Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of Anterior Cerebral Circulation Aneurysms.

This article assesses the association between anterior circulation morphometry and the presence of intracranial aneurysm using three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). A retrospective analysis at a Peruvian academic medical center between December 2018 and February 2020 identified 206 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms and matched controls who underwent 3DRA. Angiographic images were obtained per standard of care, and measurements of the vasculature were performed using 3DRA vascular automated software. A total of 163 aneurysms and 43 control angiograms were evaluated. Women represented 82.5% of the cases and the mean age was 55.9 years (standard deviation ± 14.2). In multivariate analysis, five specific features were found to be statistically significant predictors for presence of an anterior circulation aneurysm: female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71; p = 0.048), C-shape of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (OR = 2.73; p = 0.018), distal internal carotid artery (ICA) diameter (OR = 3.42; p = 0.012), ICA bifurcation angle (OR = 1.02; p = 0.036), and length of the carotid siphon (OR = 1.08; p = 0.047). Features detected on 3DRA suggest morphological characteristics of the ICA and MCA may be predictive for intracranial aneurysm. Our findings build from prior reports by demonstrating five specific patient and imaging features associated with anterior circulation aneurysms. While 3DRA is the standard of care in many settings, medical centers with resource limitations may not have access to this technique. The demographic and morphological features identified in our study may have correlates that if detected on contrast computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies, may be used to help screen for a higher level of care in select patients.

Prognostic value of scales for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Report of a reference center in Peru

Introduction: Multiple scales have been designed to stratify the severity and predict the prognosis in the initial evaluation of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Our study aimed to validate the most commonly used prognostic scales for aSAH in our population: Hunt-Hess, modified Hunt-Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), Prognosis on Admission of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (PAASH), and Barrow Aneurysm Institute (BAI) scales.MethodsThis study includes all aSAH cases treated at our institution between June 2019 and December 2020. We developed a retrospective cohort by reviewing medical records and radiologic images performed during hospitalization. The outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). It was defined as a poor outcome (mRS 4–5) and mortality (mRS 6). The ROC curves and the area under the curve (AUC) of each of the prognostic scales were calculated to evaluate their prognostic prediction capacity.ResultsA total of 142 patients were diagnosed with aSAH. A poor outcome occurred in 52.1% of the patients, whereas mortality was 27.5%. The AUC of the scales studied was similar and no significant difference was found between them for predicting a poor outcome (P = .709) or mortality (P = .715).ConclusionWe determined that the prognostic scales for aSAH had a similar predictive value for poor clinical outcomes and mortality in our institution, with no significant difference. Thus, we recommend the most simple and well-known scale used institutionally. (AU)

Introducción: Se han diseñado múltiples escalas para estratificar la gravedad y predecir el pronóstico en la evaluación inicial de pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSAa). Nuestro estudio tuvo como objetivo validar las escalas pronósticas más utilizadas para HSAa en nuestra población: Hunt-Hess, Hunt-Hess modificada, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), Prognosis on Admission of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (PAASH) y finalmente, la escala Barrow Aneurysm Institute (BAI).MétodosEste estudio incluye todos los casos de HSAa atendidos en nuestra institución entre junio de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Desarrollamos una cohorte retrospectiva mediante la revisión de historias clínicas e imágenes radiológicas realizadas durante la hospitalización. El resultado se evaluó mediante la escala de Rankin modificada (mRS), la cual se definió como mala evolución (mRS 4–5) y mortalidad (mRS 6). Se calcularon las curvas ROC y el área bajo la curva (AUC) de cada una de las escalas pronósticas para evaluar su capacidad de predicción pronóstica.ResultadosUn total de 142 pacientes fueron diagnosticados de HSAa. Un mal resultado se produjo en el 52.1% de los pacientes, mientras que la mortalidad fue del 27.5%. El AUC de las escalas estudiadas fue similar y no se encontró diferencia significativa entre ellas para predecir mal resultado (P = .709) o mortalidad (P = .715).ConclusiónDeterminamos que las escalas pronósticas para HSAa tuvieron un valor predictivo similar para malos resultados clínicos y mortalidad, sin diferencia significativa. Por lo tanto, recomendamos la escala más sencilla y conocida utilizada institucionalmente. (AU)

