Intracranial Aneurysms Research Articles

Human Genetic Evidence to Inform Clinical Development of IL-6 Signaling Inhibition for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents a significant cause of mortality, yet no medical therapies have proven efficacious. The aim of the current study was to leverage human genetic evidence to inform clinical development of IL-6 (interleukin-6) signaling inhibition for the treatment of AAA. Associations of rs2228145, a missense variant in the IL6R gene region, are expressed per additional copy of the C allele, corresponding to the genetically predicted effect of IL-6 signaling inhibition. We consider genetic associations with AAA risk in the AAAgen consortium (39 221 cases and 1 086 107 controls) and UK Biobank (1963 cases and 365 680 controls). To validate against known effects of IL-6 signaling inhibition, we present associations with rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and severe COVID-19. To explore mechanism specificity, we present associations with thoracic aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, and coronary artery disease. We further explored genetic associations in clinically relevant subgroups of the population. We observed strong genetic associations with AAA risk in the AAAgen consortium, UK Biobank, and FinnGen (odds ratios: 0.91 [95% CI, 0.90-0.92], P=4×10-30; 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84-0.96], P=0.001; and 0.86 [95% CI, 0.82-0.91], P=7×10-9, respectively). The association was similar for fatal AAA but with greater uncertainty due to the lower number of events. The association with AAA was of greater magnitude than associations with coronary artery disease and even rheumatological disorders for which IL-6 inhibitors have been approved. No strong associations were observed with thoracic aortic aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm. Associations attenuated toward the null in populations with concomitant rheumatological or connective tissue disease. Inhibition of IL-6 signaling is a promising strategy for treating AAA but not other types of aneurysmal disease. These findings serve to help inform clinical development of IL-6 signaling inhibition for AAA treatment.

Developing a nearly automated open-source pipeline for conducting computational fluid dynamics simulations in anterior brain vasculature: a feasibility study

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) pose significant health risks and are often challenging to manage. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding lesion-specific hemodynamics in and around IAs, aiding in the clinical management of patients with an IA. However, the current workflow of CFD simulations is time-consuming, complex, and labor-intensive and, thus, does not fit the clinical environment. To address these challenges, we have developed a semi-automated pipeline integrating multiple open-source software packages to streamline the CFD simulation process. Specifically, the study utilized medical angiography data from 18 patients. An in-house open-source DL image segmentation model (ARU-Net) was employed to generate 3D computer models of the anterior circulation. The segmented intracranial vasculature models, including IAs, were further refined using the Vascular Modeling Toolkit (VMTK), an open-source Python package. This step involved smoothing the surface of the models and extending the inlet and outlet regions to ensure a realistic representation of the vascular geometry. The refined vascular models were then converted into computational meshes using an open-source mesh generator known as TetGen. This process was nearly automated and required minimal user interaction(s). Blood flow simulations of the cerebral vascular models were performed using established SimVascular solvers (an open-source finite element platform for vascular applications) through an application programming interface (API). The CFD simulation process was also conducted using the manual workflow for comparative purposes. The initial assessment compared the geometries derived from manual and DL-based segmentation. The DL-based segmentation demonstrated reliable performance, closely aligning with manually segmented results, evidenced by excellent Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) values and low relative difference (RD) values ranging from 3% to 10% between the computed geometrical variables derived from both methods. The statistical analysis of the computed hemodynamic variables, including velocity informatics and WSS-related variables, indicated good to excellent reliability for most parameters (e.g., ICC of 0.85–0.95). Given the data investigated, the proposed automated workflow streamlines the process of conducting CFD simulations. It generates results consistent with the current standard manual CFD protocol while minimizing dependence on user input.

Discriminators of Paraclinoid Aneurysm Rupture Based On Morphological Computer-Assisted Semiautomated Measurement (CASAM) and Hemodynamic Analysis.

