Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Stent- Assisted Coil Embolization of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms : A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Trial

Objective: Stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) has been increasingly used to treat various types of intracranial aneurysms. Delayed thromboembolic complications are major concerns regarding this procedure, so dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is needed. However, clinicians vary the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after SAC, and no randomized study has been performed. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of long-term (12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy and shortterm dual antiplatelet therapy (6 months) after SAC for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Methods: This is a prospective, randomized and multicenter trial to investigate the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after SAC in patients with UIAs. Subjects will receive dual antiplatelet therapy for 6 months (short-term group) or 12 months (longterm group) after SAC. The primary endpoint is the assessment of thromboembolic complications between 1 and 18 months after SAC. We will enroll 528 subjects (264 subjects in each group) and perform 1 : 1 randomization. This study will involve 14 topperforming, high-volume Korean institutions specializing in coil embolization. Results: The trial will begin enrollment in 2022, and clinical data will be available after enrollment and follow-up. Conclusion: This article describes that the aim of this prospective randomized multicenter trial is to compare the effect of short-term (6 months) and long-term (12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy on UIAs in patients undergoing SAC, and to find the optimal duration.ope

External Ventricular Drainage before Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Acute Period: Its Relation to Hemorrhagic Complications

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the authors' experience with external ventricular drainage (EVD) before endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and to investigate its relation to hemorrhagic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2010 and December 2017, a total of 122 patients were recruited who had an aSAH, underwent EVT to secure the ruptured aneurysm, and had EVD performed within 72 hours of rupture. The pre-embo EVD group (n=67) comprised patients who underwent EVD before EVT, and the post-embo EVD group (n=55) comprised those who underwent EVD after EVT. RESULTS: Overall, EVD-related hemorrhage occurred in 18 patients (14.8%): six (8.9%) in the pre-embo EVD group and 12 (21.8%) in the post-embo EVD group (P=0.065). No rebleeding occurred between EVD and EVT in the pre-embo EVD group. Clinical outcomes at discharge did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.384). At discharge, the final modified Rankin Scale score in patients who experienced pre-embo rebleeding was better in the pre-embo EVD group than in the post-embo EVD group (P=0.041). Current use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant on admission (odds ratio [OR], 2.928; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.234-7.439; P=0.042) and stent use (OR, 2.430; 95% CI, 1.524-7.613; P=0.047) remained independent risk factors for EVD-related hemorrhagic complications. CONCLUSION: EVD before EVT in patients with aSAH in acute period did not increase the rate of rebleeding as well as EVD-related hemorrhagic complications. Thus, performing EVD before EVT may be beneficial by normalizing increased intracranial pressure. Especially in patients with rebleeding before the ruptured aneurysm is secured, pre-embo EVD may improve clinical outcomes at discharge.ope

Comparison Between Balloon-Assisted and Stent-Assisted Technique for Treatment of Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Purpose : To compare clinical and angiographic outcomes between balloon-assisted (BAC) and stent-assisted coiling for internal carotid artery unruptured aneurysms (ICA-UA). Materials and Methods : A total of 227 ICA-UA in 190 patients were treated with BAC (120 patients, 141 ICA-UA) or SAC (70 patients, 86 ICA-UA. We compared characteristics of patients and ICA-UA, and clinical and angiographic outcomes between groups. Results : Aneurysm size and neck diameter were greater for SAC than in BAC, but aneurysm volume and coil packing density were not different between groups. Immediate angiographic occlusion grade was better for BAC than for SAC. Periprocedural thromboembolic events were more frequent during SAC (11.6%) than BAC (2.4%) per aneurysm, but hemorrhagic events were the opposite (2.4% for BAC and none for SAC per aneurysm) (p < 0.05). At discharge, treatment-related morbi-mortality rates were 1.6% for BAC and 1.4% per patient for SAC. At clinical follow-up (BAC, 118 patients [98.3%] for a mean of 48.4 months; SAC, 69 patients [98.6%], for a mean of 37.4 months), 1 additional treatment-related infarction occurred during SAC, resulting in a modified Rankin scale score of 4. Thus, overall treatment-related morbi-mortality rates were 1.7% in BAC and 2.9% in SAC. At imaging follow-up (BAC, 135 aneurysms [95.7%] for 28.3 months; SAC, 81 aneurysms [94.1%] for 23.9 months), BAC and SAC showed stable or improved occlusion in 94.1% and 95.0%, minor recurrence in 4.4% and 2.5%, and major recurrence in 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Conclusion : Both BAC and SAC were safe and effective techniques for ICA-UA. There were no differences in morbi-mortality and recurrence rates between groups.ope

Preoperative Coiling of Coexisting Intracranial Aneurysm and Subsequent Brain Tumor Surgery