Prognostic value of scales for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Report of a reference center in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple scales have been designed to stratify the severity and predict the prognosis in the initial evaluation of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Our study aimed to validate the most commonly used prognostic scales for aSAH in our population: Hunt-Hess, modified Hunt-Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), Prognosis on Admission of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (PAASH), and Barrow Aneurysm Institute (BAI) scales. METHODS: This study includes all aSAH cases treated at our institution between June 2019 and December 2020. We developed a retrospective cohort by reviewing medical records and radiologic images performed during hospitalization. The outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). It was defined as a poor outcome (mRS 4-5) and mortality (mRS 6). The ROC curves and the area under the curve (AUC) of each of the prognostic scales were calculated to evaluate their prognostic prediction capacity. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were diagnosed with aSAH. A poor outcome occurred in 52.1% of the patients, whereas mortality was 27.5%. The AUC of the scales studied was similar and no significant difference was found between them for predicting a poor outcome (P = .709) or mortality (P = .715). CONCLUSION: We determined that the prognostic scales for aSAH had a similar predictive value for poor clinical outcomes and mortality in our institution, with no significant difference. Thus, we recommend the most simple and well-known scale used institutionally.

Endovascular trends in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in a Peruvian reference center.

Objectives: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has evolved in recent years and is currently the preferred treatment worldwide. We analyzed the trends in the number of patients, number of aneurysms, aneurysm characteristics, and techniques used in a pure endovascular cohort of patients treated in a reference center. Materials and Methods: Between 2010 and 2020, a retrospective data collection of patients who underwent endovascular intervention of IAs was performed. We used the Mann-Kendal test to evaluate the trends. In addition, the moving-average technique was used to assess smoother curves. Results: Eight hundred and forty-five aneurysms were treated in 765 patients, the mean age was 53.9 ± 14.6 years and 81% were women. The number of patients (P = 0.016) and aneurysms (P = 0.003) increased significantly. Unruptured (P = 0.029) and posterior communicating artery aneurysms increased their frequency of treatment (P = 0.042). Balloon remodeling (P = 0.01) and the use of flow diverters showed a positive trend (P = 0.016). Conclusion: There have been an increased number of patients and aneurysms treated endovascularly at our institution, including unruptured and posterior communicating aneurysms. Advanced endovascular techniques also increased. Comparative studies including surgical cases must be done in our region to determine the best approach.

