Spanish Registry for Embolization of Small Intracranial Aneurysms with Cerecyte Coils (SPAREC) Study. Early Experience and Mid-Term Follow-up Results

SUMMARY

This study aimed to report the results obtained in treating small ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms using Cerecyte coils. A prospective, non-randomized multicenter registry operating in Spain with a reporting period between May 2005 and September 2007.We present clinical and angiographic results for 48 small aneurysms (26 ruptured, five with III cranial nerve paresis, and 17 incidental) that had undergone six months' follow-up. The volumetric percentage occlusion (VPO) achieved and percentage bioactive coils (PBC) used were assessed. No episodes of bleeding occurred during the follow-up period. The technical complication rate was 10.4% (five cases): four thromboembolic complications resolved with medication (8.3%) and one asymptomatic protrusion of a coil into the parent vessel. The clinical complication rate for the procedure was 2.1% (occlusion of the anterior choroidal artery in a ruptured anterior choroidal anaeurysm). Mean VPO was 25.2%. Balloon-assisted technique (BAT) was used in 60.4% of cases. The VPO was higher in the BAT-treated cases (P < 0.05). The overall six-month recanalization rate was 16.7% (12.5% minor and 4.2% major recanalizations). Neck size and VPO were unrelated to the recanalization rate. The PBC was higher in cases with progressive Deployment of the device is safe from the standpoint of periprocedural technical and clinical complications. No episodes of hemorrhage were recorded during follow-up. The sixmonth recanalization and retreatment rates compared favorably with most endovascular platinum and bioactive coil series.

Simultaneous Cerebral Aneurysms and Carotid Disease Should the Symptomatic Lesion always be the first to be Treated? A Case Report

SUMMARY

Simultaneous presentation of carotid stenosis and cerebral aneurysms is rare and it is conventionally accepted that symptomatic lesions need to be treated first. Our purpose was to describe our experience in managing patients who simultaneously presented significant carotid stenosis and cerebral aneurysm.

Long-term histopathologic findings in two cerebral aneurysms embolized with Guglielmi detachable coils

We present gross pathologic autopsy findings of a patient who was treated for two aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), and who died 33 months after the procedure. Histologic findings are also presented. In both aneurysms, the coils were firmly attached to the aneurysmal wall, making it impossible to remove them from the sac. The ostium of one aneurysm was covered by collagenous tissue and a single layer of endothelium.

Treatment of a Giant Aneurysm of the Right Middle Cerebral Artery with GDCs after Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass. A Technical Case Report

SUMMARY

A case of a giant aneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery treated with Guglielmi detachable coils is reported. Extracranial to intracranial bypass had previously been performed and surgical trapping had been attempted. During the endovascular procedure, balloon test occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was performed in order to demonstrate clinical and angiographic tolerance to parent vessel occlusion. A previous occlusion test in the right common carotid artery did not show sufficient flow through the bypass to perform safe parent vessel occlusion. Diagnostic imaging, the endovascular procedure, and haemodynamic aspects in cases in which parent vessel occlusion is required after extracranial-intracranial bypass are described and the literature is reviewed.

MR imaging and CT of central nervous system tuberculosis in the patient with AIDS

CNS TB represents a disease that complicates AIDS with an increasing incidence in endemic areas as well as in developed countries in those patients who have some risk factors such as intravenous drug abuse. Although TB infection of the CNS in AIDS patients may follow a rapidly progressive course, the imaging findings otherwise are similar to those of the nonimmunosuppressed population. Meningeal enhancement, hydrocephalus, parenchymal granulomata, and infarcts are seen frequently and are often observed in combination with one another. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis in AIDS patients must include other opportunistic infections and primary or metastatic lymphoma of the CNS. Spinal TB usually is seen in the form of epidural abscess secondary to tuberculous spondylitis, although it may be seen in isolation of spinal column involvement. The differential diagnosis includes spinal lymphoma or pyogenic abscess formation. Radiculomyelitis or isolated spinal cord tuberculomata are much less frequently observed and can be suspected on imaging only if there is concomitant evidence of the classic findings of intracranial TB.

Intracranial tuberculosis in AIDS: CT and MRI findings

CT and MRI findings in 35 patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and proven intracranial tuberculosis (TB) are presented. Over 90% of the patients were intravenous drug abusers and in two-thirds TB was the first manifestation of AIDS. CT was normal in one quarter, the most frequent findings being hydrocephalus (51%) and meningeal enhancement (41%), commonly seen together (31.5%). Meningeal enhancement was seen in 48% of the CT studies with intravenous contrast medium and in 3 cases studied with MRI and i.v. gadolinium DTPA, in 2 of which CT was negative. Parenchymal involvement was found in 37% of cases; MRI was more sensitive than CT for its detection. One quarter of the patients had ischaemic lesions, mainly in the basal ganglia. We confirm the usefulness of CT and the superiority of MRI in the diagnosis of intracranial TB and in differential diagnosis from other conditions likely to be found in these patients.

Ultrasound diagnosis of ruptured hydatid cyst of the liver with biliary obstruction

Communication between a hydatid cyst of the liver and biliary tract results in a clinical picture of obstructive jaundice because of occupation of the extrahepatic biliary tract by intracystic material. Five cases of this complication are presented. Ultrasound criteria for diagnosis are analyzed, based on previous publications as well as our own experience.