Intracranial arterial aneurysm due to birth trauma. Case report

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICA) in children: a description of two clinical cases of successful treatment and review of literature

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICA) across all age groups make up less than 1% of all aneurysms. Traumatic aneurysms in children occur from 10 to 39%, and their treatment requires special considerations. Even though readily diagnosed, the management of traumatic intracranial aneurysms in children is still a subject for discussion. Two cases of traumatic aneurysms following penetrating and blunt trauma are presented.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Two cases of traumatic aneurysms are presented. The first patient presented with an aneurysm of the distal M4 segment of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) 1 week following blunt traumatic brain injury with skull fractures. The aneurysm was excised without complications. The second patient presented with a saccular aneurysm of the A2 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) following penetrating traumatic brain injury with a metal rod. The aneurysm was discovered incidentally on computed tomography angiography (CTA) performed to exclude a brain abscess when the patient developed a persistent fever. After numerous unsuccessful attempts at endovascular embolization, microsurgical aneurysm clipping was performed without complications.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic intracerebral aneurysms are relatively more common in childhood. They commonly occur in the first 21 days post-trauma but can also occur in the late period. We, therefore, recommend that CTA or direct cerebral angiography should be performed within the first 3 weeks to exclude TICA and in all patients with sudden deterioration in the early postoperative period. Considering the high mortality rate associated with conservative management, surgical and/or endovascular management should be performed once the diagnosis is made.

Onyx Embolization of a Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Five-Week-Old: A Case Report and Review of Current Treatment Options

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms secondary to traumatic birth are a rare finding in infants. Definitive diagnosis of such findings is challenging, and no standard management is delineated for management of pseudoaneurysms in the pediatric population. Commonly attempted treatments include endovascular embolization or surgical clipping. A 5-week-old female presented with a two day history of right hand focal seizures. The patient was found to have a dysplastic superficial intra-axial aneurysm arising from the distal left middle cerebral artery (MCA) branch in the setting of a left posterior frontal lobe hemorrhage noted on brain magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA). The patient underwent diagnostic cerebral angiogram demonstrating a left distal MCA pseudoaneurysm, which was treated with Onyx embolization. Post-embolization period was complicated by recurrent left central localized seizures and a left hemispheric temporoparietal hemorrhagic infarction. The patient was managed on levetiracetam, phenytoin, phenobarbital with stable seizure control. Herein, we highlight the youngest case to date of a 5-week-old infant with a left distal MCA pseudoaneurysm treated with Onyx embolization. Pseudoaneurysmal incidence, diagnosis and accepted management is discussed.

Distal superior cerebellar artery aneurysm located at the newly formed anastomotic site with the long circumferential artery of the posterior cerebral artery: A case report

We describe a case of a distal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysm that arose from a unique collateral pathway between the SCA and long circumferential artery (LCA) of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). The patient was a 69-year-old male who was admitted to our facility for an asymptomatic and incidentally identified cerebellar aneurysm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a saccular aneurysm arising from the right SCA in the quadrigeminal cistern. Digital subtraction angiography revealed an unusually dilated branch from the aneurysmal sac. Furthermore, this branch had retrograde flow from the quadrigeminal segment to the anterior pontomesencephalic segment, was connected to the PCA at the P1 segment, and exited from the P2 segment. We attributed this unusual angioarchitecture to collateral circulation secondary to severe P1 stenosis. Thus, the dilated unusual branch is an LCA of the PCA for supplying the distal PCA with blood flow. As a result, the aneurysm is probably formed at the junction between the SCA and LCA. Endovascular coiling for the aneurysm was successfully performed with preserved collateral system.

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms: case report and review of the literature

Intracranial aneurysms in the neonate, presenting in the first 4 weeks of life, are exceedingly rare. They appear to have characteristics, including presentation and location, that vary from those found in adults. The authors present a case of a 28-day-old neonate with a ruptured distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Initial noninvasive imaging with transfontanelle ultrasound and CT confirmed intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed a 14-mm ruptured fusiform MCA aneurysm that was not identified on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Microsurgical treatment was performed with partial neurological recovery. A comprehensive review of the literature from 1949 to 2017 revealed a total of 40 aneurysms in 37 neonates, including the present case. The most common presenting symptom was seizure. Although subarachnoid hemorrhage was the most common form of hemorrhage, 40% had intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The median aneurysm size was 10 mm (range 2-30 mm) and the most common location was the MCA, with two-thirds of cases involving the distal intracranial vasculature. Over the last 10 years, there has been a trend of increasing noninvasive diagnosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in neonates, with CT angiography and contrast-enhanced MRI being the most useful diagnostic modalities. The use of contrast-enhanced MRI may improve sensitivity over time-of-flight MRA. Microsurgical treatment was the most common treatment modality overall, with increased use of endovascular treatment in the last decade. Most patients underwent microsurgical vessel ligation or endovascular parent vessel occlusion. There were high rates of neurological recovery after microsurgical or endovascular treatment, particularly for patients with distal aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of a large ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm in a 5-week-old infant: case report

