[rTMS for a patient with derealisation disorder; an experimental treatment]. / rTMS bij een patiënt met een derealisatie-stoornis; een experimentele behandeling.

We describe a 70 year old patient with a history of epilepsy, who developed a derealisation disorder after discontinuing the use of valproic acid. An experimental treatment with rTMS led to a remarkable decrease of his symptoms. We determined our target, the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), with the use of neuronavigation. During treatment no complications occurred, specifically no epileptic seizures.

Referral Patterns and Outcome of Patients With Synchronous Brain Metastases From Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in a Third-Line Treatment Centre in The Netherlands - A Retrospective Analysis.

AIMS: Little understanding exists of referral patterns for patients with brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) towards treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Therefore, we explored current clinical daily practice and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 1129 patients with synchronously diagnosed brain metastasis from NSCLC diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 were selected from the population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry; 242 patients were treated with GKRS. RESULTS: Patients receiving GKRS were younger (62 years versus 64 years) and had lower tumour burden: the presence of T2 was higher and T4 was lower (43% versus 33%; P = 0.0158, 19% versus 28%; P = 0.0044, respectively). They more frequently had cN0 (32% versus 19%; P ≤ 0.0001), less frequently had N3 disease (18% versus 29%; P = 0.0004) and there were fewer metastatic sites. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only age ≤60 years (odds ratio 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.0-2.0) and patients with N0 stage, compared with those with N2, N3 and NX (odds ratio 0.6 [0.4-0.9], 0.3 [0.2-0.6], 0.3 [0.1-0.6], respectively), were more likely to receive GKRS. Gender, T-stage, histology, number of comorbidities, country of birth as proxy for ethnicity and socioeconomic status were not associated. The median survival was 9.6 months after GKRS versus 4.0 months in the noGKRS group (Log-rank: P ≤ 0.0001). Multivariably, GKRS, female, lower T-/N-stage, <2 comorbidities, adenocarcinoma and higher socioeconomic status were associated with a significantly reduced hazard of death. For the patients with at least one follow-up magnetic resonance image (80%), local intracranial tumour control was achieved in 93% at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with synchronic brain metastasis from NSCLC who are referred to a third-line treatment centre for GKRS are younger and have a lower tumour load. Due to a high level of local control, GKRS is able to provide a significant window of opportunity for additional treatment of the primary tumour.

Treatment of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with exclusive cortical venous drainage: A single-center cohort of 35 patients.

Background and purpose Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with cortical venous drainage often present with hemorrhage or neurological deficits and prompt treatment is indicated. Disconnection of the draining vein is considered curative. We present the multimodality treatment results of 35 patients with cranial DAVFs with exclusive cortical venous drainage. Materials and methods Between January 2010 and January 2017, 35 consecutive patients with cranial dural fistulas with exclusive cortical venous drainage were treated. There were 27 men and eight women, mean age 68 years (range 45-87). Clinical presentation was hemorrhage in 23 (66%), pulsatile bruit in two (6%), seizures in one (3%) and blurred vision in one (3%). In eight patients (22%), the DAVF was an incidental finding. Location of the DAVFs was convexity in 25 (71%), posterior fossa in eight (23%) and tentorium in two (6%). Results Surgery was performed in four patients with anterior cranial fossa fistulas and in one patient with a tentorial dural fistula. In 30 patients, embolization with Onyx via the arterial route was the primary treatment with complete obliteration in one session in 25 patients. Additional surgical or endovascular sessions were necessary in five patients after incomplete embolization and in one patient after incomplete surgery. Obliteration was confirmed with angiography after three months. There were no procedural complications. Conclusions Patients with dural fistulas with cortical venous drainage were cured with a strategy of arterial endovascular treatment with Onyx and surgery. These techniques were either primarily successful or complementary. There were no complications of treatment.

