What is the role of neurosurgeons in the current management of intracranial aneurysm in France? An analysis of professional practices.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational survey-based study. INTRODUCTION: In France, intracranial aneurysm (IA) patients are managed by neurosurgeons and by interventional neuroradiologists. The growth of endovascular treatment led us to reflect on the role of neurosurgeons in the management of patients with IA. The present study aimed to highlight the current organization of IA management in France. METHOD: A 60-question survey was sent to the neurosurgeons in 34 hospitals managing IA patients. Thirty-three questions dealt with standards of care, follow-up procedures and the involvement of the specific specialist. RESULTS: Twenty-seven centers (79.4%) responded to the survey. A Vascular Multidisciplinary Discussion Team was organized, including both surgeons and neuroradiologists, in 92% of responding centers. There were department protocols in 66% of centers, a local registry in 33% and clinical trials in IA in 60%. Patients with unruptured IA were first seen by a neurosurgeon or by an interventional neuroradiologist, with different practices. For ruptured IA, the neurosurgeons were contacted first in 93% of cases, and were systematically involved in initial intensive care unit management. The patients were hospitalized in the neurosurgery department in 89% of the centers. The neurosurgeons took care of initial follow-up in 85% of the centers, and of lifetime follow-up in 36%. In most centers, radiological monitoring of IA was based on MRI angiography for patients who were embolized or under surveillance, and on CT angiography after microsurgery. CONCLUSION: Despite the growth of endovascular treatments, the present survey and the literature highlight a major role of neurosurgeons in treatment, follow-up and care coordination.

Management of intracranial aneurysms in France: Place of microsurgery and demography of vascular neurosurgeons.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational retrospective survey-based study. INTRODUCTION: Intracranial aneurysms (IA) can be treated with microsurgery or by endovascular treatments (EVT). EVT have taken an increasingly important part in IA management; the ability of neurosurgical teams to perform such surgery as well as the quality of their training is being questioned. We therefore wanted to assess the proportion of IA treated by microsurgery in France, the demography and caseload of surgeons trained in vascular neurosurgery. METHODOLOGY: A 60-question survey was sent to the 34 French neurosurgical centers treating IA. Twenty-seven questions dealt with the demography of neurovascular surgeons and caseload. Descriptive data are reported here. RESULTS: Twenty-seven centers answered, giving us a response rate of 79.4%. A total of 209 neurosurgeons worked in these centers. Forty-six neurosurgeons were designated as referents in vascular neurosurgery, 47% of them were under 45 years old. Among the centers, 96.3% had at least one surgeon that was a referent in neurovascular surgery. A total of 88 surgeons performed IA surgery, but only 11 operated more than 20 IA per year. Two thousand four hundred and thirty seven unruptured IA were treated every year in these centers, 25% of which by microsurgery. A total of 2727 ruptured IA were treated in these centers, of which 15% were treated by microsurgery. The most common indications for microsurgical treatment of IA were: middle cerebral artery aneurysms, wide-neck intracranial aneurysms, and giant intracranial aneurysms, as well as aneurysms associated with a hematoma for the ruptured ones. CONCLUSION: Demography of vascular neurosurgeons remains favorable, with a referent neurosurgeon in most centers, who, in half of the cases, is a young practitioner. The percentage of microsurgery in the treatment of IA is low, especially for ruptured ones. The most frequently operated types of intracranial aneurysm correspond to good practice recommendations.

