Treatment of Pediatric Traumatic Intracranial Pseudoaneurysm Using Endovascular Covered Stent: Three Case Reports

PK Papyrus covered stent to treat traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery - A technical note and review of the literature

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms account for approximately 1% of all intracranial aneurysms and are associated with high rebleeding risk and mortality. Traditional treatments of these lesions include microsurgical or endovascular reconstruction and parent vessel sacrifice. Reconstruction of the vessel is challenging due to poor vessel integrity and incomplete wall structure. An alternative endovascular reconstructive treatment includes deployment of a covered stent. Original covered stents such as the Jostent Graftmaster and the Willis stent suffer from stiff constructs that limit deployment in tortuous anatomy. The PK Papyrus covered coronary stent may be a satisfactory treatment alternative for these lesions. We present a case of an enlarging traumatic distal cavernous segment internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm treated with trans-radial deployment of a PK Papyrus stent at our institution. We propose that the PK Papyrus covered stent may be an alternative reconstructive endovascular treatment for intracranial pseudoaneurysms. Further larger scale prospective case series would provide further support for this management strategy.

Endovascular Management of Pediatric Traumatic Intracranial Pseudoaneurysms: A Systematic Review and Case Series

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to systematically review the management and outcomes of pediatric patients who develop intracranial pseudoaneurysm (IPA) following head trauma or iatrogenic injury.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed. Additionally, a retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent evaluation and endovascular treatment for IPA originating from head trauma or iatrogenic injury at a single institution.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-one articles in the original literature search. Fifty-one met inclusion criteria resulting in a total of 87 patients with 88 IPAs including our institution. Patients ranged in age from 0.5 months to 18 years. Parent vessel reconstruction was used as first-line treatment in 43 cases, parent vessel occlusion in 26, and direct aneurysm embolization (DAE) in 19. Intraoperative complications were observed in 3.00% of procedures. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 89.61% of cases. 85.54% of cases resulted in favorable clinical outcomes. The mortality rate after treatment was 3.61%. The DAE group had higher rates of aneurysm recurrence than other treatment strategies (P = 0.009). Patients with SAH had overall worse outcomes compared to patients who did not (P = 0.024). There were no differences in favorable clinical outcomes (P = 0.274) or complete aneurysm occlusion (P = 0.13) between primary treatment strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

IPAs were successfully obliterated, and favorable neurological outcomes were achieved at a high rate regardless of primary treatment strategy. DAE had a higher rate of recurrence than the other treatment groups. Each described treatment method in our review is safe and viable for the treatment of IPAs in pediatric patients.

Initial experience with Pipeline embolization of intracranial pseudoaneurysms in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Flow-diverting devices have been used successfully for the treatment of complex intracranial vascular injuries in adults, but the role of these devices in treating iatrogenic and traumatic intracranial vascular injuries in children remains unclear. The authors present their experience using the Pipeline embolization device (PED) for treating intracranial pseudoaneurysms in children.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients with traumatic and iatrogenic injuries to the intracranial vasculature that were treated with the PED between 2015 and 2021. Demographic data, indications for treatment, the number and sizes of PEDs used, follow-up imaging, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six patients with a median age of 12 years (range 7-16 years) underwent PED placement to treat intracranial pseudoaneurysms. There were 3 patients with hemorrhagic presentation, 2 with ischemia, and 1 in whom a growing pseudoaneurysm was found on angiography. Injured vessels included the anterior cerebral artery (n = 2), the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA, n = 2), the cavernous ICA (n = 1), and the distal cervical ICA (n = 1). All 6 pseudoaneurysms were successfully treated with PED deployment. One patient required re-treatment with a second PED within a week because of concern for a growing pseudoaneurysm. One patient experienced parent vessel occlusion without neurological sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the PED is feasible for the management of iatrogenic and traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the intracranial vasculature in children, even in the setting of hemorrhagic presentation.

