Location-based clinical and angiographic profile of brain arteriovenous malformations - a single-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: The location of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) is one of the most relevant prognostic factors included in surgical, endovascular and radiosurgical scores. However, their characteristics according to location are seldom described. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical and angiographic characteristics of bAVM classified according to their location. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with bAVM and attending a national referral hospital during the period 2010-2020. Data regarding clinical and angiographic variables were extracted, including characteristics on nidus, arterial afferents, venous drainage and associated aneurysms. BAVM were classified in 8 groups according to their location: frontal, temporal, parieto-occipital, periventricular, deep, cerebellar, brainstem and mixed. Data distribution for each group was determined and between-group differences were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 269 bAVM (in 258 patients) were included. The most frequent location was parieto-occipital; and the least frequent, brainstem. Statistically significant differences were observed between groups for most studied variables, including: clinical presentation, functional status at admission; nidus size and density, classification according to the Spetzler-Martin, Buffalo and modified Pollock-Flickinger scales; number, diameter, origin and type of afferents; number, diameter, type and direction of venous drainage, retrograde venous flow; and presence and size of flow-related aneurysms. CONCLUSION: The clinical and angiographic differences observed between brain AVM groups allow the formulation of profiles according to their location.

Angiographic and clinical outcomes from 396 aneurysms treated with the pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology.

BACKGROUND: The PEDESTRIAN registry demonstrated high rates of complete long-term occlusion and good clinical outcomes among patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device. The pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology was introduced to minimize thromboembolic complications. In this study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of pipeline embolization device with shield technology among all patients treated for intracranial aneurysms at our center. METHODS: This was a single-arm retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology at our high-volume center between January 2018-January 2021. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete occlusion as measured by a class 1 Raymond-Roy score at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was major morbidity and neurological mortality up to 1 year following intervention. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (mean age 56.1 ± 14.7 years; 81.1% female), 80 of whom were previously included in PEDESTRIAN, with 396 aneurysms, were analyzed. A total of 378 devices were deployed, with 93.9% (372/396) of aneurysms requiring only one device. Follow-up angiography was available for 90.2% (296/328) of the procedures after a mean time of 14.0 ± 8.2 months. Complete occlusion was demonstrated for 78.5% (132/168) of aneurysms at 12 months and 90.7% (98/108) at 24 months. The overall rates of major morbidity and neurological mortality after 2 years were 1.5% (5/328) and 0.6% (2/328), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate high rates of complete long-term occlusion among patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology. We also observed low rates of mortality and morbidity consistent with fewer thromboembolic complications with pipeline embolization devices with shield technology.

Cerebral thromboembolic complications during cerebral angiography and their risk factors in different subgroups: Analysis of 2,457 procedures.

PURPOSE: Diagnostic cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is an invasive examination that involves catheterization of the major supra-aortic arterial trunks and evaluation of intracranial vessels for diagnostic purposes. Although considered the gold standard method for investigating cerebrovascular diseases, DSA carries measurable and potentially serious complication rates. This report describes the frequency of neurological and non-neurological complications of DSA performed in five hospitals in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and analyzes them in different disease subgroups. It has a special focus on thromboembolic cerebral complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of all adult patients who underwent DSAs between January 2019 and December 2022. Demographic variables, DSA reports, CT/MRI reports, and clinical follow-up notes were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients experienced some type of complication among 2,457 diagnostic DSAs (0.97%). Thromboembolic complications were recorded in 9 patients (0.36%), and access site hematomas larger than 5 cm were registered in six patients (0.24%). There was a statistical trend for thromboembolic complications in patients with cervical and/or intracranial atherosclerosis (p = 0.07), but age was not associated with them (p = 0.93). Patients who received heparin had lower rates of embolic complications than those who did not receive it, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.17). Intravenous administration of heparin showed a trend toward significance with groin hematoma (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic catheter DSAs have low complication rates.

