Intrasylvian hematoma caused by ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms predicts recovery from poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage

Intraoperative visualization of cerebral aneurysms using navigated 3D-ultrasound power-Doppler angiography

BACKGROUND

The questions of whether the spatial resolution of navigated 3D-ultrasound (3D-US) power-Doppler angiography imaging rendered by existing 3D-US systems is sufficient for the intraoperative visualization of cerebral aneurysms, and in what percentage of cases, are largely unanswered. A study on this topic is lacking in the literature.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2022, we performed 86 surgeries on 83 aneurysm patients. Navigated 3D-US was used at the discretion of the operating neurosurgeons when available (i.e., not being used during parallel tumor surgeries). Twenty-five aneurysms (15 ruptured) were operated on using 3D-US; 22 aneurysms were located at the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Patient 3D-US power-Doppler angiography images and surgical reports were retrospectively reviewed to assess the intraoperative ultrasound visibility of aneurysms.

RESULTS

In 20 patients (80%) the aneurysms were successfully visualized. In five patients (20%), the aneurysms visualization was insufficient or absent. Nineteen of 22 aneurysms (86.4%) were visualized in the MCA aneurysm subgroup. We observed no association between aneurysm visibility and aneurysm size or the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the subgroup of MCA aneurysms, no association between aneurysm visibility and the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage was found; a trend toward poor sonographic visibility of smaller aneurysms was observed (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial data show that intraoperative 3D-US power-Doppler angiography, rendered by current navigated 3D-US systems, clearly depicts the majority of aneurysms in the MCA aneurysm subgroup. However, future prospective studies performed on a higher number of aneurysms localized at various anatomic sites are needed to confirm our initial findings and determine their potential clinical relevance.

Acute evacuation of 54 intracerebral hematomas (aICH) during the microsurgical clipping of a ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm-illustration of the individual clinical courses and outcomes with a serial brain CT/MRI panel until 12 months

PURPOSE

In aneurysmal intracerebral hemorrhage (aICH), our review showed the lack of the patient's individual (i) timeline panels and (ii) serial brain CT/MRI slice panels through the aICH evacuation and neurointensive care until the final brain tissue outcome.

METHODS

Our retrospective cohort consists of 54 consecutive aICH patients from a defined population who acutely underwent the clipping of a middle cerebral artery bifurcation saccular aneurysm (Mbif sIA) with the aICH evacuation at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) from 2010 to 2019. We constructed the patient's individual timeline panels since the emergency call and serial brain CT/MRI slice panels through the aICH evacuation and neurointensive care until the final brain tissue outcome. The patients were indicated by numbers (1.-54.) in the pseudonymized panels, tables, results, and discussion.

RESULTS

The aICH volumes on KUH admission (median 46 cm3) plotted against the time from the emergency call to the evacuation (median 8 hours) associated significantly with the rebleeds (n=25) and the deaths (n=12). The serial CT/MRI slice panels illustrated the aICHs, intraventricular hemorrhages (aIVHs), residuals after the aICH evacuations, perihematomal edema (PHE), delayed cerebral injury (DCI), and in the 42 survivors, the clinical outcome (mRS) and the brain tissue outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding aICH evacuations, serial brain CT/MRI panels present more information than words, figures, and graphs. Re-bleeds associated with larger aICH volumes and worse outcomes. Swift logistics until the sIA occlusion with aICH evacuation is required, also in duty hours and weekends. Intraoperative CT is needed to illustrate the degree of aICH evacuation. PHE may evoke uncontrollable intracranial pressure (ICP) in spite of the acute aICH volume reduction.

Outcomes following poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Up to 35% of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) cases may present as poor grade, defined as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades IV and V. In this study, we evaluate functional outcomes and prognostic factors.