Endovascular Treatment and Microsurgical Clipping for the Management of Paraclinoid Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of microsurgical clipping versus endovascular treatment (EVT) for paraclinoid aneurysms. METHODS: A systematic search for studies including patients with paraclinoid aneurysms treated with a microsurgical or endovascular technique was conducted in 6 databases from inception to February 2022. Efficacy outcomes included complete angiographic occlusion at last follow-up, favorable functional outcome, and recurrence of the aneurysm. For safety, we assessed a composite of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 95 studies including 6711 patients, 3029 in the surgical group and 3682 in the EVT group were found. Pooled rates of complete occlusion were 94% (95% CI 91%-96%; I2 = 0%) in the surgical group and 69% (95% CI 63%-74%; I2 = 79%) in the EVT group, respectively. The favorable functional outcome rate was 86% (95% CI 76%-92%; I2 = 72%) with surgical treatment and 95% (95% CI 92%-97%; I2 = 61%) with EVT. The rate of aneurysm recurrence with surgical treatment was 1% (95% CI 0%-4%; I2 = 0%) and 12% (95% CI 9%-16%; I2 = 57%) with EVT. The composite safety outcome rate in the surgical group was 24% (95% CI 18%-30%; I2 = 90%) and 10% (95% CI 8%-13%; I2 = 71%) in the EVT group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that microsurgical clipping seems to have a higher efficacy than EVT in terms of angiographic occlusion and aneurysm recurrence; however, EVT seems to be safer in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Considering the heterogeneity and low-level evidence of the data available, further prospective randomized studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Worldwide Research Trends on Transvenous Embolization of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous embolization (TVE) of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is an emerging endovascular technique that has shown high cure rates in selected cases. The rationale of our study was to determine authorship and worldwide institutional trends and contributions to the knowledge in this topic. METHODS: Web of Science database was used. A total of 63 articles were included based on predefined inclusion criteria, which were manually reviewed. The bibliometric analysis involved the use of quantitative bibliometric indicators and network analysis with co-authorship and co-occurrence of terms, which were performed using the bibliometrix package in R and VOSviewer, respectively. RESULTS: The first article was published in 2010, with the largest number of articles published in 2022 (10 articles). The average number of citations per document was 11.38, and the annual growth rate was 14.35%. The top 10 authors with the most scientific production on TVE of bAVMs were from France, and the most cited study was published by Iosif C in 2015, followed by Consoli A in 2013, and Chen CJ in 2018. Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery was the journal with the most articles published. The most commonly used keywords were dural arteriovenous fistula, Onyx, vascular disorders, and neurological surgery around 2016, and intervention around 2021. CONCLUSIONS: TVE of bAVMs is an emerging technique. Our search identified some scientific articles, without randomized clinical trials, but many case series from single institutions. French and German institutions are the pioneers in the field, and further research is required in specialized endovascular centers.

Safety and radiologic clearance of chronic subdural hematoma after endovascular embolization using SQUID 18 in patients older than 80 years.

The aim of the study was to evaluate radiographic clearance and clinical outcomes in patients over age 80 who undergo SQUID 18 embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). From April 2020 to October 2021, data were obtained from patients with cSDH who underwent MMA embolization at our institution. Clinical and radiological data including pre-operative and last follow-up CT scans were analyzed. Six embolization procedures were performed in five patients using SQUID 18, a liquid embolic agent. The median age was 83 years, and three subjects were female. Two of the six cases were recurrent hematomas. MMA embolization was achieved in 100% of cases. The median diameter of the hematoma at admission was 20 mm and at last follow-up was 5.3 mm, demonstrating statistically significant radiographic clearance (P = 0.043). There were no intra or post-operative complications. Mortality was not noted during observation period. SQUID MMA embolization safely and significantly reduced the hematoma diameter and offers an alternative treatment in patients older than 80 years with cSDH.

Global Research Trends of Neurosurgery: A Comprehensive Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the bibliometric characteristics of scientific articles on systematic reviews of neurosurgery worldwide. METHODS: Bibliographic searches were performed in journals indexed by the Web of Science database until 2022, with no language restrictions. A total of 771 articles were ultimately included on the basis of predefined inclusion criteria, which were manually reviewed. The bibliometric analysis involved the use of quantitative bibliometric indicators and network analysis, which were performed using the bibliometrix package in R and VOSviewer, respectively. RESULTS: The first publication was in 2002, and the number of publications increased over time, with the largest number of publications in 2021 (156 articles). The average number of citations per document was 17.36, and the annual growth rate was 6.82%. Nathan A. Shlobin was the author with the most published articles (19 articles). The most cited study was published by Jobst BC (2015). WORLD NEUROSURGERY was the journal with the most publications (51 articles). The country of corresponding authors with the most publications and the greatest number of total citations was the United States. The affiliations with the most articles were University of Toronto (67 articles) and Harvard Medical School (54 articles). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing trend during the past 20 years, and especially in the past 2 years, highlights the advancements in various subspecialities in the field. Our analysis revealed that North American and Western European countries are at the forefront of the field. There is a poor output of publications, authors, and affiliations in Latin-American and African countries.