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are extremely rare in infants. The optimal treatment strategy is not well established. Both microsurgical and endovascular techniques and strategies have been tried, and in the literature there is a significant variability in outcome. The authors report the presentation and successful endovascular treatment of a large, ruptured, middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm in a 5-week-old girl, one of only a few reported in the literature. Clinical and radiological findings at follow-up are also presented. The authors then review the literature on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in infants, with particular regard to outcome after either endovascular or open surgical management. They also provide recommendations for follow-up in pediatric patients whose intracranial aneurysms have been treated with coil embolization.

Staged Trapping of Traumatic Basilar Trunk Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) of the posterior circulation in the pediatric populations are rare. Only a few reports in the literature document basilar artery TICA in the pediatric population. These cases were typically associated with a clival fracture and commonly diagnosed weeks to months after trauma. We present a case of a patient with a basilar TICA diagnosed after a motor vehicle collision treated with staged trapping and review of the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a high-speed motor vehicle collision and developed a basilar trunk TICA identified on admission. Initially, the patient underwent craniotomy for proximal sacrifice of the basilar artery in hope for spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm through flow reversal. Endovascular options were reviewed and felt to be less feasible than surgical trapping. Due to continued filling through the right posterior communicating artery, the second surgery was performed to distally trap the aneurysm. The aneurysm was opened, showing some thrombosis and the absence of flow. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any new infarction, and the patient was discharged with neurologic improvement over time. At 1 year, he was able to ambulate unassisted and had a modified Rankin Scale score of 3.

CONCLUSION

Development of a TICA may be more acute than literature previously suggested. Treatment consists of a wide range of options and should be considered, especially in the pediatric population, to prevent rupture. Trapping can be performed safely if adequate collateral flow is present in the setting of a large basilar artery aneurysm.

Middle cerebral artery aneurysm rupture in a neonate with interrupted aortic arch: case report

INTRODUCTION

Arterial cerebral aneurysms in the neonatal population are rare, and while the association of interrupted aortic arch and intracranial aneurysm has been reported in the adult and pediatric population (three cases each), to date, it has not been reported in the neonate.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 26-day-old girl who presented with a generalized seizure 2 weeks after undergoing congenital heart surgery. Head CT revealed diffuse SAH with a 1.7 × 2.9-cm frontal intra-parenchymal hematoma with subdural extension producing 3 mm of midline shift. CTA evidenced a 2-mm left MCA bifurcation aneurysm, and the patient was taken to the operating room for clipping. Twenty-four-hour post-operative head CT showed ventriculomegaly and an EVD was placed. It was removed 4 days later without the need for permanent CSF diversion, and after this, her hospital stay was uneventful and she was discharged home. At 25 months of age, she was meeting developmental milestones. At this time, she underwent further heart surgery and expired shortly thereafter due to cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

Here, we report the successful treatment of a ruptured neonatal aneurysm, and the first known case associated with interrupted aortic arch. Given the time and presentation, this patient likely illustrates the role of hemodynamic factors in the rupture of neonatal aneurysms. In reviewing all of the reported cases of neonatal aneurysms, promptly securing the aneurysm by either open clipping, parent vessel occlusion, or endovascular coiling is strongly preferable to no surgical intervention.

Radiological changes in infantile dissecting anterior communicating artery aneurysm treated endovascularly. A case report and five-year follow-up

Intracranial aneurysms are extremely rare in infants, and to our knowledge only seven infants treated for ruptured spontaneous dissecting aneurysms have been reported. Good outcomes have been achieved with endovascular treatment of infantile aneurysm. We the endovascular treatment of a one-month-old girl for ruptured dissecting aneurysm located in the anterior communicating artery, and the unique radiological changes that were observed during the perioperative and follow-up periods. These changes suggest that blood coagulation and fibrinolytic response play a part in the repair and healing processes of dissecting aneurysms. Careful neuroradiological surveys are needed for pediatric dissecting aneurysms treated endovascularly.

A case report of a pediatric traumatic aneurysm with arteriovenous (A-V) fistula CASE-BASED UPDATE

BACKGROUND

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) are rare, representing less than 5 % of all intracranial aneurysms. Most TICAs are located within the anterior circulation, and less than 10 % of TICAs occur in the posterior circulation. Histopathologically, most TICAs are false aneurysms and have a high risk of rupture or re-bleeding. When they are discovered, careful observation or treatment may be required. Once they are enlarged, they have a high risk of rupture, and immediate treatment is essential.

