Symptomatic Intracranial Aneurysms Research Articles

Radiomics-Based Predictive Nomogram for Assessing the Risk of Intracranial Aneurysms.

Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) has the potential to be used as an imaging biomarker for the risk stratification of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Radiomics provides a refined approach to quantify and further characterize AWE's textural features. This study examines the performance of AWE quantification combined with clinical information in detecting symptomatic IAs. Ninety patients harboring 104 IAs (29 symptomatic and 75 asymptomatic) underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). The assessment of AWE was performed using two different methods: 3D-AWE mapping and composite radiomics-based score (RadScore). The dataset was split into training and testing subsets. The testing set was used to build two different nomograms using each modality of AWE assessment combined with patients' clinical information and aneurysm morphological data. Finally, each nomogram was evaluated on an independent testing set. A total of 22 radiomic features were significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic IAs. The 3D-AWE mapping nomogram achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (63% accuracy, 78% sensitivity, and 58% specificity). The RadScore nomogram exhibited a better performance, achieving an AUC of 0.83 (77% accuracy, 89% sensitivity, and 73% specificity). The comprehensive analysis of IAs with the quantification of AWE data through radiomic analysis, patient clinical information, and morphological aneurysm metrics achieves a high accuracy in detecting symptomatic IA status.

308 Improvement in Cranial Nerve Neuropathies Following Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms With Flow Diverters: Institutional Outcomes and Meta-analysis of Literature

INTRODUCTION: Cranial nerve (CN) neuropathies are rare presenting symptoms of intracranial aneurysms. Ophthalmological outcomes for symptomatic aneurysms treated with flow diversion are not well established. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our institutional database for patients with intracranial aneurysms presenting with CN neuropathies who underwent treatment with flow diversion between 2015 and 2023. Systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, and manual citation searches. Random effects meta-analysis was used. RESULTS: Twelve out of 136 studies were included in this meta-analysis, totaling 261 patients. The results were combined with our institutional data. The pooled rate of improvement in any CN neuropathies following flow diversion was 76% (95% CI, 67%-84%, n = 272). Patients presenting with CNII deficits were less likely to improve following treatment compared to other CN neuropathies (pooled OR [pOR] 0.32, 95% CI, 0.16-0.63, n = 224). The pooled rate of clinical improvement was 53% in CNII deficits (95% CI, 42%-65%, n = 80) and 80% in other CN deficits (95% CI, 71%-88%, n = 106). Intervention within one month of presentation was associated with improvement (pOR 6.53, 95% CI, 1.34-31.81, n = 33). Adjunctive coiling did not demonstrate effect on the improvement rate (pOR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.07-2.13, n = 31). Near total occlusion (Raymond Roy Occlusion Classification of 1 or 2, or O'Kelly-Marotta scale of C or D) was associated with symptomatic improvement (pOR 5.29, 95% CI, 1.66-16.90, n = 118), but not total occlusion (pOR 2.83, 95% CI, 0.97-8.23, n = 118). CONCLUSIONS: Flow diversion improves CN outcomes in patients with symptomatic intracranial aneurysms. These results support the theory that CN neuropathies depend more on the pulsatility of the aneurysm sac rather than mass effect. The inferior rate of improvement in CNII deficits compared to other CN symptoms may imply an additional, more irreversible mechanism contributing to CNII visual deficits.

Wall permeability on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with intracranial aneurysm symptoms and wall enhancement.

