The etiology and treatment of craniopharyngioma with aneurysm / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the etiology and treatment of craniopharyngioma with aneurysm.Methods:Seven cases of craniopharyngioma with aneurysm from March 2014 to October 2019 treated in Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 7 patients, there were 5 males and 2 females. There were 4 cases of recurrent craniopharyngiomas, 1 case of primary tumor and 2 cases of non-recurrence tumor. Three patients with blood blister-like aneurysms were treated with microsurgical suture after craniopharyngioma resection. Among the three cases with internal carotid artery fusiform aneurysm, 1 case underwent craniopharyngioma resection after internal maxillary artery-radial artery-middle cerebral artery bypass and isolation of the aneurysm; 1 case only underwent internal maxillary artery-radial artery-middle cerebral artery bypass and isolation of the aneurysm for non-recurrence tumor; 1 case underwent craniopharyngioma resection and dynamic observation of aneurysm. One case with a cystic aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery was clipped and the craniopharyngioma did not relapse.Results:All patients had no serious postoperative complications. During the follow-up period, there was no recurrence of craniopharyngioma, no recurrence of treated aneurysms, and the stability of aneurysms was observed.Conclusions:Inflammatory stimulation of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid and operation itself are the important reasons for the occurrence of aneurysms after craniopharyngioma surgery. Choosing appropriate surgical methods can complete the removal of craniopharyngioma and the treatment of aneurysms at one time.

Remodelado Histológico en Aneurismas Fusiformes en Ratas Wistar tratadas con Wrapping de Algodón y Politetrafluoroetileno / Histological Remodeling in Fusiform Aneurysms in Wistar Rats Treated with Cotton Wrapping and Polytetrafluoroethylene

Intoducción: El tratamiento microquirúrgico para los aneurismas intracraneales es el clipado, sin embargo, algunos aneurismas deben ser resueltos mediante wrapping. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los cambios histológicos en aneurismas fusiformes en ratas luego del wrapping con algodón natural y politetrafluoroetileno. Materiales y Método: Se trabajó con 12 Ratas Wistar divididas en 3 grupos. Luego de la anestesia se expusieron ambas arterias carótidas comunes, realizándose un aneurisma fusiforme en cada vaso. Se realizó wrapping a las carótidas derechas, grupo 1 con membrana de politetrafluoroetileno, grupo 2 con algodón natural y grupo 3 empleándo combinación de ambos materiales. Los animales fueron sacrificados a los 45 días postoperatorios, para luego procesar las muestras y análisis histológico vascular. Resultados: En el grupo 1 no se evidenciaron modificaciones estructurales, en el grupo 2 se destacó la presencia de células gigantes multinucleadas, inflamación, con infiltrado linfoplasmocitario. En el grupo 3 fue similar al grupo 2 con el agregado de metaplasia condroide y calcificaciones en capa media. Las arterias carotidas izquierdas (control) no presentaron cambios histológicos y a nivel muscular, aumento del tejido conectivo entre las fibras musculares y fibroblastos en el grupo 2. Discusión: Existen publicaciones sobre la técnica de wrapping con materiales autólogos o heterólogos. Sin embargo, no existen análisis experimentales de los efectos microestructurales producidos en las arterias tras la creación y tratamiento de un aneurisma fusiforme. Conclusiones: La combinación más efectiva para reforzar la pared del aneurisma y evitar la reacción inflamatoria circundante es la utilización de algodón natural y politetrafluoroetileno

Intoduction: The microsurgical treatment for intracranial aneurysms is clipping, however, some aneurysms must be resolved by wrapping. The objective of the work is to analyze the histological changes in fusiforms aneurysms in rats after wrapping with natural cotton and polytetrafluoroethylene. Materials and Method: We worked with 12 Wistar rats divided into 3 groups. After anesthesia, both common carotid arteries were exposed, making a fusiform aneurysm in each vessel. Right carotid wrapping was performed, group 1 with a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, group 2 with natural cotton, and group 3 using a combination of both materials. The animals were sacrificed 45 days after surgery, to process the specimens and vascular histological analysis. Results: In group 1 there were no structural modifications, in group 2 the presence of multinucleated giant cells, inflammation, with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate stood out. In group 3 it was similar to group 2 with the addition of chondroid metaplasia and calcifications in the middle layer. The left carotid arteries (control) did not present histological changes and at the muscle level, increased connective tissue between muscle fibers and fibroblasts in group 2. Discussion: There are publications on the wrapping technique with autologous or heterologous materials. However, there are no experimental analyzes of the microstructural effects produced in the arteries after the creation and treatment of a fusiform aneurysm. Conclusions: The most effective combination to reinforce the wall of the aneurysm and avoid the surrounding inflammatory reaction is the use of natural cotton and polytetrafluoroethylene