Functional outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Population aging raises questions about extending treatment indications in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We therefore assessed functional status 1 year after treatment. METHODS: This study involved 310 patients, aged over 70 years, with ruptured brain aneurysm, enrolled between 2008 and 2014 in a prospective multicentre trial (FASHE study: NCT00692744) but considered unsuitable for randomisation and therefore analysed in the observational arms of the study: endovascular occlusion (EV), microsurgical exclusion (MS) and conservative treatment. The aims were to assess independence, cognition, autonomy and quality of life (QOL) at 1 year post-treatment, using questionnaires (MMSE, ADLI, IADL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) filled in by independent nurses after discharge. RESULTS: The 310 patients received the following treatments: 208 underwent EV (67.1%), 54 MS (17.4%) and 48 were conservatively managed (15.5%). At 1 year, independence rates for patients admitted with good clinical status (WFNS I-III) were, according to the aneurysm exclusion procedure (EV, MS or conservative), 58.9%, 50% and 12.1% respectively. MMSE score was pathological in 26 of the 112 EV patients (23.2%), 10 of the 25 MS patients (40%) and 4 of the 9 patients treated conservatively (44%), without any statistically significant difference [Pearson's Chi2 test, F ratio=4.29; P=0.11]. Regarding QoL, overall score was similar between the EV and MS cohorts, but significantly lower with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients in good clinical condition with aSAH should be treated regardless of associated comorbidities. Curative treatment (EV or MS) reduced mortality without increasing dependence, in comparison with conservative treatment.

A randomized controlled study assessing outcome, cognition, autonomy and quality of life in over 70-year-old patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Current aging of the population with good physiological status and the increasing incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in elderly patients has enhanced the benefit of treatment in terms of independence and long-term quality of life (QoL). METHODS: From November 1, 2008 to October 30, 2012, 351 patients aged 70 years or older with aneurysmal SAH underwent adapted treatment: endovascular coiling (EV) for 228 (65%) patients, microsurgical clipping (MS) for 75 (29.3%) or conservative treatment for 48 (13.7%). Forty-one of these were randomized to EV (n=20) or to MS (n=21). The objectives were to determine the proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale score≤2 (independence) at 1 year, and, secondarily, to compare cognitive function on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), autonomy on the Activities of Daily Living Index (ADLI) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), and QoL, in the prospective and randomized arms, at 1 year. RESULTS: At 1 year, with 1 loss to follow-up in the EV arm, 11 patients (55%) were independent after EV occlusion and 8 (38.1%) after MS exclusion, without significant difference (P=0.29). Mortality was higher after MS during the first 2 postoperative months, and thereafter the difference between MS and EV ceased to be significant. Cognitive function and autonomy scores were similar in both arms. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients treated for aneurysmal SAH, approximately 50% were independent at 1 year, with conserved cognition and autonomy. EV and MS are valid procedures in this population, with similar results at 1 year in terms of independence, cognition, autonomy, and QoL.

Is fluorescence-guided surgery with 5-ala in eloquent areas for malignant gliomas a reasonable and useful technique?

INTRODUCTION: High-grade gliomas surgery in eloquent areas must achieve two pivotal aims: oncological efficacy and preservation of unimpaired neurological functions or improvement of impaired neurological functions. Here, we evaluated the safety and the usefulness of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery in eloquent areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center, retrospective and consecutive series of adult patients operated on for a supratentorial glioblastoma between November 2012 and November 2015. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with a glioblastoma located within an eloquent area were included: 24 patients operated on with 5-ALA (5-ALA group), and 27 patients operated on under white light (control group). Preoperative motor and language deficits were similar in the 5-ALA group (50%, 37.5%) as in the control group (59.3%, 55.6%) (P=0.510; P=0.200). Three-month postoperative motor and language deficits rates were similar in the 5-ALA group (12.5%, 12.5%) as in the control group (29.6%, 14.8%) (P=0.180; P=0.990). The extent of resection did not significantly vary between groups (P=0.280). The overall survival did not significantly vary between groups (P=0.080) but the progression-free survival was significantly higher in the 5-ALA group than in the control group (P=0.020). The 12-month progression-free survival was significantly higher in 5-ALA group (60%) than in control group (21%; P=0.006). In multivariate analysis, the 5-ALA was an independent prognostic factor associated with progression-free survival (P=0.030). CONCLUSION: 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery for glioblastoma located in eloquent areas is effective to improve progression-free survival. To preserve functional outcomes, it requires the routine use of intraoperative functional mapping to respect functional boundaries.

Microsurgical neurovascular anastomosis: the example of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass. Technical principles.