Wall remodeling and inflammation accompany symptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The volume transfer constant (Ktrans) of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) reflects UIA wall permeability. Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) on vessel wall MRI (VWI) is associated with inflammation. We hypothesized that Ktrans is related to symptomatic UIAs and AWE. Consecutive patients with UIAs were prospectively recruited for 3-T DCE-MRI and VWI from January 2018 to March 2023. UIAs were classified as asymptomatic and symptomatic if associated with sentinel headache or oculomotor nerve palsy. Ktrans and AWE were assessed on DCE-MRI and VWI, respectively. AWE was evaluated using the AWE pattern and wall enhancement index (WEI). Spearman's correlation coefficient and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess correlations between parameters. We enrolled 82 patients with 100 UIAs (28 symptomatic and 72 asymptomatic). The median Ktrans (2.1 versus 0.4min-1; p < 0.001) and WEI (1.5 versus 0.4; p < 0.001) were higher for symptomatic aneurysms than for asymptomatic aneurysms. Ktrans (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01-2.52; p = 0.04) and WEI (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.05-10.42; p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for symptomatic aneurysms. Ktrans was positively correlated with WEI (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation (rs) = 0.41, p < 0.001). The combination of Ktrans and WEI achieved an area under the curve of 0.81 for differentiating symptomatic from asymptomatic aneurysms. Ktrans may be correlated with symptomatic aneurysms and AWE. Ktrans and WEI may provide an additional value than the PHASES score for risk stratification of UIAs. The volume transfer constant (Ktrans) from DCE-MRI perfusion is associated with symptomatic aneurysms and provides additional value above the clinical PHASES score for risk stratification of intracranial aneurysms. • The volume transfer constant is correlated with intracranial aneurysm symptoms and aneurysmal wall enhancement. • Dynamic contrast-enhanced and vessel wall MRI facilitates understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of intracranial aneurysm walls. • The volume transfer constant and wall enhancement index perform better than the traditional PHASES score in differentiating symptomatic aneurysms.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio associated with symptomatic saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysm

Background and purposeWhether symptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) lead to change in circulating inflammation remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the role of hematological inflammatory indicators in predicting symptomatic UIA.MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with saccular intracranial aneurysm from March 2019 to September 2023 were recruited retrospectively. Clinical and laboratory data, including the white blood cells (WBC), neutral counts (NEUT), lymphocyte counts (LYM), and monocyte counts (MONO) of each patient, were collected. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were calculated as NLR = NEUT/LYM, LMR = LYM/MONO, SII = PLT*NEUT/LYM. The hematological inflammatory indicators were compared in symptomatic saccular and asymptomatic UIA patients. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the factors predicting symptomatic UIA.ResultsOne hundred and fifty UIA patients with a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.4 were included, of which 68% were females. The NLR and LMR were significantly associated with symptomatic UIA, and the association remained in small UIAs (< 7 mm). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was independently associated with symptomatic UIA. On ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of NLR to differentiate symptomatic from asymptomatic was 2.38. In addition, LMR was significantly associated with symptomatic UIA smaller than 7 mm.ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between NLR and symptomatic UIA. The NLR was independently associated with symptomatic UIA.

Mass Effect After Flow Diversion for Unruptured Large and Giant Cavernous or Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

The mass effect associated with large or giant intracranial aneurysms is difficult for traditional endovascular treatment. This study investigated whether flow diverters can relieve the aneurysmal mass effect caused by aneurysmal compression symptoms. Fifty-five patients with unruptured large and giant intracranial aneurysms treated by a flow diverter at our institution from January 2014 to February 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. In this study, 53 patients were included. Initially, 27 patients (51.9%), including 10 with compressive optic neuropathy, 12 with third nerve palsy, 2 with facial hyperesthesia, and 11 with sixth nerve palsy, were symptomatic. The symptom duration was shorter in the improved group (n=2.2±4.0 vs. n=3.1±3.9, P=0.49). Thrombus formation following the flow diversion procedure was typically observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed immediately and was not significantly associated with symptomatic improvement (OR=0.395; 95% CI (0.058-2.698), P=0.343). However, symptomatic improvement was seen in most patients when the aneurysm size decreased on MRI. A reduction in the aneurysm size on the MRI at the 3-month follow-up was correlated with symptomatic improvement in the multivariate analysis (OR=0.08, 95% CI (0.013-0.485), P<0.05). A flow diverter might help alleviate compression symptoms caused by large or giant intracranial aneurysms. Shrinkage of the aneurysm within 3months postoperatively and a shorter duration of symptoms contribute to the favorable outcomes of mass effect. Ultimately, prompt treatment is crucial for improving symptomatic intracranial artery aneurysms.

Flow Diverter Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Clinical Outcomes and Factors for Symptom Improvement.