Estudio de la prevalencia del nacimiento y de la presencia de bucle caudal extracraneano de arterias cerebelosas posteroinferiores en una población estudiada por angiografía cerebral / Study of the prevalence of origin and the presence of an extracranial caudal loop of the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries in a population studied by cerebral angiography

Introducción. La arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior (ACPI) nace de la arteria vertebral en la cara anterolateral del tronco cerebral, generalmente a la altura de la oliva inferior, transcurriendo en forma rostral a través de las raíces de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio. El objetivo del trabajo es determinar la prevalencia del nacimiento de la arteria cerebelosa postero inferior a nivel extracraneano, la presencia de bucle caudal extracraneano y las relaciones con estructuras oseas adyacentes, en una población estudiada por angiografía de vasos supraaórticos. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, de una muestra consecutiva realizada durante un año (septiembre 2021 a agosto 2022) de todos los pacientes a los que se les realizó un cateterismo de vasos de cuello y cerebrales en Neurointervencionismo del Hospital de Alta Complejidad en Red "El Cruce", Buenos Aires, Argentina.Los estudios se realizaron en dos angiógrafos digitales en forma indistinta en incidencia perfil, con y sin digitalización de imagen, focalizadas en la unión craneo-cervical en todos los pacientes estudiados entre 18 y 80 años. Se objetivó el lugar de nacimiento de las arterias ACPI y la presencia de bucles extracraneanos por visión directa en los estudios sin y con sustracción. Se definió como bucle o loop extracraneano a la presencia de un segmento curvo de la arteria con dirección caudal que se extiende por debajo del foramen magno. Se buscó la concordancia interobservador entre 2 profesionales en forma independiente. Resultados. De los 404 procedimientos realizados en el período estudiado ingresaron 288 pacientes al estudio, de los cuales 152 fueron mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 49,2 años. Se analizaron 422 ACPI, 214 derechas y 208 izquierdas. Se observaron un total de 102 ACPI con bucles extracraneanos, representando un 24,1% del total: 49 derechos (48%) y 53 izquierdos (52%). En relación a arterias con origen extracraneal, se observaron en total 58 (13,7%) de las cuales 29 fueron derechas (50%). En 10 casos se observó en la misma arteria nacimiento y loop extracraneano (10%) y en dos casos nacimiento y loop extracraneano bilateral (3.9%). En 13 casos la arteria vertebral fue terminal en ACPI, de las cuales 5 presentaron un loop extracraneano, representando el 38,5 % de su población, siendo en su totalidad del territorio derecho. Conclusión. La prevalencia del nacimiento extracraneano de la ACPI en la población estudiada por angiografía fue de 13,7% y la prevalencia de bucle extracraneano fue del 24%. Ambos porcentajes se encuentran dentro de los resultados hallados en estudios previos, anatómicos y por imágenes: 0,7 al 20% y 9,5 al 35% respectivamente. La prevalencia de bucle extracraneano en arterias vertebrales con terminación en ACPI fue del 38,5%, siendo significativamente superior a los estudios reportados

Background. The posteroinferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arises from the vertebral artery on the anterolateral aspect of the brain stem, generally at the level of the inferior olive, running rostrally through the roots of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves. The objective of the work is to determine the prevalence of the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery at the extracranial level, the presence of an extracranial caudal loop and the relationships with adjacent bone structures, in a population studied by angiography of supra-aortic vessels. Methods. Prospective, descriptive study of a consecutive sample carried out for one year (September 2021 to August 2022) of all patients who underwent catheterization of neck and cerebral vessels in the "Hospital de Alta Complejidad en Red El Cruce", Buenos Aires, Argentina. The studies were carried out in two digital angiographers indistinctly in profile incidence, with and without image digitization, focused on the cranio-cervical junction in all patients studied between 18 and 80 years of age. The birthplace of the ACPI arteries and the presence of extracranial loops were observed by direct vision in the studies without and with subtraction. An extracranial loop was defined as the presence of a curved segment of the artery with a caudal direction that extends below the foramen magnum. Interobserver agreement was sought between 2 professionals independently. Results. Of the 404 procedures performed in the studied period, 288 patients entered the study, of which 152 were women. The average age was 49,2 years; 422 PICA were analyzed, 214 right and 208 left. A total of 102 PICA with extracranial loops were observed, representing 24.1% of the total: 49 right (48%) and 53 left (52%). In relation to arteries with extracranial origin, a total of 58 (13.7%) were observed, of which 29 were right (50%). In 10 cases birth and extracranial loop were observed in the same artery (10%) and in two cases birth and bilateral extracranial loop (3.9%). In 13 cases the vertebral artery was terminal in PICA, of which 5 presented an extracranial loop, representing 38.5% of its population, being entirely in the right territory. Conclusions. The prevalence of extracranial origin of the PICA in the population studied by angiography was 13.7% and the prevalence of extracranial loop was 24%. Both percentages are within the results found in previous anatomical and imaging studies: 0.7 to 20% and 9.5 to 35% respectively. The prevalence of extracranial loop in vertebral arteries ending in PICA was 38.5%, being significantly higher than the reported studies