CASE REPORT

For the first time in the literature, we report a rare case of an 8-year-old boy with a TICA in anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and arteriovenous (A-V) fistula after severe head trauma. Trapping of AICA and resection of the aneurysm was performed. Postoperatively, he has peripheral facial palsy but is otherwise neurologically normal.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment for traumatic aneurysms is challenging because most of TICAs are histopathologically pseudoaneurysms. It may be technically difficult to perform direct surgery of aneurysms especially located in the posterior circulation, but when the treatment is successful, the outcome was favorable.

Intracranial Non-traumatic Aneurysms in Children and Adolescents

An intracranial aneurysm in a child or adolescent is a rare, but potentially devastating condition. As little as approximately 1200 cases are reported between 1939 and 2011, with many of the reports presenting diverting results. There is consensus, though, in that pediatric aneurysms represent a pathophysiological entity different from their adult counterparts. In children, there is a male predominance. About two-thirds of pediatric intracranial aneurysms become symptomatic with hemorrhage and the rate of re-hemorrhage is higher than in adults. The rate of hemorrhage from an intracranial aneurysm peaks in girls around menarche. The most common aneurysm site in children is the internal carotid artery, in particular at its terminal ending. Aneurysms in the posterior circulation are more common in children than adults. Children more often develop giant aneurysms, and may become symptomatic from the mass effect of the aneurysm (tumorlike symptoms). The more complex nature of pediatric aneurysms poses a larger challenge to treatment alongside with higher demands to the durability of treatment. Outcome and mortality are similar in children and adults, but long-term outcome in the pediatric population is influenced by the high rate of aneurysm recurrences and de novo formation of intracranial aneurysms. This urges the need for life-long follow-up and screening protocols.

Intracranial pediatric aneurysms: endovascular treatment and its outcome

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to analyze the location, clinical presentation, and morphological characteristics of pediatric aneurysms and the safety, feasibility, and durability of endovascular treatment.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of all cases involving patients 18 years old or younger who underwent endovascular treatment for pediatric aneurysms at their institution between July 1998 and July 2010. The clinical presentation, aneurysm location, endovascular management, and treatment outcome were studied.

RESULTS

During the study period, 23 pediatric patients (mean age 13 years, range 2 months-18 years) were referred to the authors' department and underwent endovascular treatment for aneurysms. The aneurysms were saccular in 6 cases, dissecting in 4, infectious in 5, and giant partially thrombosed lesions in 8. Fourteen of the aneurysms were ruptured, and 9 were unruptured. Thirteen were in the anterior circulation and 10 in the posterior circulation. The most common location in the anterior circulation was the anterior communicating artery; in the posterior circulation, the most common location was the basilar artery. Saccular aneurysms were the most common type in the anterior circulation; and giant partially thrombosed and dissecting aneurysms were the most common types in the posterior circulation. Coil embolization was performed in 7 cases, parent vessel sacrifice in 10, flow reversal in 3, glue embolization in 2, and stent placement in 1. Immediate angiographic cure was seen in 21 (91%) of 23 patients. Complications occurred in 4 patients, 3 of whom eventually had a good outcome. No patient died. Overall, a favorable outcome was seen in 22 (96%) of 23 patients. Follow-up showed stable occlusion of aneurysms in 96% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric aneurysms are rare. Their clinical presentation varies from intracranial hemorrhage to mass effect. They may also be found incidentally. Among pediatric patients with aneurysms, giant aneurysms are relatively common. Endovascular management is associated with low rates of complications and is a safe, durable, and effective treatment for pediatric aneurysms.

A thrombosing, giant, distal posterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a newborn infant

Intracranial aneurysms are extremely rare in infancy. No consensus has yet been developed about the exact treatment of this rare situation. The authors report the case of a 47-day-old male infant who had multiple seizures on the same day, leading to the diagnosis of an intracranial aneurysm. The case was managed conservatively with close imaging follow-up, and the patient had a good recovery. The results of neurological examination were completely normal at the 5-year follow-up visit. These rare lesions may be suspected on the basis of clinical findings and correctly diagnosed with current neuroradiological imaging modalities. The authors believe this report contributes valuable imaging data on rare childhood aneurysms to the literature, as well as emphasizing the importance of clinical and imaging information in therapeutic decision making in children with intracranial vascular problems.

Dissecting Aneurysms of the Posterior Cerebral Artery

BACKGROUND:

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms are relatively rare, making up 1% to 2% of all intracranial aneurysms. To date, most clinical series are heterogeneous in nature, with few reports of isolated PCA dissecting aneurysms. Their clinical presentation can vary greatly, and the potential for long-term sequelae during or after treatment remains relatively high.

