Intraoperative radiation therapy for brain metastasis in a pregnant patient: a case report.

We present the rare case of a 42-year-old woman with oligometastatic lung adenocarcinoma in her first trimester of pregnancy who was treated for brain metastases with metastasectomy and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) using the INTRABEAM® system (Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany). This case underscores the potential of IORT in optimizing cancer treatment while safeguarding fetal health in pregnant patients.

Is Stent Retraction to ReLieve Arterial Cerebral VaSospasm Caused by SAH (Stent-ReLACSS) Using PRELAX the Long-awaited Solution for Treatment of Posthemorrhagic Cerebral Vasospasm? : Treatment of Posthemorrhagic Cerebral Vasospasm with PRESET and PRELAX: Technical Aspects, Efficacy, and Safety Margins in a Case Series.

PURPOSE: Recent observational studies have indicated the efficacy of stent retriever devices for the treatment of posthemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm (CVS), both by deployment and on-site withdrawal into the microcatheter (stent angioplasty, SA) and deployment followed by retraction through the target vessel similar to thrombectomy (Stent Retraction to reLieve Arterial Cerebral vaSospasm caused by SAH, Stent-ReLACSS). This article reports the findings with each application of pRESET and pRELAX in the treatment of CVS. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 25 patients with severe CVS following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. For the SA group, a stent retriever or a pRELAX was temporarily deployed into a narrow vessel segment and retrieved into the microcatheter after 3 min. For the Stent-ReLACSS group, a pRELAX was temporarily deployed into a narrow vessel and pulled back unfolded into the internal carotid artery. If intra-arterial vasodilators were administered, they were given exclusively after mechanical vasospasmolysis to maximize the effectiveness of the stent treatment. RESULTS: In this study fifteen patients and 49 vessels were treated with SA. All were technically successful without periprocedural complications; however, 8/15 patients (53.3%) required additional treatment of the CVS. A total of 10 patients and 23 vessel segments were treated with Stent-ReLACSS. All maneuvers were technically successful without periprocedural complications and all vessels showed significant angiographic improvement. No recurrent CVS requiring further endovascular treatment occurred in-hospital, and neither territorial ischemia in the treated vessels nor vascular injury were observed in follow-up angiography. CONCLUSION: Based on the presented data it appears that Stent-ReLACSS with pRELAX does not pose any additional risks when used to treat CVS and might be superior to SA, especially concerning mid-term and long-term efficacy. The mechanism of action may be an effect on the endothelium rather than mechanical vasodilation. As many patients with CVS are diagnosed too late, prophylactic treatment of high-risk patients (e.g., poor grade, young, female) is potentially viable.

Use of a p64 MW Flow Diverter with Hydrophilic Polymer Coating (HPC) and Prasugrel Single Antiplatelet Therapy for the Treatment of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: Safety Data and Short-term Occlusion Rates.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and short-term occlusion rates in procedures using the p64 MW hydrophilic polymer-coated (HPC) flow diverter (FD) with prasugrel single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for the treatment of anterior circulation saccular aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent treatment of one or more intracranial anterior circulation saccular aneurysms between March 2020 and December 2021 with a p64 MW HPC FD and prasugrel SAPT with verified P2Y12 platelet receptor inhibition. Patients diagnosed with fusiform, dissecting, or recently ruptured aneurysms were excluded. Periprocedural and postprocedural complications, clinical outcomes, and angiographic follow-up results were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients with 132 intracranial aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Previous or concomitant treatments (e.g., coil occlusion) had been performed on 18 of these aneurysms. The technical success rate (i.e., implantation of the intended FD) was 100% with an average of 1.1 devices implanted per patient. Periprocedural and postprocedural complications occurred in 13.6% and 6.8% of these patients, respectively. No mortality or permanent clinical deterioration (i.e., modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3) were reported. Early follow-up digital subtraction angiography revealed aneurysmal occlusion rates of 72.6% and 83.8% at four and nine months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a p64 MW HPC FD with prasugrel SAPT is safe and results in rapid, reliable and effective aneurysmal occlusion.

