Complication Risk Factors in Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysm Treatment

Comparison of outcomes between clipping and endovascular coiling in anterior choroidal artery aneurysm: a systematic review

SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage) caused by aneurysm rupture has the greatest mortality rate, with nearly 50% of patients unable to survive beyond 1 month after the attack. Anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms are one of the most difficult to treat among the numerous types of aneurysms. Until now, some neurosurgeons employed shearing while others employed coiling. In this trial, researchers will compare surgical clipping and endovascular coiling treatments for anterior choroidal artery aneurysms in terms of mortality, rebleeding, retreatment, and post-procedure outcomes. Using the PubMed electronic database, the Cochrane library, the Medline Database, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and EBSCHOHOST, a systematic review compared surgical clipping and endovascular coiling in all cases of choroidal artery aneurysm. There were 17 studies that met the eligibility requirements, with a total of 1486 patients divided into groups that underwent clipping (1106) or endovascular coiling (380). The mortality rate for clipping is 1.8%, while the mortality rate for endovascular coiling is 2.34%. Rebleeding occurs in 0% of patients undergoing endovascular coiling and 0.73% of patients undergoing clipping. Retreatment of clipping was 0.27%, while endovascular coiling was 3.42%. Post-complication procedures occurred in 11.12% of patients undergoing endovascular clipping and 15.78% of patients undergoing endovascular coiling. The intervention technique of clipping has a reduced rate of mortality, reoperation, and post-operative complications. Endovascular coiling results in a reduced rate of rebleeding than clipping.

Predictors of Ischemic Complication in Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Treatment of anterior choroidal artery (AchoA) aneurysms is challenging because of the risk of artery injury. The objective of the study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of AchoA infarction in patients who underwent surgical or endovascular procedure.

METHODS

We included 123 patients with AchoA aneurysms treated by surgical clipping (n = 62; 50.4%) or endovascular coiling, including flow diverter placement (n = 61; 49.6%). The clinical and radiological data were retrospectively analyzed. AchoA infarction was defined as the presence of a hyperintense signal on diffusion-weighted imaging in the area of AchoA, including the posterior limb of the internal capsule.

RESULTS

AchoA infarction was detected in 8 cases (6.5%), with similar incidence in both groups (6.5% [4/62] vs. 6.6% [4/61]). It occurred in ruptured aneurysms more frequently than in unruptured aneurysms (14.3% [6/42] vs. 2.5% [2/81], P = 0.019). In the surgical group, all 4 affected patients had a non-proximal type AchoA, whereas in the non-infarction group, 9 patients (15.5%) had a non-proximal type AchoA (P = 0.001). In the endovascular group, the incidence was higher in patients with ruptured aneurysms (17.3% [4/23] vs. 0% [0/38], P = 0.017) and lower in patients with pre-admission antiplatelet therapy (0% [0/39] vs. 18.8% [4/22], P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of an AchoA aneurysm is associated with the risk of incurring post-procedural AchoA infarction. Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling have similar complication rates, but risk factors specific to each intervention exist. Careful surgical planning to avoid these risk factors in each therapeutic modality may improve patient outcomes.

Endovascular Treatment and Angiographic Characteristics of Aneurysms at the Origin of the Anterior Choroidal Artery

Background

The information available about the variations and anatomy of the anterior choroidal artery (AchA) with aneurysm at the origin of the vessel and the outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) for AchA aneurysms is incomplete.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of 54 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of AchA aneurysm and treated with EVT was performed. The variations and anatomy of the AchA and the outcomes of EVT for AchA aneurysms were analyzed.

Result

The 54 patients were aged 35–82 years (mean age, 56.1 ± 19.7 years) and included 32 females (59.3%, 32/54). Regarding AchA anatomy, 63.5% of AchAs had a typical S-shaped course. The diameter of the AchA origin averaged 0.8 ± 0.3 mm. Of all the AchA aneurysms, 51.9% were ruptured. The diameter of AchA aneurysms averaged 4.1 ± 2.4 mm. Moreover, 40.7% of 54 cases had multiple aneurysms. EVT was assisted with stenting for 25.9% of 54 AchA aneurysms. An immediate Modified Raymond-Roy Classification grade of I was obtained in 96.3% of AchA aneurysm cases. After EVT, the ischemic complication rate was 13%. In total, 83% of patients had good outcomes, with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4–5. Follow-up angiography showed acceptable treatment results in this study.

Conclusion

The study showed that the AchA had a complex angiographic anatomy in cases with aneurysms at the origin of the vessel and that the anatomical features can be helpful in EVT. EVT for aneurysms at the origin of the AchA had good outcomes.