Treatment of Traumatic Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm by Flow-Diverter: A Single-Center Experience

AIM

Traumatic intracranial aneurysm (TICA) is a rare vascular lesion with various etiologies and a high mortality rate when diagnosed late. In this study, we present our cases of TICA, which we treated with flow-diverter stents due to different etiological factors.

METHODS

Clinical data were recorded for 8 patients: age, gender, etiological factors, aneurysm location, aneurysm type, rupture, main artery status, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

75% (n:6) of the patients were male and 25% (n:2) female. Etiologically, there was intracranial tumor surgery in 3 cases (37.5%), fall from height in 2 (25%), road accident in 2 (25%), and blunt trauma in 1 (12.5%). Reconstruction used a flow-diverting stent in all cases. One patient experienced intraoperative iatrogenic rupture of the distal arterioles due to a microwire. Mean angiographic follow-up was 17.8 months (range, 6-32 months). During follow-up, none of the patients required renewed endovascular treatment.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic aneurysm is a vascular lesion with high mortality when diagnosed late. In case of suspected vascular injury after trauma or intracranial surgery, further evaluation should be performed without delay. TICA can be safely treated with flow-diverter stents, conserving the main artery.

Treatment of Traumatic Intracranial Pseudoaneurysms: A Single-Center Experience

Background and Purpose: As a rare lesion secondary to brain trauma, traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) lead to high mortality and morbidity, and multiple treatment modalities have been applied for TICAs. All patients diagnosed with TICAs in our institution from 2010 to 2020 were included in the report, and their clinical features, treatment, and outcomes are described in detail. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the characteristic of different therapeutic methods of TICAs, and focus on the endovascular treatment.

Methods: A total of 20 patients were included in this study. The 3 patients who declined treatment all died. Five of the other 17 patients were treated surgically, including clipping, wrapping, and trapping with or without EC-IC high-flow bypass, with only 1 case of parent artery preservation. Twelve patients underwent endovascular treatment, including bare coil embolization (1 case), stent-assisted coiling (2 cases), balloon-assisted coils/Onyx glue embolization (1 case) and covered stents (8 cases), with only 1 case of parent artery sacrifice.

Results: 20 patients were included in the present study with 17 males, and the mean of age on 27 years (IQR: 22, 44 years). Eight patients presented with epistaxis, followed by 5 patients with coma, 3 patients with visual defects and 2 patients with CSF leakage. There were 18 TICAs located at the internal carotid artery (ICA); The other 2 TICAs located at pericallosal artery and A1 segment anterior cerebral artery (ACA). One case of diplopia occurred due to sacrifice of the ICA. Occlusion of the ophthalmic artery occurred in 3 patients after placement of a covered stent, with 1 patient suffering an irreversible vision decrease. None of the other patients who underwent the treatment have experienced an aggravation of their symptoms since the treatment; During the imaging follow-up, 1 case of recurrence and 1 case of endoleak occurred in this case series.

Conclusions: TICAs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and endovascular treatment has emerged as a valuable option, which may be promising to improve the clinical outcomes due to their advantages of preserving the parent artery if occlusion of the side branch artery can be avoided.

Intracranial Pseudoaneurysms: Evaluation and Management

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms account for about 1% of intracranial aneurysms with a high mortality. The natural history of intracranial pseudoaneurysm is not well-understood, and its management remains controversial. This review provides an overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging, and management of intracranial pseudoaneurysms. Especially, this article emphasizes the factors that should be considered for the most appropriate management strategy based on the risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Ghost Aneurysms in Acute Subdural Hematomas: A Report of Two Cases

OBJECTIVE

Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is a common pathology encountered in neurosurgery. Although most cases are associated with trauma and injuries to draining veins, traumatic aSDH from injury to arteries or spontaneous aSDH because of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm can occur. For some patients without a clear clinical history, it can be difficult to distinguish between these etiologies purely based on radiography. The objective of this research was to describe a case series in which imaging was suggestive of the presence of distal cortical intracranial aneurysm associated with aSDH, but operative management demonstrated no evidence of aneurysm.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 2 patients known to have aSDH with suspicion for associated aneurysm between May 2019 and September 2019 at our institution. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and operative course, including age, gender, past medical history, presenting symptoms, and pre and postoperative imaging.

