Delayed migration of Onyx embolic agent after preoperative embolization of an arteriovenous malformation in a pediatric patient: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are increasingly being treated with Onyx liquid embolic agent (Onyx, Medtronic, Inc.). The phenomenon of delayed Onyx migration is not well documented in the literature. Moreover, the clinical presentation associated with Onyx migration is not well understood.

CASE PRESENTATION

A pediatric patient with a history of neonatal seizures was referred to our institution upon experiencing daily headaches with photophobia, phonophobia, and sleep disturbance. Cerebral angiography revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the medial left cerebellar hemisphere. Preoperative embolization with Onyx liquid embolic achieved 25% closure of the AVM nidus. Upon developing worsening headaches the following day, new perinidal parenchymal edema was revealed on MRI, and urgent angiography demonstrated delayed migration of Onyx into the venous drainage. The patient underwent emergency resection of the AVM due to the risk of hemorrhage resulting from venous outflow obstruction.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Our report and literature review demonstrate that while the delayed, unexpected migration of Onyx embolic material has been alluded to in a handful of papers, this phenomenon is not well documented. Future research is needed to understand the frequency of delayed Onyx migration from brain AVMs and the possible clinical presentations to look for. The sudden development of headaches and other signs of perilesional edema, in particular, should prompt repeat angiographic examination due to the possibility of delayed liquid embolic migration.

Procedural complications in patients undergoing microsurgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-center experience with 1923 aneurysms

BACKGROUND

With the growing use of endovascular therapy (EVT) to manage unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs), detailed information regarding periprocedural complication rates of microsurgical clipping and EVT becomes increasingly important in determining the optimal treatment for individual cases. We report the complication rates associated with open microsurgery in a large series of unruptured IAs and highlight the importance of maintaining surgical skill in the EVT era.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases of unruptured IAs treated with open microsurgery by a single neurosurgeon between July 1997 and June 2019. We analyzed surgical complications, deaths, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1923 unruptured IAs in 1750 patients (mean age 44 [range: 6-84], 62.0% [1085/1750] female) were treated surgically during the study period. Of the aneurysms treated, 84.9% (1632/1923) were small, 11.1% (213/1923) were large, and 4.1% (78/1923) were giant. Aneurysm locations included the middle cerebral artery (44.2% [850/1923]), internal carotid artery (29.1% [560/1923]), anterior cerebral artery (21.0% [404/1923]), and vertebrobasilar system (5.7% [109/1923]). The overall mortality rate was 0.3% (5/1750). Surgical complications occurred in 7.4% (129/1750) of patients, but only 0.4% (7/1750) experienced permanent disability. The majority of patients were able to return to their preoperative lifestyles with no modifications (95.9% [1678/1750]).

CONCLUSIONS

At a high-volume, multidisciplinary center, open microsurgery in carefully selected patients with unruptured IAs yields favorable clinical outcomes with low complication rates. The improvement of EVT techniques and the ability to refer cases for EVT when a high complication rate with open microsurgery was expected have contributed to an overall decrease in surgical complication rates. These results may serve as a useful point of reference for physicians involved in treatment decision-making for patients with unruptured IAs.

Case report and literature review of BRAF-V600 inhibitors for treatment of papillary craniopharyngiomas: A potential treatment paradigm shift

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The BRAF-V600E genetic mutation offers a potential targeted therapy for the treatment of papillary craniopharyngiomas.

CASE SUMMARY

A 35-year-old man underwent a craniotomy and subtotal resection of a large BRAF-V600E-positive papillary craniopharyngioma before referral to our institution. Our treatment included the BRAF-V600 inhibitor dabrafenib mesylate (75 mg, twice/day) and trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide (2 mg/day). The residual tumour decreased in size by 95% over 21 months without negative side effects.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

We reviewed the literature on BRAF-V600E inhibition as a non-invasive method of treating papillary craniopharyngiomas harbouring the BRAF-V600E mutation.

Traumatic epidural hematoma treated with endovascular coil embolization

Background:

Traumatic cerebrovascular injury may result in epidural hematoma (EDH) from laceration of the middle meningeal artery (MMA), which is a potentially life-threatening emergency. Treatment ranges from surgical evacuation to conservative management based on a variety of clinical and imaging factors.

Case Description:

A 14-year-old male presented to our institution after falling from his bicycle with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and a right frontotemporal EDH. The patient did not meet criteria for surgical evacuation and endovascular embolization of the right MMA was performed. Rapid resolution of the EDH was observed.