Embolization as stand-alone strategy for pediatric low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolization as first-line stand-alone strategy for the treatment of low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) (Spetzler Martin [SM] grade I and II) in pediatric patients. In addition, we assessed the predictors of procedure-related complications and radiographic complete obliteration in a single session. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single center retrospective cohort study of all pediatric (≤18 years) patients who underwent embolization as a stand-alone strategy for low-grade bAVMs between 2010 and 2022. Safety was measured by procedure-related complications and mortality. Efficacy was defined as complete angiographic obliteration after the last embolization session. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (41 females; median age 14 years) underwent a total of 102 embolization sessions. There were 24 (35%) SM grade I lesions and 44 (65%) grade II. Six procedure-related complications (5.8% of procedures) were observed and no deaths were reported. All the complications were intraoperative nidus ruptures. A single draining vein was the only significant predictor of procedure-related complications (OR=0.10; 95% CI 0.01 - 0.72; p=0.048). Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in 44 patients (65%). In 35 patients (51%) the bAVM was completely occluded in one session. The bAVM nidal size was a predictor of complete obliteration in one session (OR=0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.80; p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment as a stand-alone strategy for pediatric low-grade bAVMs is an adequate first-line approach in high volume centers with endovascular expertise. Nidal size evaluation is relevant in order to optimize patient selection for embolization as a stand-alone treatment modality.

Embolización de aneurismas intracraneales múltiples en sesión única

Objetivo: Determinar los resultados clínicos y angiográficos en pacientes con aneurismas intracraneales múltiples tratados endovascularmente en una única sesión. Materiales y Métodos: Se incluyó a todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años con aneurismas múltiples (≥2), rotos o no rotos, tratados con terapia endovascular en una única sesión entre 2019 y 2021. Se recolectaron los datos clínicos y angiográficos. Se determinó la tasa de oclusión inmediata y del seguimiento. La escala de Rankin modificado se usó para valorar el resultado clínico. Resultados: Se trataron 25 pacientes, de los cuales 14 se presentaron con hemorragia subaracnoidea. Se diagnosticaron un total de 78 aneurismas, de los cuales 59 aneurismas fueron tratados. La localización más frecuente fue el segmento oftálmico. La altura máxima promedio fue de 5.2mm, lo cual tuvo diferencia estadística significativa con el estado de ruptura (p ≤ 0.02). El principal tipo de tratamiento endovascular fue la técnica de remodeling en el 39 % de casos. El Raymond Roy inmediato fue I en el 60 % y IIIa en el 35 % de casos. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 24 % y de mortalidad fue del 8 %. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endovascular en una única sesión es una opción efectiva y segura en casos de aneurismas intracraneales múltiples en nuestra institución con tasa de oclusión y complicaciones aceptable.

Objective: To determine clinical and angiographical outcomes in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms who underwent endovascular therapy in a single session. Materials and Methods: Patients older than 18 years with multiple (≥2) ruptured or non-ruptured aneurysms were included, and all of them underwent endovascular therapy in a single session between 2019 and 2021. Clinical and angiographic data was collected. Immediate occlusion and follow-up data were collected. Rankin modified scale was used for assessing clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-five patients were treated, and fourteen had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Seventy-eight aneurysms were diagnosed, and 59 of them were treated. The most frequent location was at the ophthalmic segment. Maximum average height was 5.2- mm, which showed significant statistical difference with a ruptured condition (p≤0.02). The main modality for endovascular therapy was the remodeling technique, which was used in 39% of all cases. Immediate Raymond Roy staging was I in 60% of all cases, and IIIa in 35% of all cases. Complication rate was 24%, and mortality rate was 8%. Conclusions: Single session endovascular therapy is an effective and safe option for cases of multiple intracranial aneurysms in our institution. Occlusion and complication rates were acceptable.