Intraoperative motor-evoked potential monitoring during coil embolization for anterior choroidal artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

Intraoperative motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring is widely used in the neck clipping of cerebral aneurysms. Little is known regarding the usefulness of intraoperative MEP monitoring in endovascular aneurysm surgery. The purpose of this study was to validate the feasibility of intraoperative MEP monitoring during the coil embolization of anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms.

METHODS

Clinical and angiographic data of consecutive patients who underwent coil embolization for unruptured AChA aneurysms with or without intraoperative MEP monitoring between January 2014 and December 2018 at our institute were abstracted and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-three unruptured AChA aneurysms were treated. Eleven patients received MEP monitoring, and three of them experienced intraoperative reduction or disappearance of the MEP wave. Even during MEP changes, AChA filling showed no change in any of the three cases. Although one case with MEP monitoring encountered the disappearance of AChA filling, there was no change in MEP. This might be due to retrograde filling of the AChA from the anastomosis with the lateral posterior choroidal artery. AChA blood flow detected by angiography did not always reflect MEP status. When comparing the presence or absence of MEP monitoring, the volume embolization ratio of coiled aneurysms was significantly better in the MEP group.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative MEP monitoring during endovascular coiling for AChA aneurysms may be feasible. AChA blood flow detected by angiography does not always reflect MEP status.

A New Classification of Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms and Its Clinical Application

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the different subtypes of anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) aneurysm based on a new classification and to analyze the risk factors according to individual endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods: In the new classification, AChoA aneurysms are classified into independent type (I type) and dependent type (II type) based on the relationship between the AChoA and the aneurysm. II type aneurysms have three subtypes, IIa (neck), IIb (body), and IIc (direct). We retrospectively analyzed 52 cases of AChoA aneurysm treated in our center between 2015 to 2019. There were 13 (25.0%) I type aneurysms, 24 (46.2%) IIa aneurysms, 15 (28.8%) IIb aneurysms, and no IIc type; 28 cases had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. According to our preoperative EVT plan for the different subtypes: II type should achieve Raymond-Roy Occlusion Class 1 (RROC 1) where possible. To protect the AChoA, it is best to preserve the neck of the IIa type aneurysms (RROC 2), and RROC 3 is enough for IIb type.

Results: Ten asymptomatic cases with minimal aneurysms were treated conservatively. Of the other cases, 42 were treated with individualized EVT (26 with a simple coil, 6 with balloon-assisted coiling, 7 with stent-assisted coiling, and 3 by flow diverter. Different subtypes had different RROC (Z = 14.026, P = 0.001). IIb type aneurysms (χ² = 7.54, P = 0.023) were one of the factors related to temporary or permanent AChoA injury during surgery. Overall, two patients (IIa = 1, IIb = 1) developed contralateral hemiparesis.

Conclusions: The new classification diagram clearly shows the features of all types of AChoA aneurysm and makes EVT planning more explicit. The II type (particularly IIb) was a potential risk factor for AChoA injury.

Microsurgical Treatment of 86 Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms: Analysis of Factors Influencing the Prognosis

PURPOSE

 To explore factors affecting the prognosis of choroidal anterior artery aneurysm (AChAA) and provide a reference for improving the postoperative outcome.

METHODS

 The clinical data of 86 patients with AChAA who underwent treatment by a single surgeon were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine 12 factors that possibly affected outcome.

RESULTS

 The five factors that affected the patient outcomes were times of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), characteristics of SAH on computed tomography (CT), Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm size, and presence or absence of postoperative complications. Characteristics of SAH on CT (odds ratio [OR]: 3.727; p = 0.000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.850-7.508), aneurysm size (OR: 6.335; p = 0.000; 95% CI, 2.564-15.647), and presence or absence of postoperative complications (OR: 4.141; p = 0.000; 95% CI, 1.995-8.599) were independent risk factors influencing the prognosis. In addition, the incidence of postoperative ischemia (caused by anterior choroidal artery syndrome) is related to the aneurysm emitting part and presence or absence of intraoperative rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

 The analysis of characteristics of SAH on CT, aneurysm size, and presence or absence of postoperative complications can roughly determine the outcome of patients with AChAAs.

Impact of aneurysm shape on morbidity after clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Complex aneurysm shape is a predominant risk factor for aneurysm rupture but its impact on clinical outcome after clipping remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to compare complications and morbidity after clipping of unruptured single-sac aneurysms (SSAs) and aneurysms with multiple sacs (MSAs).

