow velocities during neurointerventional procedures. In this work we use this technology to quantify the changes in the blood flow velocities inside a cerebral aneurysm after treatment with three different stents with varying degrees of metal coverage density; stent A : <2%, stent B: 23% and stent C: 40%. A 3D printed in-vitro model of internal carotid artery aneurysm was connected to a flow loop (60% water, 40% glycerol solution used as circulation fluid, circulation flow rate 8 L/s). An automatic programmable injector (KD Scientific Legato 110) was used to inject iodine contrast agent at a rate of 88 mL/min in 3secs. 1000 fps HSAngio sequences of the contrast injection were acquired using an Aries single photon counting detector (Direct Conversion Inc., Stockholm). From these images blood flow velocities were calculated using an optical flow algorithm. As expected the biggest reduction in blood flow velocity inside the aneurysm was 32.4% after deployment of stent C. However, the velocity profile distribution indicated there was still a significant inflow jet into the aneurysm which could be caused by a endoluminal leak between the stent and the vessel wall. The average reduction was only 14% after placement of stent B and 3% after placement of stent A. Blood velocity distribution maps derived using 1000fps HSAngiography technology can be used to evaluate the quality of flow diversion within the aneurysm after placement of stent. Critical information such as endo luminal leakage which can cause treatment failure can also be detected.

Aneurysm Location Affects Clinical Course and Mortality in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

ObjectiveThe influence of preexisting factors on the clinical course of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), such as patient age, arterial hypertension, and aneurysm characteristics, is still a matter of debate. However, the specific impact of the exact aneurysm location has not received adequate attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aneurysm location as a preexisting factor on the clinical course and mortality.MethodsThe data of consecutive patients with aneurysmal SAH who were treated from October 2010 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. We distinguished four aneurysm locations: the anterior complex, internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and posterior circulation. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics were used to investigate the influence of aneurysm location on the occurrence of acute hydrocephalus, Delayed Cerebral Ischemia (DCI), neurological outcome, and in-hospital mortality. Neurological outcome was assessed 3 months after discharge using the Glasgow Outcome Scale.ResultsA total of 603 patients were included in this study. Patients with MCA aneurysms were 2.52 times less likely to develop acute hydrocephalus compared to patients with anterior complex aneurysms (p = 0.001). Delayed cerebral ischemia occurred most frequently in patients with an anterior complex aneurysm and least frequently in MCA aneurysms (p = 0.014). In ICA aneurysms, mortality was 2.56-fold higher than in patients with aneurysms of the anterior complex (p = 0.006). An additional ROC analysis showed a good prediction for in-hospital mortality when taking the aneurysm's location into account [AUC.855 (CI.817 −0.893)].ConclusionsThe aneurysm's location proved to be a significant predictor of acute hydrocephalus, DCI, and in-hospital mortality, demonstrating the impact of this preexisting biological factor on the course of SAH.

Numerical simulation flow dynamics of an intracranial aneurysm.

Computational fluid dynamics provides a new method for the study of the blood flow characteristics of the formation and development of intracranial aneurysms. To compare blood flow characteristics between the healthy internal carotid artery and normal intracranial aneurysms. The internal carotid arteries were simulated to obtain hemodynamic parameters in one patient. The internal carotid artery associated with aneurysm presents low wall shear stress, high oscillatory shear index, and high particle retention time compared with the normal internal carotid artery. There are differences in blood flow between the normal internal carotid artery and intracranial aneurysm. The vortex of the aneurysm will produce turbulence, indicating that it is unstable, which results in the growth and rupture of the aneurysm.

Staged endovascular treatment of a coexisting parasellar aneurysm and endoscopic resection of a pituitary macroadenoma: illustrative case.

BACKGROUNDIntracranial aneurysms and pituitary adenomas are relatively common pathologies that, in rare instances, may concurrently present. Their management poses considerable clinical and technical challenges.OBSERVATIONSThe authors present a case of a 66-year-old female patient with a fusiform aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery associated with a symptomatic pituitary macroadenoma that had been causing visual deficits for the past several years. She underwent successful placement of flow diverter stents across her aneurysm, followed by routine dual antiplatelet therapy to maintain stent patency. She underwent frequent serial radiographic, endocrine, and ophthalmological evaluations during this time to ensure stability of her pituitary adenoma. Following confirmation of aneurysm obliteration and subsequent de-escalation of antiplatelet medications to aspirin monotherapy, her tumor was subsequently resected via an endoscopic endonasal approach in a delayed fashion.LESSONSThe authors review the literature regarding management of these concurrent pathologies and describe the aspects of the case that led them to their chosen treatment strategy. An algorithm is proposed regarding the management of parasellar aneurysms with a concurrent diagnosis of pituitary tumor pathology.

