Internações hospitalares para tratamento de aneurismas cerebrais rotos e não rotos no Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil, 2009-2018: um estudo descritivo / Ingresos hospitalarios para el tratamiento de aneurismas cerebrales rotos y no rotos en el Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil, 2009-2018: un estudio descriptivo / Hospital admissions for treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms within the Brazilian National Health System, 2009-2018: a descriptive study

Objetivo: Analisar internações para tratamento de aneurismas cerebrais rotos e não rotos com realização de embolização e de microcirurgia cerebral no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), Brasil, 2009-2018. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS. Descreveu-se a frequência das internações, procedimentos, utilização de unidade de tratamento intensivo (UTI), letalidade e gastos. Resultados: Das 43.927 internações, 22.622 (51,5%) resultaram em microcirurgia. Embolização e microcirurgia foram mais frequentes no sexo feminino. A duração das internações com embolização foi de 7,7 dias (±9,0), e com microcirurgia, 16,2 (±14,2) dias, a frequência de admissão em UTI, 58,6% e 85,3%, e a letalidade, 5,9% e 10,9%, respectivamente. Do gasto total, US$ 240 milhões, 66,3% corresponderam às internações com embolização. Conclusão: As internações com embolização para tratamento de aneurismas cerebrais no SUS apresentaram menor duração, menor frequência de utilização de UTI e menor letalidade, porém maior gasto em relação à microcirurgia cerebral.

Objetivo: Analizar las internaciones para tratamiento de aneurismas cerebrales rotos y no rotos en cuanto a embolización y microcirugía cerebral en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), Brasil, de 2009 a 2018. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo utilizando datos del Sistema de Información Hospitalaria (SIH)/SUS relacionados con la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones, procedimientos, uso de la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), letalidad y gastos. Resultados: De los 43.927 ingresos, 22.622 (51,5%) correspondieron a microcirugía. Hubo una mayor frecuencia de procedimientos de embolización y microcirugía entre las personas del sexo femenino. De las hospitalizaciones con embolización y microcirugía, respectivamente, la duración de la estadía fue de 7,7 (±9,0) y 16,2 (±14,2) días, la frecuencia de ingreso en la UCI fue del 58,6% y el 85,3% y la letalidad del 5,9% y el 10,9%. El gasto total fue de US$ 240 millones, de los cuales el 66,3% correspondió a hospitalizaciones con embolización. Conclusión: Las hospitalizaciones con embolización, para el tratamiento de aneurismas cerebrales en el SUS, tuvieron menor tiempo de estadía, menor frecuencia de uso de la UCI y menor letalidad, pero mayores gastos en relación a la microcirugía cerebral.

Objective: To analyze hospital admissions for treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms with embolization and brain microsurgery performed within the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), 2009-2018. Methods: This was a descriptive study, using data from the SUS's Hospital Information System. Frequency of hospital admissions, procedures, use of intensive care unit (ICU), case fatality ratio and expenditures were described. Results: Of the 43,927 hospital admissions, 22,622 (51.5%) resulted in microsurgery. Embolization and cerebral microsurgery were more frequent among females. Length of hospital stay with embolization procedure was 7.7 days (±9.0), and with microsurgery, 16.2 (±14.2) days, frequency of ICU admission, 58.6% and 85.3%, and case fatality ratio, 5.9% and 10.9% respectively. Of the total expenditure, USD 240 million, 66.3% corresponded to hospitalizations with embolization procedure. Conclusion: Hospital admissions with embolization procedure for treatment of cerebral aneurysms within the SUS showed a shorter length of stay, less frequent use of ICU and lower case fatality ratio, but higher expenditure when compared to brain microsurgery.