Transradial versus transfemoral approach in cerebral angiography: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral angiography has two common access sites: Transradial approach and transfemoral approach. However, there's no definitive answer to which one is superior. OBJECTIVE: Compare transradial approach and transfemoral approach for a cerebral angiography procedure. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature of studies reporting both transradial approach and transfemoral approach results was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were queried. RESULTS: The meta-analysis examined 18 studies comprising 9388 patients undergoing cerebral angiography. Among the patients, 4598 underwent transradial approach (48.9%) and 4790 underwent transfemoral approach (51.1%). Our results revealed no statistical differences between the approaches regarding procedure success, crossover to transfemoral approach, procedure and fluoroscopy time between both approaches in cerebral angiography. Total, major, and minor complications comparisons were more favorable to transradial approach for this procedure. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest, despite the ultimate decision regarding the choice of access method might be influenced by the physician's experience and personal preference, the data distinctly lean toward transradial approach as the preferable option for cerebral angiography. The advantages of transradial approach, highlighted by its lower complication rates, especially major complications, suggest that its adoption could contribute to enhanced patient safety and procedural outcomes.

Vasculitis del sistema nervioso central

La vasculitis primaria del Sistema Nervioso Central (VPSNC) se refiere a un grupo de enfermedades que resultan de la inflamación y destrucción de los vasos sanguíneos de la médula espinal, encéfalo y meninges, tanto en el sector venoso como arterial, esto puede conducir a la oclusión o formación de aneurismas, con las consiguientes alteraciones isquémico-hemorrágicas.1 La presentación es heterogénea y poco sistematizable. El diagnóstico se establece con un cuadro clínico compatible, una angiografía o biopsia del parénquima encefálico y/o meninges que evidencien vasculitis. Presentamos el caso de un paciente portador de retrovirus con probable VPSNC con clínica compatible, hallazgos imagenológicos sugestivos, con escasa alteración de LCR y EEG.2

Primary vasculitis of the Central Nervous System (VPSNC) refers to a group of diseases that result from inflammation and destruction of the blood vessels of the spinal cord, brain and meninges, both in the venous and arterial sector, this can lead to the occlusion or formation of aneurysms, with the consequent ischemic-hemorrhagic alterations.1 The presentation is heterogeneous and little systematizable. The diagnosis is established with a compatible clinical picture, an angiography or biopsy of the brain parenchyma and/or meninges that show vasculitis. We present the case of a patient with a retrovirus with probable NCPSV with compatible symptoms, suggestive imaging findings, with little CSF and EEG alteration.2

Analysis of risk factors associated with cerebral angiography headache / Análise de fatores de risco associados a cefaleia da angiografia cerebral

Abstract Background Despite previous studies indicating a moderate/high incidence of angiography headache (AH), there is still limited data about the risk factors associated with its occurrence. Objective The present study aimed to assess the associations among demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics of cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the occurrence of AH. Methods Cross-sectional analytical observational study with a sample comprised of individuals with a recommendation for elective DSA. Clinical interviews were conducted to assess the occurrence of AH, using a standardized questionnaire. Results Among 114 subjects, the mean age was 52.8 (±13.8) years old, 75.4% (86/114) were women, 29.8% (34/114) had a history of migraines, and 10.5% (12/114) had chronic headaches. The overall frequency of AH was 45.6% (52/114). Of those, 88.4% (46/52) underwent 3D angiography, 7.7% (4/52) underwent aortography, and 1.9% (1/52) underwent both procedures. There was a statistically significant association between AH and previous history of migraine (odds ratio [OR]: 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-14.7; p = 0.005) and 3D angiography (OR 6.62; 95%CI: 2.04-21.5; p = 0.002). Conclusions 3D angiography is strongly associated with the occurrence of AH, which has never been reported before. The association between a previous history of migraine and AH confirms the results of previous studies.