Characteristics and Clinical Course of Fusiform Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms According to Location, Size, and Configuration

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the angiographic features and clinical course, including treatment outcomes and the natural course, of fusiform middle cerebral artery aneurysms (FMCAAs) according to their location, size, and configuration.METHODS: We reviewed the literature on adult cases of FMCAAs published from 1980 to 2018; from 25 papers, 112 FMCAA cases, for which the location, size, and configuration could be identified, were included in this study. Additionally, 33 FMCAA cases in our hospital were included, from which 16 were assigned to the observation group. Thus, a total of 145 adult FMCAA cases were included. We classified the FMCAAs according to their location (l-type 1, beginning from prebifurcation; l-type 2, beginning from bifurcation; l-type 3, beginning from postbifurcation), size (small, <10 mm; large, ≥10 mm; giant, ≥25 mm), and configuration (c-type 1, classic dissecting aneurysm; c-type 2, segmental ectasia; c-type 3, dolichoectatic dissecting aneurysm).RESULTS: The c-type 3 was more commonly diagnosed with ischemic symptoms (31.8%) than hemorrhage (13.6%), while 40.9% were found accidentally. In contrast, c-type 2 was more commonly diagnosed with hemorrhagic symptoms (14.9%) than ischemic symptoms (10.6%), and 72.3% were accidentally discovered. According to location, ischemic symptoms and hemorrhage were the most frequent symptoms in l-type 1 (28.6%) and l-type 3 (34.6%), respectively. Most of l-type 2 FMCAAs were found incidentally (68.4%). Based on the size of FMCAAs, only 11.1% of small aneurysms were found to be hemorrhagic, while 18.9% and 26.0% of large and giant aneurysms were hemorrhagic, respectively. Although four aneurysms of the 16 FMCAAs in the observation group increased in size and one aneurysm decreased in size during the observation period, no rupture was seen in any case and there were no significant predictors of aneurysm enlargement. Of 104 FMCAAs treated, 14 cases (13.5%) were aggravated than before surgery and all the aggravated cases were l-type 1.CONCLUSION: While ischemic symptoms occurred more frequently in l-type 1 and c-type 3, hemorrhagic rather than ischemic symptoms occurred more frequently in l-type 3 and c-type 2. In case of l-type 1 FMCAAs, more caution is required in determining the treatment due to the relatively high complication rate.

Characteristics and Clinical Course of Fusiform Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms According to Location, Size, and Configuration

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the angiographic features and clinical course, including treatment outcomes and the natural course, of fusiform middle cerebral artery aneurysms (FMCAAs) according to their location, size, and configuration. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on adult cases of FMCAAs published from 1980 to 2018; from 25 papers, 112 FMCAA cases, for which the location, size, and configuration could be identified, were included in this study. Additionally, 33 FMCAA cases in our hospital were included, from which 16 were assigned to the observation group. Thus, a total of 145 adult FMCAA cases were included. We classified the FMCAAs according to their location (l-type 1, beginning from prebifurcation; l-type 2, beginning from bifurcation; l-type 3, beginning from postbifurcation), size (small, <10 mm; large, ≥10 mm; giant, ≥25 mm), and configuration (c-type 1, classic dissecting aneurysm; c-type 2, segmental ectasia; c-type 3, dolichoectatic dissecting aneurysm). RESULTS: The c-type 3 was more commonly diagnosed with ischemic symptoms (31.8%) than hemorrhage (13.6%), while 40.9% were found accidentally. In contrast, c-type 2 was more commonly diagnosed with hemorrhagic symptoms (14.9%) than ischemic symptoms (10.6%), and 72.3% were accidentally discovered. According to location, ischemic symptoms and hemorrhage were the most frequent symptoms in l-type 1 (28.6%) and l-type 3 (34.6%), respectively. Most of l-type 2 FMCAAs were found incidentally (68.4%). Based on the size of FMCAAs, only 11.1% of small aneurysms were found to be hemorrhagic, while 18.9% and 26.0% of large and giant aneurysms were hemorrhagic, respectively. Although four aneurysms of the 16 FMCAAs in the observation group increased in size and one aneurysm decreased in size during the observation period, no rupture was seen in any case and there were no significant predictors of aneurysm enlargement. Of 104 FMCAAs treated, 14 cases (13.5%) were aggravated than before surgery and all the aggravated cases were l-type 1. CONCLUSION: While ischemic symptoms occurred more frequently in l-type 1 and c-type 3, hemorrhagic rather than ischemic symptoms occurred more frequently in l-type 3 and c-type 2. In case of l-type 1 FMCAAs, more caution is required in determining the treatment due to the relatively high complication rate.