WEB Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single-Center Cohort of 100 Patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Woven EndoBridge device was recently introduced for the intrasaccular treatment of wide-neck aneurysms without the need for adjunctive devices. We present our results of the primary treatment of ruptured aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge regardless of location or neck size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2015 and April 2017, 100 ruptured aneurysms were selectively treated with the Woven EndoBridge. No supporting stents or balloons were used. There were 71 women treated (mean patient age, 59 years; median age, 60 years; range, 23-82 years). RESULTS: The mean aneurysm size was 5.6 mm (range, 3-13 mm), and 42 aneurysms were ≤4 mm. Sixty-six aneurysms (66%) had a wide neck, defined as ≥4 mm or a dome-neck ratio ≤1.5. There was 1 procedural rupture without sequelae. In 9 patients (9%), thromboembolic complications occurred. One poor grade patient died; neurologic deficits remained in 3. Overall treatment-related morbidity-mortality was 4% (4 of 100; 95% CI, 1.2%-10.2%).Two of 100 aneurysms were initially incompletely occluded and were additionally treated early after initial intervention. Of 80 eligible patients, 74 (93%) had 3-month angiographic follow-up. Fifty-four aneurysms (73%) were completely occluded, 17 (23%) had a small neck remnant, and 3 (4%) were incompletely occluded. One patient was additionally treated with a second Woven EndoBridge, and in 2 patients, additional treatment is scheduled. The overall reopening/retreatment rate was 6.8% (5 of 74; 95% CI, 2.6%-15.2%). There were no rebleeds during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of small ruptured aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge was safe and effective. The Woven EndoBridge proved to be a valuable alternative to coils without the need for stents or balloons.

Impact of deep brain stimulation of the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule on cognition in depression.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary studies report no negative and a possible positive impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on cognition of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, these studies neither controlled for practice effects nor compared active with sham stimulation. METHOD: To address these limitations, we compared 25 TRD patients, who underwent DBS of the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (vALIC), with 21 healthy controls (HCs) matched on gender, age and education level. Both groups did subtests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery assessing verbal and visuospatial memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, psychomotor functioning, planning and object naming. TRD patients were tested 3 weeks prior to DBS surgery (baseline), 3 weeks following surgery (T1) and following 52 weeks of DBS optimization (T2). HCs were tested at baseline, 6 weeks following baseline (T1) and 20-24 weeks following baseline (T2). Subsequently, TRD patients entered a randomized, double-blind crossover phase, in which they were tested in an active and a sham stimulation phase. RESULTS: TRD patients did not improve on a test of immediate verbal recognition from baseline to T1, whereas HCs did (group x time: p = 0.001). Both TRD patients and HCs improved over sessions on tests measuring delayed verbal recall, visuospatial memory, planning and object naming (all p < 0.01). Active and sham stimulation did not have an impact on any of the tests differentially. CONCLUSIONS: vALIC DBS neither has a lasting positive nor negative impact on cognition in TRD patients. DBS surgery might have a temporary negative effect on verbal memory.

Tentorial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Single-Center Cohort of 12 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas usually drain into cortical veins and often present with hemorrhage. Treatment goal is occlusion of the draining vein, either by surgery or endovascular techniques. We present the multimodality treatment results of 12 patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2017, 12 consecutive patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas were treated. There were 11 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 62 years (range 44-85). Clinical presentation was hemorrhage in 8 (67%), pulsatile tinnitus in 2 (17%) and an incidental finding in 2 (17%). The fistula location was at the tentorium cerebelli in 5 (42%), the torcula Herophilii in 4 (33%) and petroclival in 3 (25%). RESULTS: In 11 patients, arterial embolization with Onyx or PHIL was the primary treatment. Complete obliteration was achieved in one session in 5 (45%) and in 2 sessions in 4 (36%). In 2 patients additional surgery was needed. Primary surgery was performed in 1 patient followed by endovascular coil occlusion via the venous route. One patient with exclusive pial feeders from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery had a clinically silent P3 occlusion during trans arterial embolization. Finally, all 12 fistula were completely occluded, confirmed with angiography after 8-12 weeks. There were no permanent procedural complications. CONCLUSION: Patients with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas were effectively and safely cured with a strategy of endovascular treatment with various techniques and surgery. Surgical and endovascular techniques are complementary in the treatment of these challenging vascular disorders.

Embolization of meningiomas: comparison of safety between calibrated microspheres and polyvinyl-alcohol particles as embolic agents.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: During embolization of meningiomas, intratumoral hemorrhagic complications may occur, especially with the use of small particle sizes. We compared the rate of hemorrhagic complications in 55 patients embolized with 400-µm calibrated microspheres (Embozene) with a historical cohort of 198 patients embolized with smaller PVA particles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2009 and February 2012, fifty-five patients with 55 meningiomas were embolized with 400-µm calibrated microspheres. Indications for embolization were preoperative in 47 and before radiosurgery in 2 patients; and in 6 patients, embolization was offered as sole therapy. There were 35 women and 20 men with a mean age of 60.3 years. Mean meningioma diameter was 53 mm (range, 23-97 mm). Hemorrhagic complications were recorded. RESULTS: There were no hemorrhagic complications in the 55 embolized patients (0%; 95% CI, 0.0%-7.8%). The difference in complication rates between 400-µm calibrated microspheres in this study (0 of 55, 0%) and small PVA particles (45-150 µm) in the historical cohort (9 of 108, 8.3%) was just short of significance (P=.066). The difference in complication rates between 400-µm calibrated microspheres (0 of 55, 0%) and larger PVA particles (150-250 µm) in the historical cohort (1 of 93, 1.1%) was not significant (P=.8). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, embolization of meningiomas by using large (400-µm) calibrated microspheres did not result in any hemorrhagic complications.