RESULTS

In 2 patients presenting with aSDH with preoperative radiographic imaging suggesting distal middle cerebral artery aneurysms, surgical exploration revealed no aneurysm. In both cases, noniatrogenic active arterial bleeding from an injured cortical middle cerebral artery branch was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are prior reports of arterial aSDH, to our knowledge, this is the first to describe the radiographic "ghost aneurysm" sign. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this potential misleading radiographic sign, which indicates active extravasation into a spherical cast of clot.

Efficacy of pipeline endovascular device and Willis stent graft in the treatment of traumatic pseudo intracranial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the advantages and effects of pipeline embolization device (PED) or Willis stent, in treating traumatic pseudoaneurysms. Traumatic pseudo intracranial aneurysms (TPIA) can be caused by either direct trauma or iatrogenic injuries, usually caused by direct arterial wall injury or shear due to acceleration. We describe a series of patients with TPIA who received a PED or Willis stent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on nine patients with TPIA admitted to the southern hospital of Southern Medical University from December 2017 to June 2019, of whom four were treated with PED and five were implanted with six Willis covered stents. The occlusive rate and complication in the two kinds of stents were compared by postoperative follow-up and modified rankin score (MRS).

RESULTS

After the implantation of PED, four patients showed an immediate stagnation of blood flow or a decreased filling in aneurysms, three out of four patients exhibited complete occlusion, and the remaining patient had nearly complete occlusion. Four out of five cases of Willis stent implantation were associated with immediate complete occlusion of aneurysms, and the modified rankin score of these patients ranged from 0 to 1. One patient died of unassociated complications.

CONCLUSION

For different types of TPIA in the internal carotid artery (ICA), PED and Willis stents provide significant advantages in treatment, with fewer postoperative complications and prognosis well.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms: changes from previous studies

PURPOSE

To develop a better understanding of pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs).

METHODS

All PIAs treated in our center from January 2012 to April 2017 were retrospectively included. Clinical data, treatment summaries, and follow-up outcomes were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 66 PIAs were found in 64 patients with a mean age of 11.4 ± 5.7 years, 68.8% of whom were male. The most common symptoms were seizure (n = 7, 63.6%) for the 0-5 age group and headache (n = 38, 71.7%) for the 6-18 age group. Fifty-one PIAs (77.3%) were located in the anterior circulation, with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) being the most common site (n = 28, 42.4%). Fifteen patients (23.4%) had PIAs that were pseudoaneurysms, and nine of them (60%) had a combined history of head trauma. Thirty-five patients (54.7%) had distal arterial aneurysms, and 21 of them (60%) presented with seizure. During a mean follow-up time of 1.6 ± 1.2 years, 79.7% of patients (n = 51) had favorable outcomes, 5 patients (7.8%) died, and the remaining 8 patients (12.5%) had unfavorable outcomes with severe neurological deficits.

CONCLUSION

Apart from characteristics consistent with previous studies, several new findings regarding PIAs were reported, including a difference in the most common symptoms in different age groups, the MCA as the predominant location of PIAs, the high ratio of pseudoaneurysms and their head trauma etiology, and the incidence of distal arterial aneurysms and their relationship with the risk of seizures.

Pediatric intracranial distal arterial aneurysms: report of 35 cases

BACKGROUND

Although research on pediatric intracranial aneurysms is well documented, studies of pediatric intracranial distal arterial aneurysms (PIDAAs) remain scarce.