OBJECTIVE:

To report our recent experience in 9 consecutive patients with PCA dissecting aneurysms with a discussion of the unique clinical challenges of their evaluation and treatment.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective review of 9 consecutive patients with PCA dissecting aneurysms from November 2003 to February 2010. Their hospital charts and follow-up records were reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS:

We identified 6 male and 3 female patients ranging in age from 7 months to 69 years (median age, 53 years). None had any associated trauma. Four patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Three presented with intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage. The remaining 2 presented with headache and acute onset of right-sided numbness, respectively. Four underwent endovascular embolization; 2 underwent surgical clipping; and the remaining 3 were managed medically and followed up conservatively. The dissecting aneurysms involved P1 (n = 2), P1-2 junction (n = 1), P2 (n = 4), and P2-3 junction (n = 1). At a mean follow-up of 3 months, 6 patients had excellent functional outcome with modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1. The remaining 3 patients who presented in deep coma did poorly (1 died and 2 had severe disabilities).

CONCLUSION:

PCA dissecting aneurysms pose a unique challenge and have many unresolved issues regarding treatment modalities.

Microsurgical management of pediatric intracranial aneurysms

PURPOSE

Pediatric aneuryms are rare and have characteristics that distinguish them from their adult counterparts. There is a greater capacity for pediatric aneurysms to arise de novo and progress rapidly.

METHODS

Saccular aneurysms are rarer; fusiform/giant aneurysms are more common. Hemorrhage is less common at presentation than are symptoms that result from mass effect. These patients also present with comorbidities that are unique to children and these conditions may influence treatment selection between minimally invasive procedures and microsurgery. Life expectancy is typically measured in decades for this population and thus treatment durability is of considerable importance.

RESULTS

Our retrospective review indicated that complete aneurysm obliteration occurred in 93% of microsurgery patients versus 79% of endovascular patients. Although functional outcomes were similar for both treatment modalities, the need for additional treatment was over four times more likely in children receiving endovascular therapy.

CONCLUSION

The need for continued follow-up cannot be overstated for this patient group, therefore, nor can the collaborative efforts of both surgeons and interventionalists to design the most appropriate treatment approach.

Neonatal intracranial aneurysm rupture treated by endovascular management: a case report

Pediatric intracranial aneurysm rupture is rare, and is traditionally managed by surgical clipping. To the best of our knowledge, endovascular embolization of aneurysms in neonates has not previously been reported in Taiwan. We report a 9-day-old boy with intracranial aneurysms who underwent endovascular embolization, representing the youngest reported case in Taiwan. The 9-day-old boy presented with non-specific symptoms of irritable crying, seizure and respiratory distress. Computed tomography disclosed intraventricular hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage and focal intracranial hemorrhage around the right cerebellum. Subsequent computed tomographic angiography showed two sequential fusiform aneurysms, measuring 3 mm, located in the right side posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The patient underwent endovascular embolization because of the high risk of aneurysm re-rupture and the impossibility of surgical clipping due to the fusiform nature of the aneurysms. A postembolization angiogram revealed complete obliteration of the right distal PICA and proximal aneurysm. The distal PICA aneurysm was revascularized from the collateral circulation, but demonstrated a slow and delayed filling pattern. The patient's condition remained stable over the following week, and he was discharged without anticonvulsant therapy. No significant developmental delay was noted at follow-up at when he was 3 months old. This case emphasizes the need for clinical practitioners to consider a diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates with seizure and increased intracranial pressure. Neonatal intracranial aneurysms can be treated safely by endovascular treatment.

Neonatal ruptured intracranial aneurysms: case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial aneurysms are exceptional in neonatal patients: There are only 16 cases previously reported. We describe the first case of neonatal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm and review the literature.

CASE REPORT

A 7-day-old girl presented with irritability, anorexia, fever and abnormally enlarging head circumference. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated intraventricular haemorrhage, secondary hydrocephalus and a pontine cistern haematoma. A PICA aneurysm was suspected on the CT angiogram (CTA) and the diagnosis was confirmed by conventional cerebral angiography. She was successfully treated by surgical clipping of the parent vessel and excision of the aneurysm. Postoperatively, she experienced transient swallowing difficulties and required a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a calcified arterial wall with thrombosis, signs of prior haemorrhage and the absence of the internal elastic lamina.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms are rare. Clinical presentation of subarachnoid haemorrhage in this age group is often non-specific. First-line investigation should start with transfontanelle cranial ultrasound, followed by MR angiography then CTA if necessary. Posterior circulation aneurysms and large or giant aneurysms are more frequent in neonates and children than in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for improved outcome. Surgery is better tolerated than in adults.