Resumo Antecedentes Apesar de estudos prévios indicarem uma incidência moderada/alta de cefaleia da angiografia (CA), os dados sobre os fatores de risco associados à sua ocorrência ainda são relativamente escassos. Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre as características demográficas, clínicas e técnicas da angiografia cerebral por subtração digital (ACSD) e a ocorrência de CA. Métodos Estudo observacional analítico transversal com uma amostra composta por indivíduos com indicação de ACSD em caráter eletivo. Entrevistas clínicas foram realizadas utilizando um questionário padronizado para acessar a ocorrência de CA. Resultados Entre os 114 indivíduos, a idade média foi de 52,8 (±13,8) anos, 75,4% (86/114) eram mulheres, 29,8% (34/114) tinham histórico de enxaqueca e 10,5% (12/114) tinham cefaleia crônica. A frequência geral de CA foi de 45,6% (52/114). Desses, 88,4% (46/52) foram submetidos à angiografia 3D, 7,7% (4/52), à aortografia e 1,9% (1/52), aos dois procedimentos. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre CA e histórico prévio de enxaqueca (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,62-14,7; p = 0,005) e angiografia 3D (OR 6,62; IC95%: 2,04-21,5; p = 0,002). Conclusões A angiografia 3D está fortemente associada à ocorrência de CA, o que é inédito na literatura. A associação entre um histórico de enxaqueca e a CA confirma os resultados de estudos anteriores.

The spectrum of symptomatic arterialized developmental venous anomalies: case reports.

Developmental venous anomaly (DVA) is an anatomical variation of the intracranial venous system, usually without clinical repercussion. In most cases, DVAs are incidentally diagnosed and should be considered as benign conditions. In rare circumstances, DVAs may become symptomatic due to mechanical or flow-related etiologies. The authors present three cases of symptomatic arterialized DVAs: a 28-year-old male with hematoma at the splenium of the corpus callosum and intraventricular hemorrhage, a 53-year-old male patient with a history of epileptic seizures starting recently, and a 25-year-old male patient, previously healthy who started with persistent headaches and hemosiderin deposition in brain parenchyma. These rare cases of arterialized DVAs are conditions that can cause symptoms or show more aggressive behavior with bleeding.

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

Signo de la arteria cerebral media hiperdensa e ictus isquémico con transformación hemorrágica / Hyperdense Middle Cerebral Artery Sign and Ischemic Stroke with Hemorrhagic Transformation

RESUMEN El signo de la arteria cerebral media hiperdensa es un patrón imagenológico que tiene una incidencia de un 30 a un 40 % de las oclusiones de esta arteria demostrada angiográficamente. Representa un signo temprano de ictus isquémico de mala evolución. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 56 años de edad que comenzó con manifestaciones clínicas de afasia y hemiparesia derecha a predominio crural. En la tomografía al ingreso se observó hiperdensidad del trayecto de la arteria cerebral media izquierda que correspondió con un ictus isquémico extenso con conversión hemorrágica en escaneo evolutivo a las 72 horas. Se presenta el caso por lo poco frecuente que resulta realizar este diagnóstico a partir de los resultados hallados en la tomografía axial monocorte y porque hubo correlación entre las imágenes encontradas y el deterioro clínico posterior del paciente.

