Suboccipital Approach for Primitive Trigeminal Artery Obliteration Associated with Cavernous Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE: A 63-year-old woman presented with diplopia resulting from abducens paralysis. Examination revealed a giant cavernous aneurysm supplied by the internal carotid artery (ICA) and primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) via the vertebrobasilar system. METHODS: After evaluation of balloon test occlusion (BTO) at the distal side of the PTA origin, the aneurysm was treated with PTA obliteration through the suboccipital route in the lateral position followed by cervical carotid ligation with superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis in the supine position. RESULTS: The aneurysm showed marked shrinkage after the surgery. CONCLUSION: PTA obliteration through the retrosigmoid opening is a therapeutic surgical option in a patient with a cavernous aneurysm supplied by the PTA.ArticleWORLD NEUROSURGERY. 74(4-5):494-496 (2010)journal articl

An asymmetrical fenestration of the basilar artery coexisting with two aneurysms in a patient with subarachnoid haemorrhage: case report and review of the literature

The vertebrobasilar system is a part of the cerebral arterial circle (circle of Willis), which forms the collateral circulation of the brain. A 75-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to hospital because of a strong headache radiating to the neck. On the basis of a neurological examination, the patient was classified into group III of the Hunt and Hess scale. Subarachnoid haemorrhage and 2 aneurysms of the cerebral arteries were diagnosed during multidetector 64-row computed tomography and angiography. An asymmetrical fenestration of the proximal part of the basilar artery was also observed. The bleeding aneurysm locating at anterior communicating artery was diagnosed and clipped surgically by right fronto-parietal craniotomy. The second aneurysm was located just after the junction of the vertebral arteries on the wall of the basilar artery. The presented case firstly illustrates the asymmetric fenestration of the proximal part of the basilar artery coexisting with subarachnoid haemorrhage and 2 aneurysms of brain arteries. Such observation should increase diagnostic attention in the detection of possible associated aneurysms and can help in preventing complications during all endovascular treatment procedures

Anatomy of the feeding arteries of the cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Background: Identification and anatomic features of the feeding arteries of the arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is very important due to neurologic, radiologic, and surgical reasons.   Materials and methods: Seventy-seven patients with AVMs were examined by using a digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) and computerised tomographic (CT) examination, including three-dimensional reconstruction of the brain vessels. In addition, the arteries of 4 human brain stems and 8 cerebral hemispheres were microdissected.   Results: The anatomic examination showed a sporadic hypoplasia, hyperplasia, early bifurcation and duplication of certain cerebral arteries. The perforating arteries varied from 1 to 8 in number. The features of the leptomeningeal and choroidal vessels were presented. The radiologic examination revealed singular (22.08%), double (32.48%) or multiple primary feeding arteries (45.45%), which were dilated and elongated in 58.44% of the patients. The feeders most often originated from the middle cerebral artery (MCA; (23.38%), less frequently from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA; 12.99%), and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA; 10.39%). Multiple feeders commonly originated from the ACA and MCA (11.69%), the MCA and PCA (10.39%), the ACA and PCA (7.79%), and the ACA, MCA and PCA (5.19%). The infratentorial feeders were found in 9.1% of the AVMs. Contribution from the middle meningeal and occipital arteries was seen in 3.9% angiograms. Two cerebral arteries had a saccular aneurysm. The AVM haemorrhage appeared in 63.6% of patients.   Conclusions: The knowledge of the origin and anatomic features of the AVMs feeders is important in the explanation of neurologic signs, and in a decision regarding the endovascular embolisation, neurosurgical and radiosurgical treatments