Acute subdural hematoma secondary to distal middle cerebral artery aneurysm rupture in a newborn infant

The authors present the case of a peripheral aneurysmal lesion that developed in a newborn baby and was successfully treated by endovascular parent artery occlusion. Given the natural history of aneurysms, which are prone to rupture and to cause deleterious intracerebral hemorrhage, with high mortality rates, aggressive and early management (endovascular or surgical) is recommended.

Correlation of head trauma and traumatic aneurysms

SUMMARY

Subarachnoid hemorrhage following severe trauma to the head is relatively common. In most cases the bleed originates from superficial veins and occasionally from arteries. Following the replacement of cerebral angiography with CT in the diagnostic evaluation of head traumas fewer traumatic aneurysms have been observed. This may indicate that some traumatic aneurysms are missed if angiographic procedures are not performed in patients with severe head injury. Trauma patients admitted to our institution are submitted to CT including a bone algorithm. In case of subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially in the basal cisterns, CT-angiography is performed. Digital subtraction angiography is performed as well in cases with uncertain interpretations. During one year 81 patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage following head trauma. Thirteen (16%) of them underwent CTangiography and in five (6.2%) with SAH in the basal cistern traumatic aneurysms were found. Four of these cases had a skull base fracture including fractures through the clivus. Four cases were embolized and one very small extradural aneurysm is still not treated. One small pericallosal aneurysm was operated. A traumatic aneurysm should always be suspected n patients with skull base fractures and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns.

Spontaneous thrombosis of giant cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm in a neonate. Case report and review of the literature

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms are rare, with only 20 cases being reported in the literature. No case of spontaneous resolution of a giant intracranial cavernous segment aneurysm in a neonate is reported till date. The authors describe a 3-week-old male child who presented with a left-sided tonic seizure episode and was diagnosed as having a right-sided giant cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was found to be totally thrombosed on angiography done before planning definitive treatment. The child is doing well at 2 years of follow-up. Spontaneous thrombosis, an exceptionally rare but fortunate outcome in a rare case of giant neonatal internal carotid artery aneurysm, has led the authors to report this case. The need of repeat imaging or angiography should be considered to rule out this rare outcome, more so if there is any delay between the ictus and treatment.

Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms treated using the sole stenting approach

✓Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms has evolved since the introduction of detachable coils. Sole stenting is a brand-new technique that has recently emerged as a definitive treatment for saccular or fusiform aneurysms at particular locations. Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms are rare, and few treated cases have been reported. Most of them have been treated surgically, and endovascular cases usually have been managed with occlusion of the parent vessel. The authors report on the first two endovascularly treated cases with complete cure of the aneurysm as well as preservation of the parent vessel and distal circulation via the sole stenting technique. The results together with several aspects of the technique, such as the correction of the angle of the vessel and modification of the shear stress, are discussed.

Traumatic aneurysm of the superior cerebellar artery

SUMMARY

Following a head trauma in a 40-year-old male, massive subarachnoid hemorrhage and fractures of the skull base/clivus was found at CT. CT angiography demonstrated an aneurysm on the proximal part of the right superior cerebellar artery. The aneurysm was successfully coiled without any complication and the patient improved clinically during the following three months. The decline in use of angiography in head trauma patients during the last two decades may lead to a lower detection of traumatic aneurysm than in previous times. The value of angiographic procedures in patients suffering head traumas with SAH and skull base fractures is therefore emphasized.

Intracranial arterial aneurysms in childhood: case report

A case of an intracranial arterial aneurysm at internal carotid bifurcation in a 10-year-old girl is described with the special features of cerebral aneurysm which occur in children, comparing with the adults. We alert for the necessity of carefully operative technique in order to avoid damage and intraoperative rupture of the aneurysm due to the very thin vessel wall that this population can develop. Our recommendation is early surgery in these patients.

Intracranial aneurysms in children under 1 year of age: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial aneurysms are very rare in early childhood. Because the location, morphology as well as the clinical and radiological presentation of these aneurysms seem to be different from those in adults, we performed a systematic review of the literature to discuss the clinical, morphological, and radiological features of intracranial aneurysms in the first year of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerized search of both Pubmed and EMBASE from before 1966 to 2005 was performed. Included were all articles that dealt with cases in which an intracranial aneurysm was demonstrated in children under 1 year of age.