Increased blood pressure variability predicts poor outcomes from endovascular treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage / Aumento da variabilidade da pressão arterial prediz resultados ruins de tratamento endovascular para hemorragia subaracnóide aneurismática

ABSTRACT Background: Predictors of outcomes following endovascular treatment (ET) for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are not well-defined. Identifying them would be beneficial in determining which patients might benefit from ET. Objective: To identify the predictive factors for poor outcomes following ET for aSAH. Methods: 120 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms underwent endovascular embolization between January 2017 and December 2018. Blood pressure variability was examined using the standard deviation of the 24-hour systolic blood pressure (24hSSD) and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (24hDSD). Predictors were identified through univariate and multivariate regression analysis. All patients were followed up for three months. Results: At follow-up, 86 patients (71.7%) had good outcomes and 34 (28.3%) had poor outcomes. Patients with poor outcomes had significantly higher 24hSSD than those with good outcomes (19.3 ± 5.5 vs 14.1 ± 4.8 mmHg; P < 0.001). The 24hDSD did not differ significantly between patients with good outcomes and those with poor outcomes (9.5 ± 2.3 vs 9.9 ± 3.5 mmHg; P = 0.464). The following were significant risk factors for poor outcomes after endovascular embolization: age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 23.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-175.9; P = 0.002); Hunt-Hess grade 3-4 (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.1-33.7; P = 0.039); Fisher grade 3-4 (OR = 47.1; 95% CI: 3.8-586.5; P = 0.003); postoperative complications (OR = 6.1; 95% CI: 1.1-34.8; P = 0.042); and 24hSSD ≥ 15 mmHg (OR = 14.9; 95% CI: 4.0-55.2; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated 24hSSD is a possibly treatable predictive factor for poor outcomes after ET for aSAH.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Fatores preditores de resultados após tratamento endovascular (TE) para hemorragia subaracnóide aneurismática (HSA) não estão bem definidos. Identificá-los seria útil para determinar quais pacientes podem se beneficiar de TE. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores preditivos de resultados ruins após TE para HSA. Métodos: 120 pacientes com aneurismas cerebrais rompidos foram submetidos à embolização endovascular entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2018. A variabilidade da pressão arterial foi examinada usando-se o desvio padrão da PA sistólica de 24 horas (DPPAS- 24h) e da PA diastólica de 24 horas (DPPAD-24h). Os fatores preditores foram identificados por meio de análises de regressão univariada e multivariada. Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados por três meses. Resultados: No acompanhamento, 86 pacientes (71,7%) tiveram bons resultados e 34 (28,3%) tiveram resultados ruins. Pacientes com resultados ruins apresentaram DPPAS-24h significativamente maior do que aqueles com bons resultados (19,3 ± 5,5 vs 14,1 ± 4,8 mmHg; P <0,001). O DPPAD-24h não diferiu significativamente entre os pacientes com bons resultados e aqueles com resultados ruins (9,5 ± 2,3 vs 9,9 ± 3,5 mmHg; P = 0,464). Os fatores de risco significativos para resultados ruins após embolização endovascular foram os seguintes: idade ≥ 65 anos (razão de probabilidade [OR] = 23,0; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC]: 3,0-175,9; P = 0,002); escala de Hunt-Hess 3-4 (OR = 6,8; IC 95%: 1,1-33,7; P = 0,039); escala de Fisher 3-4 (OR = 47,1; IC 95%: 3,8-586,5; P = 0,003); complicações pós-operatórias (OR = 6,1; IC 95%: 1,1-34,8; P = 0,042); e DPPAS 24h ≥ 15 mmHg (OR = 14,9; IC 95%: 4,0-55,2; P <0,001). Conclusão: O DPPAS 24h elevado é um fator preditivo possivelmente tratável para resultados ruins após TE para HSA.

Skull base aneurysms: a retrospective review of fifteen cases focusing on the involvement of internal carotid artery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the diagnosis and clinical features of internal carotid artery aneurysm in the skull base. Methods: The data of 15 patients with internal carotid aneurysms in the skull base diagnosed and treated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or CT angiography (CTA) in the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from 1995 to 2017 were collected and analyzed. Among the 15 patients, 12 were males, and 3 were females, aging from 17 to 67 years old, with a median age of 44 years. Thirteen patients were diagnosed by DSA; the other two patients were diagnosed by CTA. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysm with the first symptom of epistaxis, in which eight patients underwent head trauma and 5 underwent radiotherapy of skull base tumor. The other two patients were diagnosed with true aneurysm presented headache and cranial nerve disorder. All patients were followed up for 2 to 12 years after treatment to see whether they were cured and survived. Results: Among the eight patients with a history of trauma, five patients were cured by embolization, two patients without embolization died of massive epistaxis, one patient died of progressive cerebral infarction after embolization. Among the five patients with radiotherapy of skull base tumor, one patient died of cerebral infarction after embolization, two patients died out of the hospital due to the recurrence of the primary tumor and intracranial invasion, one patient recovered well after embolization and surgical operation, one patient gave up treatment and died of massive hemorrhage out of hospital. In the other two patients with symptom of headache, one received embolization treatment outside the hospital after receiving mistake operation, and another one gave up treatment and died due to personal reasons. In total, four patients died in hospital, four died out of the hospital, and seven patients survived. Conclusions: Internal carotid artery aneurysm is a high-risk disease of anterior and middle skull base. For patients with epistaxis with a history of trauma and radiotherapy or patients with headaches and cranial nerve disorders, the possibility of the internal carotid artery aneurysm should be considered, in which DSA or CTA examination is essentially required for ensured diagnosis and disease evaluation.. The correct diagnosis and treatment by the otolaryngologist are crucial to the prognosis of the patient.