Flow diverter (FD) stenting is expected to improve cranial nerve symptoms caused by aneurysms via the theoretical reduction of the mass effect by promoting spontaneous thrombosis through the flow diversion effect. However, the factors involved in symptom improvement after treatment remain unclear. This study was performed to identify factors for symptom improvement after FD stenting and the symptom improvement rate of each impaired cranial nerve. We retrospectively evaluated 33 patients who underwent FD stenting for symptomatic internal carotid artery aneurysms at our institution from January 2016 to June 2021. Twenty-three (69.7%) patients had resolved or improved symptoms after 1 year of treatment. The optic nerve was affected in 12 patients; the oculomotor nerve, in 16; the trigeminal nerve, in 2; and the abducens nerve, in 13. There was no statistically significant difference in the symptom improvement rate of each impaired cranial nerve. The patients were classified into the improved and nonimproved groups based on their symptoms after 1 year of treatment, and the factors related to the symptoms were analyzed. The time from onset to treatment was significantly shorter in the improved group than in the nonimproved group (197.1 and 800 days, respectively; p = 0.023). There were no significant differences in age, aneurysm diameter, adjunctive coil embolization, partial thrombosis, change in mass diameter on magnetic resonance imaging, or aneurysm occlusion rate on angiography between the two groups. These results suggest that early treatment after the onset of aneurysm-induced cranial neuropathies increases the likelihood of symptom improvement.

Serum Interleukin-1 Levels Are Associated with Intracranial Aneurysm Instability.

Serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) are possibly indicative of the inflammation in the intracranial aneurysm (IA) wall. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-1 could discriminate the unstable IAs (ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) and symptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs)) from stable, asymptomatic UIAs. IA tissues and blood samples from 35 RIA patients and 35 UIA patients were collected between January 2017 and June 2020 as the derivation cohort. Blood samples from 211 patients with UIAs were collected between January 2021 and June 2022 as the validation cohort (including 63 symptomatic UIAs). Blood samples from 35 non-cerebral-edema meningioma patients (non-inflammatory control) and 19 patients with unknown-cause subarachnoid hemorrhage (hemorrhagic control) were also collected. IL-1β and IL-1.ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist) were measured in serum and IA tissues, and the IL-1 ratio was calculated as log10 (IL-1.ra/IL-1β). Based on the derivation cohort, multivariate logistic analysis showed that IL-1β (odds ratio, 1.48, P = 0.001) and IL-1.ra (odds ratio, 0.74, P = 0.005) were associated with RIAs. The IL-1 ratio showed an excellent diagnostic accuracy for RIAs (c-statistic, 0.91). Histological analysis confirmed the significant correlation of IL-1 between serum and aneurysm tissues. IL-1 ratio could discriminate UIAs from non-inflammatory controls (c-statistic, 0.84), and RIAs from hemorrhagic controls (c-statistic, 0.95). Based on the validation cohort, the combination of IL-1 ratio and PHASES score had better diagnostic accuracy for symptomatic UIAs than PHASES score alone (c-statistic, 0.88 vs 0.80, P < 0.001). Serum IL-1 levels correlate with aneurysm tissue IL-1 levels and unstable aneurysm status, and could serve as a potential biomarker for IA instability.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Cerebrovascular Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare vasculopathy for which limited data are available particularly from Europe. Our aim was to study the clinical characteristics of a regional cohort of carotid fibromuscular dysplasia patients to assess their clinical outcomes and the rate of vascular complications. A retrospective cohort study of all cases of carotid/cerebrovascular FMD presenting to our regional vascular service (catchment population approximately 2 million), between 1998 and 2020. Imaging reports and patient case notes were screened using the keywords "FMD", "Fibromuscular Dysplasia", and "carotid". From case-note and imaging review, all relevant clinical data were extracted and the anatomical extent of vascular disease recorded. Eighty six patients with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular fibromuscular dysplasia were identified on imaging (31 computed tomography angiography, 46 magnetic resonance angiography, and 9 digital subtraction angiography) by a neurovascular radiologist. The mean age was 64years, 78 (90%) patients were female, and 45/59 (75%) were Caucasian. Presenting clinical syndromes were Stroke/transient ischemic attack in 54 (63%) patients, symptomatic intracranial aneurysm in 6 (10%), and other neurological symptoms (headache/migraine, tinnitus) in 14 (16%), with 11 (13%) presenting incidentally. Six patients (7%) had a positive family history of FMD (2 patients) or other cerebrovascular event (4 patients: carotid dissection, intracerebral bleed, or stroke). Eight patients (9%) had a known or suspected hereditary connective tissue disorder (2 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). Involved vessels were as follows: Carotid (mainly extracranial) in 79 (92%), vertebral 19 (22%), and a combination of these in 15 (17%) patients. Fifty eight (67%) patients had bilateral disease. Cerebrovascular complications were observed in 35 (41%) patients as follows: carotid dissection 11 (23%), carotid stenosis or occlusion 8 (9%), carotid aneurysm 8 (9%), cerebral aneurysm 9 (11%), vertebral aneurysm/dissection 2 (2%), and carotid-cavernous fistula 2 (2%). Of the 22 patients who had extracranial imaging, 14 (60%) had FMD affecting other beds-renal artery in 8 (36%) patients, other visceral arteries in 4 (18%), and aorta in 2 (9%). In addition, 4 (18%) patients had aneurysm or dissection affecting renal, splenic, and lower limb arteries. Overall, 67 (80%) patients had FMD affecting more than 1 vessel and 50 (58%) had multisite FMD (>/=2 vascular beds involved). Fifty nine (68%) patients were managed conservatively on close surveillance. Nineteen (21%) patients required carotid/cerebrovascular intervention and 9 (10%) required vascular intervention at other sites. Recurrent cerebrovascular events (stroke/transient ischemic attack, symptomatic Berry aneurysm) were seen in 20 (23%) patients. Overall mortality was 7% over a median follow-up period of 47months. Carotid FMD patients have a high rate of multisite involvement, extracerebral vascular complications, and evidence of hereditary vasculopathy, requiring careful screening and surveillance.