ABSTRACT The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an imaging pattern that has an incidence from 30 to 40 % of occlusions of this artery demonstrated angiographically. It represents an early sign of poorly progressive ischemic stroke. A 56-year-old patient who began with clinical manifestations of aphasia and right hemiparesis, predominantly femoral it is presented. On admission tomography, hyperdensity of the left middle cerebral artery trajectory was observed, corresponding to an extensive ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion in evolutionary scan at 72 hours. The case is presented because of how infrequent it is to make this diagnosis based on the results found in the single slice axial tomography and because there was a correlation between the images found and the subsequent clinical deterioration of the patient.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with a Suprarenal Mass.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterised by severe thunderclap headaches (with or without the presence of acute neurological symptoms) and segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries that resolves spontaneously in a period of three months. Cases have been described in the literature with producing and non-producing masses of metanephrines. Within these reports, associations with cavernous haemangioma, medulloblastoma, colon cancer, paraganglioma, pheochromocytoma, uterine fibroids, among others were found. However, no association with adrenal masses which do not produce metanephrines was found. In this context, we reported the case of a woman with this type of tumour associated with RCVS which provided a treatment challenge, as well as we reviewed the literature on cases of RCVS associated with masses.

Síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible inducido por maniobra de Valsalva: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Valsalva maneuver induced-reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible es una entidad clínico-radiológica caracterizada por la presentación de cefalea severa de inicio hiperagudo tipo "trueno", con o sin signos y síntomas neurológicos adicionales en relación a una vasoconstricción arterial cerebral segmentaria que resuelve espontáneamente a los 3 meses. Por la superposición de las manifestaciones clínicas con otras entidades nosológicas, y por los múltiples factores etiológicos asociados, el diagnóstico se convierte en un reto; es imperativo realizarlo de forma temprana para la instauración de un tratamiento adecuado y la prevención de complicaciones. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente en quien se documentó como etiología la realización repetitiva de la maniobra de Valsalva sin otro factor concomitante, se exponen las intervenciones realizadas y se hace una revisión narrativa del tema con énfasis en el diagnóstico diferencial.

SUMMARY Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a clinical-radiological entity characterized by severe and hyperacute onset-thunderclap headache, with or without additional neurological signs and symptoms in relation to a segmental cerebral arterial vasoconstriction that resolves spontaneously at around 3 months. Its clinical manifestations are similar to other diseases, and additionally there are multiple associated etiological factors; early diagnosis becomes a challenge, but is essential to establish proper treatment and prevent complications. We present the case of a female patient in whom the repetitive performance of the Valsalva maneuver without another concomitant factor was documented as etiology, the interventions performed are presented and a narrative review of the topic is made with emphasis on differential diagnosis.

Diffuse cerebral angiomatosis: a case report with fatal outcome.

Diffuse cerebral angiomatosis is a rare disorder of the brain and only 5 cases have been reported to date. We report a 16-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with seizures. The patient had no hereditary syndromes, no epistaxis, no skin lesions and no telangiectasia. There was no livedo reticularis. The ophthalmologic examination was within normal limits. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed multiple diffuse tortuous vessels all around the brain tissue and ventricular system. Brain CT showed multiple calcifications. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated multiple arteriovenous shunts and diffuse arteriovenous malformations (AVM) without a typical nidus, draining into dilated cerebral veins. Multimodal ultrasound showed increased flow velocities in all cerebral arteries. We report the case of a patient with diffuse cerebral angiomatosis. This is the third study in which hemodynamic indices were evaluated through transcranial Doppler. Unlike all other case reports our patient had a bad outcome with important disability, dementia and drug resistant epilepsy that lead to the patient's death.HighlightsDiffuse cerebral angiomatosis is a rare disorder of the brain and only 5 cases have been reported to date.Unlike all other case reports our patient had a bad outcome with disability, dementia and drug resistant epilepsy that lead to the patient's death.

Residual lesions in patients undergoing microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms in a reference university hospital

