Complication rate, cure rate, and long-term outcomes of microsurgery for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae: a multicenter series and systematic review.

Although microsurgery is an established treatment modality for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), data regarding the perioperative complication rate, cure rate, and long-term outcomes remain scarce. The aims of this study were to describe our original experience with microsurgery, including the surgical complications and pitfalls, and conduct a systematic review of the relevant literature. A multicenter cohort of patients with dAVF treated by microsurgery was retrospectively assessed. In addition, the PubMed database was searched for published studies involving microsurgery for dAVF, and the complication rate, cure rate, and long-term outcomes were estimated. The total number of patients in our multicenter series and published articles was 553 (593 surgeries). The overall rates of transient complications, permanent complications, death, and incomplete treatment were 11.4, 4.0, 1.2, and 6.5%, respectively. A favorable outcome was achieved for 90.1% patients, even though almost half of the patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Of note, the incidence of recurrence was only one per 8241 patient-months of postoperative follow-up. Surgeries for anterior cranial fossa dAVF were associated with a lower complication rate, whereas those for tentorial dAVF were associated with higher complication and incomplete treatment rates. The complication and incomplete treatment rates were lower with simple disconnection of cortical venous drainage than with radical occlusion/resection of dural shunts. Our findings suggest that the cure rate, complication rates, and outcomes of microsurgery for dAVF are acceptable; thus, it could be a feasible second-line treatment option for dAVF. However, surgeons should be aware of the specific adverse events of microsurgery.

[Kissing Mirror Aneurysms of the Anterior Communicating Artery. A Case Report].

Kissing aneurysms are defined as two adjacent aneurysms arising from identical or different arteries with separate origins and partially adherent walls. Mirror aneurysms are defined as intracranial aneurysms located in similar positions bilaterally on the parent arteries. Both kissing and mirror aneurysms at the anterior communicating artery(AcomA)are rare. We report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)due to ruptured kissing mirror aneurysms of the AcomA. An 80-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a sudden headache and vomiting. CT revealed diffuse SAH. Digital subtraction arteriography(DSA)revealed an aneurysm at the right A1-A2 junction of the AcomA. Hence, coil embolization was performed. On day 14 following embolization, rebleeding occurred. DSA revealed complete occlusion of the aneurysm at the right A1-A2 junction. However, left carotid angiography revealed an aneurysm at the left A1-A2 junction. We did not understand the anatomical construction of the aneurysms;therefore, we selected microsurgical treatment to clip the AcomA aneurysm using an interhemispheric approach. The left A1-A2 junctional aneurysm was anterior to the right A1-A2 junctional aneurysm, which was coil embolized. We detected the left A1-A2 junctional aneurysm as a ruptured aneurysm. The two aneurysms were adhered to each other. After dissection to expose the aneurysmal neck, the left A1-A2 junctional aneurysm was clipped. Kissing mirror aneurysms are difficult to diagnose before treatment. Knowledge and suspicion of the occurrence of kissing mirror aneurysms in the AcomA are important.

Microsurgical Findings of Pial Arterial Feeders in Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Pial arterial feeders in an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) are risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications during endovascular embolization. Microsurgery in dAVF with pial arterial feeders has rarely been reported. OBJECTIVE: To assess our original experience with microsurgery for dAVF with pial arterial feeders by investigating surgical findings and outcomes. METHODS: In 40 patients with intracranial dAVF who underwent microsurgery, we found 8 patients who had pial arterial feeders. A retrospective review was conducted. RESULTS: The locations of the dAVFs were as follows: tentorium, 2 patients; Galenic system, 1; straight sinus, 1; torcula, 1; transverse sinus, 1; ethmoid, 1; and convexity, 1. Preoperative angiography revealed that the pial arterial feeders originated from the middle cerebral artery in 2 patients, the anterior cerebral artery in 1, the posterior cerebral artery in 2, and the posterior medial choroidal artery in 1. Of note, in 2 patients (6.7%), feeders from the superior cerebellar artery were determined to be angiographically occult during preoperative examination and were detected through careful intraoperative observation and arachnoid dissection. In 5 cases, the additional obliteration of the pial arterial feeders and/or more distal cortical venous drainers after the simple disconnection of proximal cortical drainers was necessary to cure the dAVF. Finally, all shunts were cured with only 1 minor complication. CONCLUSION: Although microsurgical results were acceptable, the surgeon should be aware of the presence of pial arterial feeders even after the simple disconnection of cortical venous drainage. Angiographically occult feeders may also exist.