Reconstructive endovascular treatment of fusiform and dissecting basilar trunk aneurysms with flow diverters, stents, and coils.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with fusiform basilar trunk aneurysms have a poor prognosis. Reconstructive endovascular therapy is possible with modern devices. We describe the clinical presentation, radiologic features, and clinical outcome of 13 patients with fusiform basilar trunk aneurysms treated with flow diverters, stents, and coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 13 patients, 7 were men and 6 were women with a mean age of 59.7 years. Clinical presentation was SAH in 3 patients, mass effect on the brain stem in 4 patients, vertebral artery dissection in 1 patient, and the aneurysm was an incidental finding in 5 patients. Mean aneurysm size was 21 mm. All except 1 were large or giant aneurysms. Nine aneurysms were partially thrombosed. RESULTS: Stents were used in all 13 patients, in 2 patients with additional flow diverters and in 11 patients with additional coils. In 4 patients, 1 vertebral artery was subsequently occluded with coils to decrease flow into the aneurysm. Of 13 patients, 9 had a good outcome with adequate aneurysm occlusion and stable size on follow-up of 6-72 months. One of 3 patients who presented with SAH died of a rebleed 1 month later. One other patient died soon after treatment of in-stent thrombosis, and another patient became mute after treatment. In 2 of 3 patients who presented with symptoms of mass effect, there was improvement at a follow-up of 6-24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive endovascular therapy of fusiform and dissecting basilar trunk aneurysms is feasible but carries substantial risks. The safety and effectiveness in relation to natural history has not yet been elucidated.

Spinal dural fistulas without swelling and edema of the cord as incidental findings.

SUMMARY: SDAVFs cause hypertension and hence outflow obstruction in the perimedullary venous system resulting in swelling and edema of the cord followed by dysfunction. Clinical presentation is usually with gradual progressive paraparesis, numbness, and sphincter problems. MR imaging typically demonstrates the dilated perimedullary veins and the swelling and edema of the cord. During the past few years, we incidentally found an SDAVF on MR imaging with dilated perimedullary veins but without swelling and edema of the cord in 5 patients with unrelated presenting clinical symptoms. Spinal angiography confirmed the presence of an SDAVF in all 5 patients. Although the indication was considered questionable, eventually all 5 fistulas were endovascularly or surgically treated, resulting in normalization of the MR images.

Curative embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations with onyx: patient selection, embolization technique, and results.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A new curative embolization technique with Onyx for selected small and medium-sized superficially located brain AVMs was developed, which consists of obliteration of the nidus, including incremental occlusion of the draining veins. We report our first clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2008 and July 2011, 24 patients (7 women, 17 men; mean age, 41 years; range, 6-74 years) with AVMs were selected for curative embolization with Onyx. Presentation was hemorrhage in 14 and seizures in 10 patients. AVM location was frontal in 11, occipital in 6, parietal in 4, and temporal in 3. AVM size was a mean of 2.2 cm (median, 2; range, 1-3 cm). RESULTS: Complete angiographic obliteration of the AVM with Onyx in a single session was achieved in all 24 patients. There were no hemorrhagic or ischemic complications (0%; 95% CI, 0%-16.3%), and no new deficits induced by the treatment. Of 14 patients with ruptured AVMs, 1 patient who presented with a large frontal hematoma died shortly after surgical evacuation of the hematoma following complete embolization of a micro-AVM. Follow-up angiography at 3 months in 23 patients demonstrated a small AVM remnant in 1 that was treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. The other 22 AVMs remained completely occluded. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with small and medium-sized superficial brain AVMs, as defined in our study, injection of Onyx by using a curative embolization technique in a single session seems to provide a safe and effective alternative to radiosurgery or surgery.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured brain AVMs in the acute phase of hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with ruptured brain AVMs are at considerable risk of repeat hemorrhage, particularly when associated intranidal or flow-related aneurysms are present. There is controversy about the timing of diagnosis and treatment of patients with hemorrhagic stroke. We present our results of endovascular treatment of ruptured AVMs in the acute phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2011, 23 patients (16 men, 7 women; mean age 42 years) with AVM-related hemorrhagic stroke were treated with endovascular techniques within 10 days of the ictus. There were 10 micro-AVMs (< 1 cm) and 1 single-hole pial fistula. In 9 patients, an intranidal or flow-related aneurysm was the likely cause of hemorrhage. RESULTS: Complete obliteration of the AVM with Onyx was achieved in 13 of 23 patients (57%). Eight of the 13 AVMs were micro-AVMs and 3 had an intranidal aneurysm. Partial obliteration of the AVM was achieved in 10 of 23 patients (43%). In 6 of these 10 patients, an intranidal (n = 1) or flow-related aneurysm (n = 5) was obliterated with Onyx or coils. There were no complications of treatment. During a mean follow-up of 21 months in 22 surviving patients, no repeat hemorrhage occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment with Onyx in the acute phase cured most ruptured AVMs. All 9 AVM-associated aneurysms that were considered the source of hemorrhage could be excluded from the circulation. In patients with AVM-related hemorrhagic stroke, prompt angiographic diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis by reducing repeat hemorrhage rate.