Arteriovenous malformations of the corpus callosum: Pooled analysis and systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the corpus callosum (CC) are rare entities. We performed a systematic review of the available literature to better define the natural history, patient characteristics, and treatment options for these lesions. METHODS: A MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library search were performed for studies published through June 2015. Data from all eligible studies were used to examine epidemiology, natural history, clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients with CC-AVMs. A systematic review and pooled analysis of the literature were performed. RESULTS: Our search yielded 37 reports and 230 patients. Mean age at presentation was 26.8 years (±13.12 years). AVMs were most commonly located in the splenium (43%), followed by the body (31%), and then the genu (23%) of the CC. A Spetzler-Martin grade of III was the most common (37%). One hundred eighty-seven (81.3%) patients presented with hemorrhage, 91 (40%) underwent microsurgical excision, and 87 (38%) underwent endovascular embolization. Radiosurgery was performed on 57 (25%) patients. Complete obliteration of the AVM was achieved in 102 (48.1%) patients and approximately twice as often when microsurgery was performed alone or in combination with other treatment modalities (94% vs. 49%; P \u3c 0.001). Mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 1.54 and mean mRS at last follow-up was 1.31. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.35). CONCLUSION: We present an analysis of the pooled data in the form of a systematic review focusing on management of CC-AVMs. This review aims to provide a valuable tool to aid in decision making when dealing with this particular subtype of AVM

Aneurysms of the vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries

Objective: Aneurysms of the vertebral artery (VA) and its branch posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare, comprising only about 1 to 3% of all intracranial aneurysms. The series published thus far on these lesions are small. We aim to describe the special anatomical and morphological features of these aneurysms compared to aneurysms in other locations, and to describe the variety of symptoms they cause. We describe their treatment and analyze the outcome. Additionally, we describe their anatomy imaged with computed tomography angiography. Patients and methods: We reviewed retrospectively 9 709 consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms treated in the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, between 1934 and 2011. The study population included 268 patients with 284 VA or PICA aneurysms or both. Follow-up data came from the Population Registry Centre (dates of death), Statistics Finland (causes of death), from written questionnaires to patients still alive, medical records of the Department of Neurosurgery, and for those deceased, medical records from all public health services. Results: Among all the aneurysm patients, 5.1% had an aneurysm in the VA or PICA. Most aneurysms, 51%, were located at the VA PICA junction. The proportion of fusiform aneurysms was 28%. Compared to patients with ruptured aneurysms at other locations, patients with a ruptured VA or PICA aneurysm were older and had a higher Fisher grade. Ruptured distal PICA aneurysms also re-bled more regularly. Compared to other ruptured aneurysms, ruptured VA and PICA aneurysms were smaller and more often fusiform. At least one VA or PICA aneurysm was treated in 209 (78%) patients. The most common technique for aneurysm occlusion was clipping, used in 107 aneurysms. Total occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved among saccular aneurysms in 90%, and among fusiform aneurysms in 61%. Within one year of aneurysm diagnosis, 26% of the patients were dead. Among those who survived a minimum one year and in whom the VA or PICA aneurysm received active treatment; those returning to an independent or their previous stage of life amounted to 92%. Conclusion: In treatment of VA and PICA aneurysms, their special anatomical and morphological features are challenge. Despite this, and often severe hemorrhage, most patients surviving the initial stage make a good recovery.Aivovaltimopullistuma eli aneurysma on pieni, useimmiten millimetrien kokoinen säkkimäinen pullistuma, joka kehittyy aivovaltimoiden haarautumiskohtaan. Harvinaisempia ovat aivovaltimoiden fusiformiset eli sukkulamaiset aneurysmat. Aivovaltimoaneurysman puhkeaminen aiheuttaa lukinkalvonalaisen verenvuodon (SAV, subaraknoidaalivuoto). Vajaa puolet sairastuneista menehtyy vuotoon hoidosta huolimatta. Suuri osa sairastuneista on työikäisiä. Aivovaltimopullistuman sijainti vaikuttaa sen aiheuttamiin oireisiin sekä hoitoon. Nikamavaltimo (VA, vertebralis) ja sen haara, takimmainen alimmainen pikkuaivovaltimo (PICA), sijaitsevat kallon takakuopassa lähellä pikkuaivoja, aivorunkoa ja aivohermoja. Tässä väitöskirjassa tarkasteltiin HYKS Neurokirurgian klinikassa vuosina 1934 - 2009 hoidettuja 268 potilasta, joilla oli todettu joko vertebraliksen tai PICA:n tai näiden molempien aneurysma. Vertebraliksen ja PICA:n aneurysmat ovat harvinaisia: vain 4 % kaikista aneurysmista sijaitsevat näissä suonissa. Vertebraliksen ja PICA:n aneurysmat ovat myös tavallista useammin muodoltaan sukkulamaisia; nyt tehdyssä tutkimuksessa tällaisia oli 28 %. Vuotaneet vertebralis ja PICA aneurysmat ovat pienempiä kuin muut puhjenneet aneurysmat, ja ne aiheuttivat muita aneurysmia useammin vuodon aivokammioihin. Potilaat, joilla oli vuotanut vertebralis tai PICA aneurysma, olivat iäkkäämpiä kuin muut SAV-potilaat. Vertebraliksen ja PICA:n aneurysmien hoitaminen on usein haastavaa niiden sijainnin, muodon ja tapahtuneen runsaan vuodon vuoksi. Tutkituilla potilailla käytettiin 24 erilaista tapaa pullistuman sulkemiseen. Potilaista, joilla vertebralis-aneurysma suljettiin, 41 %:lla todettiin viimeistään leikkauksen jälkeen nielemisvaikeuksia tai äänen käheyttä. Nielun toiminnan häiriö kuitenkin korjautui täysin puolella sekä tämän lisäksi parani selkeästi kolmasosalla. Haastavasta aneurysmasta ja usein vaikeasta vuodosta huolimatta hankalasta alkuvaiheesta selvinneistä 92 % kuntoutui vähintään itsenäiseen elämään