Ultra-Early Versus Early Aneurysm Surgery After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Outcome Analysis

Object The timing of definitive management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms has been the subject of considerable debate, although the benefits of early surgery (until 72 hours postictus) are widely accepted. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential benefit of ultra-early surgery (until 24 hours) when compared with early surgery, in those patients who were treated by surgical clipping at the Neurosurgery Department of the Coimbra Hospital and University Centre. Methods A 17-year database of consecutive ruptured and surgically treated intracranial aneurysms was analyzed. Outcome was measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Baseline characteristics were analyzed by the Fisher exact test, the chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of good grade according to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale and ultra-early surgery in a good GOS outcome. Results 343 patients who were submitted to surgical clipping in the first 72 hours postictus were included, 165 of whom have undergone ultra-early surgery. Demographics and preoperative characteristics of ultra-early and early surgery patients were similar. Goodgrade patients according to the WFNS scale submitted to ultra-early surgery demonstrated an improvedGOS at discharge and at 6months. Poor-grade patients according to theWFNS scale submitted to ultra-early surgery demonstrated an improved GOS at discharge. Conclusions Ultra-early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients improves outcome mainly on good-grade patients. Efforts should be made on the logistics of emergency departments to consider achieving treatment on this timeframe as a standard of care.

Endovascular Neurosurgery in the Northern Macro-Region of Rio Grande do Sul: Part I

Introduction The city of Passo Fundo, in the north of the Rio Grande do Sul state, has been standing out in the health care field for many years. The state has become a reference in endovascular interventional neuroradiology. We will cover 10 years of experience in this area and divide our observations in 3 parts: cerebral angiograms (part I), carotid angioplasties (part II) and intracranial aneurysms (part III). The goal of part I is to statistically assess the cerebral angiograms, their indications, risks and complications, as well as to do a technical review. Materials and Methods A retrospective study from 2005 to 2015 with a total of 5,567 interventional neuroradiology procedures performed. A total of 4,114 angiograms, 639 embolizations of intracranial aneurysms, 414 carotid angioplasties, 143 embolizations of cerebral arteriovenous malformations, 32 embolizations of dural arteriovenous fistulas, 102 cerebral vasospasm treatments, 21 treatments of epistaxis, 36 embolizations of craniocervical tumor, 25 thrombolysis of ischemic stroke, 18 vertebroplasties and 13 embolizations of arteriovenous malformations of the face. Results A total of 4,084 procedures performed, 21,811 vessels studied, average vase 7.62/2.82 vessel and patient/procedure. Of these, 2,536 were diagnostic procedures and 1,548 angiographic controls. Of the total, 1,188 patients received only an angiogram, 27.14% of which were therapeutic procedures. We obtained a total of 3.89% complications: 2.33% reflection vasovagal, 0.56% allergic skin reaction, anaphylactic shock 0.07%, 0.27% femoral hematoma, 0.26% transient neurological deficit, 0.12% permanent neurological deficit and no case of death. Conclusion Cerebral angiography in adults, children and infants is a safe procedure with low risk of permanent neurological complications.