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study was conducted for patients that were treated between 2010 and 2018. We analyzed surgical parameters, treatment-related complications, and morbidity, defined as any increase in the modified Rankin scale at 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 101 patients (mean age: 52.9 ± 10.5 years) that underwent clipping for 57 SSAs and 44 MSAs. The two groups were comparable regarding aneurysm size and neck width. Clipping of MSAs was associated with a longer operation time (p = 0.008) and increased use of intraoperative indocyanine green (p = 0.016) than SSAs. Complications occurred more often in the MSA group (29.5%) than in the SSA group (14.0%; p = 0.057). Morbidity was significantly higher in the MSA group (20.5%) than in the SSA group (3.5%, p = 0.009). In the univariate analysis, the odds of morbidity were 7.1 times greater for MSAs than for SSAs (95% CI 1.4-34.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity after microsurgical clipping is significantly increased in MSAs as compared to SSAs. This may be attributed to a more difficult clip placement with stronger manipulation of the aneurysm dome and the surrounding brain tissue.

A new method to statistically describe microcatheter tip position in patient-specific aneurysm models

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evidence on how to select microcatheters to facilitate aneurysm catheterization during coil embolization is sparse. We developed a new method to define microcatheter tip location inside a patient-specific aneurysm model as a 3-dimensional probability map. We hypothesized that precision and accuracy of microcatheter tip positioning depend on catheter tip shape and aneurysmal geometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Under fluoroscopic guidance two to three operators introduced differently shaped microcatheters (straight, 45°, 90°) into eight aneurysm models targeting the anatomic center of the aneurysm. Each microcatheter position was recorded with flat-panel CT, and 3-dimensional probability maps of the microcatheter tip positions were generated. Maps were assessed with histogram analyses and compared between tip shapes, aneurysm locations and operators.

RESULTS

Among a total of 530 microcatheter insertions, the precision (mean distance between catheter positions) and accuracy (mean distance to target position) were significantly higher for the 45° tip (1.10±0.64 mm, 3.81±1.41 mm, respectively) than for the 90° tip (1.27±0.57 mm, p=0.010; 4.21±1.60 mm p=0.014, respectively). Accuracy was significantly higher in posterior communicating artery aneurysms (3.38±1.20 mm) than in aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (4.56±1.54 mm, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our method can be used tostatistically describe statistically microcatheter behavior in patient-specific anatomy, which may improve the available evidence guiding microcatheter shape selection. Experience increases the ability to reach the intended position with a microcatheter (accuracy) that is also dependent on the aneurysm location, whereas catheter tip choice determines the variability of catheter tip placements versus each other (precision). Clinical validation is required.

Microsurgical Treatment of Unruptured Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms: Incidence of and Risk Factors for Procedure-Related Complications

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experiences with microsurgical treatment of unruptured anterior choroidal artery (AchA) aneurysms, and to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for procedure-related complications.

METHODS

The study included 110 patients treated between January 2012 and December 2016. All patients met the following criteria: 1) microsurgical treatment of an unruptured AchA aneurysm was performed; and 2) clinical and radiographic follow-up data were available, including findings from preoperative digital subtraction angiography. The incidence of and risk factors for procedure-related complications were retrospectively evaluated. The χ² test and Mann-Whitney U test were used in statistical analysis, and univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Procedure-related complications occurred in 5 patients (4.5%), including symptomatic complications in 4 patients (3.6%) and asymptomatic complications in 1 patient (0.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the angle between the vertical line to the cranial base and the axis of the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery (MiC angle) (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-5.26; P = 0.038) and the angle between the projection line of the aneurysmal dome and the axis of the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery (DC angle) (OR, 3.82; 95% CI, 1.49-11.7; P = 0.014) were independent risk factors for procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

When microsurgical treatment of unruptured AchA aneurysms was performed, the procedure-related complication rate was 4.5%. Patients with AchA aneurysms with a smaller MiC angle and smaller DC angle may be at a higher risk of procedure-related complications when undergoing microsurgical treatment.

Treatment of Unruptured, Saccular, Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms with Flow Diversion : A Single Centre Experience

Background

The region of the brain supplied by the anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) is exquisitely eloquent. Aneurysms arising at or close to the origin of the vessel are not uncommon and damage or occlusion to the vessel can result in devastating consequences. The optimal treatment strategy is yet to be determined.

Objective

We sought to determine the efficacy of flow diversion for the treatment of unruptured AChoA aneurysms.

Method

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database was performed to identify all patients with unruptured aneurysms of the AChoA between March 2009 and May 2017. The fundus size, number and type of flow-diverting stent (FD), complications and follow-up data were recorded.