METHODS

This prospective study included all patients referred to a national, centralized neurosurgical service with a diagnosis of poor-grade aSAH between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2019. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate probability of poor functional outcomes, defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 1-3 at 3 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-seven patients were referred, of whom 116/257 (45.1%) underwent treatment of an aneurysm, with 97/116 (84%) treated within 48 h of referral. Median age was 62 years (IQR 51-69) with a female predominance (167/257, 65%). Untreated patients tended to be older; 123/141 (87%) had WFNS V, 60/141 (45%) unreactive pupils and 21/141 (16%) circulatory arrest. Of all referred patients, poor outcome occurred in 169/230 (73.5%). Unreactive pupils or circulatory arrest conferred a universally poor prognosis, with mortality in 55/56 (98%) and 19/19 (100%), respectively. The risk of a poor outcome was 14.1% (95% CI 4.5-23.6) higher in WFNS V compared with WFNS IV. Age was important in patients without circulatory arrest or unreactive pupils, with risk of a poor outcome increasing by 1.8% per year (95% CI 1-2.7). In patients undergoing aneurysm securement, 48/101 (47.5%) had a poor outcome, with age, rebleeding, vasospasm and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion being important prognosticators. The addition of serum markers did not add significant discrimination beyond the clinical presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall outcomes of WFNS IV and V aSAH remain poor, mainly due to the devastating effects of the original haemorrhage. However, in patients selected for aneurysm securement, good outcomes can be achieved in more than half of patients. Age, pre-intervention rebleeding, vasospasm, and CSF diversion are important prognostic factors.

Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms Concomitant with Small Intracranial Hematoma: Evacuating Hematoma or Not?

Objective

To identify whether intracranial hematoma (ICH) evacuation improves the prognosis of patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms concomitant with small ICHs (≥10 mL and <25 mL).

Methods

Data on patients diagnosed with small ICHs secondary to ruptured AcomA aneurysms who underwent surgery in our department between January 2010 and February 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the hematoma was evacuated. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess prognosis six months after onset.

Results

The study recruited 58 patients, 19 of whom underwent aneurysm clipping and ICH evacuation. While 33 patients underwent aneurysm clipping, 6 patients underwent coiling embolism without ICH evacuation. The average ICH volume was 15.27±4.07 mL. In the hematoma-evacuated group, 13 (68.4%) patients had unfavorable outcomes (mRS scores of 4 to 6). In the non-evacuated hematoma group, 13 (33.3%) patients had unfavorable outcomes (P = 0.001), postoperative infarction occurred in 11 (57.9%) patients in the hematoma evacuation group and 9 (23.1%) patients in the other group (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

ICH evacuation was associated with unfavorable outcomes and postoperative infarction in ruptured AcomA aneurysms with concomitant small hematomas (<25 mL). Aneurysm clipping or coiling without ICH evacuation may be a safe and effective choice; however, further investigation is needed.

Early predictors of functional outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) often receive delayed or no aneurysm treatment, although recent studies suggest that functional outcome following early aneurysm treatment has improved. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze early predictors of functional outcome in poor-grade aSAH patients.  METHODS: We included studies investigating the association of early predictors and functional outcome in adult patients with confirmed poor-grade aSAH, defined as World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade or Hunt and Hess (H-H) grade IV-V. Studies had to use multivariable regression analysis to estimate independent predictor effects of favorable functional outcome measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale or modified Rankin Scale. We calculated pooled adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with random effects models.  RESULTS: We included 27 studies with 3287 patients. The likelihood of favorable outcome increased with WFNS grade or H-H grade IV versus V (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-4.3), presence of clinical improvement before aneurysm treatment (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0-5.3), and intact pupillary light reflex (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6-5.1), and decreased with older age (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1.0, per decade), increasing modified Fisher grade (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.5, per grade), and presence of intracerebral hematoma on admission imaging (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

We present a summary of early predictors of functional outcome in poor-grade aSAH patients that can help to discriminate between patients with favorable and with unfavorable prognosis and may aid in selecting patients for early aneurysm treatment.

Delayed Progressive Mass Effect After Secured Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Objective

Delayed progressive mass effect (DPME) after securing an aneurysm is uncommon following microsurgical or endovascular repair and leads to a poor clinical outcome. Patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms have a high risk of postoperative oedema and mass effect, which may require decompressive treatment. Because few studies have discussed the risk and predictive factors, we focused on ruptured MCA aneurysms and evaluated the outcomes of these patients and the necessity of salvage surgery when DPME presented.