The superficial temporal artery to the middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is a good example of cerebrovascular anastomosis. In this article, we describe the different stages of the procedure: patient installation, superficial temporal artery harvesting, recipient artery exposure, microsurgical anastomosis, and closure of the craniotomy. When meticulously performed, with the observance of important details at each stage, this technique offers a high rate of technical success (patency>90%) with a very low morbi-mortality (respectively 3% and 1%). Some anesthetic parameters have to be considered to insure perioperative technical and clinical success. STA-MCA bypass is a very useful technique for the management of complex or giant aneurysms where surgical treatment sometimes requires the sacrifice and revascularization of a main arterial trunk. It is also a valuable option for the treatment of chronic and symptomatic hemispheric hypoperfusion (Moyamoya disease, carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusion).

[Surgery of high-grade gliomas guided by fluorescence: a retrospective study of 22 patients]. / Exérèse neurochirurgicale optimale des gliomes de haut grade guidée par fluorescence : mise au point à partir d'une série rétrospective de 22 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Optimal surgical resection improves the prognosis of glioblastomas. However, this goal is far from being achieved due to its invasive nature. Several studies have already shown the efficacy of fluorescence-guided surgery, in improving the quality of resection of glioblastoma. We report herein our experience through a retrospective serie and describe the principles, limitations and advantages of this technique. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, 22 patients underwent resection of a glioblastoma guided by fluorescence. Following operations, all patients underwent sequential clinical examination and radiological monitoring using multimodal MRI. The extent of resection was assessed by the surgeon during the procedure and by the radiologist on MRI. The curves of progression-free clinical survival (SSP) and overall survival (SG) were analyzed. The prognostic value of the extent of resection was studied. RESULTS: We obtained 68.2% of complete resection according to the absence of residual fluorescence as assessed by the surgeon, and 75% according to the absence of residual tumor on early MRI. The median SSP was 10.75 months and the median SG was 17 months. Complete tumoral resection confirmed by loss of fluorescence significatively increases the median SSP of 6.7 months to 12.9 months (p=0.001559) and the median SG of 12.3 months to 20.9 months (p=0.000559). After 1 year, 81.8% of patients were still alive. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the use of fluorescence as an effective method to allow optimal resection of glioblastoma. In addition to neuronavigation, surgical experience, vision and proprioception, fluorescence contributes to achieve a complete tumor resection.

[Management of malignant gliomas diagnosed during pregnancy]. / Prise en charge des gliomes malins découverts au cours d'une grossesse.

INTRODUCTION: Glioma is seldom diagnosed during pregnancy. In this situation management presents difficult problems for both neuro-oncologists and obstetricians. We report four cases and discuss the management of this unusual situation. CASE REPORT: The first patient was admitted to hospital at 29 weeks' gestation because of a generalized seizure and a right hemiparesis. MRI showed a left fronto-insular lesion. A stereotactic biopsy was obtained and revealed an anaplastic oligodendroglioma. With corticosteroids the patient remained stable until cesarean delivery at 36 weeks. In post-partum additional treatment with chemotherapy was started. The second patient was hospitalized at 26 weeks' gestation because of cranial hypertension, right hemiparesis and aphasia. MRI showed an important left fronto-parietal lesion. Partial resection was performed at 28 weeks. Histology revealed a glioblastoma multiforme. With corticosteroids the patient remained stable until cesarean delivery at 33 weeks. In post-partum additional treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy was started. The third patient was admitted to the hospital at 12 weeks' gestation because of cranial hypertension. MRI showed a left frontal lesion. A subtotal resection was done at 13 weeks. Histology revealed a glioblastoma multiforme. Two weeks after surgery the patient's neurological condition worsened and in agreement with the patient a therapeutic abortion was decided. Afterwards additional treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy was started. The last patient received combined treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for local recurrence of a mesencephalic high-grade glioma. A posteriori it was discovered that the patient was at 4 months' gestation during this treatment. Cesarean delivery was done at 36 weeks. The child was normal at birth and is still in good health 5 years later. CONCLUSION: The management of gliomas diagnosed during pregnancy should not be different from the standard management of gliomas in young non-pregnant adults. Pregnant women because of their young age can have a long survival. Their pregnancy should not prevent them from receiving the best treatment for their glioma. Treatment will depend upon clinico-radiological presentation, histology, gestational age and the patient's desires. Generally speaking, surgical resection of high-grade gliomas should not be delayed during pregnancy. Progress in anesthesia and neurosurgery have greatly reduced the risks for the foetus. After delivery, if the delay between surgery and delivery is too long it is possible to begin cerebral radiotherapy during pregnancy. After the first trimester of gestation this treatment can be given without any important risks for the child.