[Embolization of Arteriovenous Fistulae of the Maxillary Artery after Le Fort I Osteotomy:A Case Report].

BACKGROUND: Le Fort I osteotomy, one of the most common techniques applied to correct jaw deformities, is generally considered operatively safe. However, a few articles reported that this procedure can lead to formation of arteriovenous fistulae(AVF)involving the maxillary artery infrequently. CASE REPORT: A man in his 40s with a jaw deformity underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. Two days later, he noticed pulsating tinnitus in his right ear. Angiography revealed AVF between the proximal part of the maxillary artery(first segment)and the pterygoid plexus. On further evaluation, AVF were embolized with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate(NBCA). Obliteration of AVF was confirmed on the final angiography. The tinnitus resolved shortly after the embolization. CONCLUSION: Embolization with NBCA is a promising treatment for maxillary AVF after Le Fort I osteotomy.

Efficacy of 'drive and retrieve' as a cooperative method for prompt endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke depend on the time interval from onset to reperfusion. Although the centralized 'mothership' method is considered preferable, the required transportation time increases the risk that a patient with a stroke may not receive intravenous or endovascular therapy. In contrast, 'drive and retrieve' describes a system wherein doctors from comprehensive stroke centers travel to primary stroke centers and provide endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To describe the drive and retrieve system and verify the effects of this new collaboration on outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke among facilities. METHODS: This non-randomized, single-arm study retrospectively analyzed patients who met the inclusion criteria for endovascular treatment provided through a drive and retrieve system. Among the 122 patients treated by this system, we analyzed the time of onset to recanalization as the primary outcome. We also analyzed the efficacy of the drive and retrieve system using geographic information system analysis. RESULTS: The median time from onset to recanalization was 229 min (IQR 170-307 min, 95% CI 201 to 252 min). The upper limit of the 95% CI for the time from onset to recanalization was shorter than the median times reported in two previous trials. Geographic information system analysis revealed an upward trend in the population coverage rate in each secondary medical area after the drive and retrieve method was introduced. CONCLUSION: The drive and retrieve method may be an effective form of cooperation between facilities located within 1 hour of a comprehensive stroke center.

Treatment of Recurrent Intracranial Aneurysms After Clipping: A Report of 23 Cases and a Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: There are no established treatment strategies for aneurysms that recur after clipping. In this study, we present cases of patients who experienced recurrent aneurysms after clipping and subsequently underwent surgical intervention. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2015, we surgically treated 23 aneurysms that recurred at a previously clipped site. Patient characteristics and clinical history were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Patients included 19 women and 4 men 45-81 years old. Aneurysms recurred 3-31 years (mean, 15.4 years) after the initial operation. For 18 cases, the first clinical presentation was a subarachnoid hemorrhage; aneurysms were incidentally diagnosed in 5 patients. Aneurysm locations were as follows: 9 on the internal carotid artery; 4 on the middle cerebral artery; 7 on the anterior communicating artery; 2 on the distal anterior cerebral artery; and 1 on the basilar artery. The reasons for retreatment included subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 9) and aneurysm regrowth detected on follow-up examinations (n = 14). Endovascular treatment was performed in 10 cases, and direct surgery was performed in 13 cases (clipping in 8, clipping or trapping with bypass in 5). Various complex vascular reconstructions, including high-flow bypass and intracranial-intracranial in situ bypass, were performed for recurrent aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, coil embolization is a safe and effective procedure for treating recurrent aneurysms. When cases are unsuitable for coil embolization, surgical treatment often requires neurosurgeons not only to overcome the general technical difficulty of reoperative clipping but also to perform challenging vascular reconstruction.

[Efficacy of Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization for a Dissecting Aneurysm of the Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Caused by a Systemic Vascular Disease: A Case Report].

Systemic vascular diseases such as fibromuscular dysplasia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Behçet's disease are known to cause spontaneous dissecting aneurysms of the cervical internal carotid artery. These diseases are generally associated with vascular fragility; therefore, invasive treatments are avoided in many cases of dissecting aneurysms, and a conservative approach is used for the primary disease. Surgical or intravascular treatment may be chosen when aneurysms are progressive or are associated with a high risk of hemorrhage; however, there is no consensus on which treatment is better. We report a case of a dissecting aneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery in a patient with suspected Behçet's disease, which was treated using stent-assisted coil embolization. A man in his 40's, with suspected Behçet's disease, presented with an enlarged dissecting aneurysm of the right cervical internal carotid artery. The lesion was present for approximately 10 years. We performed stent-assisted coil embolization for the lesion. Post-surgery, no aneurysms were detected with carotid artery echography. Our case report suggests that stent-assisted coil embolization is a promising treatment for dissecting aneurysms of the cervical internal carotid artery. In addition, the procedure demonstrates the utility of carotid artery echograms for examining recanalization after stent-assisted coil embolization.

