Factors Predictive of Enlargement of Dissecting Aneurysms in the Vertebral Artery

Acute hemicranial pain accompanied with a pearl and string type dissection of intracranial vertebral artery: Consideration for the time when to finish the medical observation

The International Classification of Headache Disorder (ICHD) clearly guides the suspicion of intracranial vertebral artery dissection (ICVAD) in headache patients, but guidelines on how observational or imaging studies should be performed to detect dangerous progression early are unclear. Fifty-six cases with pearl and string type intracranial vertebral artery dissection were divided into 3 groups: 39 in the headache group, 6 in the infarction group, and 11 in the hemorrhagic group. Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed and compared. Most headaches resolved within 2 weeks and did not exceed 8 weeks. Of the 33 patients (84.6%) who underwent continuous follow-up imaging, 18 (54.5%) returned to normal, but 3 (9%) had deteriorated. All the patients survived without subsequent bleeding or infarction. Image changes started before 3rd month and ended after 6 to 7 months. In acute ICVADs, image changes occur at the same time as the headache resolves and continue for several months after the headache has subsided. Since the dissection is likely to worsen even after the headache disappears, the image changes continue over several months, and prediction of rupture of unruptured ICVAD is unpredictable, it is desirable to conduct continuous imaging studies regularly after the initiation of dissection until stabilization is confirmed.

Morphological changes in vertebral artery dissections observed on 4D flow magnetic resonance images: case report

The morphology of vertebral artery (VA) dissections can change in the clinical course. A 58-year-old female with a 2-week headache was diagnosed with left VA dissection. Hemodynamic stress on the right VA detected on 4D flow MRI scans resulted in increased wall shear stress but the vessel was morphologically unchanged. Subsequent MRA revealed right VA dissection. Her bilateral dissections were treated conservatively and no neurological abnormality developed. Serial 4D flow MRI may be useful for observing morphological changes in VA dissections and help to clarify the mechanism(s) underlying VA dissections.

Influence of endothelial function and arterial stiffness on the behavior of cervicocephalic arterial dissections: An observational study

Background

The mechanical and physiological properties of the arterial wall might affect the behavior of spontaneous cervicocephalic arterial dissections (CCAD). We aimed to determine the effects of endothelial function and arterial stiffness on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of CCAD using brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Methods

From a single-center database, we identified patients admitted from April 2011 to December 2021 with a diagnosis of CCAD who underwent both FMD and PWV. FMD was classified as normal and decreased according to institutional thresholds. PWV was categorized into tertiles. Comparative and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the effects of FMD and PWV values on major clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 146 patients (age: 47 ± 11 years; men: 77.4%) were included. The main presentation was ischemic stroke in 76.7% of the patients, while 23.3% presented with headache or other symptoms. Healing of the dissection was observed in 55.8%. In multivariable analysis, Normal FMD levels (vs. decreased; adjusted OR: 4.52, 95% CI [1.95 −10.52]) were associated with spontaneous healing of the dissection. Highest PWV tertile (vs. lowest; adjusted OR: 17.05, 95% CI [3.07–94.82]) was associated with ischemic presentation. There was a higher ischemic stroke recurrence in the 3rd PWV tertile, and more frequent aneurysmal enlargement in the lowest PWV tertile, but their frequency was low, precluding multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

In spontaneous CCAD, preserved endothelial function was associated with spontaneous arterial healing. Arterial stiffness is associated with ischemic presentation.

Target Embolization of Complex Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm with Endovascular Reconstructive Technique Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Angiography: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE

Detailed vasculature of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) is often complicated owing to the irregular structure with the intimal flap/double lumen. Our aim was to present an endovascular reconstructive technique with assessment of detailed vasculature and the relationship between dissection and surrounding vessels using cone-beam computed tomography angiography (CBCT-A).

METHODS

The study included 6 cases with complex vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm. Selective digital subtraction angiography initially identified the location and shape of dissection. CBCT-A was then performed with selective injection into the affected vertebral artery. Luminal morphology of the dissection and surrounding arterial anatomy were assessed using CBCT-A.

RESULTS

CBCT-A clearly demonstrated luminal morphology of the intimal flap/double lumen, the entrance into the pseudolumen, and the entire dissecting segment. Tiny perforator arteries were also identified. In all 6 cases, target coil embolization for the pseudolumen and stent placement using an LVIS stent for the entire dissecting segment were successfully performed with the aid of information obtained from CBCT-A. No complications occurred in the perioperative period, and improvement of dissection was identified in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Target embolization of complex vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm with endovascular reconstructive technique with special reference to the detailed anatomy of dissection using CBCT-A would be useful for safe and effective treatment results.