High and low grade oligodendrogliomas (ODG): correlation of amino-acid and glucose uptakes using PET and histological classifications.

Classification and treatment strategy of oligodendrogliomas (ODG) remain controversial. Imaging relies essentially on contrast enhancement using CT or MRI. The aim of our study was to use positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) and [11C]-L-methyl-methionine (MET) to evaluate metabolic characteristics of ODG. We studied 19 patients with proven ODG, comparing standardized uptake values (SUV) and maximal tumor/contralateral normal tissues ratios (T/N). Imaging findings were compared with WHO, Smith and Daumas-Duport classifications. Uptake of FDG was decreased only in 8 patients, independently of grading, while MET uptake was always increased. MET uptake was significantly higher for high grade tumors grouped according to Smith or Daumas-Duport classifications, while no significant difference in MET uptake was found when using WHO classification. A different correlation was found between FDG and MET uptakes in normal tissues and high grade tumors. A trend for improved progression free survival was found for tumors that lacked contrast enhancement on MRI or those showing low FDG or MET uptake. In conclusion, MET appeared more sensitive than FDG to detect proliferation in ODG. The preferential protein metabolism, already noticeable for low-grade tumor, correlated with glucose metabolism and helped to separate, in vivo, high and low grade tumors.

Regrowth of residual ruptured aneurysms treated by Guglielmi's Detachable Coils which demanded further treatment by surgical clipping: report of 7 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECT: The management of intracranial aneurysms has truly evolved after the introduction of endovascular treatment by Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). In our department, for every case (ruptured or unruptured aneurysm) we discuss in the first place endovascular treatment. When coiling is feasible, it is done as a first choice. If not (intracranial compressive haematoma, coiling unfeasible or dangerous), the patient is operated upon. Failure of the endovascular technique, like incomplete treatment and regrowth of the residual sac, becomes a subject of discussion. Some cases need complementary treatment for large or unstable residual aneurysm. METHODS: Thus, between 1997 and 2000, 59 ruptured aneurysms were treated using an endovascular method by means of GDC. In 15 of this cases complementary treatment was needed, due to the size or instability of the residual aneurysm. In 8 cases a new embolization was possible and in 7 cases a complementary surgical procedure was needed, due to the impossibility of further endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Out of these 7 cases who were operated upon after coiling, clipping of the residual neck was possible in 4 cases; in 3 cases clipping was impossible due to the partial filling of the aneurysm neck by the coils. In these 3 cases, a ligation of the residual neck, associated with coagulation of the sac was performed. DISCUSSION: The difficulty of the treatment of an residual aneurysm after coiling is discussed as well as those surgical techniques alternative to clipping (wrapping or coagulation of the residual sac).

Computer-assisted resection of supra-tentorial cavernous malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of cerebral tumors or vascular lesions requires a precise localization to minimize the skin, bone and cerebral approach. The image-guided surgery is currently considered to be of undisputed value in microneurosurgical technique. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2000, 13 patients were operated in our service for resection of a cavernous malformation deeply located using the MRI assisted image guidance (Sofamor-Danek Neuronavigation Cranial 3 System). RESULTS: The computer-calculated registration accuracy ranged between 0.8 and 2.0 mm (median 1.1 mm). The exact location of the cavernous malformation was possible in all the cases. Total resection of the lesion was always achieved. Operative mortality and transient morbidity were 0 % and 16 %, respectively. DISCUSSION: The image-guided technique offers a better help than the previously used methods (preoperative localization with CT scan or stereotactic implantation of guiding catheters) to resect intracranial lesions, especially if the lesion is deeply situated in the brain or in an eloquent area. Preoperative MRI-based 3D models, performed using special skin markers, and surgical computer-assisted neuronavigation allow us to find and to resect small and deep lesions with minimal mortality and low morbidity rate.