De novo arteriovenous malformation in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant systemic disorder characterized by the enlargement of capillaries, recurrent nosebleeds, and multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Although cerebral AVMs are traditionally considered to be congenital lesions, some reports have described de novo AVMs, which suggests that the authors believed them to be dynamic conditions. In this article, the authors describe the case of a 5-year-old boy with HHT in whom a de novo cerebral AVM was detected after a negative MRI result at 5 months. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a de novo AVM in a patient with HHT. In patients with a family history of HHT, de novo AVMs are possible, even when no lesions are detected at the first screening. Therefore, regular screenings need to be performed, and the family should be informed that AVMs could still develop despite normal MRI results.

Surgical Outcomes for Cervical Carotid Artery Stenosis: Treatment Strategy for Bilateral Cervical Carotid Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stenting (CAS) are beneficial procedures for patients with high-grade cervical carotid stenosis. However, it is sometimes difficult to manage patients with bilateral carotid stenosis. To decide the treatment strategy, one of the most important questions is whether contralateral stenosis increases the risk of patients undergoing CEA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 201 patients with carotid stenosis who underwent a total of 219 consecutive procedures (CEA 189/CAS 30). We retrospectively analyzed outcomes in patients with carotid stenosis who were treated with either CEA or CAS and evaluated whether or not contralateral lesions increases the risk of patients undergoing CEA or CAS. Furthermore, we retrospectively verified our treatment strategy for bilateral carotid stenosis. RESULTS: The incidences of perioperative complications were 5.3% in the CEA patients and 6.7% in the CAS patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between these 2 groups. The existences of contralateral occlusion and/or contralateral stenosis were not associated with perioperative complications in both the groups. There were 32 patients with bilateral severe carotid stenosis (>50%). Of those, 13 patients underwent bilateral revascularizations; CEA followed by CEA in 8, CEA followed by CAS in 3, CAS followed by CEA + coronary artery bpass grafting in 1, and CAS followed by CAS in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Our date showed that the existence of contralateral carotid lesion was not associated with perioperative complications, and most of our cases with bilateral carotid stenosis initially underwent CEA.

[Successful acute endovascular therapy of cerebral embolism for a patient with ventricular assist device: a case report].

The number of patients with a ventricular assist device(VAD)will increase with the spread of heart transplantation in Japan. On the other hand, it is likely that VADs could cause cerebral embolism. However, there are few reports about endovascular therapy for intracranial embolic infarction from VAD. The authors report successful acute endovascular therapy for cerebral embolism. A 19-year-old woman with a VAD who received anti-coagulant treatment by warfarin sodium presented disturbance of consciousness and right hemiparesis. CT scan showed early CT sign in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) area. 3D-CTA demonstrated occlusion of the left MCA and basilar artery (BA). We first performed endovascular recanalization in the left MCA, because IV tPA was ineligible. The left MCA was recanalized with TICI 2b perfusion and her symptoms were significantly improved. The treatment of the VAD patient reveals important issues. First, the femoral puncture requires ultrasound due to pulseless femoral artery. Second, the access route is an intact artery because of the anatomy of the VAD. Third, even if the patient has a hemorrhagic complication by intervention, the patient must be kept on anti-coagulant treatment because the VAD requires it. Careful consideration should be given to recanalization of occlusive vessels.

Dural arteriovenous fistula at the anterior clinoid process draining directly into the superficial middle cerebral vein.

A 76-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Selective angiography revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) at the right anterior clinoid process, draining into the superficial middle cerebral vein in a retrograde fashion. Two internal carotid artery aneurysms were also demonstrated at the origin of the posterior communicating artery and the anterior choroidal artery on the same side. The patient underwent craniotomy, and all lesions were treated simultaneously. Rupture of the anterior choroidal artery aneurysm was confirmed. DAVF draining directly into the superficial middle cerebral vein is extremely rare. The precise location of the shunt, the anatomical features, and venous drainage must be evaluated to consider treatment.