Results

We identified 30 patients (60% female), average age 52.8 ± 10.8 years (range 27–73), with 30 aneurysms. The aneurysms were generally small with a mean fundus diameter of 3.4 mm (range 1–7 mm). Early angiographic follow-up data were available for all patients at which point 15 aneurysms were completely occluded (50%). Delayed angiographic follow-up was available in 24 patients and occlusion was seen in 21 patients (87.5%). Of the patients one developed transient ischemic symptoms after interruption of the antiplatelet medication and another patient had a small embolic infarct with transient symptoms in the periprocedural period.

Conclusion

Flow diversion can be used to successfully treat aneurysms of the AChoA. The treatment carries a high rate of technical and radiological success with a good safety profile.

Clinical importance of the anterior choroidal artery: a review of the literature

The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) is a critical artery in brain physiology and function. The AChA is involved in many diseases, including aneurysm, brain infarct, Moyamoya disease (MMD), brain tumor, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), etc. The AChA is vulnerable to damage during the treatment of these diseases and is thus a very important vessel. However, a comprehensive systematic review of the importance of the AChA is currently lacking. In this study, we used the PUBMED database to perform a literature review of the AChA to increase our understanding of its role in neurophysiology. Although the AChA is a small thin artery, it supplies an extremely important region of the brain. The AChA consists of cisternal and plexal segments, and the point of entry into the choroidal plexus is known as the plexal point. During treatment for aneurysms, tumors, AVM or AVF, the AChA cisternal segments should be preserved as a pathway to prevent the infarction of the AChA target region in the brain. In MMD, a dilated AChA provides collateral flow for posterior circulation. In brain infarcts, rapid treatment is necessary to prevent brain damage. In Parkinson disease (PD), the role of the AChA is unclear. In trauma, the AChA can tear and result in intracranial hematoma. In addition, both chronic and non-chronic branch vessel occlusions in the AChA are clinically silent and should not deter aneurysm treatment with flow diversion. Based on the data available, the AChA is a highly essential vessel.

The cisternal segment of the anterior choroidal artery: an anatomical study using magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

The topography of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) has infrequently been delineated on neuroimages. The present study aimed to explore the cisternal segment of the AChA using magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

A total of 50 sides of the AChA obtained from 25 patients were included in this study. A constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) sequence was performed in thin-sliced axial sections. Furthermore, the cisternal AChA and relevant neurovascular structures were observed through cadaveric dissections in two heads.

RESULTS

In the cadaveric dissections, all the AChAs were exposed only in the proximal part even after extensive arachnoid dissections and cerebral retraction. In the examinations with the CISS sequence, the original site of the AChA was identified on the right side in 88% and on the left side in 96%. In 70% of the 50 sides, the AChA arose from the posterolateral wall of the internal carotid artery, distally to that of the posterior communicating artery. The cisternal course of the AChA was delineated on the right side in 96% and on the left side in 100%; it crossed over the optic tract in variable manners with the middle third as the most frequent site found in 60% of the sides.

CONCLUSIONS

The cisternal AChA shows a morphological variability. The CISS sequence is useful for delineating the cisternal AChA.

Flow diversion for anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms: a multi-institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms represent a small subset of cerebral aneurysms. The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has been successfully applied to various aneurysms of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA). The treatment of these aneurysms requires special attention due to the eloquent territory supplied by the AChA. We report the largest and first dedicated series of flow diversion treatment of AChA aneurysms.

METHODS

Four institutional neurointerventional databases were reviewed for cases of intracranial aneurysms treated with PED. Patient and aneurysm data as well as angiographic imaging were reviewed for all cases of AChA aneurysms treated with PED. AChA aneurysms were defined as aneurysms distal to the AChA and proximal to the ICA terminus, with or without the incorporation of the AChA.

RESULTS

Eighteen AChA aneurysms were treated during the study period. All aneurysms were successfully treated with a mean follow-up of 19.1 months. The large majority of aneurysms (15/18, 83.3%) were completely obliterated. No patients suffered from intra- or post-procedural complications. A1 stenosis was a common occurrence, seen in 10 of 16 (62.5%) covered anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs), although all were asymptomatic. All AChAs remained patent at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The PED can be used successfully in AChA aneurysms with a good safety and efficacy profile. All AChAs remained patent. Collateral flow networks, especially for the ACA, affect long-term branch vessel patency. Treatment with PED for AChA aneurysms appears to be a reasonable option to consider and should be evaluated in a larger cohort.