Paraclinoid aneurysms, arising from the proximal dural ring and extending to the origin of the posterior communicating artery of the internal carotid artery (ICA), represent asignificant proportion of all intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Accurate prediction of the rupture risk of paraclinoid aneurysms is crucial for optimal management. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for the rupture of paraclinoid aneurysms on the basis of computer-assisted semiautomated measurement (CASAM) and hemodynamics. The clinical, demographic and radiological data of the 304 paraclinoid aneurysms (285 unruptured and 19 ruptured) included were extracted from the Chinese Intracranial Aneurysm Project (CIAP) database. Morphological parameters were quantified via CASAM, and hemodynamic simulations were performed via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for aneurysm rupture. The mean age of the patients was 56.91 ± 11.0 years, with afemale predominance (71.7%). Univariate analysis revealed that the undulation index (UI) and nonsphericity index (NSI) were significantly greater in ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms than in unruptured aneurysms. The proportion of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms located laterally on the ICA was significantly lower than that of those located anteriorly (p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that agreater UI (OR = 1.086, 95% CI 1.012-1.165; p = 0.022) and larger low shear area (LSA) (OR = 1.034, 95% CI 1.004-1.064; p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for rupture. Our findings indicate that agreater UI and alarger LSA are independent risk factors for the rupture of paraclinoid aneurysms. Compared with aneurysms in other orientations, paraclinoid aneurysms located anteriorly to the ICA are more prone to rupture. These findings may be useful in developing more consummate predictive models to enhance the management and surveillance of paraclinoid aneurysms in the future, leading to improved clinical decision-making and better patient outcomes.

Semi-supervised intracranial aneurysm segmentation via reliable weight selection

Semi-supervised intracranial aneurysm segmentation via reliable weight selection

The “make a flower bud and push at neck” technique: A safe and versatile technique for Woven EndoBridge treatment

PurposeThe safety and efficacy of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) treatment has been proven. However, only a few standard techniques for safe and versatile WEB deployment have been described in the literature. In this study, we introduce the “make a flower bud and push at neck” technique to achieve safety and versatility during WEB treatment, referred to simply as the “flower bud” technique. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent WEB treatment between January 2021 and October 2023 were included. We dichotomized the techniques of WEB deployment into two: the “flower bud” technique and the ordinary unsheath technique. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics of the aneurysms, and treatment results were compared between the two techniques to evaluate the safety and versatility of the “flower bud” technique. ResultsOf 100 aneurysms, 96 were eligible in the study. The “flower bud” technique was applied in 79 aneurysms (82.3 %), and the ordinary unsheath technique was applied in 17 aneurysms (17.7 %). The aneurysm location significantly differed between both techniques. The degree of parent artery-aneurysm (PA) angle and the proportion of the PA angle ≥ 45° were significantly higher in the “flower bud” technique than in the ordinary unsheath technique (P = 0.024 and P = 0.009, respectively). Effective angiographical results and low morbidity/mortality rate were similar in the techniques, although intraoperative rupture was experienced in one aneurysm treated using the ordinary unsheath technique. ConclusionThe “make a flower bud and push at neck” technique could be safer and more versatile in treating cerebral aneurysms by WEB compared to the ordinary unsheath technique.

Can Endovascular Repair of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Be Safely Performed in an Outpatient Setting? Lessons Learned from Spine Outcome Control Groups.

The performance of select neurosurgical procedures is being transitioned to an outpatient setting rather than an inpatient setting to increase healthcare cost-effectiveness. Despite numerous technological advancements in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), the procedures are solely performed in an inpatient setting. We aimed to compare the rate of short-term outcomes associated with inpatient endovascular treatment of UIAs with those for established outpatient neurosurgical procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDFs) and lumbar discectomies. We performed a retrospective analysis on the data of healthy (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≤4) adult patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures including endovascular repair of UIAs, ACDF, and discectomy between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2019, at a single tertiary facility. Clinical complications and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome variable was the 30-day readmission rate with subgroup analyses of readmission <48 hours and 48 hours to 30 days. A total of 586 patients and a total of 606 procedures were identified, comprising 205 endovascular UIA treatments, 201 ACDFs, and 200 discectomies. Fourteen UIA procedures were excluded from analysis (n = 191) on the basis of anatomic high-risk features. For the primary outcome, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day readmission rates among the comparison groups (P = .36). For the subgroup analyses, there were no differences in readmission rates for <48 hours (P = .06) and 48 hours to 30 days (P = .71). In addition, there was no significant difference in intraprocedural complication rates among the groups (P = .19). Inpatient elective endovascular treatment of UIAs had similarly low rates of intraprocedural complications and short-term readmissions compared with the established outpatient spine procedures. We hope that our findings may serve as the foundation for future, prospective studies assessing the safety and utility of performing endovascular procedures for UIAs in an outpatient setting.