Complex Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Complex intracranial aneurysms represent vascular lesions with attributes complicating their treatment. Giant intracranial aneurysms (GIA; ≥25 mm) are a rare subgroup of complex aneurysms with a particularly poor natural history. Due to their large size, giant aneurysms often present with cranial nerve dysfunctions. In this retrospective study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the anatomical features of giant aneurysms in the internal carotid artery (ICA). Complex aneurysms are often difficult to approach directly, necessitating indirect treatment strategies. We therefore analysed a case series of bypass surgery and flow diversion in relation to the execution and outcomes in different segments of the ICA. All patients were admitted to the Helsinki University Hospital and for the analyses they were retrospectively recalled from the aneurysm database. For the series of giant aneurysms, we identified 125 patients with 129 GIAs (50 aneurysms in the ICA), from 1987 to 2007. For the series of bypass surgeries, included were 39 patients with 41 complex ICA aneurysms that were treated between 1998 and 2016. For the series of flow diversions, 62 patients with 76 ICA aneurysms were included from 2014 to 2019. In the treatment-oriented series, we analysed the internal carotid artery in segments, as this dictates the selection of treatment strategy. All the imaging studies and medical records were reviewed for relevant features in relation to aneurysms, complications and patient outcomes. The ICA was the most frequent location for GIAs in the cerebral arteries (39%) and most of these aneurysms were located specifically in the cavernous ICA segment (42%). Half of all GIAs presented mainly with symptoms of mass effect (50%). The cavernous GIAs were only rarely ruptured (10%) in contrary to the supraclinoid GIAs (36%). In general, wall calcification and intraluminal thrombosis were more seldom diagnosed in ruptured than in unruptured GIAs. In treatment of the complex ICA aneurysms with bypass procedures, the strategic goal of aneurysm treatment was achieved in 95% of cases (occlusion, 83%; flow modification, 12%). With flow diversion of the ICA aneurysms, 61% of aneurysms were occluded at 6-month follow-up and 69% at the latest follow-up. In both groups of treatment, the cavernous aneurysms became occluded slightly more often than the aneurysms in the supraclinoid region. Posttreatment large-scale strokes were rare (3-6%), but minor complications were seen more often. The pretreatment cranial nerve dysfunctions improved only moderately at best (cranial nerve-specific improvement rate of up to 60%). Respectively in groups of bypass and flow diversion, 74% and 85% of patients with unruptured aneurysms had favourable outcome at the latest follow-up. In both groups, only 25% of patients having unruptured aneurysms and presenting with poor functional status improved significantly to having a favourable outcome. The ICA is the most common location for GIAs and patients often present with symptoms of mass effect. Indirect treatment of complex ICA aneurysms