Cavernous Carotid Artery Giant Aneurysm: Case Report and Literature Review

The giant aneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery is an uncommon event. In the case of giant aneurysmal formation, the patient presents with some signs or symptoms, reported or observed on physical examination,which reveal a possiblemass effect with neurovascular compression of the aneurysm, or even a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of the aneurysm. We report the case of a 69-year-old patient who was admitted to the emergency department, referred by the basic health unit (BHU) of her locality for neurosurgical evaluation after suffering a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The patient, who was asymptomatic, carried with her a tomographic computerized examination of the skull, performed one day after the incident, evidencing left nodular parasellar lesion involving the cavernous sinus, discovered at random. After more specific clinical, laboratory and imaging exams, she was diagnosed with a giant aneurysm of the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) and was submitted to endovascular embolization for correction.

¿Lo sabes todo sobre epistaxis? / Do you know all about epistaxis?

La epistaxis es un síntoma muy común es muestra práctica diaria, aproximadamente el 60% de la población ha tenido al menos un episodio en algún momento de su vida pero solo 6% precisó atención médica. La mayoría de episodios son limitados y benignos pero, en ocasiones, nos encontramos con casos que pueden resultar fatales.

Nosebleed is a really common symptom, about 60% of the population has had at least one episode at some point in their lives but only 6% required medical attention. Most episodes are limited and benign but in some rare cases, it could be deathly.

Shared decision-making in the context of unruptured intracranial aneurysms management / Decisão médica compartilhada no contexto do tratamento dos aneurismas cerebrais não-rotos

Shared decision-making practice has been encouraged in several clinical settings. In this model, clinical decisions are defined by doctors and patients based on the principle of patient autonomy. Shared decisions have been argued as an ethical clinical practice during complex and uncertain clinical situations. The best management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) remains controversial. Despite the fact that shared decisions has probably been practiced, as far as we are aware it has not yet been evaluated, nor has it been standardized for patients presenting UIA. We aim to discuss possible roles, pros and cons of shared decision-making on the management of UIA.

A decisão médica compartilhada tem sido estimulada em várias situações clínicas. Por este modelo, as decisões clínicas são definidas por pacientes e médicos em conjunto, baseado no princípio da autonomia dos pacientes. A decisão médica compartilhada tem sido apontada como uma prática ética para situações clínicas complexas ou incertas. O melhor manejo dos aneurismas cerebrais não rotos continua controverso. Apesar da decisão médica compartilhada ser provavelmente praticada, esta prática ainda não foi avaliada, nem padronizada, para o atendimento de pacientes com aneurisma cerebral não roto. Nós discutiremos os possíveis papéis da decisão médica compartilhada no manejo dos aneurismas cerebrais não rotos.

Simultaneous Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms and Vasospasm

OBJECTIVE: The management of patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and severe vasospasm is subject to considerable controversy. We intended to describe herein an endovascular technique for the simultaneous treatment of aneurysms and vasospasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 11 patients undergoing simultaneous endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms and vasospasm were reviewed. After placement of a guiding catheter within the proximal internal carotid artery for coil embolization, an infusion line of nimodipine was wired to one hub, and of a microcatheter was advanced through another hub (to select and deliver detachable coils). Nimodipine was then infused continuously during the coil embolization. RESULTS: This technique was applied to 11 ruptured aneurysms accompanied by vasospasm (anterior communicating artery, 6 patients; internal carotid artery, 2 patients; posterior communicating and middle cerebral arteries, 1 patient each). Aneurysmal occlusion by coils and nimodipine-induced angioplasty were simultaneously achieved, resulting in excellent outcomes for all patients, and there were no procedure-related complications. Eight patients required repeated nimodipine infusions. CONCLUSION: Our small series of patients suggests that the simultaneous endovascular management of ruptured cerebral aneurysms and vasospasm is a viable approach in patients presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe vasospasm.

Microcatheter Looping to Facilitate Aneurysm Selection in Coil Embolization of Paraclinoid Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Described herein is a microcatheter looping technique to facilitate aneurysm selection in paraclinoid aneurysms, which remains to be technically challenging due to the inherent complexity of regional anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was waived. Microcatheter looping method was employed in 59 patients with paraclinoid aneurysms between January 2012 and December 2013. In the described technique, construction of a microcatheter loop, which is steam-shaped or pre-shaped, based on the direction of aneurysms, is mandatory. The looped tip of microcatheter was advanced into distal internal carotid artery and positioned atop the target aneurysm. By steering the loop (via inner microguidewire) into the dome of aneurysm and easing tension on the microcatheter, the aneurysm was selected. Clinical and morphologic outcomes were assessed with emphasis on technical aspects of the treatment. RESULTS: Through this looping technique, a total of 59 paraclinoid aneurysms were successfully treated. After aneurysm selection as described, single microcatheter technique (n = 25) was most commonly used to facilitate coiling, followed by balloon protection (n = 21), stent protection (n = 7), multiple microcatheters (n = 3), and stent/balloon combination (n = 3). Satisfactory aneurysmal occlusion was achieved through coil embolization in 44 lesions (74.6%). During follow-up of 53 patients (mean interval, 10.9 +/- 5.9 months), only one instance (1.9%) of major recanalization was observed. There were no complications related to microcatheter looping. CONCLUSION: This microcatheter looping method facilitates safe and effective positioning of microcatheter into domes of paraclinoid aneurysms during coil embolization when other traditional microcatheter selection methods otherwise fail.