Complications of particle embolization of meningiomas: frequency, risk factors, and outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Particle embolization is widely used in the treatment of meningiomas. We assessed the frequency and outcome of complications of embolization of meningiomas and tried to identify risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 2009, a total of 198 patients with 201 meningiomas underwent embolization. Indication for embolization was preoperative in 165 meningiomas and adjunctive to radiosurgery in 8. In the remaining 28 meningiomas, embolization was initially offered as a sole therapy. There were 128 women and 70 men with a mean age of 54.4 years (median age, 54 years; range, 15-90 years). Complications were defined as any neurologic deficit or death that occurred during or after embolization. Logistic regression was used to identify the following possible risk factors: age above median, female sex, tumor size above median, meningioma location in 5 categories, use of small particle size (45-150 microm), the presence of major peritumoral edema, and arterial supply in 3 categories. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 11 patients (5.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%-9.8%). Ten complications were hemorrhagic, and 1 was ischemic. Six of 10 patients with hemorrhagic complications underwent emergency surgery with removal of the hematoma and meningioma. Complications of embolization resulted in death in 2 and dependency in 5 patients (7/198, 3.5%; 95% CI, 1.6%-2.0%). The use of small particles (45-150 mum) was the only risk factor for complications (odds ratio [OR], 10.21; CI, 1.3-80.7; P = .028). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, particle embolization of meningiomas had a complication rate of 5.6%. We believe that the use of small polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles (45-150 microm) should be discouraged.

A new self-expandable nitinol stent for the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms: initial clinical experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stent systems for intracranial use are continuously improved. We report our initial experience using a new self-expanding easy-to-place nitinol stent (Enterprise) in the treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January and October 2007, 16 aneurysms in 15 patients were treated with stent assistance. Aneurysm size was a mean of 13.2 mm (median, 12 mm; range, 7-30 mm). Eight aneurysms had reopened after prior coiling, and 8 aneurysms were primarily treated, 1 after acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Response to antiplatelet premedication was tested with a P2Y12 assay before stent placement. On a 3D angiographic workstation, stent placement was simulated to assess vessel caliber and appropriate stent length. RESULTS: In all aneurysms, the stent could be placed at the exact location as predicted from the computer simulation. Stent placement proved to be technically easy without the need for recapture in all patients. Although placement of the microcatheter through the stent struts and subsequent coil placement was challenging in some patients, coiling after stent placement resulted in complete or near-complete occlusion in all aneurysms. There were no technical or clinical complications. At 6 months, angiographic follow-up in 14 aneurysms revealed 4 aneurysms recanalized to 80% occlusion, 3 of which were additionally coiled. CONCLUSION: In this small series, delivery and deployment of the Enterprise stent was technically easy. There were no technical or clinical complications. The device was valuable in the treatment of wide-neck aneurysms. The need for antiplatelet medication in patients treated with this and other stents remains a significant disadvantage.

Endovascular treatment of giant serpentine aneurysms.