Recurrent lumbosacral metastases from intracranial meningioma. Report of a case and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 31 year-old woman who in 1991 presented a clinical history of headaches, nausea and vomiting. CT scan showed a right frontotemporal meningioma. The first operation achieved a macroscopically complete resection. The tumour was histologically classified as a transitional meningioma. There were recurrences of the intracranial meningioma in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998. These recurrences were accompanied by differentiation to atypical and anaplastic meningioma. In all of these operations, a macroscopically complete resection of the tumour was performed. In 1996 adjuvant radiation therapy was given. In 1998 therapy with bromocriptine was adopted. In April 1999, the patient presented with lumbosacral pain associated with L5 bilateral sciatica. MRI showed a gadolinium enhancing mass lesion at L5-S1 level. Complete tumour resection was performed. The histological findings were the same as in 1998. In December 1999 the patient presented with perineal pain and MRI showed a L4 and S3 recurrence and the tumour was resected. The histological findings were those of a malignant meningioma. In February 2000 an intracranial recurrence was detected and operated on. The histological diagnosis was malignant meningioma. A review of the literature was undertake and is discussed.

[Multiple intracranial and intraspinal meningiomas successively discovered in the absence of neurofibromatosis: 2 cases]. / Méningiomes multiples intracrânien et intrarachidien de découverte successive en l'absence de neurofibromatose: deux observations.

Multiple meningiomas in different neuroaxial compartments are quite rare. We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who developed three intracranial meningiomas and 8 years later a T3 dorsal meningioma. Histologically, the frontal and dorsal tumors appeared as benign psammomatouss meningiomas. Both tumors were removed successfully. The second patient was a 31-year-old woman who developed right benign fronto-parietal transitional meningioma. She presented local and spheno-orbital recurrences, then a lombo-sacral lesion. The histological picture worsened from benign to malignant with multiple recurrences. Several mechanisms could account for multiple meningiomas. Such meningiomas could arise from a single primary tumor via subarachnoidal spread of a benign or malignant nature. Alternatively, they could be atypical forms of neurofibromatosis type 2 or tumors with a multifocal origin.

[Central nervous system neurocytomas: clinicopathological analysis of tree cases]. / Neurocitomas do sistema nervoso central: análise clínico-patológica de três casos.

Central nervous system neurocytoma is a rare benign tumor of neuronal origin. Because of some clinical and radiological findings CNS neurocytomas were confused with other intraventricular lesions (ependymomas, choroid plexus papilloma, oligodendrogliomas, subependymal astrocytomas). Pathological diagnosis improved with immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies. We present three cases of intraventricular neurocytomas confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. According to the literature clinical signs, radiological features, surgical and pathological findings are discussed.

[Moyamoya disease: advantage of early diagnosis and survival treatment. Review of three cases]. / Maladie de Moya-Moya: intérêt d'un diagnostic et d'un traitement chirurgical précoces. A propos de trois observations.

A diagnosis of moyamoya disease was made in three children aged five, eight and 13 years (including two Turkish sisters). Clinical presentation was recurrent episodes of cerebral ischemia and stroke. CT scans and MRI showed infarcts in various distributions. Angiography revealed anterior bilateral stenosis of the circle of Willis and development of Moyamoya collateral pathways. In one case there was coagulopathy with protein C deficiency. To increase transdural collateral flow, revascularisation with encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis was attempted in all three children. Outcome was clinically and angiographically satisfactory and none of the children developed further neurological complications. The current state of study on Moyamoya disease is also presented.