Use of Triple Microcatheters for Endovascular Treatment of Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE: The dual microcatheter technique is common practice for coil embolization of a wide-necked aneurysm, due to safety and efficacy. However, technical limitations of some complex configurations may necessitate additional microcatheters to bolster coil stability, compact the coil, or for protection. Described herein is a triple microcatheter technique for endovascular management of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data accruing prospectively between January 2006 and October 2014 on simultaneously executed triple microcatheter coil embolization procedures done in 38 saccular aneurysms were reviewed. Clinical and morphological outcomes were assessed, with emphasis on technical aspects of treatment. RESULTS: The triple microcatheter technique was successfully applied to all 38 saccular aneurysms, involving the posterior communicating artery (n = 13), the middle cerebral artery (n = 10), the basilar tip (n = 7), the anterior cerebral artery (n = 5), and the internal carotid artery (n = 3). Stent protection was added in four patients and balloon remodeling in one. Dual microcatheters (n = 24) were usually deployed to deliver the coil within sacs of aneurysms, with the additional microcatheter used for protection. Otherwise, triple microcatheters were deployed for coil delivery (n = 11) or coils were delivered via a single microcatheter, with dual microcatheters deployed for protection (n = 3). Successful occlusion of aneurysms was achieved in 89.5% of cases, with no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Stable occlusion was maintained in 72.2% (26/36) of the aneurysms at the final follow-up (mean interval, 30.2 +/- 22.7 months). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this limited study suggest that the triple microcatheter technique may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for wide-necked aneurysms, using technical strategies tailored to complex angio-anatomic configurations.

Three Interesting Case Reports of Intracranial Aneurysm Managed with Triple 'H' Therapy.

Anaesthesia for aneurysm surgeries is highly specialized and unique. Vasospasm is the most important determinant for morbidity and mortality in intracranial aneurysms. For prevention and management of vasospasm Triple-H therapy (Hypertension, Hypervolemia and Haemodilution) is recommended. Triple-H therapy is gold standard in neuroanaesthesia in intracranial aneurysm surgeries in order to increase cerebral blood flow in areas affected by vasospasm and avoid damage caused by ischemia. First patient was 52 years old female with Right vertebral artery posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm of size 1cm, operated successfully who became unconscious 22 hours after surgery and treated with Triple-H therapy for vasospasm. Second case was 48 years old male patient of right anterior cerebral artery aneurysm of 9mm size operated successfully after intraoperative rupture of aneurysm and subsequent vasospasm. Third case was 35 years pregnant female patient of anterior communicating artery aneurysm of 5mm size treated with triple H therapy for vasospasm.

Blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery / Aneurismas das porções não ramificadas da artéria carótida interna

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBA) originate at non-branching sites of the internal carotid artery (ICA), these vascular lesions are rare and constitute approximately 1% of all intracranial aneurysms. They are small, with extremely fragile walls and a poorly defined broad-based neck. BBA tend to have a precipitous clinical course, enlarging rapidly, these have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality including rebleeding, regrowth, and ischemic complications; therefore their diagnosis is essential for proper management and depends of its high suspicion and careful evaluation of computed tomography angiogram (CTA) and digital substraction angiography (DSA). Various surgical and endovascular strategies have been attempted for these lesions, but the definitive treatment is controversial even. This paper attempts to describe the clinicopathological features as well as elements important for diagnosis and treatment.