Long-term clinical and radiological results of endovascular internal trapping in vertebral artery dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reports have suggested that endovascular parent artery occlusion is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). However, the results of long-term outcomes are still unclear. This study reviewed the clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with VAD treated by endovascular internal trapping. METHODS: A total of 73 patients were treated for VAD by endovascular internal trapping between March 1998 and March 2011. Patients were regularly followed up by magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and clinical examinations. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Forty-five patients had ruptured VADs, and 28 had unruptured VADs. Clinical follow-up of at least 6 months data was obtained for 61 patients (83.6 %). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 145 months (mean ± SD, 55.6 ± 8.9 months). Two patients with ruptured VADs had recurrence (2.74 %). Cranial nerve paresis (CNP) was observed in six patients (8.21 %), spinal cord infarction in two patients (2.74 %), and a perforating artery ischemia was diagnosed in seven patients (9.59 %); all patients with CNP and five of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome experienced only temporary symptoms; two of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome had permanent neurological deficits. Despite their symptoms, most patients were in good general condition, as shown by their clinical scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have proven that endovascular internal trapping is a stable and durable treatment for closure of VADs. Recanalization is rather rare and occurred only in ruptured cases, both within 3 months after initial treatment without rupture. CNPs were observed in 8.21 %, perforating ischemia in 9.59 %, and spinal cord infarction in 2.74 %. The former two are temporary, while the last can be a factor that affects the modified Rankin Scale. Patients rated their quality of life as good, as corroborated by their posttreatment clinical score. Endovascular internal trapping for VAD is a therapy with a satisfactory long-term outcome.

[Bilateral abducens nerve palsies in treated cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage].

Isolated abducens nerve palsies associated with the rupture of intracranial aneurysms have rarely been reported. We report two cases of isolated bilateral abducens nerve palsies occurring after subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. Case 1: A 49-year-old woman had bilateral abducens nerve palsies following subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of the left vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Case 2: A 55-year-old man had bilateral abducens nerve palsies following subarachnoid hemorrhage due to dissecting aneurysm of the right vertebral artery. Case 1 and 2 were treated with surgical clipping of the aneurysm and internal occlusion of the parent artery. In both cases, bilateral abducens nerve palsies achieved almost full recovery several months after treatment. It is speculated that the main causes of palsies are compression and stretching of the bilateral abducens nerves by a thick clot in the prepontine cistern. Although most of the abducens palsies may be reversible and have good prognosis, it is important that they are kept in mind as isolated symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Endovascular treatment for aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery: 12 years' experience with 21 cases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To discuss and summarize the strategies and complications of endovascular embolization for aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). METHODS: Data of patients with PCA aneurysms treated by an endovascular procedure were analyzed retrospectively (n = 21). Twenty patients with aneurysms were treated by detachable coil embolization, and one patient was treated with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Of the 21 aneurysm embolization cases, 9 were treated by parent artery occlusion (PAO), and 12 were treated by selective occlusion of the aneurysm (SOA). RESULTS: All 12 aneurysms treated by SOA showed complete occlusion. Two aneurysms became recanalized 6 months after the first embolization and were then re-embolized; complete healing was observed on follow-up angiography. All patients showed acceptable outcomes without any procedural complications, except one patient who died 2 days after treatment. PAO resulted in 100% occlusion of all aneurysms. Cerebral infarction was noted in most patients (78%, n = 7). However, the area of infarction was small. Permanent neurological deficit was observed in two patients (22%), but their condition was not critical. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm embolization with SOA is well indicated for saccular aneurysms with well-defined necks, whereas PAO carries a risk of ischemic complications. Although the PCA is rich in collateral circulation, ischemic complications were noted in most patients after PAO, and it was difficult to predict occurrence of these complications. However, the area of cerebral infarction tended to be small, and the neurological deficits observed were not critical.

[A case of ectopic pituitary adenoma occurring in the sphenoid sinus].

Ectopic pituitary adenomas are relatively rare tumors. We present a case of ectopic pituitary adenoma occurring in the sphenoid sinus. A 63-year-old woman was referred to our hospital complaining of headache. She had no endocrinological abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor in the sphenoid sinus, adjacent to the sellar floor and appearing as a low-signal on T1-weighted image and a high signal on T2-weighted image. No connection between the normal pituitary gland and tumor was observed. Using an endonasal-transsphenoidal approach assisted with neuro-endoscopy, we performed total removal of the tumor. No connection between the normal pituitary gland and the tumor was found. Histopathological analysis showed a pituitary adenoma. As demonstrated by our case report, differential diagnosis of a tumor occurring in the sphenoid sinus must include consideration of the existence of an ectopic pituitary adenoma.