Endovascular reconstruction for ruptured and unruptured vertebral artery fusiform aneurysms / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular reconstruction for ruptured and unruptured vertebral artery fusiform aneurysms (VAFAs).Methods The clinical,imaging and follow-up data of 26 consecutive patients with VAFA treated with endovascular reconstruction at the Department of Neurosurgery,Beijing Hospital between October 2009 and September 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.Results (1) Twenty-six patients had 26 VAFAs.Their age ranged from 38 to 69 years old.Nine patients had ruptured aneurysms and 17 had unruptured aneurysms.The diameter of the aneurysms ranged from 5 to 12 mm.The success rate of reconstruction technology was 100％.(2)In 9 patients of the rupture group,8 were embolized by stent-assisted coils,1 was treated with stent-assisted coil embolization alone.Five patients were treated with multiple-stent reconstruction and 4 were treated with stent reconstruction alone.Of the 17 patients in the unrupture group,13 were treated with stent-assisted embolization and 4 were treated with stent implantation alone;7 were treated with multiple-stent reconstruction,and 10 were treated with stent reconstruction alone.No perioperative complications occurred.(3) The patients were followed up for 8.0-97.5 months with a median time of 39.5 months.No new cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage occurred.The patients with good prognosis (the modified Rankin scale scale 0-2) was 100％.Twenty-two patients were followed up for 3.5 to 34.0 months with a median time of 10.3 months.Fourteen patients (63.6％) were cured,4 (18.2％) were stable or improved,and 4 (18.2％) had recurrence;Five of 8 patients were cured in the rupture group;9 of 14 were cured in the unrupture group.There were 2 cases of relapse in each of the two groups.Conclusions Endovascular reconstruction for ruptured and unruptured VAFAs is clinically feasible and the safety is higher.The efficacy of mid-term and long-term follow-up is better.The recurrence rate of ruptured VAFAs has an increasing trend,and close follow-up is required after procedure.

Dual Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for Fusiform Aneurysm Arising From Persistent Trigeminal Artery / 신경중재치료의학

Aneurysms of the persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) trunk are exceptionally rare and have a high risk for rupture. Dual stent placement through each internal carotid and basilar artery for endovascular coil embolization of a fusiform aneurysm arising from the PTA has not been described in the literature. A 44-year-old female with a history of chronic headache was identified to have a fusiform aneurysm arising from medially coursing adult type, Saltzman type 3 PTA trunk. Sacrifice of the PTA trunk inclusive of the aneurysm was performed with dual stent placement through each basilar and internal carotid artery across their respective junctions with the PTA. Six-month follow-up angiography showed complete occlusion of the PTA and the aneurysm. The patient's symptoms resolved. Our case demonstrated that the sacrifice of an adult type, Saltzman type 3 PTA inclusive of an associated fusiform aneurysm is feasible with dual stent-assisted coil embolization.

Serpentine Cavernous Aneurysm Presented with Visual Symptoms Improved by Endovascular Coil Trapping

This report describes a case of a serpentine fusiform aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in a patient who presented with visual disturbances. The serpentine aneurysm was treated successfully by coil trapping and occlusion of the parent artery, accompanied by balloon dilation. Nine months post-operatively, the patient's visual acuity had improved considerably.