Irregular pulsation of aneurysmal wall is associated with symptomatic and ruptured intracranial aneurysms

BackgroundIrregular pulsation of aneurysmal wall detected by four-dimensional CT angiography (4D-CTA) has been described as a novel imaging feature of aneurysm vulnerability. Our study aimed to investigate whether irregular pulsation...

Wall enhancement on black-blood MRI is independently associated with symptomatic status of unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysm.

This study aims to investigate whether aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) is independently associated with symptomatic status of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). One hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients (67 male, mean age 58 ± 11years) with 79 symptomatic and 87 asymptomatic UIAs were imaged using black-blood MRI pre- and post-gadolinium contrast administration and 3D DSA. Symptoms related to aneurysms were identified including cranial nerve deficits and headache. AWE grade and area were characterized, and aneurysm size was measured on DSA. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with symptoms. Further subgroup analysis was performed for aneurysms size < 10mm. Symptomatic UIAs had significantly larger aneurysm size (11.2 ± 6.2mm vs. 6.4 ± 3.3mm), enhancement grade (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.6), enhancement area (2.0 ± 0.9 vs. 0.4 ± 0.7), and higher prevalence of thick enhancement (39% vs. 3%) compared with asymptomatic UIAs, all p < 0.001. In multivariate analysis, only AWE area (odds ratio [OR] 6.9, 95% confidence interval [4.0, 11.7]) was independently associated with symptoms. AWE area had an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.888, with 72.2% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity for symptoms, which was superior to aneurysm size (AUC of 0.771, with 75.9% sensitivity and 65.5% specificity). In the subgroup analysis of aneurysms smaller than 10mm (n = 118), AWE area (OR, 7.0, p < 0.001) remained the only independent risk factor associated with symptoms. Larger AWE area is independently associated with symptomatic UIAs, which may provide additional value to guide UIA management and improve patient outcomes. • Symptomatic intracranial aneurysms are larger and more often demonstrate significant wall enhancement than asymptomatic aneurysms. • Larger wall enhancement area is independently associated with symptomatic intracranial aneurysm.