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have investigated treatment strategies for brain tumor with a coexisting unruptured intracranial aneurysm (cUIA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative coiling for cUIA, and subsequent brain tumor surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients (mean age, 55.2 years; M:F = 4:15) underwent preoperative coiling for 23 cUIAs and subsequent brain tumor surgery. Primary brain tumors were meningiomas (n = 7, 36.8%), pituitary adenomas (n = 7, 36.8%), gliomas (n = 3, 15.8%), vestibular schwannoma (n = 1, 5.3%), and Rathke's cleft cyst (n = 1, 5.3%). cUIAs were located at the distal internal carotid artery (n = 9, 39.1%), anterior cerebral artery (n = 8, 34.8%), middle cerebral artery (n = 4, 17.4%), basilar artery top (n = 1, 4.3%), and posterior cerebral artery, P1 segment (n = 1, 4.3%). The outcomes of preoperative coiling of cUIA and subsequent brain tumor surgery were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Single-microcatheter technique was used in 13 cases (56.5%), balloon-assisted in 4 cases (17.4%), double-microcatheter in 4 cases (17.4%), and stent-assisted in 2 cases (8.7%). Complete cUIA occlusion was achieved in 18 cases (78.3%), while residual neck occurred in 5 cases (21.7%). The only coiling-related complication was 1 transient ischemic attack (5.3%). Neurological deterioration did not occur in any patient during the period between coiling and tumor surgery. At the latest clinical follow-up (mean, 29 months; range, 2-120 months), 15 patients (78.9%) had favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2), while 4 patients (21.1%) had unfavorable outcomes due to consequences of brain tumor surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative coiling and subsequent tumor surgery was safe and effective, making it a reasonable treatment option for patients with brain tumor and cUIA.ope

Orbital Venous Malformation Accompanied by Arteriovenous Fistula

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Pipeline Embolization Device for Large/Giant or Fusiform Aneurysms: An Initial Multi-Center Experience in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and early outcomes of the Pipeline device for large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Pipeline was implanted in a total of 45 patients (mean age, 58 years; M:F=10:35) with 47 large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of the treated aneurysms, the periprocedural events, morbidity and mortality, and the early outcomes after Pipeline implantation. RESULTS: The aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (ICA) cavernous segment (n=25), ICA intradural segment (n=11), vertebrobasilar trunk (n=8), and middle cerebral artery (n=3). Procedure-related events occurred in 18 cases, consisting of incomplete expansion (n=8), shortening-migration (n=5), transient occlusion of a jailed branch (n=3), and in-stent thrombosis (n=2). Treatment-related morbidity occurred in two patients, but without mortality. Both patients had modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 2, but had an improved mRS score of 0 at 1-month follow-up. Of the 19 patients presenting with mass effect, 16 improved but three showed no changes in their presenting symptoms. All patients had excellent outcomes (mRS, 0 or 1) during the follow-up period (median, 6 months; range, 2-30 months). Vascular imaging follow-up (n=31, 65.9%; median, 3 months, range, 1-25 months) showed complete or near occlusion of the aneurysm in 24 patients (77.4%) and decreased sac size in seven patients (22.6%). CONCLUSION: In this initial multicenter study in Korea, the Pipeline seemed to be safe and effective for large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. However, a learning period may be required to alleviate device-related events.ope

Comparative Analysis of Feasibility of the Retrograde Suction Decompression Technique for Microsurgical Treatment of Large and Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneury는

Objective: Retrograde suction decompression (RSD) is an adjuvant technique used for the microsurgical treatment of large and giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of the RSD technique for the treatment of large and giant ICA aneurysms relative to other conventional microsurgical techniques. Methods: The aneurysms were classified into two groups depending on whether the RSD method was used (21 in the RSD group vs. 43 in the non-RSD group). Baseline characteristics, details of the surgical procedure, angiographic outcomes, clinical outcomes, and procedure-related complications of each group were reviewed retrospectively. Results: There was no significant difference in the rates of complete neck-clipping between the RSD (57.1%) and non-RSD (67.4%) groups. Similarly, there was no difference in the rates of good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) between the RSD (85.7%) and non-RSD (81.4%) groups. Considering the initial functional status, 19 of 21 (90.5%) patients in the RSD group and 35 of 43 (81.4%) patients in the non-RSD group showed an improvement or no change in functional status, which did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: In this study, the microsurgical treatment of large and giant intracranial ICA aneurysms using the RSD technique obtained competitive angiographic and clinical outcomes without increasing the risk of procedure-related complications. The RSD technique might be a useful technical option for the microsurgical treatment of large and giant intracranial ICA aneurysms.ope

