RÉSUMÉ
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular stent placement in the management of ruptured vertebral artery dissecting ancurysms. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 9 patients with ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms treated in our department between July, 2004 and January, 2007 by means of endovascular stenting. Of these cases, 3 were treated with exclusive stent placement and 6 with stent-assisted coiling. Results Stent deployment and coil embolization were carried out successfully in all the cases. The vertebral arteries with stent placement remained patent after the surgery, and stent thrombosis or aneurysmal rupture occurred in none of the cases. During the follow-up for 4 to 39 months, no clinical evidence of rebleeding was found in these patients. Follow-up angiography was performed in 6 of the patients 3-18 months after the surgery, and two patients treated with stent-assisted coiling showed aneurysm recurrence or enlargement and underwent secondary internal trapping or proximal occlusion; two patients receiving endovascular stenting showed complete embolization of the anenrysm, and one patient showed partial embolization. Conclusion Endovascular stent placement is safe and effective for management of raptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms and allows the involved artery to remain patent after the surgery. Close follow-up is necessitated in these patients, and the long-term effect of this treatment remains to be further observed.