The Clinical and Morphologic Features Related to Aneurysm Wall Enhancement and Enhancement Pattern in Patients with Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) may predict rupture-prone intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, the clinical and morphologic risk factors related to AWE have not been well described. Furthermore, the risk factors related to enhancement patterns have never been studied, especially in patients with anterior circulation aneurysms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk factors related to wall enhancement and the enhancement patterns in anterior circulation unruptured aneurysms. One hundred patients (median age, 59 years; 68% female) with 113 anterior circulation unruptured aneurysms were included in this prospective study. Clinical and morphologic risk factors related to wall enhancement and circumferential enhancement were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. There were 33 symptomatic unruptured IAs (29.2%) and 50 IAs with AWE (44.2%) (partial [n= 16] and circumferential [n= 34]). Univariate analysis showed that symptomatic IAs and morphologic factors (irregular shape, size, width, dome depth, size ratio, aspect ratio, and bottleneck) correlated with wall enhancement. Furthermore, female sex, blood parameters (cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein), and morphologic factors (size and dome depth) correlated with wall enhancement patterns (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that size was the most important factor in wall enhancement (P= 0.06; odds ratio, 3.758) and a trend for symptomatic IAs (P= 0.033; odds ratio, 2.426). Female sex was the most important factor in circumferential enhancement (P= 0.017; odds ratio, 7.276). AWE was strongly associated with aneurysm size and was observed more frequently in symptomatic unruptured IAs. Sex hormones and atherosclerotic factors may be involved in circumferential enhancement. However, further studies should be performed to investigate the pathologic mechanisms for pattern of enhancement.

Wall enhancement ratio determined by vessel wall MRI associated with symptomatic intracranial aneurysms

PurposeTo study the association of the enhancement ratio (ER) of aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) with symptomatic intracranial aneurysms (IAs), we hypothesized that the ER of AWE would be stronger in symptomatic IAs than in asymptomatic IAs, as assessed by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI). Materials and methodsBetween February 2016 and February 2018, 80 consecutive patients with 89 unruptured IAs were reviewed. Patients and IAs were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. In addition to the clinical characteristics, the IA features (e.g., size, shape) were evaluated via computed tomography angiography, while the ER and enhanced patterns were evaluated by HRMRI. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for symptomatic IAs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used for the final model to obtain the optimal thresholds. ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis indicated that only the ER was associated with symptomatic IAs. The threshold value of the ER was 60.5%. ConclusionsA higher ER was more frequently identified in symptomatic IAs. More attention should be paid to this factor in the management of IAs.

Quantification of near-wall hemodynamic risk factors in large-scale cerebral arterial trees.

Detailed hemodynamic analysis of blood flow in pathological segments close to aneurysm and stenosis has provided physicians with invaluable information about the local flow patterns leading to vascular disease. However, these diseases have both local and global effects on the circulation of the blood within the cerebral tree. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of extending subject-specific hemodynamic simulations to the entire cerebral arterial tree with hundreds of bifurcations and vessels, as well as evaluate hemodynamic risk factors and waveform shape characteristics throughout the cerebral arterial trees. Angioarchitecture and in vivo blood flow measurement were acquired from healthy subjects and in cases with symptomatic intracranial aneurysm and stenosis. A global map of cerebral arterial blood flow distribution revealed regions of low to high hemodynamic risk that may significantly contribute to the development of intracranial aneurysms or atherosclerosis. Comparison of pre-intervention and post-intervention of pathological cases further shows large angular phase shift (~33.8°), and an augmentation of the peak-diastolic velocity. Hemodynamic indexes of waveform analysis revealed on average a 16.35% reduction in the pulsatility index after treatment from lesion site to downstream distal vessels. The lesion regions not only affect blood flow streamlines of the proximal sites but also generate pulse wave shift and disturbed flow in downstream vessels. This network effect necessitates the use of large-scale simulation to visualize both local and global effects of pathological lesions.

Intracranial aneurysm as extra-renal manifestation of polycystic kidney disease: A case report

Introduction. Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary kidney disease characterized by the occurrence of cysts (fluid-filled enlargements) in cortex or medula of the kidney, and is inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. In addition to multiple cysts in kidneys, there may be many extra-renal manifestations (cysts of the liver, pancreas, lungs, heart, etc.), among which the most serious one is intracranial aneurysms. Case report. A 57-year-old female patient with polycystic kidney disease and stage IV renal failure was hospitalized at our clinic due to decreased renal function, the development of urinary tract infections, headaches and unregulated blood pressure despite the usual treatment. This patient also had a number of associated diseases: obesity, diabetes mellitus (the insulindependent type), hypothyroidism, and depression syndrome. After better regulation of blood pressure, resolved urinary tract infections and improved renal function, there were still persistent headaches (resulting in the excessive use of analgesics). With adequate preparation, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography of blood vessels of the head was performed. As a result, we diagnosed the saccular intracranial aneurysm (IA) with anterior localization. Regarding the symptoms, age and comorbidity, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed, and showed saccular IA (5.2 mm ? 4 mm), with wide neck affecting both middle cerebral artery branches (MCA). During the procedure the stent was placed, which filled the aneurysm with spirals, cutting it off from circulation. After the successful procedure and without further complications, the patient no longer had headaches and blood pressure was maintained within the required limits with stable parameters of chronic renal failure. Conclusion. The case of the patient with polycystic kidney disease, stage IV chronic renal failure, with a number of comorbidities (headache, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism) and diagnosed with symptomatic intracranial aneurysm was successfully solved with a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in daily practice.