Inducing common carotid fusiform aneurysms in rabbit with the porcine pancreatic elastase extravascular digestion method / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of inducing rabbit common carotid fusiform aneurysms via the common carotid extravascular digestion method. Methods Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into either an experiment group ( n=12 ) or a control group (n=4). Porcine pancreatic elastase 80-400 U were used to incubate and digest 2 to 4 cm segment of artery distal to the origin of right common carotid artery. One week after modeling,intravenous angiography was performed and the length and width of fusiform dilatation of common carotid artery were measured. The fusiform dilated artery was examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining and the vascular morphological changes were observed with scanning electron microscope. Isotonic saline solution was used to incubate common carotid arteries of the 4 New Zealand white rabbits in the control group. After one week,the same method was used to observe the lumen of common carotid artery and intimal changes. Results After the digestion of common carotid artery adventitia,the angiography of 12 New Zealand white rabbits of the experimental group revealed fusiform dilatation of common carotid artery of the 10 model rabbits. The widest diameter of the fusiform artery was 3. 70 ± 0. 32 mm;two rabbits had common carotid artery occlusion. Compared with the control group,the right common carotid artery diameter enlarged significantly in the experimental group (1. 80 ± 0. 16 mm,P<0. 01). The HE staining showed that the lumen widened, adventitia and media reduced. Scanning electron microscope showed intimal inflammatory injury and thrombus attachment. Conclusion Using porcine pancreatic elastase to digest the adventitia of common carotid artery can make fusiform dilatation of common carotid artery in rabbits. Using this method may effectively induce a model of fusiform aneurysm,and it has certain feasibility.

Multiple overlapping stents combined with coils for the treatment of intracranial fusiform aneurysms:clinical technique and therapeutic results / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and feasibility of multiple overlapping stents combined with coils in treating intracranial fusiform aneurysms, and to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. Methods During the period from Aug. 2012 to Aug. 2013, three patients with intracranial fusiform aneurysm were admitted to authors’ hospital. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT angiography and whole cerebral angiography. Multiple overlapping stents combined with coils was carried out in all the three patients. All the patients were followed up and the clinical results were analyzed. Results Multiple overlapping stents combined with coils was successfully accomplished in all the three patients. Greater part of the aneurysmal cavity was occluded, and immediately after the procedure obvious blood whirling in the aneurysmal sac was seen. A total of 7 stents and 17 coils were used in treating the three patients. No aneurysm rupture or thrombosis occurred. The patients were followed up for 3 - 8 months. In one case the headache disappeared in 8 months, no dysneuria was detected, and angiography showed that the aneurysmal sac disappeared and the parent artery was patent. In another patient the headache disappeared in 3 months, and the angiography showed that the aneurysmal cavity had slight visualization and the parent artery was patent. The remaining patient was asymptomatic at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion For the treatment of intracranial fusiform aneurysms, multiple overlapping stents combined with coils is clinically feasible and safe with excellent short-term efficacy although its long-term results need to be further studied. (J Intervent Radiol, 2014, 23: 277-280).

Treatment for Giant Fusiform Aneurysm Located in the Cavernous Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery Using the Pipeline Embolization Device

The pipeline embolization device (PED) is a new endovascular device for treatment of complex, fusiform and wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. The main mechanism of this stent is to divert the flow in the parent artery with reduction of inflow in the aneurysm leading to thrombosis. We treated a 40-year-old woman who had left facial pain and orbit discomfort. Angiography showed a giant fusiform aneurysm located in the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery. A PED was successfully deployed across the aneurysm. The procedure and post-procedural course were uneventful. After 3 months, angiography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with good patency of the branching vessels originating from the deployed segment. The patient's symptoms improved completely without complications.

Treatment of a Ruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysm Using Pipeline Embolization Device

Treatment options of ruptured vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VFA) are limited and often carry significant mortality and morbidity. We report the use of Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) to successfully treat a patient with a ruptured vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysm (VFA) who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A 73 year-old man with a history of cardiac stent placement seven days earlier presented with Hunt-Hess II SAH. He was taking aspirin and clopidogrel. Computed tomography angiogram revealed a large vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysm. Microsurgical treatment options are technically challenging and carry high risk. He underwent endovascular treatment of the ruptured VFA using overlapping PEDs. Five PEDs were placed in a telescoping fashion to reconstruct the affected portions of the left vertebral and basilar arteries. An additional 2-mm blister aneurysm in the right vertebral artery was also discovered during the conventional cerebral angiography and was treated with one additional PED. The patient remained neurologically intact after the procedure. He was continued on aspirin and clopidogrel. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at three months demonstrated patency of the stents without any evidence of ischemic change. Follow-up conventional cerebral angiogram at six months demonstrated thrombosis of the VFA and reconstruction of the vertebrobasilar system. The patient remained clinically well. An endovascular approach using PEDs can be a safe and effective treatment option for ruptured VFA in selected cases.

