Intracranial Aneurysms In Elderly Patients Research Articles

Treatment and prognosis of elderly patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms

Objective: In recent years, the number of cases of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in older patients has been increasing, but the best treatment remains a matter of debate. This study aimed to compare the treatment methods for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients aged 65 years and older.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of data from unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling between 2004 and 2019. Clinical and imaging information was collected. The treatment methods, procedure-related complications, and imaging and clinical results were analyzed. Data were assessed through a comparative analysis of underlying diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia), smoking and alcohol use history, the location and size of the aneurysms for patients who received each treatment, and complications that occurred after each treatment.Results: Of 211 patients over the age of 65, 71 were treated with clipping and 140 with coiling. The complications that occurred immediately after treatment included postoperative hemorrhage (subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage), chronic subdural hemorrhage, infection, and puncture site infection. Postoperative computed tomography images of the clipping sites had four times more opacity than those of coil embolization, but the outcomes (Glasgow outcome scores) showed no significant differences between clipping and coil embolization.Conclusion: Coil embolization and clipping are safe and effective treatment methods for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients. Thus, the active treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, which are likely to be retrofitted, should be considered.

Clinical characteristics of intracranial aneurysms in elderly patents over 70 years old: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundAlthough the characteristics of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in different age groups have been well documented, they remain relatively unclear in elderly patients due to a lack of large sample studies.MethodsData from IA patients aged more than 70 years who were treated in our centre from January 2016 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected.ResultsA total of 290 elderly patients (75.9% female) with a mean age of 74.0 ± 4.7 years were analysed. Rupture occurred in 60.7% of patients, 38.6% of whom presented with meningeal irritation, and seizures were noted in 2.3%. A total of 48.9% of the patients with ruptured IAs had initial symptoms presenting with slow development, and the mean delay from ictus was prolonged to 264.2 ± 914.0 hours. In addition, 61.9% of the patients with ruptured IAs had lesions with a maximum diameter of less than 5 mm. A total of 30.3% of the patients had multiple aneurysms, 35.5% had aneurysms with irregular shapes and 54.8% had cerebrovascular atherosclerotic stenosis (CAS). Pulmonary infection (n = 138, 47.6%), hydrocephalus (n = 72, 24.8%), and thrombosis (n = 35, 12.1%) were common complications during hospitalization. By the end of the 1-year follow-up, 22.1% of the patients had unfavourable clinical outcomes, and the mortality rate was 23.4%.ConclusionsSeveral characteristics regarding IAs in elderly patients were reported, including an obvious female predominance; mild, slow initial symptom development causing prolonged admission delay; a low incidence of meningeal irritation and seizures due to decreased electrophysiological activity of the neurons; increased percentages of CAS, multiple aneurysms, and aneurysms with daughter sacs causing a high risk of rupture even for small lesions; a high risk of complications during hospitalization; and relatively poor clinical outcomes.

Retraction Note to: Improved Endovascular Coiling of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients by Double-Microcatheter Technique.

Retraction Note to: Improved Endovascular Coiling of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients by Double-Microcatheter Technique.

One-stage coiling versus clipping of multiple intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

ObjectivesAlthough multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) are frequent and disastrous, determining treatment strategy for them is often complicated, especially in elderly patients (≥60 years old). We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of one-stage coiling versus surgical clipping for MIAs in elderly patients. MethodsAll elderly patients who underwent one-stage embolization or surgical clipping for more than two aneurysms were identified in our hospital between January 2012 and June 2018. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes at discharge and follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. ResultsA total of 32 patients with 76 IAs underwent one-stage coiling and 21 patients with 46 IAs underwent one-stage clipping were enrolled in this study. Patients who underwent clipping were younger (mean age 64.1 versus 67.2, P = 0.006) and had lower total hospital costs (mean14764 $ versus 24,620 $, P < 0.001) compared with patients who underwent coiling. Immediate posttreatment angiography showed complete occlusion in 56 aneurysms, near complete in 11 and incomplete in 2 in coiling group. Aneurysms wrapping was performed in 2, incomplete clipping in 1 and complete clipping in 41 aneurysms in clipping group. At discharge, 49 (92.5 %) patients were in a good condition (GOS score 4 and 5), 4 (7.5 %) were disabled. At 12 months after discharge, 25 (92.6 %) and 16 (94.1 %) patients had favorable outcomes in the coiling and clipping groups, respectively. ConclusionsBoth one-stage coiling and surgical clipping are safe, effective methods for treating MIAs in elderly patients.

Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients: Results of Surgical and Endovascular Treatment

Background: Management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) in elderly patients is controversial, taking into consideration their limited life-expectancy and existing comorbidities. With advances in endovascular techniques, we decided to evaluate treatment results in this population and to assess results in surgically and endovascularly treated cases. Methods: Thirty six elderly patients, aged ≥ 70, with the total of 39 aneurysms, were treated. The possibility of endovascular treatment was considered as the first option and surgical treatment as the second method of intervention. Results: No patient died and no patient became bedridden after the procedures. In surgical group (14 UIA), deterioration was observed in five cases at the time of discharge, but persisted in only two cases at follow-up. In endovascular group (25 UIA), deterioration was observed in one case at the time of discharge and persisted at follow-up. Endovascular techniques included coils placement alone in nine (36%) procedures, coiling with stent placement in five (20%) procedures and stent placement alone in eleven (44%) procedures. Follow-up DSA revealed no treatment effect in three patients after stent placement alone (12% of endovascularly treated aneurysms). Of these, two patients were successfully retreated with second flow-diverting stent placement and one patient refused retreatment. Conclusion: Treatment of elderly patients with UIA is relatively safe and effective. Worse short-term and long-term outcomes were observed among the operated compared to embolized patients. In patients treated with stent placement alone, treatment failure and the need for the next stage of embolization in some cases should be taken into account.

Morphologic Parameters and Location Associated with Rupture Status of Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients

Treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in elderly patients is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality, necessitating a thorough understanding of the potential rupture risk. The aim of this study was to identify morphologic parameters and anatomic locations that could discriminate ruptured IAs in patients ≥70 years old. Retrospective analysis was performed of three-dimensional angiograms and medical records of 344 patients with 411 saccular IAs. Patients ≥70 years old were defined as elderly. IAs were subdivided into ruptured and unruptured. Morphologic parameters and anatomic locations were compared in elderly and younger (<70 years old) patients with ruptured and unruptured IAs. The study included 266 patients <70 years old and 78 patients ≥70 years old with 411 aneurysms (102ruptured and 309 unruptured). In the elderly group, 22 of 95 aneurysms were ruptured (23.15%) compared with 80 of 316 (25.3%) in the younger group. Size ratio and aspect ratio were higher in ruptured IAs, but only in the younger group. Undulation index, indicating IA shape irregularity, was significantly different between ruptured and unruptured IAs in younger and elderly groups. The only variables associated with rupture in the elderly group were undulation index (0.11 ± 0.07 vs. 0.07 ± 0.06, P= 0.02) and location (P= 0.001). Aneurysm size, size ratio, and aspect ratio may not be reliable discriminants of rupture in elderly patients. Unruptured IAs in elderly patients should be evaluated on the basis of shape irregularity and anatomic location.

Elective Management of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients in a High-Volume Center