Long-Term Functional Outcome of Symptomatic Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in an Interdisciplinary Treatment Concept.

In symptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), data on long-term functional outcome are sparse in the literature, even in the light of modern interdisciplinary treatment decisions. We therefore analyzed our in-house database for prognostic factors and long-term outcome of neurologic symptoms after microsurgical/endovascular treatment. Patients treated between 2000 and 2016 after interdisciplinary vascular board decision were included. UIAs were categorized as symptomatic in cases of cranial nerve or brainstem compression. Symptoms were categorized as mild/severe. Long-term development of symptoms after treatment was assessed in a standardized and independent fashion. Of 98 symptomatic UIAs (microsurgery/endovascular 43/55), 84 patients presented with cranial nerve (NII-VI) compression and 14 patients with brainstem compression symptoms. Permanent morbidity occurred in 9% of patients. Of 119 symptoms (mild/severe 71/48), 60.4% recovered (full/partial 22%/39%) and 29% stabilized by the time of last follow-up; median follow-up was 19.5 months. Symptom recovery was higher in the long-term compared with that at discharge (P= 0.002). Optic nerve compression symptoms were less likely to improve compared with abducens nerve palsies and brainstem compression. Prognostic factors for recovery were duration and severity of symptoms, treatment modality (microsurgery) and absence of ischemia in the multivariate analysis. This recent study presents for the first time a detailed analysis of relevant prognostic factors for long-term recovery of cranial nerve/brainstem compression symptoms in an interdisciplinary treatment concept, which was excellent in most patients, with lowest recovery rates in optic nerve compression. Symptom recovery was remarkably higher in the long-term compared with recovery at discharge.

An Institutional Experience with Microsurgical Clipping of 170 Consecutive Cases of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Retrospective Data Analysis of Personal Cases

Background: Due to advancements in technology, endovascular techniques (EVT) are considered a mainstay of treatment for intracranial aneurysms. However, for patients with anatomically complex aneurysms, associated intracranial hematomas requiring evacuation still need an open surgical clipping as the first line of treatment. Microsurgical clipping is an alternative for patients who cannot afford the high cost of EVT treatment. Objectives: This paper presents our experience in surgical clipping of symptomatic intracranial aneurysms performed in our hospital from Jan 2010 to Dec 2013 on 170 patients. Based on the data, this study recommends microsurgical clipping as a viable and cost effective option for symptomatic intracranial aneurysms. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of case records of patients who had been treated for symptomatic intracranial aneurysms, including both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms, at Krishna institute of medical sciences from January 2010 to December 2013. A total of 230 patients, who had clinical and radiological evidence of symptomatic intracranial aneurysms, were admitted into the study. Of the total number of patients, 170 had been managed with microsurgical clipping. The patient’s demographics, the features of the aneurysms, clinical grades, cost effectiveness, and outcomes were analyzed. Excluded from the study were 60 patients who had been treated with the endovascular technique. Results: Of a total of 170 patients who underwent surgical clipping, 158 (93%) patients had an aneurysm in the anterior circulation and 12 (7%) in the posterior circulation. In the study group, 160 (94%) patients survived and 10 (6%) patients expired. One patient (0.58%) in the clipping group had a rebleed, and 4 (6.6%) patients from the coiling group eventually underwent clipping due to failed coiling. The average duration of hospital stay for the study group was 13 days and the cost for the treatment was Rs 2, 89, 238. The reasons for clipping in our patients were complex aneurysmal anatomy, difficulty accessing the aneurysm and MCA location in 60 (35%) patients, cost factor in 72 (42%) patients, non-availability of endovascular operator and hardware in 17 (10%) patients, associated hematoma requiring evacuation in 17 (10%) patients, and failure of the endovascular technique in 4 (2.5%) patients. Regarding outcomes, 83% of patients experienced a good outcome and 17% experienced a bad outcome. Conclusions: These observations suggested that microsurgical clipping is a viable and cost effective alternative in the management of intracranial aneurysms in this endovascular era.