Adenosine-induced Asystole during AVM Embolization : A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine induced cardiac standstill has been used intraoperatively for both aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery and embolization. We sought to report the results of adenosine induced cardiac standstill as an adjunct to endovascular embolization of brain AVMs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients in our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients since January 2007 in whom adenosine was used to induce cardiac standstill during the embolization of a brain AVM. We recorded demographic data, clinical presentation, Spetzler Martin grade, rupture status, therapeutic intervention and number of embolization sessions, angiographic and clinical results, clinical and radiological outcomes and follow-up information. RESULTS: We identified 47 patients (22 female, 47%) with average age 42 ± 17 years (range 6-77 years) who had undergone AVM embolization procedures using adjunctive circulatory standstill with adenosine. In total there were 4 Spetzler Martin grade 1 (9%), 9 grade 2 (18%), 15 grade 3 (32%), 8 grade 4 (18%), and 11 grade 5 (23%) lesions. Of the AVMs six were ruptured or had previously ruptured. The average number of embolization procedures per patient was 5.7 ± 7.6 (range 1-37) with an average of 2.6 ± 2.2 (range 1-14) embolization procedures using adenosine. Overall morbidity was 17% (n = 8/47) and mortality 2.1% (n = 1/47), with permanent morbidity seen in 10.6% (n = 5/47) postembolization. Angiographic follow-up was available for 32 patients with no residual shunt seen in 26 (81%) and residual shunts seen in 6 patients (19%). The angiographic follow-up is still pending in 14 patients. At last follow-up 93.5% of patients were mRS ≤2 (n = 43/46). CONCLUSION: Adenosine induced cardiac standstill represents a viable treatment strategy in high flow AVMs or AV shunts that carries a low risk of mortality and permanent neurological deficits.

Anomalous origin of the middle meningeal artery from the inferolateral trunk with an arterial circle around a hypoplastic internal carotid artery in an infant with a dural arteriovenous fistula.

Deviations from normal embryologic development can manifest in different anatomical variants of the ophthalmic artery. We present a case of an infant treated for a high-flow dural arteriovenous fistula of the superior sagittal sinus, in whom an arterial circle involving the ophthalmic artery, the middle meningeal artery, the inferolateral trunk and a hypoplastic segment of the internal carotid artery was found. The embryologic development is briefly reviewed with emphasis on the possible genesis of this interesting constellation.

Mechanical thrombectomy for recurrent large vessel occlusion.

Although mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been shown in numerous trials to be a successful treatment option for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), there is limited information on the safety and effectiveness of the technique in cases of recurrent LVO. To this end, we performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients that had undergone more than one MT procedure January 2008 and January 2018. The data collected on these patients included baseline demographics and any history of diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation or smoking. We also recorded when the symptoms had started, the patient's NIHSS and ASPECT scores, the number of passes taken, the patient's final TICI score, any complications which arose and the patient's mRS at 90 days. Our dataset encompassed 25 patients (of which 17 (68%) were female) who had undergone a total number of 52 MT's. Average age at 1st presentation was 70 ±â€¯12.8 years. The median time between one stroke and the next was 71 days (range 1-1059, IQR 183 days). The majority of the strokes were deemed cardioembolic (86.5%) in origin. There was no significant difference in the procedure times, number of passes or TICI scores. There was a significant difference in the mRS after the 1st and 2nd events (p = 0.014) but no significant difference if the 2nd event occurred contralateral to the 1st event (p = 0.66) (n = 22). It is therefore concluded that recurrent thrombectomy can be safely performed with no significant difference in the technical aspects of the procedure.

Basilar artery perforator aneurysms: Report of 9 cases and review of the literature.

Basilar perforator artery aneurysms (BAPA's) are an under-recognised cause of sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We present our single centre experience of BAPA's and review of the literature. We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database to identify all BAPA's that presented acute SAH between February 2009 and February 2018. We identified 9 patients (male = 7), each with a single aneurysm, and average age 55 ±â€¯9.7 years. All aneurysms were small, 2.1 ±â€¯0.5 mm (range 1-3 mm). Three aneurysms were not detected on initial angiography. Six aneurysms were treated with flow diversion, 3 were managed conservatively. No repeat haemorrhage occurred in the flow diverted patients. One patient treated conservatively suffered a repeat haemorrhage and died (mRS 6). Follow up imaging (n = 7), at average 5.6 months (range 3-12 months), showed complete occlusion in all the flow-diverted aneurysms and no change in one conservatively managed patient. There was no evidence of perforator infarction on the follow-up post treatment imaging. Clinical follow-up data was available in 8 patients, 6 of whom (75%) had a good outcome (mRS ≤ 2). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose BAPA. Flow diversion can be used to treat BAPA's with acceptable risk of perforator infarction and low risk of repeat haemorrhage.