The number of elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms is increasing with time in aging populations; however, the choice of the proper treatment method remains inconclusive. The goal of the study is to evaluate the possible complications and treatment outcome among elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm. We analyzed 139 patients >65 years old, hospitalized between 2007 and 2017 in the high-volume neurosurgical center and diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysm. From their medical records, we obtained medical history and aneurysm characteristics. Patients functional status was measured by modified Rankin Scale score on admission and at discharge. Seventy-two patients (55.97%) underwent aneurysm clipping and 39 (27.04%) coiling. Eighteen patients (11.90%) required stent assisted coiling and 4 (5.00%) had a single stent placement. A total of 133 patients (95.71%) had good treatment outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3, surgical 0.32 ± 1.03 vs. endovascular group 0.40 ± 1.12, P= 0.65). Complete or near-complete occlusion in the endovascular group was achieved in 83% directly after treatment and in 89% at 6-12 months after procedure. The microsurgical group presented 100% occlusion at follow-up. Despite the high prevalence of comorbidities in the age group >65 years old, the vast majority of patients in our series treated invasively for unruptured intracranial aneurysms presented with good treatment outcomes. Based on our results, among elderly patients, modern microsurgical as well as endovascular management of brain aneurysms in a high-volume center seems to be a safe and effective method of treatment.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients: clinical features and treatment outcome.

Management of ruptured intracranial aneurysm in elderly patients is still a major challenge in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy profiles of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients treated with endovascular techniques (EVTs). We conducted a retrospective case review of 53 consecutive elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by EVT between the year 2011 and 2016. The patients' angiographic outcomes, clinical outcomes, and procedure-related complications were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were applied to determine the risk factors of aneurysm recurrence and clinical prognosis. In 29 (54.7%) patients, the treatment was attempted with coiling alone. The vascular remodeled technique was applied in 24 (45.3%) patients. At a median angiographic follow-up of 9months, 35 (67.3%) aneurysms showed stable, 9 (17.3%) were improvement, and 8 (15.4%) were recurrent. According to the multivariate analysis, the size of the aneurysm was independently associated with increased risk of aneurysm recurrence (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.181-2.211; p = 0.006). High Hunt-Hess grade at admission was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 5.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.878-33.63; p = 0.008). In 8 (15.1%) patients, it resulted in procedure-related complications. EVT of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients is safe, effective, and have low recurrent rate. Recurrence after EVT for ruptured aneurysms is common in cases of large-size aneurysms. The overall clinical outcome was worst in patients presented with high Hunt-Hess grade.

Changing paradigm in the management of elderly patients with intracranial aneurysms: An institutional review

Optimal treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in elderly patients has not yet been well established. We have investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes and predictors of unfavorable outcome of IAs in elderly patients. Radiological and clinical data of 85 elderly patients from 2010 through 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Significant differences between the groups were determined by a chi-square test. Regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of unfavorable outcome. Among the 85 patients with IAs, the number of patients with >7mm size aneurysm (p=0.01), diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.02), smoking (0.009) and Hunt and Hess grade 4–5 (p=0.003) was significantly higher in the ruptured group compared to the unruptured group. Similarly, the number of patients who underwent clipping was higher in the ruptured aneurysm group (p=0.01). The overall clinical outcome was comparatively better in the unruptured group (p=0.03); however, microsurgical clipping of aneurysms provides a significantly higher rate of complete aneurysmal occlusion (p=0.008). Overall, there was no significant difference in outcome in respect to treatment approach. In regression analysis, hypertension (HTN), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), prior stroke, ruptured aneurysms and partial occlusion of aneurysms were identified as predictors of unfavorable outcome of IAs. Intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients reveals that endovascular treatment provides better clinical outcome; however, microsurgical clipping yields higher complete occlusion. Retreatment of residual aneurysms was comparatively more in the coiling group. Practice pattern has shifted from clipping to coiling for aneurysms in posterior circulation but not for aneurysms in anterior circulation.

Improved Endovascular Coiling of Wide-Neck Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients by Double-Microcatheter Technique.