Fusiform Aneurysm on the Basilar Artery Trunk Treated with Intra-Aneurysmal Embolization with Parent Vessel Occlusion after Complete Preoperative Occlusion Test

Fusiform aneurysms on the basilar artery (BA) trunk are rare. The microsurgical management of these aneurysms is difficult because of their deep location, dense collection of vital cranial nerves, and perforating arteries to the brain stem. Endovascular treatment is relatively easier and safer compared with microsurgical treatment. Selective occlusion of the aneurysmal sac with preservation of the parent artery is the endovascular treatment of choice. But, some cases, particularly giant or fusiform aneurysms, are unsuitable for selective sac occlusion. Therefore, endovascular coiling of the aneurysm with parent vessel occlusion is an alternative treatment option. In this situation, it is important to determine whether a patient can tolerate parent vessel occlusion without developing neurological deficits. We report a rare case of fusiform aneurysms in the BA trunk. An 18-year-old female suffered a headache for 2 weeks. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance image revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the lower basilar artery trunk. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a 7.1x11.0 mm-sized fusiform aneurysm located between vertebrovasilar junction and the anterior inferior cerebellar arteries. We had good clinical result using endovascular coiling of unruptured fusiform aneurysm on the lower BA trunk with parent vessel occlusion after confirming the tolerance of the patient by balloon test occlusion with induced hypotension and accompanied by neurophysiologic monitoring, transcranial Doppler and single photon emission computed tomography. In this study, we discuss the importance of preoperative meticulous studies for avoidance of delayed neurological deficit in the patient with fusiform aneurysm on lower basilar trunk.

Thrombosed Fusiform Aneurysm Presented as Transient Lateral Medullary Ischemia: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

The frequency of vertebral artery aneurysm is rare and a common presenting sign is subarachnoid hemorrhage. Lateral medullary syndrome is characterized by loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contra lateral lesion side of the body and ipsilateral lesion side of the face, dysphagia, dysarthria, ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, and Horner syndrome. Vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm is a common cause of lateral medullary infarction. We present a rare case of a 46-year old male patient that developed ischemic attack presenting as transient lateral medullary syndrome due to thrombosed-fusiform aneurysm of vertebral artery. He was treated with aspirin and heparin, and then discharged with complete resolution of symptoms.

Stent-Assisted Coil Trapping in a Manual Internal Carotid Artery Compression Test for the Treatment of a Fusiform Dissecting Aneurysm

Internal carotid artery (ICA) trapping can be used for the treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms, blood blister-like aneurysms, and fusiform dissecting aneurysms. Fusiform dissecting aneurysms are challenging to treat surgically and endovascularly because of no definite neck and critical perforators. Surgical or endovascular trapping of the ICA with or without an extracranial-intracranial bypass has commonly been used as an effective method to treat these lesions, but balloon test occlusion (BTO) must be performed. Here, we report a case of a ruptured fusiform dissecting aneurysm of the distal ICA, which was successfully treated using an endovascular ICA trapping with a manual ICA compression test instead of BTO.

Fusiform Aneurysm Presenting with Cervical Radiculopathy in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is characterized by its clinical manifestations, which are easy bruising, thin skin with visible veins, and rupture of arteries, uterus, or intestines. Arterial complications are the leading cause of death in vascular EDS because they are unpredictable and surgical repair is difficult due to tissue fragility. The authors report a case presented with cervical radiculopathy due to a segmental fusiform aneurysm of the cervical vertebral artery. Transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) was done to verify the aneurysmal dilatation. However, during TFCA, bleeding at the puncture site was not controlled, skin and underlying muscle was disrupted and profound bleeding occurred during manual compression after femoral catheter removal. Accordingly, surgical repair of the injured femoral artery was performed. At this time it was possible to diagnose it as an EDS with fusiform aneurysm on cervical vertebral artery. Particularly, cervical fusiform aneurysm is rare condition, and therefore, connective tissue disorder must be considered in such cases. If connective tissue disorder is suspected, the authors suggest that a noninvasive imaging modality, such as, high quality computed tomography angiography, be used to evaluate the vascular lesion to avoid potential arterial complications.

Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for the Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Fusiform Aneurysm

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) fusiform aneurysms often have an unfavorable geometry that may limit surgical or endovascular treatment. Herein, we present a case of a fusiform aneurysm of the proximal MCA, which was successfully treated using stent-assisted coil embolization. A 42-year-old man presented with repeated headache and syncope. Five years earlier, a right MCA aneurysm had been treated by aneurismal wrapping. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed a partially-thrombosed proximal MCA aneurysm at the right perisylvian region. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a multilobulated fusiform-shaped aneurysm. The patient underwent stent-assisted coil embolization under general anesthesia and symptoms resolved postoperatively. A three-month follow-up angiography revealed no recanalization of the aneurysm and indicated tolerable blood flow through the right MCA, as compared to the preoperative angiography. We suggest that in selected patients, stent-assisted coil embolization of proximal MCA fusiform aneurysms can be an effective treatment modality.