E-144 use of the pipeline flex for treatment of a pediatric giant intracranial aneurysm

Introduction Flow diversion with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) provides a dramatic new tool for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, though its use has been marked by technical nuances and challenges, particularly related to the delivery system. The Pipeline Flex provides a new delivery system, allowing more precise deployment. Here we report the use of the new PED Flex system in a child with a giant, symptomatic intracranial aneurysm. Materials and methods A 7 year-old boy with right eye vision loss was discovered to have a giant aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) extending from the cavernous segment to the carotid terminus (Figure 1). The aneurysm was fusiform and measured 3.5 cm. He was treated with aspirin and clopidogrel and doses were adjusted based on VerifyNow assays. A 3D model of the aneurysm and parent vessel was created, and several Pipeline configurations were rehearsed prior to the procedure. A 6 French Shuttle Sheath (Cook) was used as the guide catheter. A multi-PED construct was created across the aneurysm, using a total of six devices (Figure 1). All devices were deployed without difficulty, and occasional device distortions were easily corrected with resheathing and redeployment. After the construct was complete, partial coil embolization of the aneurysm was performed. Results The patient awoke without new symptoms, but did have some vision loss of the contralateral eye over the ensuing three months related to aneurysmal thrombosis and inflammation. He was treated with multiple courses of steroids and his vision improved in the contralateral eye. Platelet inhibition was monitored and required frequent clopidogrel dose adjustments. Follow up angiography was performed at 6 months, and will be presented. Conclusion Flow diversion is a powerful tool for the treatment of large and giant aneurysms, and may also be used in children. This case demonstrates the utility of the PED Flex in creating a complex, multi-device construct in a 7-year-old child with a giant aneurysm, and provides a number of useful observations: a 6 French sheath may be used in a 7-year-old child if needed; the Pipeline Flex offers additional precision in deployment; rehearsal of comple procedures using a 3D model can be very useful; and clopidogrel dosing in children is often a moving target, and requires frequent laboratory monitoring of platelet inhibition and dose adjustment. Disclosures M. Froehler: None.

E-007 Unusual Two Cases of Dissecting Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Pseudo-aneurysm with Symptomatic Intracranial Aneurysm

BackgroundThe incidence and the relationship between the symptomatic cervical internal carotid artery dissecting pseudoaneurysm (DP) and the presence of intracranial aneurysm in the same ICA distribution is unknown.ObjectiveTo describe two...

E-009 Dissecting Ruptured and Symptomatic Intracranial Pseudo-aneurysm who Underwent Endovascular Repair-A Case Series

BackgroundThe natural history of intracranial dissecting pseudo-aneurysm is not known. The optimum treatment strategies are not defined. The recent case series demonstrated non favorable clinical outcome when endovascular pipeline device...

Reconstruction of intracranial vertebral artery with radial artery and occipital artery grafts for fusiform intracranial vertebral aneurysm not amenable to endovascular treatment: technical note

Symptomatic fusiform intracranial vertebral artery aneurysms pose a formidable treatment challenge when not amenable to endovascular treatment. In this paper, we illustrate the microsurgical management of such an aneurysm. To prevent neurological deterioration, anatomical reconstruction preserving all vessels including posterior inferior cerebellar artery and perforators is essential. In this case illustration, the occipital artery was used as a donor to a perforator originating from the aneurysmal segment. This bypass was performed in an end-to-side fashion. Subsequently, the aneurysmal component of the vertebral artery was resected and an end-to-side (V4 to V3) bypass was performed using a radial artery graft. The patient achieved complete resection of the aneurysm preserving normal anatomy of the posterior circulation without any ischemic complications. Complex cerebral artery bypass techniques are essential in the armamentarium of cerebrovascular for the treatment of complex lesions not amenable to endovascular therapy.