Elderly patients are more susceptible to intracranial aneurysms. However, many of them are poor surgical candidates and often have to undergo endovascular treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of double-microcatheter technique as an alternative to a balloon- or stent-assisted techniques for wide-neck aneurysms in elderly patients. A retrospective review of 58 patients with 58 wide-neck aneurysms treated with the double-microcatheter technique between October 2010 and December 2012 was performed. Immediate post-embolization angiograms were evaluated using a conventional angiographic scale, and clinical evaluation was performed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Clinical and imaging follow-ups were available in 32 (55%) patients, with a mean of 12.5 months. Post-embolization angiograms demonstrated total occlusion in 46 of 58 (79%) aneurysms, a neck remnant in 7 (13%), and body filling in 5 (8%). The technique-related complication rate was 5% (3/58), and the procedural-related mortality rate was 0. Of the 32 aneurysms with follow-ups, recanalization developed in 3 (9%) aneurysms, and none received re-treatment. Using double-microcatheter technique for embolization of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms is safe and effective in the elderly patients. This technique is feasible and safe for coil embolization of wide-neck aneurysms, especially in cases, which are not suitable for balloon- or stent-assisted techniques.

Treatment results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

Background and purposeWe report the results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in elderly patients (≥65 years).MaterialsThere were 375 elderly patients with 400 asymptomatic UIAs. Patients...

Is a high initial World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS) grade really associated with a poor clinical outcome in elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with coiling?

BackgroundCoiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients remains debatable in terms of technical feasibility and clinical outcome.AimsIn this observational cohort study we aimed to assess the technical feasibility, complication...

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients

Use of endovascular coiling for treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in the elderly is increasing. We performed a meta-analysis of the literature examining clinical and angiographic outcomes for treatment of IAs in the elderly. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature from 1995 to 2012, reporting series of patients ≥65 years of age with ruptured or unruptured IAs treated with endovascular approach. Event rates were pooled across studies using random effects meta-analysis. A total of 21 studies reporting on 1511 patients were included. Long-term aneurysm occlusion rates were 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-85%). Perioperative stroke occurred in 4% (95% CI, 3%-6%), with similar rates between patients with ruptured (5%; 95% CI, 3%-7%) and unruptured aneurysms (4%; 95% CI, 1%-14%; P=0.68). Intraprocedural rupture occurred in 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) and 4% (95% CI, 2-6%; P=0.04) of patients with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. Perioperative mortality rate for patients with ruptured aneurysms was 23% (95% CI, 17%-30%) and 1% (95% CI, 0%-6%) for patients with unruptured aneurysms (P<0.01). Rates of good clinical outcome at 1 year were 93% (95% CI, 88%-96%) and 66% (95% CI, 59%-72%) in patients with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. This study suggests that endovascular treatment of IAs in the elderly is associated with high long-term occlusion rates. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with endovascular treatment of IAs in the elderly, careful patient selection, especially in the case of patients with unruptured aneurysm, is recommended.

Endovascular Treatment for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients: Single-Center Report

The optimal management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate technical results and clinical outcomes in a single center of consecutive elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular embolization. Between May 2003 and February 2010, 96 patients older than 70 years (men, 16 patients; women, 80 patients; mean age, 73 years) with 122 saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated in our hospital with an endovascular approach. The endovascular procedures and technique, angiographic follow-up, and complications were evaluated. Successful embolizations without complications were completed in 95.9%. Five patients had procedure-related events, including thromboembolism in 1 patient, aneurysm perforation during the procedure in 1, and 3 postoperative transient minor symptoms (headache, otalgia, and trigeminal pain) in 3. The degree of occlusion of the treated aneurysm was complete in 46.7%; there was a small neck remnant in 40.9% and residual filling in 12.2%. Imaging (MR angiography) follow-up was performed in 68.7% of the patients. The mean follow-up duration was 19.4 months (range, 5-57 months). Fifty-five patients (93.9%) showed no interval change of the residual neck. Four (6%) demonstrated recanalizations, all of which were successfully recoiled. Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients older than 70 years of age appears to be safe. Favorable outcomes with low morbidities may replace surgery or conservative treatment as an active management alternative.