Surgical Experience of Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Rupture / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are the least frequent aneurysms of the MCA, and they represent about 1.1 to 5% of all MCA aneurysms. Patients with ruptured distal MCA aneurysms generally have a poor clinical outcome. The purpose of this article is to review the characteristics of distal MCA aneurysms to avoid the complications of microsurgical dissection and clipping of distal MCA aneurysms. METHODS: A total of 1187 patients with ruptured aneurysms were treated at our hospital between January 1997 and May 2008. All patients underwent surgical procedures. Computed tomography (CT) revealed rupture of distal MCA aneurysms in 15 (1.26%) patients. The location of the aneurysm were the M2 (insular) segment in seven patients, the M2-3 junction in three and the M3 (opercular) segment in five. Brain CT images revealed the presence of both subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in 11 of 15 (77.3%) patients, with a mean ICH volume of 14.5 cc (range : 5 to 32 cc). Rebleeding occurred in 7 out of the 15 (46.7%) patients. RESULTS: All the patients underwent early surgical procedures, including clipping in seven, trapping in two, bypass surgery in four, Guglielmi detachable coil embolization in one and exploratory craniotomy in one patient. The aneurysm had a fusiform appearance in 9 out of 15 cases (60%), and the mean size of the aneurysm was 10.4 mm (range : 2 to 35 mm). Three patients died due to severe brain swelling (20%). CONCLUSION: In this study, distal MCA aneurysms had a relatively fusiform shape as well as high rates of rebleeding and ICH. A good clinical outcome was associated with early surgery for adequately controlling brain swelling and preventing rebleeding.

Sole Stenting Technique for Treatment of Complex Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Complex aneurysms such as fusiform and very small aneurysms (< 3 mm) are challenging in neurovascular and endovascular surgery. Author reports follow-up results of 9 cases treated by sole stent technique with pertinent literature review. METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 9 patients who were treated by sole stenting technique for cerebral aneurysm between January 2003 and January 2009. Two of them had fusiform aneurysm, 5 had very small aneurysm, and 2 had small saccular aneurysm. Five patients had ruptured aneurysms and four had unruptured aneurysms. Seven aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (ICA), 1 in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and 1 in the basilar artery. Follow-up cerebral angiography was performed at post-procedure 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Mean follow-up period is 30 months (ranged from 3 days to 30 months). RESULTS: Aneurysm size was decreased in 6 of 9 cases on follow-up images and was not changed in 3 cases. Although total occlusion was not seen, patients had stable neurological condition and angiographic result. The procedural complication occurred in 2 cases. One was coil migration and the other was suboptimal deployment of stent, and both were asymptomatic. Re-bleeding and thromboembolic complication had not been occurred. CONCLUSION: Sole stenting technique is relatively effective and safe as an alternative treatment for fusiform and very small aneurysms.

Fusiform Intracanalicular Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm; Case Report and Review of Literature

A 35-year-old man's vision had progressively deteriorated over a 3-month period. His left visual acuity was 5/20. Enhanced orbital computed tomographic (CT) scans revealed a fusiform dilatation of the ophthalmic artery in the left optic canal. Cerebral Angiography revealed a fusiform aneurysm on the left ophthalmic artery in the optic canal, measuring 6.2 x 4.6 mm in size. Four days after admission, visual acuity dropped to hand-motion. Endovascular treatment was chosen and a microcatheter was guided into the proximal segment of the ophthalmic artery. Using 4 detachable coils, parent artery occlusion was done. Three months after the intervention, the visual acuity in his left eye improved to 20/20. Dramatic recovery of visual acuity is exceptional with an ophthalmic artery trunk aneurysm. When an occlusion of the proximal ophthalmic artery is the only treatment option in such a situation, the endovascular occlusion of the proximal ophthalmic artery is quite feasible in the sense that it does not require any optic nerve manipulation.

Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Fusiform Aneurysm at Vertebral Artery-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Junction

Hemifacial spasm induced by intracranial aneurysm is a rare clinical condition. A 45-year-old male patient presented with a 3-year history of progressive involuntary twitching movement on right face. On radiological study, a dilated vascular lesion compressing the brain stem was found at the junction of vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery. On operative field, we found the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and the fusiform aneurysm compressing root exit zone of facial nerve. Microvascular decompression was performed and the facial symptom was relieved without complications.