Methods

Data on 891 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) treated between January 2011 and February 2020 were extracted from the medical database of a tertiary referral centre. A total of 113 patients with aSAH resulting from at least one MCA aneurysm were identified. After excluding patients with several clinical confounders, we enrolled 80 patients with surgically treated aSAH. We examined the characteristics of aneurysms and hematomas, perioperative contrast pooling patterns, presence of distal hematomas, perisylvian low density, occlusive treatment modality, management strategies, the need for salvage surgical decompression, and postoperative 90-day outcomes to identify possible risk factors.

Results

DPME was observed in 27 of the 80 patients (33.7%). The DPME and non-DPME group differed significantly in some respects. The DPME group had a higher risk of salvage surgery (p < 0.001) and poorer outcomes (mRS at day 90; p = 0.0018). The univariate analysis indicated that the presence of hematoma, CTA spot signs, perisylvian low density, and distal hematoma were independent risk factors for DPME. We also noted that DPME remained an independent predictor of a poorer 90-day functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2).

Conclusion

DPME can lead to salvage decompression surgery and directly relates to poor outcomes for patients with a ruptured MCA aneurysm. Distal hematoma, perisylvian low density, and CTA spot signs on preoperative images can predict DPME.

The role of the Sylvian fissure configuration and the vascular anatomy on different bleeding patterns in ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are one of the causes of subarachnoid (SAH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) but the factors associated with the bleeding type are unknown. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of the morphological variations of the Sylvian fissure (SF) and vascular parameters on occurrence of different bleeding patterns in patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of consecutive 202 patients with ruptured MCA aneurysm of two centers were included for analysis. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 with SAH, Group 2 with accompanying ICH and Group 3 with intrasylvian hemorrhage (ISH). The SF was divided into five types according to the previously described classification. Analyzed vascular parameters were aneurysm size, localization, presence of a daughter aneurysm, shape, and angulation of the aneurysm sac.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients (141 female, 61 male, mean age 52.4 yr) were included in this study. 67 patients (33.2%) had a SAH, 122 (60.4%) an ICH and 13 (6.4%) presented with ISH. Statistical analysis showed a significant association of narrow and twisted SF types 4 and 5 (p < 0.001) and temporal angulation of the aneurysm (p = 0.030) for occurrence of ICH. All other vascular parameters showed no significant association for any kind of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Our results allow the conclusion that the complex SF types 4 and 5, as well as the temporal angulation of the aneurysm sac are associated with the occurrence of ICH in ruptured MCA aneurysms.

Acute rerupture after coil embolization of ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms: A literature review

Acute rerupture after coil embolization is defined as rerupture within three days after treatment; its prognosis is worse than that of rebleeding at other time periods. However, to date, little is known about complications during the acute phase. Therefore, we used the PubMed database to perform a review of acute rerupture after coil embolization of ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms and increase our understanding. After reviewing the complications, we found that the cause of acute rerupture is unclear, but the following risk factors are involved: incomplete occlusion of the initial aneurysm, the presence of a hematoma adjacent to a ruptured aneurysm, an aneurysmal outpouching, poor Hunt-Hess grade at the time of treatment, and the location of the aneurysm in an anterior communicating artery. In addition, intraoperative rupture is a non-negligible cause. Acute rerupture after coil embolization mainly occurs within the first 24 hours after the procedure. Brain computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosing acute rebleeding of a coiled aneurysm. For acute rerupture after coil embolization, prevention is critical, and complete occlusion of the aneurysm in the first session is the best protection against acute rebleeding. In addition, a restricted postembolization anticoagulation strategy is recommended for patients with high-risk aneurysms. For patients with an adjacent hematoma, surgical clipping is recommended. Most patients present no changes immediately after acute rebleeding because of their poor condition. However, surgical or endovascular treatments can be attempted if the patient is in an acceptable condition. Even so, the outcomes are typically unsatisfactory.

Ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms with a concomitant intraparenchymal hematoma: the role of hematoma volume

PURPOSE

To study whether clinical outcome data from our patient cohort could give support to the new recommendation in the AHA/ASA guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that states "that microsurgical clipping may receive increased consideration in patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and large (>50 mL) intraparenchymal hematomas", while clinical outcome data supporting this recommendation are sparse.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 81 consecutive patients with MCA aneurysms and concomitant hematomas admitted between January 2006 and December 2015. The relation between (semi-automatically quantified) hematoma volume (< or > 50 ml), neurological condition on admission (poor: GCS < 8 or non-reactive pupils), treatment strategies (no treatment, coiling, or clipping with or without decompression and/or clot removal), and outcome (favorable: mRS score 0-3) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Clinical outcome data were available for 76 patients. A significant difference in favorable outcome (17 vs 68%) was seen when comparing patients with poor and good neurological condition on admission (p < 0.01). Patients with hematomas > 50 ml had similar outcomes for coiling and clipping, all underwent decompression. Patients with hematomas < 50 ml did not show differences in favorable outcome when comparing coiling and clipping with (33 and 31%) or without decompression (90 and 88%).

CONCLUSION

Poor neurological condition on admission, and not large intraparenchymal hematoma volume, was associated with poor clinical outcome. Therefore, even in patients with large hematomas, the neurological condition on admission and the aneurysm configuration seem to be equally important factors to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Application of actuator-driven pulsed water jet in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage surgery: its effectiveness for dissection around ruptured aneurysmal walls and subarachnoid clot removal

In clipping surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), critical steps include clot removal and dissection of aneurysms without premature rupture or brain injuries. To pursue this goal, a piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ) system was introduced in this study. This study included 42 patients, who suffered aSAH and underwent clipping surgery. Eleven patients underwent surgery with the assistance of the ADPJ system (ADPJ group). In the other 31 patients, surgery was performed without the ADPJ system (Control group). The ADPJ system was used for clot removal and aneurysmal dissection. The clinical impact of the ADPJ system was judged by comparing the rate of premature rupture, degree of clot removal, and clinical outcomes. Intraoperatively, a premature rupture was encountered in 18.2 and 25.8% of cases in the ADPJ and control groups, respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant, intraoperative observation suggested that the ADPJ system was effective in clot removal and dissection of aneurysms in a safe manner. Computed tomography scans indicated the achievement of higher degrees of clot removal, especially when the ADPJ system was used for cases with preoperative clot volumes of more than 25 ml (p = 0.047, Mann-Whitney U test). Clinical outcomes, including incidence of postoperative brain injury or symptomatic vasospasm, were similar in both groups. We described our preliminary surgical results using the ADPJ system for aSAH. Although further study is needed, the ADPJ system was considered a safe and effective tool for clot removal and dissection of aneurysms.

Intrasylvian/Intracerebral Hematomas Associated with Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Series and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms usually lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and several cases have shown concomitant intrasylvian or intracerebral hematomas. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic characteristics with their different outcomes.

METHODS

The charts of 30 consecutive patients with ruptured MCA aneurysm-related intracranial hematoma were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were dichotomized into an intrasylvian hematoma (ISH) group and an intracerebral hematoma (ICH) group by the presence of intrahematomal contrast-enhancing vessel; for patients under open surgery, hematoma type was further confirmed by intraoperative observation. The characteristics were compared between these 2 groups (ie, age, gender, history of hypertension, history of smoking, systolic pressure at admission, hematoma volume, size and side of aneurysms, the angle between the pointing direction of the aneurysm and the MCA trunk [denoted as α], middle line shifting, treatment modality, and outcome). All the angles are measured in the anterior-posterior projection.

RESULTS

In our series, only hematoma volume, the angle α, and the middle line shift showed statistical significance regarding prognosis between 2 hematoma groups. An angle α between 109.0°and 216.0° is associated with ISH, whereas aneurysm with an angle beyond this range indicates ICH. In our series, patients in the ICH group had a larger hematoma volume compared with the ISH patients (33.3 ± 17.6 vs. 11.5 ± 10.5; P = 0.002). There exists no statistical difference regarding prognosis between these 2 groups, even although there is a trend toward worse recovery for patients in the ISH group (Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 3.0 ± 1.3 vs. 3.8 ± 1.9; P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, the prognosis of patients with ICH was worse than that of patients with ISH. Early discrimination of these 2 types of hematoma helps to predict future outcome; an angle (between the pointing direction of aneurysm and the MCA trunk) between 109.0°and 216.0° is associated with ISH, whereas aneurysm with an angle beyond this range suggests ICH.