with bypass procedures or flow diversion is feasible. Major treatment-related complications are rare, but minor complications occur at a non-negligible rate. Cranial nerve dysfunctions improve only in a proportion of patients. Lately, flow diverters have taken over the treatment of many complex ICA aneurysms, but the best treatment strategy should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the burden of complex features of these aneurysms.Komplekseilla kallonsisäisillä aivovaltimopullistumilla eli aneurysmilla on ominaisuuksia, jotka tekevät aneurysmien hoidosta erityisen vaikeaa. Yhden alaryhmän muodostavat jättianeurysmat (≥25 mm), joilla on hoitamattomana erityisen korkea riski aiheuttaa aneurysmille tyypillinen hengenvaarallinen lukinkalvonalainen aivoverenvuoto. Kokonsa takia jättianeurysmat voivat tulla diagnosoiduksi myös esimerkiksi viereisten hermorakenteiden toimintahäiriöitä aiheuttaessaan. Kaikkiaan kompleksit aneurysmat, kuten jättianeurysmat, ovat harvinaisia ja siten niistä julkaistut aiemmat sarjat ovat olleet pääasiallisesti pieniä. Tässä retrospektiivisessä tutkimuksessa tavoitteemme oli seikkaperäisesti kuvailla sisemmän kaulavaltimon alueella sijainneiden jättianeurysmien anatomisia ominaisuuksia. Toisaalta kompleksien aneurysmien hoitamiseksi tarvitaan usein epäsuoria menetelmiä aneurysman sulkemiseksi verenkierrosta. Tämän takia analysoimme myös aivovaltimo-ohitusleikkausten sekä suonensisäisten virtausohjureiden (flow diverter) hoidolliset tulokset sisemmän kaulavaltimon aneurysmien osalta. Kaikki tutkimukseen sisällytetyt potilaat olivat olleet hoidossa HUS Helsingin yliopistollisessa sairaalassa, ja potilastiedot haettiin sarjoittain aneurysmarekisteristä vuosien 1989 ja 2019 väliseltä ajalta. Kaikki kuvantamistutkimukset sekä potilastiedot analysoitiin aneurysmiin, hoitotuloksiin ja hoidon komplikaatioihin liittyvien olennaisten tietojen osalta. Tutkimuksessamme totesimme, että sisempi kaulavaltimo on yleisin sijainti aivovaltimoiden jättianeurysmille ja tässä sijainnissa potilailla on usein aneurysman aiheuttamia aivohermo-oireita näkökyvyn häiriön muodossa. Epäsuora kompleksien aneurysmien hoito aivovaltimo-ohitteilla tai virtausohjureilla on toteuttamiskelpoista ja suurin osa aneurysmista sulkeutui seurannan aikana, mutta parhaimmillaan vain noin puolessa tapauksista aivohermo-oireet lievittyivät. Vakavat hoitoon liittyvät komplikaatiot olivat harvinaisia, mutta vähäisempiä tai ohittuvia oireita aiheuttaneita komplikaatioita todettiin useammin. Aivovaltimo-ohitusleikkaukset ovat erityisen vaativa hoitomuoto ja viime vuosina onkin suonensisäisillä virtausohjureilla hoidettu yhä enemmän komplekseja aneurysmia. Paras hoitomenetelmä tulisi valita tapauskohtaisesti ja punniten erilaisten aneurysman kompleksien ominaisuuksien aiheuttamaa kokonaishaastetta

Symposium Internationale Quartum Anatomiae Clinicae

Proceedings from the Symposium

Handbook on clinical neurology and neurosurgery

HANDBOOKNEUROLOGYNEUROSURGERYКЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ НЕВРОЛОГИЯНЕВРОЛОГИЯНЕЙРОХИРУРГИЯThis handbook includes main parts of clinical neurology and neurosurgery