Curative embolization of ruptured pediatric cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Embolization with the intention to cure has not been well studied in ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Furthermore, the role of primary curative embolization of pediatric AVMs is uncertain. Hence, we aimed to characterize the safety and efficacy of curative embolization of ruptured pediatric AVMs and assess predictors of obliteration and complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all pediatric (≤18 years) patients who underwent curative embolization of ruptured AVMs was conducted in two institutions between 2010 and 2022. The efficacy (complete angiographic obliteration after the last embolization session), recurrence (radiological recurrence of the lesion after confirmed obliteration in follow-up imaging), and safety (procedure-related complications and mortality) of the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (38 females; mean age 12.4 ± 3.4 years) underwent a total of 109 embolization sessions. Median follow-up time was 18 months after embolization (ranged from 2 to 47 months). Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in 42 patients (62%). In 30 patients (44%) the AVM was occluded with a single embolization session. Recurrence of a totally embolized lesion occurred in 9 patients (13%). Thirteen complications (11.9% of procedures) were observed, and no deaths were reported. A nidus size > 2 cm was the only independent predictor of complete obliteration (OR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.03 - 0.77; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Embolization of pediatric ruptured AVMs with curative intent can achieve acceptable obliteration rates. However, recurrence after complete obliteration and procedure-related complications of curative embolization of these lesions cannot be ignored. Ruptured AVMs ≤ 2 cm are adequate to achieve complete obliteration with curative endovascular management.

Transvenous embolization of a ruptured thalamic arteriovenous malformation supplied by the tuberothalamic artery.

Background: Basal ganglia and thalamic arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent 10% of all AVM. They are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to their high hemorrhagic presentation and eloquence. Radiosurgery has been the first line treatment, whereas surgical removal and endovascular therapy are possible in selected cases. Deep AVM with small niduses and a single draining vein can achieve cure with embolization. Case Description: A 10-year-old boy with sudden headache and vomiting underwent a brain computed tomography scan that showed a right thalamic hematoma. Cerebral angiography revealed a small ruptured right anteromedial thalamic AVM with a single feeder arising from the tuberothalamic artery and a single drainage to the superior thalamic vein. Transvenous approach using precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid 25%® achieved a complete obliteration of the lesion in a single-session. He was discharged home without neurological sequelae and maintained clinically intact at follow-up. Conclusion: Transvenous embolization of deep-located AVM as a primary treatment is curative in selected cases, with complication rates comparable to other therapeutic strategies.

Microsurgical and endovascular treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions of the posterior fossa. In addition to aneurysmal morphology, structural anatomic considerations may confer additional procedural risk, and as a result there is currently no consensus as to whether a surgical or endovascular approach offers greater safety and efficacy for patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We systematically examined peer-reviewed literature describing PICA aneurysm treatment planning from January 2000 to May 2021 using the PRISMA methodology. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Fifty-eight studies including 1673 PICA aneurysms were analyzed. Overall treatment occlusion rate was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93-100%) for surgery and 85% (95% CI: 78-92%) for endovascular therapy. The recurrence rate was 6% in the endovascular group and 1% for surgery. Overall morbidity and mortality were 16% and 7%, respectively. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9% of the surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a large body of literature, analysis indicates that 62% of studies had moderate or serious risk of bias, suggesting very-low certainty results. Therefore, treatment via either approach should be determined on a case-by-case basis and according to institutional experience.

Aneurisma tipo blister roto con manejo satifactorio con la técnica de remodelado - Reporte de un caso

Introducción : Los aneurismas tipo blíster son aneurismas pequeños, complejos, menores de 3mm, con alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad, así como de resangrado y recurrencia. Son difíciles de tratar y se han propuesto técnicas microquirúrgicas y endovasculares, siendo estas últimas las de menor tasa de complicaciones. Caso Clínico : Mujer de 74 años, ingresa con 6 horas de evolución de trastorno de sensorio brusco. La tomografía muestra hemorragia subaracnoidea difusa a predominio izquierdo. Se le realiza una angiografía cerebral que evidencia un aneurisma blíster de la trifurcación de la arteria cerebral media izquierda. Se emboliza con técnica de remodeling y coils, logrando obliterar la totalidad del aneurisma. Conclusión : Los aneurismas tipo blíster son aneurismas complejos y raros, siendo la terapia endovascular una alternativa segura y eficaz con menor tasa de complicaciones.

