Strategy for the treatment of inaccessible unruptured giant and large aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

Massive epistaxis from a thrombosed intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm 2 years after the initial diagnosis--case report

A 77-year-old woman presented with a rare case of nontraumatic intracavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm causing epistaxis. The thrombosed aneurysm was discovered incidentally, and was not treated. However, she suffered massive nasal bleeding 22 months after the initial diagnosis. The lesion was successfully treated by endovascular coil embolization. The present case shows that thrombosed intracavernous ICA aneurysm may still carry the risk of rupture. Radiological evidence of erosion of the sphenoid sinus wall and repeated minor bleeding may be important predicting signs for massive nasal bleeding. Parent artery occlusion including the aneurysm may be the best treatment for intracavernous ICA aneurysms if sufficient collateral blood flow to the territory of the affected ICA is expected.

The transition from hunterian ligation to intracranial aneurysm clips: a historical perspective

The description of cerebral aneurysms dates back to antiquity. Little was known, however, about the pathological mechanisms of aneurysm formation and treatment options for this disease until 200 years ago. The modern era of aneurysm treatment began with the hunterian ligation of the proximal artery, followed by clip and coil occlusion. In this article, the authors describe the transition from conservative therapy to internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation and gradual occlusion of the ICA to the direct placement of clips on aneurysms. The driving forces and rationale behind each major advancement are summarized, and the authors attempt to predict what these innovations mean for the future of intracranial aneurysm management.

Long term visual and neurological prognosis in patients with treated and untreated cavernous sinus aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To determine the long term visual and neurological outcome of patients diagnosed with cavernous sinus aneurysms (CCAs).

METHODS

Prospective follow up for at least five years or until death of 31 retrospectively recruited patients (27 women, 4 men) with treated and untreated CCAs.

RESULTS

There were 40 aneurysms in all. Mean age at diagnosis was 60.4 years (range 25 to 86; median 64). The most common symptoms were diplopia (61%), headache (53%), and facial or orbital pain (32%). Fifteen patients (48%) were diagnosed after they developed cranial nerve pareses, four (13%) after they developed carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas (CCFs), and 12 (39%) by neuroimaging studies done for unrelated symptoms. Twenty one patients (68%) had treatment to exclude the aneurysm from circulation, 10 shortly after diagnosis and 11 after worsening symptoms. Immediate complications of treatment occurred in six patients and included neurological impairment, acute ophthalmoparesis, and visual loss. Ten patients (32%) were observed without intervention. Over a mean (SD) follow up period of 11.8 (7.7) years, eight had improvement in symptoms, five remained stable, and eight deteriorated. Among the 10 patients followed without intervention, none improved spontaneously, three remained stable, and seven worsened.

CONCLUSIONS

Most treated patients in this series improved or remained stable after treatment, but none improved without treatment. The long term prognosis for treated cases is relatively good, with most complications occurring immediately after the procedure. Endovascular surgery has decreased the morbidity and mortality of treatment so should be considered for any patient with a CCA.