RESULTS

We found 110 articles in which 131 cases of an intracranial aneurysm in children under 1 year were presented. The mean age at diagnosis of the aneurysm was 4.9+/-3.5 months with a male to female ratio of 1.1. There was a hemorrhagic presentation in 73% (n=96). The patients presenting with a hemorrhage were younger (mean 4.3 vs 6.7 months, P<0.001) and tended to have smaller-sized (i.e.<2.5 cm) aneurysms (P=0.07). The aneurysm was defined as traumatic or infectious in 15 and 13 cases, respectively. In 21% (n=27), there was various vascular or congenital co-morbidity. In 76%, the aneurysm was located in the anterior circulation. The prevalence of aneurysms on the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was nearly three times higher than on any other vessel. The mean aneurysm size was 1.8+/-1.4 cm, with 30 giant aneurysms (>2.5 cm). The giant aneurysms were significantly more often located in the posterior circulation (43 vs 16%, P=0.01). The mean period of follow-up was 13.6+/-24.8 months. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) could be derived in 106 cases: 50% had an excellent outcome (GOS of 5).

CONCLUSIONS

The presentation of arterial aneurysms in children under the age of 1 year differs from that in adults with a significantly higher prevalence of giant aneurysms in the posterior circulation. The prevalence of aneurysms on the MCA is nearly three times higher than on any other vessel. The patients presenting with a hemorrhage were younger and tended to have smaller-sized aneurysms. Our study did not confirm the male predominance that has thus far been associated with pediatric aneurysms. The outcome is comparable or slightly better than in adults.

History of surgery for cerebrovascular disease in children. Part I. Intracranial arterial aneurysms

✓ Intracranial aneurysms are rare in children, and their origins and treatment methods tend to be different from those in these same entities in adults. These lesions tend to be congenital or to have an infectious or traumatic origin. In the current paper the authors trace the historical evolution of the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms in children. Based on the literature, these lesions appear to occur in children in less than 3% of all series. The literature also supports the suggestion that symptoms from these aneurysms are often from mass effect and that giant aneurysms and lesions in the posterior cranial fossa are relatively more common in children than in adults. The termination of the carotid artery and the anterior cerebral artery seem to be disproportionately common sites of aneurysm formation in this cohort. Interestingly, surgical outcomes in children appear to be moderately better than in adults. Based on the literature, the claim can be made that a multidisciplinary approach to the management of such aneurysms can yield good outcomes in a very high percentage of children treated.

A spontaneous giant pseudoaneurysm presenting with chronic headache in adolescent

BACKGROUND

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms are rare vascular lesions, particularly in children and adolescents, and are characterized by the presence of organizing hematoma and fibrosis outside the true lumen, instead of true vascular elements. Most pseudoaneurysms result from an eminent insult, such as major trauma or grave infectious illness. Development of pseudoaneurysm without antecedent incident is rare. Furthermore, clinical manifestation with only a headache is also unusual in this age group.

CASE HISTORY

We now describe one patient who had a giant pseudoaneurysm arising at the distal middle cerebral artery. A 17-year-old boy complained of headache that had become apparent 3 years ago and intractable to medicine 3 months ago. Brain computed tomographic scan and lumbar cerebrospinal spinal fluid study revealed no trace of recent hemorrhage. However, digital subtraction angiography revealed a huge aneurysmal dilatation along the right M2 segment with the features of delayed filling and emptying of contrast agent. Surgical obliteration of the corresponding aneurysm with tandem clipping and aneurysmectomy rendered him free of headache thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

The actual cause and mechanisms of this case are not certain; nonetheless, we suggest that traumatic cause produced such a lesion, and minor repeated bleeding also elicited headache, albeit no evidence of recent major injury.

Giant pseudoaneurysm in adolescent

BACKGROUND

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms, infrequent vascular lesion in children and adolescents, are characterized by the presence of organizing hematoma and fibrosis outside the true lumen instead of normal vascular elements. Because most pseudoaneurysms result from eminent insults such as major trauma or grave infection, development without preceding incident is extremely rare. Giant pseudoaneurysms in younger population, albeit unexceptionally unusual, are symptomatic in most instances and exhibit very high risk of rupture. Clinical manifestation as chronic headache without hemorrhage or neural compression is very unlikely. Once identified, only prompt surgical treatment guarantees favorable prognosis.

CASE HISTORY

We report a case of a 17-year-old boy with a giant pseudoaneurysm arising at distal middle cerebral artery. He complained of headache that had become apparent 3 years ago and medically intractable 3 months ago. Brain computed tomographic scan and lumbar cerebrospinal spinal fluid study revealed no trace of recent hemorrhage. However, digital subtraction angiography revealed a huge aneurysmal dilatation along the right distal middle cerebral artery with the features of delayed filling and emptying of contrast agent. Surgical obliteration of the corresponding aneurysm with tandem clipping and aneurysmectomy made him free of headache postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not uncover the actual cause of formation and precise mechanism of clinical presentation for this unique aneurysm; nevertheless, we suggest that blunt head injury of fairly long history caused such a lesion, and repeated minute bleeding elicited headache. This assumption was possible only after full consideration of the histopathology.

Intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population: case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Intracranial aneurysms in children (< or =18 years old) are rare, and their epidemiology is poorly understood. We present a prospective 14-year experience at our institution and review the literature to clarify the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Review of medical records in the Johns Hopkins aneurysm prospective database and review of the literature since 1939 were performed.

RESULTS

Of 1377 intracranial aneurysm cases at our institution from 1991 to 2004, 19 (1.4%) pediatric patients were treated using microsurgical or endovascular techniques. Male/female ratio was 2.2:1. Eleven percent occurred at the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation, and 42% were located in the posterior circulation. Seven (37%) were giant lesions; 58% presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients in good Hunt and Hess grade (I-III) comprised 42%, and poor-grade (IV-V) patients comprised 16%. At a mean follow-up duration of 3.0 +/- 3 years, 95% of patients demonstrated favorable outcomes with Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5. In the literature, a total of 706 pediatric intracranial aneurysm cases have been described since 1939. The male/female ratio is 1.8:1. The ICA bifurcation was the location in 26%, and only 17% were in the posterior circulation. Twenty percent were giant lesions, and 80% presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Good- and poor-grade patients comprise 49% and 36% of the total cases, respectively. Favorable outcome was reported in 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

During recent decades, good outcomes after the treatment of ruptured and unruptured pediatric aneurysms have increased, reaching 95% in the current series. Pediatric intracranial aneurysms occur more commonly in male patients and have a predilection for the terminal ICA bifurcation.

Rupture of middle cerebral artery aneurysm in a neonate: case report and review of the literature

Intracranial hemorrhage because of rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is extremely rare in the neonatal period. Delayed diagnosis contributes to high mortality and morbidity. The authors report an extremely rare case of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm diagnosed and treated shortly after birth. Extensive review of the literature is presented. The patient died 4 years after surgery.

Pediatric cerebral aneurysms

Object. The exceptional pediatric aneurysm can be distinguished from its adult counterpart by its location and size; however patient outcomes remain difficult to evaluate based on the published literature.

Methods. Twenty-two children, all consecutively treated in three neurosurgery departments, were included in this study. Each patient's preoperative status was determined according to the Hunt and Hess classification. Routine computerized tomography scanning and angiography were performed in all children on the 10th postoperative day. Each patient's clinical status was evaluated 2 to 10 years postoperatively by applying the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

Twenty-one children presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and one child harbored an asymptomatic giant aneurysm. Thirteen patients were in good preoperative grade (Hunt and Hess Grades I to III) and eight in poor preoperative grade (Hunt and Hess Grade IV or V). The symptomatic aneurysms were located on the internal carotid artery bifurcation (36.4%); middle cerebral artery (36.4%), half of which were found on the distal portion; anterior communicating artery (18.2%); and within the vertebrobasilar system (9.1%). A giant aneurysm was observed in 14% of patients. Overall outcome was favorable (GOS Score 5) in 14 children (63.6%) and death occurred in five (22.7%). Causes of unfavorable outcome included the initial SAH in four children, a complication in procedure in three children, and edema in one child.

Conclusions. Pediatric aneurysms have a specific distribution unlike that of aneurysms in the adult population. The incidence of giant aneurysms and outcomes were similar to those in the adult population. The major cause of poor outcome was the initial SAH, in particular, the high proportion of rebleeding possibly due to a delay in diagnosis.

Ruptured cerebral aneurysm in a 39-day-old infant

A case of middle cerebral artery aneurysm in a 39-day-old infant is discussed. The unique characteristics of aneurysms in the pediatric age group which distinguish them from adults are male predominance, greater frequency in middle cerebral artery and posterior circulation. In addition, they demonstrate a greater frequency of large and giant aneurysms. Theories on the etiology of cerebral aneurysms in children are discussed.

Traumatic intracranial carotid tree aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to elucidate the requirements for angiographic evaluation in blunt head injuries, the timing of angiography, and the selection of appropriate therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

Twelve cases of traumatic aneurysms (TAs) in the intracranial carotid tree were analyzed in this study. Neurological examination results, computed tomographic scans, pre- and postembolization cerebral angiograms, and follow-up data were included.