Irregular pulsation on 4D-CTA and quantitative wall enhancement on VW-MRI are associated with symptoms of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

BackgroundUnruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) that become symptomatic have been associated with instability.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between irregular pulsation on four-dimensional CT angiography (4D-CTA) and aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on vessel...

Midterm and long-term angiographic outcomes and efficacy analysis of the Pipeline Embolization Device in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Objective: To investigate the midterm and long-term efficacy of flow-diverter device in treating intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and analyze its clinical outcomes in anterior circulation aneurysms and posterior circulation aneurysms. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The data of 566 intracranial aneurysm patients (681 aneurysms) treated with the flow-diverter device at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 205 males and 361 females, with an age (M(IQR)) of 55 (14) years (range:18 to 77 years). Twelve patients (12 aneurysms) had ruptured aneurysms before surgery, and 75 patients (172 aneurysms) had multiple aneurysms. Preoperative modified Rankin scale (mRS) >2 points in 16 patients.There were 444 patients (552 aneurysms) in the anterior circulation group and 122 patients (129 aneurysms) in the posterior circulation group. Postoperative follow-up was conducted via outpatient visits or telephone calls at 3 to 12 months after the procedure. Baseline aneurysm parameters, surgical information, and imaging and clinical outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with long-term incomplete aneurysm occlusion. Results: Intraoperative use of flow diverter-assisted coil embolization was performed in 221 patients (226 aneurysms), and balloon assistance was used in 20 patients (22 aneurysms).The intraoperative rupture rate was 0.5% (3/566), and the intraoperative thrombosis rate was 0.7% (4/566). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.2% (7/566). Postoperative complications included subarachnoid hemorrhage in 5 patients (0.9%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 2 patients (0.4%), ischemic stroke in 19 patients (3.6%), and transient ischemic attack in 16 patients (3.0%). Imaging follow-up was available for 447 patients (548 aneurysms) with a follow-up duration of (16.7±6.7) months (range:3 to 45 months). Incomplete aneurysm occlusion occurred in 79 patients (95 aneurysms), accounting for 17.3% (95/548). Parent artery stenosis was observed in 63 patients (72 aneurysms), accounting for 13.1% (72/548). Clinical follow-up was available for 530 patients (644 aneurysms) with a follow-up duration of (29.4±11.3) months (range:3 to 54 months). One case of mRS score >2 points was observed in 18 patients, accounting for 3.4% (18/530). Among them, the rate of incomplete occlusion in the anterior and posterior circulation group was 16.9% (76/450) and 19.4% (19/98), respectively, and the rate of parent artery stenosis was 10.9% (49/450) and 23.5% (23/98), respectively; the rate of mRS score>2 points was 2.4% (10/415) and 7.0% (8/115), respectively. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that aneurysm neck size (β=0.075,OR=1.08, P=0.028) and coil use (β=-1.070, OR=0.034, P=0.001) were independent factors influencing long-term aneurysm occlusion. Conclusions: The flow-diverter device demonstrates good safety and efficacy in the midterm and long-term treatment of overall IAs. However, further research is needed to focus on the midterm and long-term treatment outcomes of aneurysms with relatively wide neck and posterior circulation aneurysms.

Analysis of perioperative complications of flow-diverter devices in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Objective: To investigate the perioperative adverse events and complications of flow-diverter devices in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical and imaging data of 174 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverter devices in the Department of Neurointervention, Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 63 males and 111 females, with an age of (53.9±11.4) years (range:23 to 76 years).The occurrence, development and outcome of perioperative complications and related adverse events during treatment were collected and analyzed. The degree of aneurysm embolization was evaluated using the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grading system,with OKM grade C and D as successful occlusion. Results: A total of 187 flow-diverter devices (from 7 different brands) were implanted in 174 patients (with 294 aneurysms). Of these, 151 cases involved standalone stent embolization, 26 cases involved stent embolization combined with coil assistance, and 5 cases involved the use of two flow-diverter devices simultaneously. Twenty-nine cases (16.7%,29/174) suffered intraoperative adverse events, including 10 cases of poor stents deployment, 3 cases of stents migration into the aneurysm sac, 1 cases of abnormal guidewire movement, 4 cases of ischemic events. Complications occurred in 10 patients (5.7%, 10/174), and neurological deficits occurred in 5 patients (2.9%, 5/174). A total of 129 patients completed follow-up for more than 12 months after surgery. There were 117 aneurysms with OKM grade D and 22 with OKM grade C, showing a satisfactory healing rate of 77.7% (139/179). Conclusion: The effect of flow-diverter devices in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is satisfactory, but complications and adverse events cannot be ignored, especially the relatively high incidence of perioperative adverse events, which requires neurointerventional physicians to be vigilant.