Comparison of hemodynamic stress in healthy vessels after parent artery occlusion and flow diverter stent treatment for internal carotid artery aneurysm.

De novo aneurysms generally develop in healthy vessels after parent artery occlusion for large internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm, possibly owing to increased hemodynamic stress in the remaining vessels. In recent years, there has been a shift toward flow diverter stent treatment. However, there is a lack of direct evidence and data that prove this change in hemodynamic stress in healthy vessels after parent artery occlusion and flow diverter stent treatment. The authors compared hemodynamic stress in healthy-side vessels before and after parent artery occlusion and flow diverter treatments. The authors included patients who underwent 3D cine phase-contrast MRI before and after large ICA aneurysm treatment. Spatially and temporally averaged volume flow rates and spatially averaged systolic wall shear stress (WSS) in healthy-side ICA distal to the posterior communicating artery (C1 segment according to Fisher's classification) were measured before and after parent artery occlusion and flow diverter treatments. Seventeen patients were included (5 patients in the parent artery occlusion group and 12 in the flow diverter group). At 1-2 months after treatment, median volume flow rate in healthy-side ICA increased from 5.36 ml/sec to 6.28 ml/sec (total increase 117%, p = 0.04) in the parent artery occlusion group and from 4.65 ml/sec to 4.93 ml/sec (total increase 106%, p = 0.02) in the flow diverter group. In the parent artery occlusion group, median WSS in the C1 segment of the healthy-side ICA increased from 3.91 Pa to 5.61 Pa (total increase 143%, p = 0.08); however, no significant increase was observed in the flow diverter group (4.29 Pa to 4.57 Pa [total increase 107%, p = 0.21]). Postoperatively, volume flow rate and WSS in the C1 segment of the healthy-side ICA significantly increased in the parent artery occlusion group. Therefore, the parent artery occlusion group was more prone to de novo aneurysm than the flow diverter group.

A case report of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Young with IgA: A mere co-existence?

Introduction and importanceAneurysmal Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be associated with various other conditions like Polycystic kidney disease, Ehler Danlos syndrome, Co-arctation of the aorta, etc.Case presentationHere we have reported a 21-year young lady with IgA nephropathy and aneurysmal SAH managed successfully.Clinical findings and investigationsThe patient was a known case of IgA nephropathy diagnosed 18 months back from a kidney biopsy. She came to the emergency with a headache and vomiting for 2 weeks. Her initial headache was the worst she has had experienced and then the headache was continuous and not relieved by medications. Then she underwent a noncontrast CT scan of the head which showed Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Interventions and outcomesLeft pterional craniotomy and microsurgical clipping of left ICA aneurysm performed. The patient was discharged without deficits.Relevance and impactAneurysmal Subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) can be due to histopathological changes to the vessels following IgA nephropathy. These correlations could be studied further or else it could be only a mere coincidence.

Management anesthesia in carotid artery aneurysm caused by a Behcet’s disease: A case report

Objective: Arterial manifestations of Behcet’s disease are challenging and can lead to fatal complications. One of the causes of carotid aneurysm is Behcet’s disease. Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms are rare. This aneurysm is rare but important because it is associated with a high risk of neur thromboembolic events, cranial nerve damage, and rupture. Method: We describe a 19-year-old man with a history of Behcet’s disease who presented with a gradual enlargement of the right neck mass with shortness of breath when he is supine. Result: This report examines the challenges of treating carotid aneurysms by spreading to the mediastinum in a patient with Behcet’s disease. Conclusion: It is important to pay attention to the need for awake intubation by expanding to the mediastinum.

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Aneurysm Location as a Prognostic Outcome Factor After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms and Potential Impact for Further Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Models”

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Aneurysm Location as a Prognostic Outcome Factor After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms and Potential Impact for Further Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Models”

No reason to smile: giant internal carotid artery aneurysm

Giant cerebral aneurysms account for approximately 5% of all intracranial aneurysms, affecting morecommonly women in the 5th to 7th decade. When untreated, giant intracranial aneurysms face a poor prognosis withan estimated 2-year mortality of 68%. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman admitted at the emergencydepartment due to two focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures with a giant aneurysm of the supraclinoid segment ofthe right internal carotid artery on the CT scan. We discuss different management approaches for giant internalcarotid artery aneurysms, including direct surgical clipping, reconstructive endovascular procedures (coiling, balloon-/stent-assisted coiling, and flow diversion), deconstructive endovascular techniques (parent artery occlusion), andconservative management.