RESULTS

In 11 of 12 cases, TAs were of cranial base origin; in 1 case, the aneurysm was located in the distal anterior cerebral artery. In seven of the cases with cranial base lesions, aneurysms were located in the intracavernous segment of the internal carotid artery; all of the computed tomographic scans for these cases demonstrated sphenoid sinus wall fractures and hematoma in the sphenoid sinus. In two cases, although the initial angiograms revealed no lesions, a second study performed 2 weeks later demonstrated the presence of aneurysms. Nine of the aneurysms were treated with endovascular techniques, two were managed conservatively, and the remaining one patient died with massive epistaxis while awaiting surgical treatment. No morbidity or additional permanent neurological deficits occurred in the endovascularly treated patient group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with head trauma who present with sphenoid sinus fractures and massive epistaxis should be evaluated for the development of TAs as soon as possible. If the patients exhibit fractures without epistaxis, angiography should be deferred for 2 to 3 weeks; if the first angiographic evaluation reveals normal findings, repeated epistaxis should prompt a second angiographic evaluation. Current treatment of TAs involves occlusion of the main artery through the use of endovascular techniques. Cases involving internal carotid artery TAs of cranial base origin and patients who do not tolerate test occlusion require extracranial-to-intracranial bypass surgery.

Management of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in infancy. Report of a case of a ten-month-old boy

A ten month old unconscious boy with hemiplegia (Hunt and Hess IV) was first admitted to a district hospital without a CT scanner or a neurosurgical service (Glasgow-Coma-Score 4, no pathological pupillary signs). Therefore, he was transferred to the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital the same night. An emergency CT scan that night showed intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage with enlarged ventricle (Fisher grade 5). Angiography was not available within reasonable time. Thus in the stage of progressively increasing clinical deterioration, still without pupillary signs, an external ventricular drain-age was placed. Immediately after reduction of the cerebrospinal fluid volume, arterial hypertension was noticed--the right pupil was mydriatic and fixed. Without further apparative diagnosis an emergency craniotomy was performed for decompression under the suspicion of a secondary hemorrhage due to a rerupture of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. A bleeding aneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery was found and clipped. A mass transfusion was necessary and a pulmonary air embolism occurred. The infant died in tabula. The histological specimens revealed disruption of the internal elastic membrane of both MCA. This emphasizes a congenital nature of the aneurysm. We conclude that cerebral arterial aneurysms have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of stroke-like symptoms in infancy and early childhood, although the incidence of reported cases is less than one case per year. Since no valid screening parameter is available, diagnosis is often made only after rupture of the aneurysm. This causes problems for emergency management. Infants and children with stroke or stroke-like symptoms should immediately be transferred to a hospital with a neurosurgical unit.

Tentorial edge traumatic aneurysm of the superior cerebellar artery. Case report

The authors report an unusual case of a traumatic aneurysm of the right superior cerebellar artery (SCA). A 22-year-old woman presented with continuous headaches that appeared 15 days after she experienced closed head trauma as a result of a cycling accident. Computerized tomography scanning performed 3 months later showed a nodular lesion on the free edge of the tentorium, which mimicked a meningioma. The aneurysm was identified on magnetic resonance angiography, which showed the SCA as the parent vessel. The parent vessel was trapped, and the aneurysm sac was excised via right temporal craniotomy. Pathological examination of the sac revealed a false aneurysm. The patient's outcome was excellent. The pathophysiology of traumatic aneurysm at such a location suggests that surgery may be the treatment of choice.

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms in childhood and adolescence. Case reports and review of the literature

We report four pediatric traumatic intracranial aneurysms occurring before the age of 10 years. Two of these aneurysms were the result of closed head injury. The remaining two were iatrogenic aneurysms which occurred in unusual circumstances. These four children represent 33% of the pediatric intracranial aneurysms seen at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario from 1974 to 1992. Diagnosis of traumatic intracranial aneurysms requires a high index of suspicion: any head-injured or postoperative child who experiences delayed neurologic deterioration, or who fails to improve as expected following treatment, should promptly undergo diagnostic intracranial imaging. Documented subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage, or subdural haematoma in this clinical setting should be further investigated by cerebral angiography to exclude a traumatic aneurysm or other vascular lesion. Traumatic aneurysms typically arise at the skull base or from distal anterior or middle cerebral arteries or branches consequent to direct mural injury or to acceleration-induced shear. Reported traumatic aneurysms account for 14%-39% of all pediatric aneurysms. Iatrogenic aneurysms also occur with unexpected frequency during childhood and adolescence. Pediatric traumatic cerebral aneurysms may present early or late. Most present early with intracranial hemorrhage. Late presentation occurs infrequently, typically as an aneurysmal mass. Once diagnosed, these aneurysms should be promptly treated by craniotomy employing routine microsurgical techniques, or in some cases, by endovascular detachable balloon techniques. Delay in operative treatment entails significant risks of repeated hemorrhage and death. Outcome in these children is primarily determined by the extent of traumatic cerebral injury and the preoperative clinical status. The latter directly depends upon diagnosis of the aneurysm prior to either initial or repeated hemorrhage.