Giant serpentine aneurysms are fusiform partially thrombosed aneurysms with a separate outflow tract to normal distal cerebral vessels. Three patients with giant serpentine aneurysms of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries were treated with endovascular occlusion of the aneurysmal lumen with coils or glue after balloon test occlusion of the involved vessel. In all 3 patients, leptomeningeal collateral circulation was sufficient to prevent distal ischemia.

Additional value of 3D rotational angiography in angiographically negative aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: how negative is negative?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In some patients with nonperimesencephalic nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aneurysmal SAH), no aneurysm can be found on digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and repeat DSA is advocated. 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) is considered superior to DSA in the detection of small intracranial aneurysms. In this study, we assessed the additional diagnostic value of 3DRA in detecting DSA-occult aneurysms in 23 patients with aneurysmal SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and September 2007, 298 patients with suggested ruptured intracranial aneurysm were referred for DSA, and in 98 patients, DSA was negative. Of these 98 patients, 28 had aneurysmal SAH, and in 23 of these additional 3DRA was performed in the same or in a repeat angiographic procedure. RESULTS: In 18 of 23 patients (78%), a ruptured small aneurysm was diagnosed on additional 3DRA. The location of 18 aneurysms was the anterior communicating artery (n = 11), the middle cerebral artery (n = 3), the posterior communicating artery (n = 2), the ophthalmic artery (n = 1), and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 1). Aneurysm size was 3 mm in 4, 2 mm in 9, and 1 mm in 5. Of 18 aneurysms, 9 were treated with coil placement; 7 with surgical clipping; and 2 were not treated. CONCLUSION: In this study, 18 of 23 (78%) patients with negative findings on DSA had a small ruptured aneurysm when studied with 3DRA. These were most commonly located on the anterior communicating artery.

Endovascular treatment of symptomatic intradural vertebral dissecting aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report our experience with endovascular treatment of 14 patients with symptomatic intradural vertebral dissecting aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and January 2006, 14 patients with symptomatic intradural dissecting vertebral aneurysms were treated. A total of 756 (568 ruptured, 188 unruptured) endovascular treated aneurysms (incidence, 1.9%) were treated during this period. There were 7 female and 7 male patients with a mean age of 48 years (age range, 10-64 years). Thirteen patients (93%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 1 (7%) presented with acute symptoms of mass effect on the brain stem. RESULTS: Treatment consisted of coil occlusion of the dissected arterial segment including the aneurysm (internal coil trapping) in 13 of 14 patients and stent placement over the aneurysm as the only therapy in 1 patient. All aneurysms and occluded arterial segments remained occluded on follow-up imaging at 6 to 13 months, and none of the patients had infarctions in the medulla or territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Clinical outcome was excellent in 11 patients; 3 had cognitive impairment after SAH but were independent in daily activities. There were no episodes of recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Intradural vertebral dissecting aneurysms presenting with SAH should be treated promptly because of the high risk of recurrent hemorrhage. In our experience, trapping of the dissected segment with coils was straightforward, could be done in most patients, and was effective in preventing rebleeding. In our opinion, only in exceptional circumstances are more sophisticated techniques aimed at preservation of the parent artery necessary.

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Results of endovascular treatment of PICA aneurysms are not well established. The purpose of this study was to report incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment in 46 patients with 47 posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 2169 aneurysms treated between January 1995 and March 2007, 60 were located on the PICA (incidence, 2.8%). Forty-seven proximal PICA aneurysms in 46 patients were treated with endovascular techniques, 37 ruptured (79%) and 10 unruptured (21%). Four patients presented with lower cranial nerve palsies. Mean aneurysm size was 6.8 mm (median, 6 mm; range, 2-32 mm). Forty-three aneurysms were occluded with coils (6 including the PICA origin), and 4 were treated with proximal vertebral artery (VA) occlusion. RESULTS: Four aneurysms treated with proximal VA occlusion were not occluded. Procedural rupture occurred in 9 aneurysms leading to death in 2 patients and to permanent disability in 1 patient. One patient developed lateral medullary and cerebellar infarctions after PICA occlusion. Combined mortality and morbidity was 8.6% (4 of 46). Outcome at 6 months in 38 surviving patients was good in 35 and moderate in 3. No hemorrhage occurred during 109 patient-years of follow-up. Symptoms of mass effect resolved in all 4 patients. CONCLUSION: In our experience, PICA aneurysms were challenging lesions, prone to procedural rupture. In some instances, endovascular treatment required occlusion of the parent PICA; usually this was well tolerated. In other instances, treatment required occlusion of the VA. Although this was effective in alleviation of symptoms of mass effect, it was not effective in causing thrombosis of the aneurysm.