BrainPath Tubular Retractor System for Subcortical Hemorrhagic Vascular Lesions: A Case Series of Technique and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemorrhagic subcortical vascular lesions such as cavernous malformations (CM) and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) can be neurologically devastating. Conventional open surgical resection is often associated with additional morbidity. The BrainPath® (NICO Corp.) transsulcal tubular retractor system offers a less-invasive corridor to deep-seated lesions. Our objective was to describe a single-center experience with the resection of subcortical hemorrhagic vascular lesions in adult and pediatric patients using the BrainPath® system. METHODS: The departmental database was queried for patients who underwent resection of a hemorrhagic CM, AVM, or cerebral aneurysm through the BrainPath® tubular retractor system between January 2017 and September 2021. All patients underwent either postoperative MRI (for patients with CM) or digital subtraction angiography (for patients with AVM or aneurysm). Demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative and postoperative imaging features, operative details, and surgical and clinical outcomes were extracted through a retrospective review of the medical records. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (mean [SD] age 32.3 [23.9] years; 7 (50%) female) underwent BrainPath®-based resection of a deeply seated CM (n = 7), AVM (n = 6), or ruptured cerebral aneurysm (n = 1). The mean maximal lesion diameter was 21.5 (12.6) mm. The mean operative time was 134 (53) minutes. Residual lesion was present in 2 patients, both of which underwent repeat BrainPath®-assisted surgery for complete resection. All lesions were completely resected or obliterated on postoperative MRI or digital subtraction angiography. At a mean follow-up of 4.1 (1.1) years, the median modified Rankin Scale score was 1 (range 0-6). CONCLUSION: In a well-selected cohort, we show the effective use of BrainPath® tubular retractors for resection or obliteration of subcortical hemorrhagic vascular lesions. This report further exemplifies the expanded role of the endoport system beyond that of intracerebral hemorrhage and tumor. Further study will elucidate the impact of this less-invasive brain retraction technique on clinical outcome in patients with vascular lesions.

Endovascular Embolization Through Grafts for Recurrent Giant Complex Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms After Combined Microsurgical Low-Flow With Subsequent High-Flow Revascularization and Parent Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The case describes the management of a giant and recurrent aneurysm in a patient. The treatment involved a combination of microsurgical protective low-flow, followed by high-flow revascularization and parent artery occlusion. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The patient presented with severe headaches and progressive visual impairment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a giant saccular intracranial aneurysm in the left internal carotid artery. The examination also revealed hypoplasia of the right anterior cerebral artery and a fetal-type left posterior cerebral artery originating from the neck of the aneurysm. Considering the location and size of the aneurysm, a combination of endovascular and microsurgical approaches was applied. A protective low-flow procedure was followed by high-flow revascularization and occlusion of the parent artery. After 12 months, the aneurysm recanalized through the graft. To address the recurrence of giant complex aneurysms, endovascular embolization was performed through the radial artery grafts. These interventions showed positive midterm outcomes for the patient's giant aneurysm. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of complex giant aneurysms, it is important to consider both endovascular and microsurgical approaches as complementary, rather than mutually exclusive. Endovascular embolization using radial artery grafts may be used when dealing with retrograde recanalization and the challenges associated with accessing the aneurysm.