Benefits of Surgical Treatment for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients

Due to longer life spans, patients newly diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are increasing in number. This study aimed to evaluate how management of UIAs in patients age 65 years and older affects the clinical outcomes and post-procedural morbidity rates in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients harboring 136 aneurysms across 12 years, between 1997 and 2009, at our institute. We obtained the following data from all patients : age, sex, location and size of the aneurysm(s), presence of symptoms, risk factors for stroke, treatment modality, and postoperative 1-year morbidity and mortality. We classified these patients into three groups : Group A (surgical clipping), Group B (coil embolization), and Group C (observation only). Among the 109 patients, 56 (51.4%) underwent clipping treatment, 25 (23%) patients were treated with coiling, and 28 observation only. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 2.46% and 0%, respectively. The morbidity rate was 1.78% for clipping and 4% for coiling. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and family history of stroke were correlated with unfavorable outcomes. Two in the observation group refused follow-up and died of intracranial ruptured aneurysms. The observation group had a 7% mortality rate. Our results show acceptable favorable outcome of treatment-related morbidity comparing with the natural history of unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Surgical clipping did not lead to inferior outcomes in our study, although coil embolization is generally more popular for treating elderly patients. In the treatment of patients more than 65 years old, age is not the limiting factor.

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms in Elderly Patients

Mortality predictors in ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

Mortality predictors in ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Single Center Experience of 120 Patients

Abstract 766 Purpose: This analysis was undertaken to examine the experience of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients or poor grade patients. Materials and Methods: This study includes a total of 466 patients treated from 7/93 through 12/97. A total of 117 patients were treated with the GDC system (10/95 through 12/97). Ninety-two of 117 patients (79%) presented with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patient selection was based on Hunt and Hess grade, as well as physiological age. Results: Treatment-related complications included one death. Two patients developed immediate thromboembolic complications, treated by urokinase infusion. One patient developed a femoral pseudoaneurysm, and four patients, or 3.4% of the entire group treated, developed delayed reopenings on angiographic follow-up (3-19 months). One hundred seven of 117 patients (92%) had complete angiographic obliteration. Forty-two of 92 (36%) patients presenting with hemorrhage were older than 60 years of age. Grades I and II had...

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

A total of 556 patients with 769 intracranial aneurysms, of which 256 were unruptured and 513 were ruptured, were included in the present study. The patients were divided into three age groups: those aged 59 years or younger, those aged 60 to 69 years, and those aged 70 years or older. Small aneurysms of 4 mm or less in diameter were more common in the series of unruptured aneurysms than in the ruptured aneurysms. The rupture rate in anterior communicating artery aneurysms was the highest, and it increased with age. A follow-up study was performed on 47 patients with 55 unruptured aneurysms, and only one giant basilar artery aneurysm ruptured during the average follow-up period of 5.2 years. Direct operation was performed on 52 patients with unruptured aneurysms. While the surgical mortality rate was 0%, the morbidity rate was 6% (three of 52 cases), which was not directly related to the patients' age. When considering surgery for unruptured aneurysms, rupture rate of aneurysms at each site is one of the most important factors, especially in elderly patients.

Multiple intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients

The clinical characteristics of elderly patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms were studied. A total of 481 patients, in whom the exact location of their ruptured aneurysms could be confirmed, were classified into two age groups, that is, those aged 59 years or younger (group 1: 247 cases, 51%) and those aged 60 years or older (group 2: 234 cases, 49%). The incidences of multiple aneurysms were 30% for group 1 and 27% for group 2. This difference is statistically not significant. The rate of multiple aneurysms was less frequent in males than in females in group 2, whereas no difference could be found in group 1. The age distribution of patients with multiple aneurysms was basically similar to that of patients with single aneurysms. While the highest rupture rate was observed in the anterior communicating artery aneurysms of both groups, this tendency was more prominent in group 2 (79%) than in group 1 (59%). The rupture rates for other sites in group 2 were 50% for distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, 40% for internal carotid artery aneurysms and 28% for middle cerebral artery aneurysms. The pattern of surgical outcome showed no major differences between multiple and single aneurysms in either group 1 or 2. However, group 1 had better surgical results than group 2. Even though the surgical outcome for multiple aneurysms in elderly patients was satisfactory, awareness of the probability of rupture at each site is helpful, especially when it is necessary to decide whether unruptured aneurysms should be operated on or not.