Coiling of basilar tip aneurysms: results in 154 consecutive patients with emphasis on recurrent haemorrhage and re-treatment during mid- and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report mid- and long-term clinical and angiographic results of coiling of basilar tip aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and August 2006, 154 basilar tip aneurysms were coiled. A total of 114 (74%) had ruptured and 40 (26%) were unruptured. There were 42 men and 112 women taking part in this study, with a mean age of 50.5 years (median, 50; range, 25-73 years). The mean aneurysm size was 11.1 mm (median, 10; range, 2-30 mm) and 71 (46%) were large or giant. Of 154 aneurysms, 40 (26%) were primarily coiled with a supporting device. RESULTS: Initial occlusion was (near) complete in 144 (94%) and incomplete in 10 (6%) aneurysms. The combined procedural mortality and morbidity was 3.8% (6 of 154, 95% CI 1.4-8.3%). The mean clinical follow-up of 144 surviving patients was 53 months (range, 3-144 months; 637 patient-years). The annual incidence rate for recurrent haemorrhage was 0.3% (2 in 637 patient years, 95% CI 0.04-1.1%). During angiographic follow-up of mean 34 months (range, 6-122 months) in 138 patients (96%), 27 basilar tip aneurysms (17.5%) re-opened over time and were additionally coiled. Of these, 11 repeatedly re-opened and were repeatedly coiled. An aneurysm size of median >10 mm was the only significant predictor for re-treatment at follow-up (OR 7.0, 95% CI 2.5-19.7). CONCLUSION: Coiling of basilar tip aneurysms is safe and effective in preventing recurrent haemorrhage. Follow-up angiography is mandatory to timely detection of re-opening, especially in large and giant aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction: incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the incidence, clinical presentation, and midterm clinical and imaging results of endovascular treatment of 10 aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar junction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and January 2007, 2112 aneurysms were treated in our institution. Ten aneurysms in 10 patients were located on the vertebrobasilar junction and 7 aneurysms (70%) were associated with proximal basilar fenestration. There were 5 men and 5 women, ranging from 29 to 75 years of age. Nine aneurysms presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one was a giant partially thrombosed aneurysm with mass effect on the brain stem. RESULTS: Nine ruptured aneurysms were treated by primary coil occlusion. One giant unruptured aneurysm was initially treated with bilateral vertebral artery occlusion, 2 months later followed by selective coil occlusion of the remaining aneurysm lumen via the posterior communicating artery. At imaging follow-up of 6-30 months in 7 patients, all aneurysms were adequately occluded. In 2 patients, the vertebrobasilar junction and distal vertebral arteries (including the aneurysm) thrombosed completely on follow-up without clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are rare, with an incidence of 0.5% of treated aneurysms at our institution. Vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms are frequently associated with proximal basilar fenestration. Most patients present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in excluding the aneurysms from the circulation.

Distal aneurysms of cerebellar arteries: incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular parent vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the incidence, clinical presentation, and midterm clinical and imaging results of endovascular parent vessel occlusion of 11 patients with 13 distal cerebellar artery aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2006, 2201 aneurysms were treated in our institution. Thirteen aneurysms in 11 patients were located on distal cerebellar arteries (incidence, 0.6%), 8 of them arising from vessels feeding small arteriovenous malformations. There were 6 men and 5 women, ranging from 44 to 70 years of age. One patient with a superior cerebellar artery aneurysm presented with isolated trochlear nerve palsy. Ten patients presented with subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage, and most patients were in poor clinical condition on admission. Aneurysm location was the superior cerebellar artery in 3, the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in 5, and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in 5. Two patients had 2 aneurysms each. RESULTS: Eleven aneurysms were treated by simultaneous coil occlusion of the aneurysm and parent artery or occlusion of the parent artery just proximal to the aneurysm. Clinical follow-up was at a mean of 16.5 months (range, 2-40 months). Infarction in the territory of the occluded vessel was apparent on follow-up imaging in 5 of 11 patients, all without functional impairment. CONCLUSION: Distal cerebellar artery aneurysms are rare. Most patients present with poor-grade hemorrhage. Endovascular parent vessel occlusion is effective in excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. In most patients, adequate collateral circulation prevents infarction in the territory of the occluded vessel. In this series, when infarction did occur, the clinical consequences were limited.