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the incidence and epidemiological, angiographic, and surgical aspects associated with incomplete clipping of brain aneurysms in a cohort of patients undergoing microsurgical treatment. METHODS: The medical record data of patients who underwent microsurgery for cerebral aneurysm treatment and postoperative digital subtraction angiography, treated at the same teaching hospital between 2014 and 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. The studied variables involved epidemiological and clinical data, as well as neurological status and findings on neuroimaging. The time elapsed between hemorrhage and microsurgical treatment, data on the neurosurgical procedure employed for aneurysm occlusion, and factors associated with the treated aneurysm, specifically location and size, were also evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were submitted to 139 neurosurgical procedures, in which 167 aneurysms were clipped. The overall rate of residual injury was 23%. Smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 1.372-8.300, p=0.008), lesion size >10 mm (OR: 5.136, CI95%: 2.240-11.779, p<0.001) and surgery duration >6 h (OR: 8.667, CI95%: 2.713-27.681, p<0.001) were found to significantly impact incomplete aneurysm occlusion in the univariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Incomplete microsurgical aneurysm occlusion is associated with aneurysm size, complexity, and current smoking status. Currently, there is no consensus on postoperative assessment of clipped aneurysms, hindering the correct assessment of treatment outcomes.

Residual lesions in patients who underwent microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms

SUMMARY Microsurgical clipping is currently the main method of treating cerebral aneurysms, even with the improvement of endovascular therapy techniques in recent years. Treatment aims at complete occlusion of the lesion, which is not always feasible. Although appearing superior to endovascular treatment, microsurgical clipping may present varying percentages of incomplete occlusion. Such incidence may be reduced with the use of intraoperative vascular study. Some classifications were elaborated in an attempt to standardize the characteristics of residual lesions, but the classification criteria and terminology used in the studies remain vague and poorly documented, and there is no consensus for a uniform classification. Thus, there is also no agrément on which residual aneurysms should be treated. The aim of this study is to review the literature on residual lesions after microsurgery to treat cerebral aneurysms and how to proceed with them.

RESUMO A clipagem microcirúrgica é, atualmente, o principal método de tratamento dos aneurismas cerebrais, mesmo com o aprimoramento das técnicas de terapia endovascular nos últimos anos. O tratamento visa à oclusão completa da lesão, o que nem sempre é factível. Apesar de parecer superior ao tratamento endovascular, a clipagem microcirúrgica pode apresentar porcentagens variadas de oclusão incompleta. Tal incidência pode ser reduzida com utilização de estudo vascular intraoperatório. Algumas classificações foram elaboradas na tentativa de padronizar as características das lesões residuais, mas os critérios de classificação e a terminologia utilizados nos trabalhos mantêm-se vagos e pobremente documentados, não havendo consenso para uma classificação uniforme. Dessa forma, não há também concordância sobre quais aneurismas residuais devam ser submetidos a tratamento. O objetivo do presente estudo é realizar uma revisão da literatura a respeito das lesões residuais após microcirurgia para tratamento dos aneurismas cerebrais e como proceder diante dessas.

Origin of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery over the C1 Posterior Arch.

A artéria cerebelar inferoposterior geralmente nasce do segmento intracraniano (V4) da artéria vertebral. Apesar de ter diâmetro médio de 2 mm, usualmente irriga áreas eloquentes do encéfalo. Quando ocluída, seja por trauma ou cirurgia, pode causar infarto no tronco encefálico e no cerebelo. Apresentamos um caso de artéria cerebelar inferoposterior com origem anômala no segmento cervical (V3) da artéria vertebral, demonstrado por angiografia. Os resultados foram registrados e comparados com os de publicações anteriores. Foram fornecidas breves explicações sobre a anatomia, anomalias vasculares e embriologia. A revisão da literatura mostrou que os ramos anômalos do segmento cervical da artéria vertebral são infrequentes e devem ser conhecidos. Uma melhor compreensão da anatomia e suas variações permite fazer um diagnóstico topográfico preciso, bem como planejar a abordagem e a terapia cirúrgicas ideais. O conhecimento dessa variação anatômica é essencial, pois, se confundida com um ramo muscular e coagulada, pode causar isquemia com sequelas incapacitantes.