METHODS

All pediatric patients (≤ 18 years) with intracranial aneurysms located distally to the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery, P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery, and other cerebral arteries distal to the main branch who were treated at our center between January 2012 and April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five PIDAAs were observed in 35 patients with a mean age of 9.2 ± 5.9 years and a male ratio of 71.4% (n = 25). Sudden onset of severe headache was the most common symptom (n = 22, 62.9%), followed by seizures (n = 21, 60%). Twenty-seven patients (77.1%) had ruptured aneurysms, and 18 of them (66.7%) exhibited combined lobe intracerebral hematoma. MCA was the most common site (n = 23, 65.7%). Large or giant aneurysms were observed in 16 patients (45.7%). Eight patients (22.9%) had pseudoaneurysms, six of whom (75%) reported a head trauma history. Thirty patients (85.7%) had favorable outcomes at the end of the 6-month follow-up. Kaplan-Meier 6-month seizure curves revealed a significantly higher decrease in seizure rates in the surgical group than in the endovascular group (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

PIDAAs constitute a high proportion of pediatric intracranial aneurysms. PIDAAs are associated with an increased risk of seizures, a predilection for the MCA, and a high incidence of pseudoaneurysms with head trauma history. Surgical intervention is of greater benefit than endovascular treatment in controlling the risk of seizures.

Pediatric Intracranial Aneurysms: Considerations and Recommendations for Follow-Up Imaging

BACKGROUND

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are rare. Compared with adult IAs, they are more commonly giant, fusiform, or dissecting. Treatment often proves more complex, and recurrence rate and de novo aneurysmogenesis incidence are higher. A consensus regarding the most appropriate algorithm for following pediatric IAs is lacking.

METHODS

We sought to generate recommendations based on the reported experience in the literature with pediatric IAs through a thorough review of the PubMed database, discussion with experienced neurointerventionalists, and our own experience.

RESULTS

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was utilized immediately post-operatively for microsurgically-clipped and endovascularly-treated IAs, at 6-12 months postoperatively for endovascularly-treated IAs, and in cases of aneurysmal recurrence or de novo aneurysmogenesis discovered by non-invasive imaging modalities. Computed tomographic angiography was the preferred imaging modality for long-term follow-up of microsurgically clipped IAs. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was the preferred modality for following IAs that were untreated, endovascularly-treated, or microsurgically-treated in a manner other than clipping.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose incidental untreated IAs to be followed by magnetic resonance angiography without contrast enhancement. Follow-up modality and interval for treated pediatric IAs is determined by initial aneurysmal complexity, treatment modality, and degree of posttreatment obliteration. Recurrence or de novo aneurysmogenesis requiring treatment should be followed by digital subtraction angiography and appropriate retreatment. Computed tomography angiography is preferred for clipped IAs, whereas contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is preferred for lesions treated endovascularly with coil embolization and lesions treated microsurgically in a manner other than clipping.

Traumatic cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a child refractory to initial endovascular treatment: case report and technical considerations

PURPOSE

Optimal management of extracranial carotid artery dissections (eCAD) in pediatric patients is not well documented, and endovascular interventions are rarely reported.

METHODS

A 10-year-old girl sustained multiple systemic injuries in a motor vehicle accident, including an eCAD with pseudoaneurysm. She initially failed both aspirin and endovascular stenting with progressive enlargement of a traumatic cervical carotid pseudoaneurysm and stenosis.

RESULTS

Second-stage endovascular stent placement with coiling resulted in successful occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm. At 30-month imaging follow-up, the parent vessel remained patent with no evidence of the pseudoaneurysm.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of poly-trauma, management of eCAD can be complex especially in the pediatric population. There is little data on the endovascular treatment of eCAD in children. Failed endovascular therapies are extremely rare. Our report supports surveillance imaging as repeat endovascular treatment may be necessary.

Case Report: Traumatic anterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a 4-year old child

Traumatic intracranial aneurysm in the proximal part of the anterior cerebral artery in the pediatric population has not been documented so far. Here we report the case of a 4 year-old child who developed a pseudo-aneurysm after minor head trauma and was managed successfully with trapping of the aneurysm. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was placed as the child became dependent on extraventricular drain during the post-operative period. The patient made excellent recovery in neurological status within 1 month of post-operative clinical follow up.