Intracranial aneurysm instability prediction model based on 4D-Flow MRI and HR-MRI

This study aims to develop a reliable predictive model for assessing intracranial aneurysm (IA) instability by utilizing four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D-Flow MRI) and high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI). Initially, we curated a prospective dataset, dubbed the primary cohort, by aggregating patient data that was consecutively enrolled across two centers from November 2018 to November 2021. Unstable aneurysms were defined as those with symptoms, morphological change or ruptured during follow-up periods. We introduce a specialized ensemble learning framework, termed the Hybrid Model, which synergistically combines two heterogeneous base learning algorithms: 4D-Flow logistic regression (4D-Flow-LR) and Multi-crop Attention Branch Network (MicroAB-Net). The ability of the hybrid model to predict aneurysm instability was compared with baseline models: PHASES (population, hypertension, age, size, earlier rupture, and site) LR, ELAPSS (earlier subarachnoid hemorrhage, location, age, population, size, and shape) LR, aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) LR, and Radiomics using the area under the curve (AUC) with Delong's test. Finally, the Hybrid Model was further validated in the validation cohort (patients enrolled between December 2021 to May 2022). In the primary cohort, 189 patients (144 women [76.2 ​%]; aged 58.90 years ​± ​10.32) with 213 IAs were included. In the validation cohort, 48 patients (35 women [72.9 ​%]; aged 55.0 years ​± ​10.77) with 53 IAs were included. The Hybrid Model achieved the highest performance both in the primary cohort (AUC ​= ​0.854) and the validation cohort (AUC ​= ​0.876). The Hybrid model provided a promising prediction of aneurysm instability.

Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms with Parent Artery Flow Diverter Devices: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling are well-established treatments for acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms leading to acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, these modalities have limitations, particularly in cases involving wide-necked, bifurcating, or dissecting aneurysms. Flow diverter (FD) devices, initially used for unruptured aneurysms, have emerged as an alternative treatment for ruptured aneurysms despite concerns about hemorrhagic complications. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of parental artery FD devices in treating ruptured intracranial aneurysms. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to July 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on studies involving patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms treated with parental artery FDs, with or without adjunctive coiling. Studies were required to report clear, stratified data specific to the population of interest, and include more than five patients. Exclusion criteria included studies on non-ruptured aneurysms, intrasacular flow diversion devices, or previously clipped aneurysms treated with FD. Data extraction was performed independently by two authors, and statistical analysis included single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model, using R Studio. The primary outcome was the rate of aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. Sixty studies encompassing 1300 patients were included. The primary outcome analysis revealed a 90% (95% CI: 87% - 92%; I2= 51%) rate of total occlusion at follow-up. Subgroup analysis indicated an occlusion rate of 89% for anterior circulation aneurysms and 96% for posterior circulation aneurysms. Intraoperative complications occurred in 6% of cases, while postoperative complications were observed in 13%. Rebleeding rates were low at 1%, with a 2% need for retreatment. Good functional outcomes (mRS ≤ 2) were achieved in 82% of patients, and the overall mortality rate was 4%. FD devices demonstrated high rates of aneurysm occlusion and favorable functional outcomes in patients with acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms. However, the low mortality rate and favorable outcomes observed may reflect selection bias toward patients with less severe SAH. Despite a modest complication rate, the overall safety and efficacy of FD devices suggest they may be a viable alternative to traditional treatments for specific aneurysm types. Further studies, including a broader spectrum of SAH severities, are warranted to optimize their use in clinical practice.

Salivary Cortisol Levels as a Prognostic Outcome Marker in Patients with Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

The physiological stress response to aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) may trigger not only beneficial effects. Production of corticosteroids and catecholamines can induce cerebral vasospasm. Cortisol secretion levels were used to assess physiological stress. However, the appropriate measurement method remains controversial. Our study aimed to establish the relationship between cortisol levels measured in the saliva of patients with aSAH, neurological status, and mortality rates. Our study included 128 patients with aSAH treated with endovascular embolization for cerebral aneurysm with a daily examination of the cortisol level in saliva at 08.00 AM and 08.00 PM until ICU discharge or death. Daily salivary cortisol levels, haemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure), neurological status, and the level of consciousness (GCS) were monitored. This study included 53 women and 75 men. The mean patient age was 64.2 years (range: 42–77 years). Eighteen (14.06%) patients died. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher in deceased patients, both in the morning (31.8 nmol/l for deceased patients vs. 16.8 nmol/l for patients discharged alive; p &lt; 0.001), and in the evening during the follow-up period (5.2 nmol/l for deceased patients vs. 3.6 nmol/l for patients discharged alive; p &lt; 0.001). We found a statistically significant correlation between an increase in morning salivary cortisol levels and neurological deterioration. Similar observations of evening cortisol levels were observed in only five patients. Measurement of salivary cortisol levels in patients with aSAH provides additional information about prognosis. Patients who die during the acute phase of aSAH have higher morning and evening salivary cortisol levels than those who survive. Patients who died demonstrated a progressive increase in salivary cortisol levels in the morning.