Reflections on the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

BACKGROUND: The authors report their personal experience in the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), using the three techniques now available: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery. They review the recent literature on this topic and present their current management algorithm based on this experience. METHODS: A series of 90 patients treated for cerebral AVMs is reported (68% Grade I-III and 32% Grade IV-V, Spetzler scale). The three methods of treatment were used, either individually or in combination, based on the size and the location of the malformation. The first intervention was surgical resection in 26% of cases, endovascular embolization in 57%, and radiosurgery in 17%. Surgery and embolization were followed by another technique in some cases and eventually single modality treatment was used in 58% of cases (surgical resection 21%, endovascular embolization 20%, radiosurgery 17%) and multimodality treatment in 42% (embolization + resection, 21%; embolization + radiosurgery, 17%; resection + radiosurgery, 4%). Embolization was used as reductive therapy in 38% of the overall series (65% of all embolized patients), and was followed by surgery in 56% of cases or by radiosurgery in 44%. Angiography was used to assess the cure rates. RESULTS: The following cure rates were obtained, when each technique was used as a first treatment: surgical resection, 82%; embolization, 6%; and radiosurgery, 83% (2-year angiographic follow-up). After combined treatment, embolization and resection resulted in a 100% cure rate, embolization and radiosurgery produced a 90% cure rate. The clinical outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration attributable to treatment. Seventy-one percent of patients had no complication, minor complications were observed in 18%, and severe complications in 11%. Treatment mortality was 3%. All deaths were attributable to hemorrhage during the embolization procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In this management algorithm, AVMs submitted directly to surgery or to radiosurgery were considered "good risk" malformations, and the outcome for these cases was good in terms of clinical result and cure rate. AVMs submitted first to endovascular embolization were considered "poor risk" malformations, including a majority of Spetzler Grade IV-V lesions. Not surprisingly, the majority of severe complications occured in this group during embolization. Thus, the major risk of the treatment of AVMs has now shifted from surgery to endovascular techniques. Endovascular embolization as sole treatment gave a low rate of complete occlusion, but proved to be very useful as a reductive therapy, in preparation for further surgery or radiosurgery. Partial embolization permitted high rates of complete cure in difficult AVMs. Embolization should be used to the maximum extent possible as a reductive technique, despite the risks of the procedure. Because of its risks however, this technique of reductive embolization should be used only if absolutely necessary to allow the complete cure of the malformation. Thus, the use of embolization should be considered very cautiously in small malformations as well as in very large and complex AVMs in which partial embolization will not be sufficient to allow complete cure with either endovascular or surgical techniques.

The role of Linac radiosurgery in multidisciplinary management for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: personal experience.

The authors analyze their personal series of 90 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) concerning the place of radiosurgery (RS). Out of the 90 patients, 34 undervent Linac RS-RS was used as single treatment (17%) or in combination with embolization or surgery (21%.) Eradication rate assessed angiographically after 2 years was 89%. Regarding this personal series and the recent literature, several questions remain: should small superficial AVMs revealed by hemorrhage be irradiated or operated on and the role of embolization as a reductive method before RS in order to reduce the complications and improve the obliteration rates.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations of the brain using a standard linear accelerator: the Lyon experience.

Radiosurgery (RS) was initiated in Lyon in October 1989. The technique was adapted from that described by Lutz and Saunders in Boston (BRW stereotactic frame). Irradiation is delivered with 18-MV photons produced by a LINAC. From December 1989 to December 1992, 41 patients with arteriovenous malformations were treated by RS; the median age was 33 years. The largest lesion diameter was 11.2-38.5 mm. Fifteen to 20 Gy were delivered on the 70% isodose line. Angiography was performed at 2 years post-treatment in 32 patients demonstrating an overall complete thrombosis rate of 81.3%. This incidence was significantly correlated with the Spetzler and Martin grade before RS (P = 0.0055). Two patients (4.9%) experienced haemorrhage after radiosurgical treatment and one died from an intracerebral-intraventricular haemorrhage. Four patients (9.7%) experienced permanent radiation-induced neurological complications.