The Size of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms : A 10-Year Series from a Single Center.

PURPOSE: There is a controversy concerning the risk of rupture of small intracranial aneurysms. We sought to determine the size and morphological features of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hospital files and images from all patients referred during one decade (2007-2016) to a specialized neurovascular center were retrospectively reviewed. Neck diameter, fundus depth and width as well as neck width based on catheter angiography were measured. Aneurysm morphology was classified as either regular, lobulated, irregular or fusiform. RESULTS: A total of 694 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) were identified (65.9% female, median age 54.3 years). The anterior communicating artery (AcomA) was the most frequent location of ruptured aneurysms. The medians for aneurysm depth, width and neck diameter were 5 mm, 4.5 mm and 3 mm, respectively. A regular contour of the aneurysm sac was found in 19%. CONCLUSION: The majority of aSAH are caused by small intracranial aneurysms. There is no safety margin in terms of small aneurysm size of regular shape without daughter aneurysms. Treatment should also be offered to patients with small, regularly shaped intracranial aneurysms, together with an empirical risk-benefit assessment.

Treatment of Unruptured, Saccular, Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms with Flow Diversion : A Single Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: The region of the brain supplied by the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) is exquisitely eloquent. Aneurysms arising at or close to the origin of the vessel are not uncommon and damage or occlusion to the vessel can result in devastating consequences. The optimal treatment strategy is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the efficacy of flow diversion for the treatment of unruptured AChoA aneurysms. METHOD: A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was performed to identify all patients with unruptured aneurysms of the AChoA between March 2009 and May 2017. The fundus size, number and type of flow-diverting stent (FD), complications and follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 30 patients (60% female), average age 52.8 ± 10.8 years (range 27-73), with 30 aneurysms. The aneurysms were generally small with a mean fundus diameter of 3.4 mm (range 1-7 mm). Early angiographic follow-up data were available for all patients at which point 15 aneurysms were completely occluded (50%). Delayed angiographic follow-up was available in 24 patients and occlusion was seen in 21 patients (87.5%). Of the patients one developed transient ischemic symptoms after interruption of the antiplatelet medication and another patient had a small embolic infarct with transient symptoms in the periprocedural period. CONCLUSION: Flow diversion can be used to successfully treat aneurysms of the AChoA. The treatment carries a high rate of technical and radiological success with a good safety profile.

High-Grade Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas : Use of Kaneka ED Coils with the Marathon Microcatheter for Transvenous Coil Embolization.

BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are commonly encountered lesions that can be treated both transvenously, transarterially or using a combined approach. OBJECTIVE: Transvenous coil embolization of DAVF is a recognized treatment option but can be challenging. In this context this article presents clinical experience using the Kaneka ED10 ExtraSoft coils in combination with the Marathon microcatheter to treat high grade DAVF. The physical properties of these coils and the microcatheter were also determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with high grade DAVF treated with the Marathon and the Kaneka ED COIL ∞10 ExtraSoft coils were retrospectively identified. The clinical presentation, location, grade of the lesion, clinical and radiological follow-up data were recorded. Bench side studies were performed to determine the physical properties of the Marathon catheter in comparison to the SL10 and Headway Duo as well the maximum width of the Kaneka pusher wire in comparison to Hypersoft, Target and Axium Prime coils. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients with 9 DAVF with 3 Cognard 3 and 6 Cognard 4 lesions were identified. All the DAVF's were occluded either at the end of the procedure or on follow-up imaging. On bench side tests the Marathon microcatheter had the most flexible distal tip and distal shaft in comparison to the SL10 and Headway Duo. The proximal shaft of the Marathon was stiffer than the SL10. The Kaneka ED COIL ∞10 ExtraSoft had the smallest distal width and were the only coils tested that could be deployed through a Marathon microcatheter. CONCLUSION: The combination of the Marathon microcatheter and Kaneka ED COIL ∞10 ExtraSoft is useful for the treatment of high grade DAVF.