Serial VerifyNow P2Y12 platelet reactivity units in cerebral aneurysm patients treated with ticagrelor surrounding stent-coiling or flow diversion.

Platelet function testing using serial VerifyNow P2Y12 platelet reactivity units (PRUs) is established for guiding clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy in cerebral aneurysm stenting procedures. However, for ticagrelor, the impact of serial PRU testing and the identification of safe PRU ranges remains unexplored. Flow diversion stenting (n = 232) and stent-assisted coiling procedures (n = 83) performed 05/2017-12/2021 were reviewed. Out of these, 31 flow diversion and 18 stent-coiling procedures were performed on 44 patients using ticagrelor. Baseline demographics, ticagrelor PRUs, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Collectively, 257 ticagrelor P2Y12 PRUs were obtained. PRUs were <100 in 192/257 (74.7%) tests. Only 11/257 (4.3%) PRUs were >200. The overall median ticagrelor PRU was 38 (IQR 11-101). Among the 49 procedures, median PRUs before the procedure (25, IQR 10-67), on the day of the procedure (68, IQR 44-117), and on the day after the procedure (37, IQR 21-79) did not show the significant differences between the groups. A total of seven thromboembolic complications occurred. Median PRUs surrounding the thromboembolic complications (median 182, IQR 148-235) were significantly higher than preprocedural (p < .001), day of surgery (p < .01), and postprocedural PRUs (p < .01). All seven procedures harbored demographic, anatomic, or procedural features increasing the risk for thromboembolic complications. The majority of periprocedural ticagrelor PRUs were <100. PRUs at the time point of thromboembolic complications were >120. Despite procedure-complicating features in each thromboembolic case, it raises the question whether safe ticagrelor PRU levels might be lower than those commonly applied for clopidogrel.

National trends in surgical treatment and clinical outcomes among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Republic of Korea.

In this study, changes in treatment methods and patient prognosis were analyzed using a Korean nationwide medical insurance information database. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who received surgical treatment for cerebral aneurysm from 2005 to 2020 were included. The specific surgery type was classified using the surgical code and according to whether stents were used. Yearly trends in mortality rates and poor prognosis, using tracheostomy as proxy, were analyzed by a simple regression analysis. A multistep logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of mortality and poor prognosis. Overall, 83,587 patients were included. Females were predominant (64.5%). Microsurgical clip usage rate decreased by approximately two-thirds from 78.8% in 2005 to 24.4% in 2020. Contrarily, endovascular treatment proportion gradually increased, and stent-assisted coil embolization rate surpassed microsurgical clip usage rate in 2020 (24.6% vs. 24.4%). In the multivariate analysis, endovascular treatment correlated positively with 3-month mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.19, P<0.0001), although correlated negatively with poor prognosis (tracheostomy) (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.98, P=0.0050). According to the treatment trend analysis, during the 16 years studied, for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm, the endovascular treatment rate increased rapidly and stent-assisted coil embolization rate surpassed that of microsurgical clip ligation. Diversification of treatment methods has led to a decrease in mortality and improved prognosis.

Ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms with concomitant intracerebral hematoma: Clinical and morphological risk factors.

The prognosis for intracerebral hematoma (ICH) following the rupture of a middle cerebral artery bifurcation (Mbif) aneurysm is poor. We compared patients with isolated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (without ICH) following Mbif aneurysm rupture to those with both SAH and ICH to evaluate clinical and morphological risk factors for ICH. A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients with ruptured Mbif aneurysms treated between July 2016 and December 2021. We investigated age, sex, medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking), rebleeding, aneurysm neck and dome size, bottleneck factor, aspect ratio, dome projection, trunk diameters and ratios, parent artery (M1) dimensions, angles between both trunks (γ1, γ2, γ3), as well as M1 length and diameter, and internal carotid artery/M1 (α) and internal carotid artery/anterior cerebral artery (β) angles. These measurements were obtained using computerized tomography angiography to assess risk factors. A total of 88 patients (78.6%) with ruptured Mbif aneurysms who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total of 39 (44.3%) patients had SAH with ICH, while 49 (53.7%) patients had pure diffuse SAH. Rebleeding was significantly higher in patients with ICH (P = .02). Morphological analysis revealed that the decrease in M1 diameter and α angle, along with an increase in aneurysm size and neck, were significantly different in the ICH group (P = .025, P = .012, P = .009, and P = .005, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of α = 125° had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve = 0.71), with a sensitivity of 86.26% and specificity of 68.7%. The formation of ICH following the rupture of Mbif aneurysms is associated with specific morphological parameters.

