Does Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Increase the Riskof Procedure-Related Complication in EndovascularTreatment of Intracranial Aneurysm?

ABSTRACT

Cerebral aneurysms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are more likely to grow rapidly and rupture, comparedto those found in the general population. The main underlying pathology of intracranial aneurysm and its rupture is presumed tobe SLE-related intracranial vasculitis and fragility of blood vessels due to prolonged use of steroid. For these reasons, both surgicaland endovascular options are challenging. On the other hand, given the possibility that SLE may predispose to growth andrupture of intracranial aneurysm, early intervention for cerebral aneurysms associated with SLE may be more necessary andbeneficial than other cerebral aneurysms in the general population. Here we would like to report on the unexpected complicationsthat occurred during or after endovascular treatment of an SLE patient with multiple aneurysms. The complications includeintraprocedural rupture of unruptured aneurysm, coil stretching, contrast-induced encephalopathy, and delayed ipsilateral intraparenchymalhemorrhage after stent-assisted coiling. Our unique case highlights that the SLE patient with multiple intracranialaneurysms had a higher risk of endovascular procedure-related complications, which might be due to the increased bleedingtendency and fragility of blood vessels.