Microsurgical clipping and endovascular flow diversion of ruptured anterior circulation blood blister-like aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Detection and treatment of blister-like intracranial aneurysms as a source of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be challenging. In the past the results of both microsurgical and endovascular treatment were difficult. We present our experience with the treatment of blister-like aneurysms in the acute phase of SAH using microsurgical clipping, endovascular parent vessel occlusion or flow diversion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the cases of eight consecutive patients presenting in the acute phase after SAH from an intracranial blister aneurysm was performed. The demographic data of the patients, aneurysm characteristics, the clinical results of the treatment and the follow-up examinations were recorded. Procedural safety margins and aneurysm occlusion on follow-up digital subtraction angiography were the main interest of this evaluation. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and November 2017 a total of eight ruptured blister aneurysms were treated in our center, six patients endovascularly. Five patients were treated in the acute phase of SAH, four by flow diversion. All endovascular procedures were feasible and no procedure-related complications were observed, especially no recurrent hemorrhage. In the first angiographic follow-up all blood blister-like aneurysms were completely occluded; two of the six patients treated by flow diverter implantation showed mild, transient intimal hyperplasia without clinical symptoms or the need for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular flow diversion is a viable option in the acute phase after SAH due to the rupture of a blister aneurysm. Implants with reduced thrombogenicity, obviating dual-platelet function inhibition, and flow diverters for vessel bifurcations would extend the indications for this treatment modality.

Difference in aneurysm characteristics between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The risk of aneurysmal rupture is dependent upon numerous factors, however, there are inconsistencies in the results between studies, which may be due to confounding factors. This can be avoided by comparing the characteristics of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms within the same patient. We sought to analyze the aneurysm characteristics of patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively maintained institutional database, between 01/10/2007 and 01/01/2017, for all patients with confirmed SAH and >1 aneurysm. We recorded the size, location, and morphology and calculated secondary geometric indices such as bottleneck factor and aspect ratio. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 694 patients with aneurysmal SAH were admitted to our institution. We identified 113 patients (74.3% female, average age 51.7 ± 12.3). The majority of patients had only one associate unruptured aneurysm (79.6%). The average unruptured aneurysm was 3.1 ± 1.5 mm and the average ruptured aneurysm was 5.7 ± 2.7 mm (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, aneurysm location, aneurysm morphology, and size were independently associated with rupture. A complex aneurysm morphology was the strongest risk factor for rupture (OR, 29.27; 95% CI 14.33-59.78; P < 0.001) with size >7 mm (OR, 17.74; 95% CI 4.07-77.35; P < 0.001), and AcomA location also showing a strong independent association. CONCLUSION: Size plays an important part in determining rupture risk, however, other factors such as location and in particular morphology must also be considered. We believe that the introduction of vessel wall imaging will help to risk stratify aneurysms.

[Management of paraophthalmic aneurysms : Review of endovascular treatment strategies]. / Management paraophthalmischer Aneurysmen : Übersicht der endovaskulären Behandlungsstrategien.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the cerebral vessels are relatively common and aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) represent approximately 10% of intradural aneurysms. ANATOMICAL ASPECTS: The ophthalmic segment of the ICA extends from the origin of the ophthalmic artery to the origin of the posterior communicating artery. Aneurysms can originate from the ophthalmic artery itself or directly from the ICA at a distance from the ophthalmic artery. The various anatomic configurations can alter the risks of treatment. SURGICAL TREATMENT: Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment poses unique challenges for the neurosurgeon, given the deep location and complex nearby structures and optic nerve. The necessity to remove the clinoid process can make the operation technically challenging. ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT: Endovascular treatment of paraophthalmic aneurysms includes coil occlusion, and also stent- or balloon-assisted coil occlusion. More recently, hemodynamically active flow diverter stents improved the treatment results. CONCLUSION: The management of paraophthalmic aneurysms is associated with specific risks. Careful consideration of the available techniques is necessary before each invention. Coil-occlusion remains the first choice for ruptured paraophthalmic aneurysms. For unruptured paraophthalmic aneurysms flow diversion offers improved results. The overall complication rates of these procedures are low; however, cerebral ischemia, intracranial hemorrhage and visual complications must be considered in advance and the patient must be informed of the risks.

In-stent Stenosis after p64 Flow Diverter Treatment.