Use of Flow Diverters in Giant Intracranial Aneurysms and its Complications.

Use of Flow Diverters in Giant Intracranial Aneurysms and its Complications.

Spectra of intracranial diseases in Chinese military pilots (cadets) unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.

With very high mortality and disability rates, cerebrovascular diseases and intracranial tumors severely threaten the health and fighting strength of flying personnel, requiring great concern and intensive screening in clinic, early warning in an early and accurate manner and early intervention of diseases possibly resulting in inflight incapacitation are key emphases of aeromedical support in clinic. To probe into the spectra of intracranial diseases, flight factors and medical imaging characteristics of military pilots (cadets) in the physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft, thus rendering theoretical references for clinical aeromedical support of pilots. A total of 554 military pilots (cadets) undergoing physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft from December 2020 to April 2024 in a military medical center were enrolled in this study. Then, a retrospective study was carried out on intracranial disease spectra and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 36 pilots (cadets) who were unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft. Besides, a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the clinical data, age, fighter type and head MRI data of such pilots (cadets). Abnormal head images were found in 36 out of 554 pilots (cadets) participating in the physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft, including arachnoid cyst in 17 (3.1%) military pilots (cadets), suspected very small aneurysm in 11 (2.0%), cavernous hemangioma in 4 (0.7%), vascular malformation in 2 (0.4%), and pituitary tumor in 3 (0.5%, one of which developed cavernous hemangioma simultaneously). Among the 17 pilots (cadets) with arachnoid cyst, 4 were identified as unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft because the marginal brain tissues were compressed by the cyst > 6 cm in length and diameter. The 11 pilots (cadets) with suspected very small aneurysms identified by 3.0T MRI consisted of 6 diagnosed with conus arteriosus by digital subtraction angiography and qualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft, and 5 identified as very small intracranial aneurysms with diameter < 3 mm and unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft. No symptoms and signs were observed in the 4 military pilots (cadets) with cavernous hemangioma, and the results of MRI revealed bleeding. The 1 of the 4 had the lesion located in pons and developed Rathke cyst in pituitary gland at the same time, and unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft. The 2 of the 4 were unqualified for flying, and 2 transferred to air combat service division. The 2 pilots (cadets) with vascular malformation were identified as unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft. Among the 3 pilots (cadets) with pituitary tumor, one pilot cadet was identified as unqualified for flying since the tumor compressed the optic chiasma, one had cavernous hemangioma in pons in the meantime and transferred to air combat service division, and one was diagnosed with nonfunctional microadenoma and qualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft. High-resolution head MRI examination is of great significance for screening and detecting cerebrovascular diseases and intracranial tumors in military flying personnel, and attention should be paid to its clinical application to physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.

Evaluation of coiling endovascular technique on treatment of middle cerebral artery cerebral aneurysms in different blood hematocrits: A numerical study

Intracranial aneurysms are localized dilatations of the cerebral arteries that carry a risk of rupture and subsequent subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are a common type of intracranial aneurysm, and endovascular treatment using coils or flow diverters is a common intervention approach. Understanding the hemodynamics, or blood flow patterns, within MCA aneurysms and how they are affected by endovascular treatment is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This numerical study investigates the hemodynamics of blood flow within MCA aneurysms before and after endovascular treatment. Patient-specific geometric models of MCA aneurysms were reconstructed from medical imaging data. Simulations using computational fluid dynamics were conducted to examine flow characteristics, wall shear stress, and additional hemodynamic factors within the aneurysms. The study assessed and contrasted the impact of coil embolization and flow diverter placement on the hemodynamics inside the aneurysms. The findings offer a deeper understanding of the intricate flow dynamics within MCA aneurysms and illustrate the ways in which endovascular treatments can modify these dynamics.