[The result of conventional craniotomy and hematoma evacuation in striatocapsular hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to report the outcome of our surgical procedure of conventional craniotomy for the evacuation of striatocapsular hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2004 to 2008, 75 patients were admitted to our hospital because of striatocapsular hemorrhage. We assigned thirty one (41%) of the 75 patients to surgery. We employed prognosis-based outcome analysis. RESULTS: The average volume of hematoma in surgically treated cases was 95.2 ± 52.5 (30- 223.8) mL. Mortality rate was 16% at 6 months after the onset. In the total population, a favorable outcome was achieved in 65% assessed by using the Glasogow Outcome Scale, 37.3% by using a modified Rankin Scale and 38.7% by using the Barthel index, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our observational study indicated that the outcome through conventional craniotomy and evacuation of hematoma was superior to the outcome of typical previous studies. We also illustrated our surgical procedure to emphasize operative nuances.

[Basilar artery occlusion due to embolism from the vertebral artery: three case reports].

Without early recanalization, it is well known that acute basilar artery occlusion almost always results in death or severe disability. We report three cases of basilar artery occlusion due to vertebral artery thrombo-embolism. In all cases, the cause of the strokes was artery to artery embolism from the vertebral artery origin. In case 1 and 3, despite complete occlusion of the vertebral artery origin, the thrombus was drained into the basilar artery through collateral flow from the external carotid artery. Atherosclerotic lesion of the vertebral artery origin is one of the main embolic sources of basilar artery, in which case, angioplasty or stent placement of the vertebral artery origin should be considered in addition to thrombolysis of the basilar artery.

[Case allocation in the management of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysm using endovascular embolization as a first option].

OBJECTIVE: The management of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms remains controversial since the results of ISAT have been reported. The aim of our study is to report our decision-making process and outcome in 36 consecutive cases using endovascular coil embolization as a first choice of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients were studied. Since April, 2004, the treatment modality has been decided after discussion between the endovascular and cerebrovascular surgeons, taking into account the physiological status, treatment risk and morphology of the aneurysm. RESULTS: Twelve (33%) of 36 patients were allocated to coil embolization. Factors leading to the selection of clipping surgery were decided mostly by the morphology of the aneurysm, namely, tiny in 11 (47.8%), irregular shape in 6 (26.1%), broad neck in 3 (13.0%) and bleb located at the neck in 3 (13.0%). Half of the aneurysms projecting anteriorly were treated coil embolization. CONCLUSION: The allocation rate of endovascular treatment in ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms was 33%. Endovascular treatment was effective in at least half of the anterior the projecting aneurysms.

[Microsurgical exposure of middle cerebral aneurysms located at the limen recess].

OBJECTIVE: To describe techniques of exposure for middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms located at the limen recess. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 17 patients who underwent clipping surgery, during a 3-year period, to MCA aneurysms located at the limen recess. All clinical and imaging data were reviewed. RESULTS: Techniques required in the limen recess MCA aneurysms were: 1) Wide exposure of the sylvian fissure (from the distal part to the carotid cistern), 2) Secure the M1 proximal, 3) Temporary occlusion, 4) Perpendicular clip. Temporary occlusion was employed in 13 of 17 patients. No procedure related morbidity was observed. CONCLUSION: Difficulty lies in the circumstance that the aneurysm frequently has its orifice 270 degree, while the clip has to be applied perpendicular to the M2 axis in a narrow working space. Using temporary clip and extensive exposure may be the key to avoid brain damage in the surgery of MCA aneurysms located at the limen recess.

[Ruptured P1-2 junction aneurysm associated with bilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery].

We report a case of bilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery which was revealed by oclulomotor palsy and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography showed a ruptured aneurysm of the left P1-2 junction and bilateral absence of the internal carotid artery. In surgery, it was necessary to use temporary clipping several times to adjust the aneurismal clipping. Complete clipping easily compromised the middle cerebral circulation. This case suggested that STA-MCA bypass should be considered in the surgery of agenesis of the internal carotid artery in which the preoperative hemodynamic status is usually normal.