Management of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

A series of 62 patients treated surgically for one or several unruptured intracranial aneurysms is reported. 83 aneurysms were treated in 65 operations. The main locations of the aneurysms were: MCA 35%, ICA (posterior communicating) 22%, carotido-ophthalmic segment 12%, carotid bifurcation 11%, anterior communicating artery 11%, verterbro basilar artery 5%. The circumstances of discovery were: incidental 28%, multiple aneurysm 22%, headache 18%, ischemic episode 9%, mass effect 8%, seizures 6%. Overall, 8% of these unruptured aneurysms were certainly symptomatic, 58% were certainly asymptomatic, and for 34% the relationship with the mode of discovery was uncertain. The overall outcome of surgery was: good recovery 94%, moderately disabled 1.5%, severely disabled 1.5%, and death 3%. The post-operative complications were related to surgical technique in 2 cases, to a severe atherosclerotic state of the ICA in 1 case, and to the general arteriopathy of the patient in 1 case. The discussion reviews in the literature the various arguments developed in favor of an active treatment of the unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Three arguments are proposed. 1. The overall severity of the aneurysm rupture, with a mortality rate over 60%. 2. The cumulative risk of rupture of an unruptured aneurysm, which may be high in young patients (from 16 to 30% lifetime risk). 3. The good outcome of the surgical treatment of the unruptured aneurysm (mortality rate under 4%, morbidity rate approximately 6%). The operative risk is higher for large or giant aneurysms, for a patient with a history of ischemic cerebrovascular accident as mode of discovery, for elderly patients with arteriosclerotic thickening of ICA wall and aneurysm neck. The decision to treat or not to treat may be easier (mass-effect, multiple aneurysm, acute headache) or more difficult (chronic headache, hemorrhage of other origin, seizures, incidental discovery). The endovascular treatment with occlusion of the aneurysms sac by means of coils is more and more an alternative to surgical treatment, but requires a long follow-up to ensure the absence of reexpansion of the coil-embolized aneurysms. The screening for unruptured aneurysms, especially in cases with familial intracranial aneurysms is more and more often proposed. The authors' opinion now is surgical clipping of small and middle-sized aneurysms in young patients, without severe associated pathology, and clearly agreeing with surgery. The limit of age for surgery is usually 65 years except for those aneurysms discovered after a mass-effect. Elderly patients, giant aneurysms, patients with contra-indication for surgery, are proposed for endovascular treatment.

[Therapeutic risk in multidisciplinary approach of cerebral arteriovenous malformations]. / Le risque thérapeutique dans l'approche multidisciplinaire des malformations artério-veineuses cérébrales.

PATIENTS AND TECHNIQUES: A series of 67 patients treated for cerebral AVMs using a multidisciplinary approach is reported, paying special attention to the complications due to treatment. The malformations were classified according to the Spetzler Grading Scale, with 67% low-grade and 33% high-grade AVMs. Three modes of treatment were used: surgical resection, endovascular embolization, and radiosurgery (linear accelerator technique). The actual treatment was: resection alone (25% of cases), embolization plus resection (24%), embolization alone (21%), and radiosurgery, (30%) either alone or after embolization or surgery. The following eradication rates were obtained: 80% overall, 91% after resection (with or without embolization), 13% after embolization alone, 87% after radiosurgery. CLINICAL OUTCOME: The outcome was evaluated in terms of deterioration due to treatment. Treatment-related deterioration occurred in 28% of cases and consisted of a minor deterioration (19%), a neurological deficit (4%), or death (4%). As far as the mode of treatment is concerned, surgical resection was followed by deterioration in 20% of all operated cases (minor 17%, deficit 3%). Radiosurgery was followed by a minor deterioration in 10% of irradiated cases. Embolization resulted in complication in 25% of all embolized cases (minor 12.5%, neurological deficit 5%, or death 7.5%). The mechanism of the complication was: resection on manipulation of a functional area and the haemorrhage for cases treated by surgery, radionecrosis for radiosurgery, ischemia and haemorrhage (50% each) for embolization. In 4 out of the 5 cases of haemorrhage due to embolization, an occlusion of the main venous drainage could be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: The haemodynamic disturbances relating to AVMs and to their treatment are reviewed in the literature. The main haemodynamic mechanisms at the origin of a complication after treatment of cerebral AVMs are the normal perfusion pressure breakthrough syndrome, venous drainage defects (venous overload or occlusive hyperemia), and retrograde thrombosis of the feeding arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Improved treatment of cerebral AVMs has been achieved through the multidisciplinary approach, and especially through the endovascular embolization technique. Such an improvement is especially visible in the field of high-grade malformations, which are the most difficult and the most dangerous to treat. As a consequence, the risk of the treatment has naturally shifted from surgical resection towards endovascular embolization which is the first procedure to be performed in difficult cases. Careful consultation between the various specialists is necessary in this pathology, particularly as some of these AVMs are a good indication for each of the three available methods of treatment.