Origin of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery over the C1 Posterior Arch / Origem da artéria cerebelar inferoposterior sobre o arco posterior de C1

Resumo The posterior inferior cerebellar artery usually arises from the intracranial segment (V4) of the vertebral artery. Despite its mean diameter of 2 mm, it usually irrigates important areas of the brain. When occluded, whether due to trauma or surgery, it may cause infarction in the brain stem and cerebellum. The present report describes a case of incidental finding of a posterior inferior cerebellar artery arising from the cervical segment (V3) of the vertebral artery, demonstrated by angiography. The findings were recorded and compared to those of earlier publications. Brief explanations regarding anatomy, vascular anomalies and embryology were provided. A literature review showed that anomalous branches of the cervical segment of the vertebral artery are infrequent andmust be known. A better understanding of anatomy and its variations enables an accurate topographic diagnosis, as well as the planning of the optimal surgical approach and therapy. Knowledge of this anatomical variation is essential because, if it is mistaken for a muscle branch and coagulated, this can cause ischemia and disabling sequelae.

Resumo A artéria cerebelar inferoposterior geralmente nasce do segmento intracraniano (V4) da artéria vertebral. Apesar de ter diâmetro médio de 2 mm, usualmente irriga áreas eloquentes do encéfalo. Quando ocluída, seja por trauma ou cirurgia, pode causar infarto no tronco encefálico e no cerebelo. Apresentamos um caso de artéria cerebelar inferoposterior com origem anômala no segmento cervical (V3) da artéria vertebral, demonstrado por angiografia. Os resultados foram registrados e comparados com os de publicações anteriores. Foram fornecidas breves explicações sobre a anatomia, anomalias vasculares e embriologia. A revisão da literatura mostrou que os ramos anômalos do segmento cervical da artéria vertebral são infrequentes e devem ser conhecidos. Uma melhor compreensão da anatomia e suas variações permite fazer um diagnóstico topográfico preciso, bem como planejar a abordagem e a terapia cirúrgicas ideais. O conhecimento dessa variação anatômica é essencial, pois, se confundida com um ramo muscular e coagulada, pode causar isquemia com sequelas incapacitantes.

Experiencia de embolización de malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebrales en Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, 2016-2017 / Experience of embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations in Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital, 2016-2017

INTRODUCCIÓN. La morbimortalidad de las malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebrales se encuentra dada principalmente por hemorragias. OBJETIVO. Conocer la situación de la embolización de malformaciones arterio-venosas en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de malformaciones arterio-venosas cerebral que fueron sometidos a intervención radiológica, durante el período de enero 2016 a diciembre 2017, en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín. RESULTADOS. 17 pacientes con criterios de inclusión, la mayoría con malformaciones arterio-venosas única y clasificación Spetzler Martin tipo I y II. El 52,9% fue sometido al procedimiento con antecedente de hemorragia intracerebral. Luego del procedimiento se alcanzó el 61,5% de obliteración en promedio, con 5,8% de pacientes que tuvo hemorragia intracerebral postprocedimiento. DISCUSIÓN. El uso de la embolización permite la oclusión del nido vascular displásico y del flujo de arterias nutricias profundas, disminuyendo la hemorragia intracerebral como complicación, siendo un tratamiento precursor de complementos quirúrgicos o como tratamiento único. El promedio de obliteración se encuentra dentro del rango reportado en la literatura, con un solo caso que tuvo complicación post procedimiento. Son necesarios estudios complementarios donde se especifiquen las variables de los tratamientos post procedimiento y un seguimiento para valorar supervivencia. CONCLUSIÓN. Resultados similares a los reportados en la literatura, se consideró la embolización como una alternativa del tratamiento, principalmente como precursor a la cirugía en malformaciones arterio-venosas con clasificación Spetzler Martin mayor a III.

INTRODUCTION. The morbidity and mortality of cerebral arteriovenous malformations is mainly due to hemorrhages. OBJECTIVE. To know the situation of the embolization of arterio-venous malformations in the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, retrospective study in patients with a diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformations who underwent radiological intervention, during the period from January 2016 to December 2017, at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital. RESULTS 17 patients with inclusion criteria, most with single arteriovenous malformations and Spetzler Martin type I and II classification. 52,9% underwent the procedure with a history of intracerebral hemorrhage. After the procedure, 61,5% of obliteration was achieved on average, with 5,8% of patients having post-procedural intracerebral hemorrhage. DISCUSSION. The use of embolization allows the occlusion of the dysplastic vascular nest and the flow of deep nutritional arteries, decreasing intracerebral hemorrhage as a complication, being a precursor treatment of surgical complements or as a single treatment. The average of obliteration is within the range reported in the literature, with only one case that had post procedure complication. Complementary studies are needed where the variables of the post-procedure treatments and a follow-up to assess survival are specified. CONCLUSION. Results similar to those reported in the literature, embolization was considered as an alternative treatment, mainly as a precursor to surgery in arteriovenous malformations with Spetzler Martin classification greater than III.