Os aneurismas das porções não ramificadas da artéria carótida interna (BBA, da sigla em inglês) são lesões vasculares raras e constituem cerca de 1% de todos os aneurismas intracranianos. Eles são pequenos, com paredes extremamente frágeis e um colo mal definido com base ampla. Os BBA tendem a ter curso clínico rápido e têm sido associados com morbidade e mortalidade significativas, incluindo ressangramento e complicações isquêmicas, por isso seu diagnóstico é essencial para o bom tratamento e depende de elevada suspeição e cuidadosa análise da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada e por subtração digital. Várias estratégias cirúrgicas e endovasculares têm sido tentadas para essas lesões, mas o tratamento definitivo é controverso. Este artigo tenta descrever as características clinicopatológicas, bem como elementos importantes para o diagnóstico e tratamento dessa entidade patológica.

Number of coils necessary to treat cerebral aneurysms according to each size group: a study based on a series of 952 embolized aneurysms / Quantidade de molas necessárias para o tratamento endovascular dos aneurismas cerebrais de acordo com seu tamanho: estudo baseado em uma série de 952 aneurismas embolizados

OBJECTIVE: The Brazilian public health system determines a quantity of coils allowed to treat a cerebral aneurysm. The goal of this paper was to determine the number of coils necessary to treat an aneurysm based on size. METHODS: All patients harboring an aneurysm treated by endovascular approach between 1999 and 2003 were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 952 aneurysms included. Mean diameter sac was 8.2 mm with 7.9 coils per aneurysm. Out of 462 small aneurysms, mean size was 4.8 mm, with 4.6 coils/aneurysm used. A total of 315 medium aneurysms were treated, mean size was 8.6 mm, with 8.2 coils. Out of 135 large, mean size was 17 mm, with 16.1 coils. Forty giant aneurysms were treated with a mean size of 32 mm and 28.7 coils. CONCLUSIONS: We propose size as a reference to predict the number of coils necessary to treat each aneurysm: one coil for each millimeter of diameter.

OBJETIVO: O sistema público brasileiro determina uma quantidade limitada de molas permitida para o tratamento endovascular dos aneurismas cerebrais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a quantidade de molas necessária para tratar um aneurisma usando tamanho como referência. MÉTODO: Foram revisados todos os pacientes com aneurismas embolizados entre 1999 e 2003. RESULTADOS: No total, 952 aneurismas foram analisados. O diâmetro médio foi de 8,2 mm, com 7,9 molas usadas por aneurisma. Do total, 462 aneurismas eram pequenos, com tamanho médio de 4,8 mm e 4,6 molas/aneurisma. Foram tratados 315 aneurismas médios, com tamanho médio de 8,6 mm e 8,2 molas/aneurisma. Dentre os 135 aneurismas grandes, o tamanho foi de 17 mm, com 16,1 molas/aneurisma. Foram tratados 40 aneurismas gigantes, com média de 32 mm e 28,7 molas/aneurisma. CONCLUSÃO: Propomos que se utilize o tamanho do aneurisma como referência para prever o número de molas necessário para embolização: uma mola para cada milímetro de tamanho do saco aneurismático.

Aneurismas intracranianos gigantes: aspectos morfológicos, clínicos e operatórios / Intracranial aneurysms: morphological, clinical and operative aspects

Aneurismas intracranianos gigantes são definidos como aqueles em que o seu maior diâmetro ultrapassa 25 mm, sendo considerados entidade clínico-patológica que difere dos aneurismas de diâmetro menor quanto a incidência de ruptura, apresentação clínica e dificuldade de terapêutica. O tratamento do aneurisma gigante pode ser conservador, endovascular ou neurocirúrgico, e essa decisão depende de fatores como localização anatômica e características do aneurisma, condição médica, idade do doente, habilidades cirúrgicas e possibilidade de tratamento endovascular ou bypass. Apesar de o avanço no conhecimento da patogenia, hemodinâmica, morfologia, de a melhoria nos métodos de diagnóstico por imagem e de o desenvolvimento de técnicas endovasculares e microcirúrgicas terem possibilitado melhor resultado de tratamento, aneurismas gigantes apresentam prognóstico ruim e continuam desafiando os limites de técnicas neurocirúrgicas.