PURPOSE: There is limited information available on the incidence of in-stent stenosis (ISS) secondary to the use of flow-diverting stents in the intracranial vasculature. We sought to determine the incidence, severity, and clinical course of ISS on angiographic follow-up after treatment of saccular aneurysms with p64. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent treatment of a saccular (ruptured and unruptured) intracranial aneurysm with ≥1 p64 between 2011 and 2015. Fusiform aneurysms and dissections were excluded. Aneurysms with prior or concomitant saccular treatment (e. g., coiling, clipping) were included. Extradural targets and aneurysms with parent vessel implants other than p64 were excluded. ISS was assessed on follow-up angiography and defined as <50% (mild), 50-75% (moderate), or >75% (severe). RESULTS: In total, 205 patients (147 female, 71.7%; median age 57 years), with 223 saccular aneurysms were treated with p64 and had at least 9 months of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up completed. There was no DSA follow-up available in 8 patients. ISS of any degree at any time was recognized in 65/223 (29.1%) of all target aneurysms. The maximal degree of lumen loss was <50% in 40 lesions (17.9%), 50-75% in 19 lesions (8.5%), and >75% in 6 lesions (2.7%). ISS did not cause a focal neurological deficit in any patient. No progression from stenosis to occlusion was observed. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 1 lesion and was well tolerated. In 56 lesions (84.8%), a significant reduction of ISS occurred spontaneously, 2 mild stenoses remained stable, and for 6 lesions the long-term follow-up is pending. CONCLUSION: Treatment with p64 is associated with an overall rate of 8.5% moderate ISS (50-75%) and 2.7% severe ISS (>75%), which is comparable with the rate of ISS reported in the literature for other flow diverting stents. There is a tendency for ISS to spontaneously improve over time.

Paediatric aneurysms - Review of endovascular treatment strategies.

Paediatric aneurysms are rare and represent the end result of a variety of different pathological mechanisms. They have a varied presentation and features that are distinct from their adult counterparts. The appropriate management of these aneurysms requires a multi-disciplinary team approach and detailed analysis to deal with the underlying pathology. This can involve the use of coils, adjunctive devices such as neck-bridging devices, flow diverters and liquid embolic agents, as well as microsurgical clipping. In this paper we discuss the different types of aneurysms that can present in the paediatric population and present cases that highlight the entire spectrum of paediatric aneurysmal disease and the different treatment options currently available. Treatment of paediatric intracranial aneurysms requires individualized strategies.

Endovascular treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: retrospective analysis of immediate and long-term results in 51 patients.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of increased intracranial pressure in the absence of any known causative factor. Sinus stenosis is common in these patients. Stenting of stenotic dural sinuses has gained popularity as a treatment option, since these stenoses may contribute to an obstruction of the venous return, and, thereby may contribute to IIH via an increase in venous sinus pressure. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment in IIH with venous sinus stenosis. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with IIH underwent stenting. Median age was 40 years. Clinical manifestation was headache in 74.5% of the patients and visual obscurations in 78.5%. Papilledema was present in 50/51 patients (98%), and lumbar puncture documented elevated CSF opening pressure in all but one patient (98%). Sinus stenoses were observed in all patients. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in all patients. There were no major complications encountered (i.e., live threatening or causing a deterioration of a patient's condition equivalent to mRS 3-6). Improvement or resolution of papilledema was observed in 88% of the patients, and 84% reported improvement or resolution of the headache. Follow-up angiographies were performed in 48 patients at a median interval of 49 months and demonstrated in stent-stenosis or a de novo stenosis in 12 patients, eight of them needed re-treatment. CONCLUSION: Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective alternative to other invasive treatments (e.g., optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion) in patients with IIH. The majority of patients have a persistent clinical benefit.

Use of the pCONus as an adjunct to coil embolization of acutely ruptured aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Coil embolization of ruptured aneurysms has become the standard treatment in many situations. However, certain aneurysm morphologies pose technical difficulties and may require the use of adjunctive devices. OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with the pCONus, a new neck bridging device, as an adjunct to coil embolization for acutely ruptured aneurysms and discuss the technical success, angiographic and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our database of prospectively collected data to identify all patients who presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage that required adjunctive treatment with the pCONus in the acute stage. We searched the database between April 2011 and April 2016. RESULTS: 21 patients were identified (13 male, 8 female) with an average age of 54.6 years (range 31-73). 8 aneurysms were located at the basilar artery tip, 7 at the anterior communicating artery, 4 at the middle cerebral artery bifurcation, 1 pericallosal, and 1 basilar fenestration. 61.8% patients achieved modified Raymond-Roy classification I or II at immediate angiography, with 75% of patients having completely occluded aneurysms or stable appearance at initial follow-up. There were no repeat aneurysmal ruptures and two device-related complications (no permanent morbidity). Four patients in our cohort died. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the pCONus is safe and effective in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms and carries a high rate of technical success.