Middle cerebral artery extension and the risk for aneurysmal disease.

The intracranial artery aneurysm is an abnormal dilatation at the wall and the most serious complication is its rupture that is associated with high rates of neurological mortality and morbidity. Its most common location in arterial bifurcations suggests that the hemodynamic of blood flow plays a key role, but the effect of the length of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery is poorly explored. We analyzed biplanar brain angiograms to measure the extent of the M1 segment and its relationship to the presence of aneurysm at the bifurcation. Of 475 patients, a total of 682 bilateral measurements were analyzed. Women accounted for 58.7% and the mean age was 50.2 ±â€¯15.5. Aneurysms were detected in 45 arteries, about the average length of the M1 artery; the right segment measure (2.98 ±â€¯0.99 cm) was statistically lesser than the left (3.09 ±â€¯1.38 cm). Applying the regression coefficient, arteries with aneurysm have an average length of 0.419 cm smaller than an artery without aneurysm, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Though the wall shear stress component is a proven risk factor for the development of aneurysms in bifurcations, a smaller extension of the M1 segment may also be implicated in its development.

Síndrome de Moyamoya: una respuesta defensiva al daño crónico de un gran vaso cerebral Reporte de una serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Moyamoya syndrome: a defensive response to the chronic damage of a large cerebral vessel. Cases report and review of the literature

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Presentar algunos casos de pacientes con síndrome de Moyamoya secundario a etiologías diversas y con base en ellos revisar aspectos generales del cuadro; de acuerdo con dos de los casos se propone una nueva hipótesis. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se describen cuatro casos clínicos de síndrome de Moyamoya, identificados en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, con sus respectivas imágenes y la evolución de su cuadro. Con base en dos de los casos, en los cuales el síndrome se desencadenó posteriormente a la implantación de un stent diversor de flujo, se propone una nueva etiología. RESULTADOS: En dos casos se identificó la implantación de un stent diversor de flujo como el desencadenante del cuadro de Moyamoya. En uno de los casos la enfermedad primaria fue una neurofibromatosis tipo 1; en el cuarto caso no fue posible identificar la causa del síndrome. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó compromiso neurológico a pesar del grave daño arterial. CONCLUSIONES: El síndrome de Moyamoya (SMM), más que una entidad independiente, debería ser entendido como un mecanismo compensatorio y defensivo secundario a la deprivación del flujo sanguíneo en la circulación cerebral anterior, el cual protege a los pacientes de eventos cerebrovasculares isquémicos con consecuencias devastadoras. La implantación de stents diversores de flujo como método de tratamiento de algunos aneurismas cerebrales, se proyecta en el tiempo como una de las causas más importantes del síndrome.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To present some cases of patients with Moyamoya syndrome secondary to diverse etiologies, and, based on them, to review general aspects of the clinical picture. Supported on two cases, the hypothesis of a new mechanism is proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four clinical cases of Moyamoya syndrome are described, identified in the city of Medellín, Colombia, with their respective images and the evolution of their condition. Based on two of the cases, in which the syndrome was triggered after the implantation of a flow-diverter stent, a new etiology is proposed. RESULTS: In two cases, the implantation of a flow-diverter stent was identified as the trigger of the Moyamoya picture. In one case the primary disease was type 1 neurofibromatosis; in the fourth case it was not possible to identify the cause of the syndrome. None of the patients presented neurological compromise despite severe arterial damage. CONCLUSIONS: Moyamoya syndrome (MMS), rather than an independent entity, should be understood as a compensatory and defensive mechanism in response to the deprivation of blood flow in the anterior cerebral circulation, which protects patients from ischemic cerebrovascular events. Implantation of flow-diverter stents, as a method of treatment of some cerebral aneurysms, is projected in time as an important cause of this syndrome.