Localization and Treatment of Unruptured Paraclinoid Aneurysms: A Proton Density MRI-based Study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of proton density magnetic resonance (PD MR) imaging for localization of paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2014 to April 2015, 76 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms in 66 patients were evaluated using PD MR and angiography (CT/MR angiography or digital subtraction angiography). The locations (extradural, transdural, intradural) in relation to the distal dural ring (DDR) and projection (superior, inferior/posterior, medial, lateral) of the aneurysms were assessed and compared. RESULTS: The most common location of paraclinoid aneurysms was extradural (n = 48, 63.2%), followed by intradural (n = 18, 23.7%), and transdural (n = 10, 13.2%). In the medial projection group (n = 49, 64.5%), 31 were extradural (63.3%), 5 were transdural (10.2%), and 13 were intradural (26.5%). In the inferior/posterior projection group (n = 19, 25.0%), there were 14 extradural (73.7%), 4 transdural (21.0%), and 1 intradural (5.3%). In the superior (n = 4, 5.3%)/lateral (n = 4, 5.3%) projection groups, there were 0/3 extradural (0/75.0%), 1/0 transdural (25.0/0%), and 3/1 intradural (75.0/25.0%). CONCLUSION: PD MR showed sufficient contrast difference to distinguish paraclinoid aneurysms from surrounding dural structures.ope

Intraventricular hemorrhage clot clearance rate as an outcome predictor in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective study

Background: The development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is linked with higher mortality and poor neurological recovery. Previous studies have investigated the effect of the amount and distribution of the initial IVH on the prognosis of aSAH. However, no studies have assessed the relationship between the changes in IVH over time and the prognosis of aSAH. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the clearance rate of IVH, which can be represented by the IVH clot clearance rate (CCR), on the outcomes of aSAH. Methods: The IVH CCR was calculated based on the difference between the initial and follow-up modified Graeb scores (mGS), which were assessed by initial and 7-day follow-up brain computed tomography, respectively. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationships between IVH CCR and other risk factors and the prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify cut-off values of IVH CCR for predicting poor functional outcome. Results: In total, 196 consecutive patients were diagnosed with aSAH between January 2014 and March 2018. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 patients were finally included in the study. The univariate analysis revealed that a lower IVH CCR (p<0.001), higher initial mGS (p<0.001), older age (p<0.001), higher initial Hunt and Hess grade (p<0.001), presence of delayed infarction (p=0.03), and presence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (p=0.004) were significantly related to poor functional outcome. The multivariable analysis revealed that IVH CCR (odds ratio [OR] 0.941; p=0.029), initial mGS (OR 1.632; p=0.043), age (OR 1.561; p=0.007), initial Hunt and Hess grade (OR 227.296; p=0.030), and delayed infarction (OR 5310.632; p=0.023) were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Optimal cut-off values of IVH CCR and mGS for poor outcome were 36.27%, and 13.5, respectively (all p< 0.001). Conclusions: The IVH CCR might have an important predictive value on poor functional outcome in patients with aSAH and IVH, along with initial mGS, age, initial Hunt and Hess grade, and delayed infarction.ope

Recurrence and retreatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms after endovascular treatment: a retrospective study

Background: Surgical treatment of anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysm is challenging due to anatomic complexity. We aimed to describe our experiences with endovascular treatment (EVT) of Acom aneurysms, and to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of recurrence and retreatment. Methods: The study comprised 260 patients who were treated at a single center between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients who had EVT, including stent-assisted coiling of Acom aneurysms, were included. All medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence and risk factors of recurrence and retreatment were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted. Results: Recurrence of Acom aneurysms occurred in 38 (14.6%) patients. Mean follow-up duration was 27 months (range 1-110). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that ruptured aneurysm (odds ratio [OR] 3.55, P = 0.001), dome direction (anterior) (OR 3.86, P = 0.002), maximal diameter (OR 1.19, P = 0.02), and mean age (OR 0.96, P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for aneurysm recurrence. Of 38 cases of recurrence, 10 (3.8%) patients underwent retreatment. Ruptured aneurysm (OR 14.7, P = 0.004), maximal diameter (OR 1.56, P = 0.02), inflow angle (OR 1.04, P = 0.03), and Raymond-Roy classes II and III (OR 6.19, P = 0.03) showed significant relation to retreatment in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: In our study, recurrence rate of Acom aneurysms after EVT was 14.6%. Rupture, anterior dome direction, maximal diameter, and mean age were significantly associated with recurrence. Retreatment rate of recurrent Acom aneurysms after EVT was 3.8%. Patients with Acom aneurysms with large inflow, rupture, large size, or incomplete occlusion may be at a high risk of retreatment of recurring aneurysm.ope