Intracranial giant aneurysms are defined as those larger than 2.5 cm in diameter. These aneurysms represent a clinicopathological entity that differs of ones smaller diameter regarding incidence of rupture, clinical presentation and therapeutic difficulties. The treatment of giant aneurysm can be conservative, endovascular or neurosurgical. This decision depends on factors such as anatomical localization and aneurysm characteristics, patient medical condition, age, surgical skills and possibility of endovascular tr eatment or bypas s. Be side s advancement of knowledge about pathogeny, hemodynamics, morphology, improvement of diagnostic imaging methods and development of endovascular and microsurgical techniques have improved the treatment outcome, giant aneurysms present bad prognosis and remain challenging the limits of neurosurgical techniques.

A comparison between magnetic resonance angiography at 3 teslas (time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced) and flat-panel digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of embolized brain aneurysms

PURPOSE: To compare the time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced- magnetic resonance angiography techniques in a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance unit with digital subtraction angiography with the latest flat-panel technology and 3D reconstruction in the evaluation of embolized cerebral aneurysms. INTRODUCTION: Many embolized aneurysms are subject to a recurrence of intra-aneurismal filling. Traditionally, imaging surveillance of coiled aneurysms has consisted of repeated digital subtraction angiography. However, this method has a small but significant risk of neurological complications, and many authors have advocated the use of noninvasive imaging methods for the surveillance of embolized aneurysms. METHODS: Forty-three aneurysms in 30 patients were studied consecutively between November 2009 and May 2010. Two interventional neuroradiologists rated the time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography, the contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography, and finally the digital subtraction angiography, first independently and then in consensus. The status of aneurysm occlusion was assessed according to the Raymond scale, which indicates the level of recanalization according to degrees: Class 1: excluded aneurysm; Class 2: persistence of a residual neck; Class 3: persistence of a residual aneurysm. The agreement among the analyses was assessed by applying the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Inter-observer agreement was excellent for both methods (K = 0.93; 95 percent CI: 0.84-1). Inter-technical agreement was almost perfect between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography (K = 0.98; 95 percent CI: 0.93-1) and between time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography (K = 0.98; 95 percent CI: 0.93-1). Disagreement occurred in only one case (2.3 percent), which was classified as Class I by time-of-flight-magnetic resonance angiography and Class II by digital subtraction angiography. The agreement between contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography was perfect (K = 1; 95 percent CI: 1-1). In three patients, in-stent stenosis was identified by magnetic resonance angiography but not confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. CONCLUSION: Digital subtraction angiography and both 3T magnetic resonance angiography techniques have excellent reproducibility for the assessment of aneurysms embolized exclusively with coils. In those cases also treated with stent remodeling, digital subtraction angiography may still be necessary to confirm eventual parent artery stenosis, as identified by magnetic resonance angiography.

Guidewire Breakage during Neurointerventional Procedures: a Report of Two Cases

We report on two cases of microguidewire breakage that occurred during endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The microguidewire can be broken when a part of the wire is stuck due to vascular tortuosity, and, subsequently, application of excessive rotational movement. The mechanical and physical properties of a microguidewire are also important factors in microguidewire breakage. We also suggest technical tips for avoidance of this problem.

Revascularización cerebral en el tratamiento de aneurismas cerebrales complejos / Cerebral revascularization for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms

Los procedimientos de revascularización cerebral se utilizan en el manejo quirúrgico de aneurismas en los que hay gran riesgo de generar isquemia al intentar el tratamiento quirúrgico o endovascular. Además se usan en el tratamiento de tumores de base craneal que engloban e infiltran la pared de la arteria carótida interna o sus ramas principales, en la enfermedad oclusiva vascular con riesgo de producir infarto de tipo hemodinámico y en la enfermedad de moyamoya.

Cerebral revascularization procedures are used in the surgical management of cerebral aneurysms in which there is agreat risk of generating ischemia, in the attempt for surgical or endovascular treatment. Besides this, these procedures are utilized en the treatment of cranial base tumors that encase and infiltrate the trunk of the internal carotid artery orits main branches, in the vascular occlusive disease with risk of producing hemodynamic type stroke and, in the moyamoya disease. These techniques have the aim of restoring the blood supply of the brain and with it, the nutrient loading in order to avoid ischemia in territories already affected or in risk. To obtain an effective revascularization, with good clinical outcome , the patient should be chosen adequately with cerebral blood flow studies and vascular reserve, to perform a meticulous technique and the correct graft should be elected.