Introduction : Blister-like aneurysms are small, complex, smaller than 3mm, with high rate of morbidity and mortality, as well as rebleeding and recurrence. They are difficult to treat and microsurgical and endovascular techniques are current treatment modalities. Endovascular technique has the lowest rate of complications. Clinical case : 74-year-old woman, admitted with 6 hours of sudden sensory disorder. The CT scan shows diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage predominantly on the left side. A cerebral angiography showed a blister-like aneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery trifurcation. The patient was treated with coiling and remodeling technique, achieving a complete occlusion. Conclusion : Blister-like aneurysms are complex and rare, whereas endovascular therapy is a safe and effective alternative with low complication rate.

Utilidad de la angiografía intra-operatoria en el tratamiento quirúrgico de malformaciones arteriovenosas y aneurismas intracraneales

Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la angiografía intraoperatoria (AIO) para detectar lesiones residuales en casos de resección quirúrgica de malformaciones arteriovenosas (MAV) y aneurismas intracraneales. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, tipo serie de casos. Entre noviembre de 1993 y abril de 2001, se diagnosticaron 778 pacientes con patología vascular cerebral, de los cuales 477 fueron sometidos a cirugía. Se empleó AIO en 119 casos y se analizaron las variables clínicas y radiológicas. Resultados: Se analizaron 119 casos, 105 (88,2%) con MAV y 14 (11,8%) con aneurisma. La edad promedio fue de 35 años (rango 6 - 69) y el sexo masculino representó el 52% de los casos. La asociación entre MAV y aneurisma se encontró en 17 casos (14,3%). El aneurisma más frecuente fue el paraclinoideo gigante (71,3%), mientras que las MAV supratentoriales y Spetzler-Martin grado 3 representaron el 83,8% y 73,3% de los casos, respectivamente. Se demostró lesión residual en 7 casos, de los cuales 5 fueron nido residual de MAV y 2 casos aneurisma remanente. Las complicaciones relacionadas a la AIO fueron del 3,4% y mortalidad del 2,5%. Conclusiones: La AIO es una técnica útil para detectar lesiones residuales en patología vascular cerebral sometidas a cirugía abierta.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the utility of intraoperative angiography (IOA) to detect residual lesions after surgical repair of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and intracranial aneurysms (ICA). Methods: This is a case series including 778 patients from November 1993 to April 2001; of which 477 underwent surgical intervention. IOA was used in 119 cases. Results: A total of 119 cases were analyzed, 105 patients with AVM (88.2%) and 14 with an aneurysm (11.8%). The mean age was 35 years (range 6 - 69) and males represented 52% of the cases. Both AVM and aneurysms occurred in 17 cases (14.3%). Giant paraclinoid aneurysm was the most common aneurysm (71.3%), whereas supratentorial and grade 3 Spetzler-Martin AVM represented 83.3% and 73.3% of the cases, respectively. A residual lesion was was detected in 7 cases, of which 5 were residual nidus of an AVM and 2 remnant aneurysms. IOA-related complications occurred in 3.4% and mortality was 2.5%. Conclusions: IOA is a useful technique to detect residual cerebro-vascular lesions after open surgeries

Agenesis of the internal carotid artery associated with intracranial aneurysms: Endovascular treatment and intraoperative complications management.

Agenesis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare condition, whereas the association of this condition and the presence of intracranial aneurysms is higher in comparison to patients with normal vasculature. Endovascular treatment of this particular subgroup of patients has been described, but complications associated during treatment have not. Herein, we describe the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in two cases complicated with coil protrusion and in-stent thrombosis in the setting of agenesis of the ICA which were treated successfully without clinical compromise. One-year follow-up digital subtraction angiography demonstrated the complete obliteration of both aneurysms. In most of the cases, coil protrusion does not require further intervention; nevertheless, in the setting of ICA agenesis, stent placement is a potential alternative. In-stent thrombosis should be treated promptly with the available tools, in our case intra-arterial Alteplase reperfused the parent vessel.

Decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction at an emergency hospital in Peru / Craniectomía descompresiva en infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media en un hospital de emergencias en Perú

SUMMARY Objective : To describe clinical, surgical and post-operative characteristics of patients with the diagnosis of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery who underwent decompressive craniectomy. Methods : Descriptive, retrospective case series study, performed between March 2017 and March 2020. Data from consecutive patients with the diagnosis of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction were collected. Results : Ten cases were reviewed. Eighty percent of the patients were men, the mean age was 64 years and 60% of the patients were older than 60 years. At admission, the mean Glasgow was 11 points and the mean mRS was 4. The mean time from diagnosis to surgery was 89.7 hours. The anterior cerebral artery was comprised in two cases. Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in three cases. The mean anterior-posterior diameter of the skull flap was 116 mm. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay were 14.1 and 27.5 days, respectively. Three patients died. Conclusions : Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving procedure in an emergency hospital-setting with an acceptable in-hospital mortality rate within one-month follow-up.

RESUMEN Objetivo : Describir las características clínicas, quirúrgicas y postoperatorias en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva. Material y métodos : Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos, realizado entre marzo 2017 y marzo 2020. Se recolectaron los datos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de infarto maligno de arteria cerebral. Resultados : Diez casos fueron revisados. Ochenta por ciento fueron hombres, la edad promedio fue 64 años y 60% de los pacientes fueron mayores de 60 años. En la admisión, el Glasgow promedio fue de 11 puntos y el mRS fue de 4. El tiempo promedio desde el diagnostico hasta la cirugía fue de 89,7 horas. La arteria cerebral anterior estuvo comprometida en dos casos. La transformación hemorrágica ocurrió en tres casos. El diámetro anteroposterior promedio de la plaqueta ósea fue de 116 mm. El tiempo promedio de estancia en UCI y estancia hospitalaria fueron de 14,1 días y 27,5 días, respectivamente. Tres pacientes murieron. Conclusiones : La craniectomía descompresiva es un procedimiento que salva vidas en un ambiente hospitalario de emergencia con una aceptable mortalidad intrahospitalaria dentro del primer mes de seguimiento.

Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Treated with C-Guard Stent.

Internal carotid dissection is the most common cause of stroke in the young population. Stroke, the presence of a pseudoaneurysm, and decreased artery lumen with cerebral flow impairment are indications for treatment. Medical therapy with antithrombotic drugs and endovascular therapy with stenting are the main available options. The C-Guard stent is an open cell mesh-covered dual layer stent that has been mainly used in cases of internal carotid artery stenosis with a post-operative reduction in stroke incidence. Thus, we present two cases of internal carotid artery dissections of the cervical segment treated with the open cell dual-layer C-Guard stent without complications.

Endovascular treatment of medium and large intracranial aneurysms with large volume coils: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Large volume coils are an alternative to conventional coils for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, there are no published reports documenting occlusion and complication rates in medium and large intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, we present our results in this subgroup of aneurysms. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with Penumbra coils 400 in aneurysms ≥7 mm was performed. Demographics, aneurysm features, procedural details, intraoperative complications, clinical outcomes, and occlusion rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included for analysis, and a total of 33 intracranial aneurysms were analyzed. Mean age was 57.6 years (SD ± 12.4) and 85% of the patients were women. Large aneurysms represented 46% of cases. Paraclinoid (55%) followed by posterior communicating (30.3%) aneurysms was the most frequently treated. Ruptured and saccular aneurysms were found in 49% and 63% of the cases, respectively. The mean aneurysmal dimensions were 14.2 mm width, 11.9 mm length, 5.4 mm neck, and 2.4 dome-to-neck ratio. A dome-neck ratio <2 was identified in 39% of cases. The mean number of coils per aneurysm was 4.8. Immediate modified Raymond-Roy Grades 1, 2, and 3A were achieved in 15%, 21%, and 64%, respectively. Twenty-six patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 11 months, with an adequate occlusion of 92% and a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin score ≤2) in 96% of patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment with PC400 coils is an effective and safe option for medium and large intracranial aneurysms with high occlusion rates, few complications, and good clinical outcomes at follow-up.