Conclusion:

This case corroborates the sparse existing literature for the potential role of endovascular embolization to treat acute EDH in carefully selected patients who do not meet or have borderline indications for surgical management.

CT cisternography to visualize epidermoid tumors for stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning

The visualization of intracranial epidermoid tumors is often limited by difficulties associated with distinguishing the tumor from the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid using traditional computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. This report describes our experience using CT cisternography to visualize intracranial epidermoid tumors in three illustrative cases. CT cisternography of the epidermoid tumor provides more clarity and precision compared to traditional neuroimaging modalities. We demonstrate the feasibility of using CT cisternography to produce high-resolution images with well-defined tumor margins that can be used effectively for precise SRS treatment planning.

Neoplastic cerebral aneurysm from triple-negative breast cancer: A case report

Background:

We present a rare case of a ruptured neoplastic aneurysms (NCA) caused by metastatic spread of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in a female patient in her 60s. The patient had a medical history of TNBC and presented to the emergency department after experiencing 3 days of persistent headache.

Case Description:

Head computed tomography (CT) revealed a small volume subarachnoid hemorrhage and digital subtraction angiography revealed a 3.9 x 3.5 x 4.2 mm aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm involving the left middle cerebral artery. The aneurysm was successfully clipped and resected, and histopathological examination confirmed triple-negative invasive ductal breast carcinoma within the aneurysm. Six weeks after surgery, she underwent stereotactic radiosurgery and began treatment with chemotherapy. Four months later, the patient presented once again with acute severe headache, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple small lesions within the brain parenchyma, compatible with new metastatic deposits. The patient was subsequently treated with whole-brain radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Over the ensuing 4 months, CT revealed progression of malignancy in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were terminated, and the patient unfortunately succumbed to her disease 6 months later.

Conclusion:

In patients with NCA with poor prognosis due to aggressive brain metastases, treatments that improve quality of life and survival time should be favored.

Long-term follow-up results of the SMART coil in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The Penumbra SMART coil is a novel device that becomes progressively softer from its distal to proximal end to maximize coil packing and prevent microcatheter prolapse or coil migration. Here, we report a large series of patients detailing the long-term experience of a single institution using the SMART coil among patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs).

METHODS

Prospective data of 105 consecutive patients with 106 IAs treated using SMART coils was collected between March 2015 and July 2018. Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (46.7%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 16 (14.2%) had recurrent aneurysms. Two patients had minor intraprocedural ruptures and remained neurologically stable. One patient had a thromboembolic complication with progressive neurologic decline. There was only one case microcatheter prolapse related to placement of a stent before coiling. An initial post-treatment modified Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (mRROC) I or II closure was achieved in 56 (52.8%) aneurysms. The average time to last follow-up was 8.4 months at which 70 (81.4%) aneurysms had mRROC I or II occlusion and a major recurrence was seen in 5 (5.8%) patients. Thirteen (12.3%) aneurysms required re-treatment of which one aneurysm was clipped.

CONCLUSIONS

The Penumbra SMART coil is safe and effective for the endovascular treatment of appropriately selected IAs. Additional studies at multiple centers comparing safety and efficacy profile over long-term periods to other mainstream coils are necessary.

Delayed development of a de novo contralateral middle cerebral artery aneurysm in a patient with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome: A case report

A 50-year-old female patient with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) presented initially at the age of 48 years with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured left middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm, which was treated successfully with coiling and microsurgical clipping. Angiography and cross-sectional imaging did not indicate evidence of any additional intracranial aneurysm. However, the patient presented two years later with SAH secondary to a new ruptured right MCA bifurcation aneurysm, which was treated successfully with microsurgical clipping. This case provides further evidence that HIES places the cerebral vasculature at increased risk for cerebral aneurysm formation and that special considerations are indicated in managing and monitoring these patients.

The Role of Collateral Circulation in Branch Vessel Occlusion After Flow Diversion

BACKGROUND

Flow diversion for treatment of intracranial aneurysms frequently necessitates covering adjacent branch vessels. Although branch vessel occlusion is common, associated clinical deficits are rare. It has been hypothesized that clinically silent branch vessel occlusion is due to underlying collateral circulation. To study the role of collateral circulation in covered branch vessel occlusion, we assessed collateral vessels and altered branch vessel flow on transfemoral catheter angiography in patients undergoing flow diversion of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Angiograms obtained before treatment, immediately after treatment, and during follow-up were evaluated for branch vessel flow patterns and associated collateral circulation in a consecutive retrospective cohort of 84 patients from 2011 to 2017 with branch vessel coverage related to aneurysm flow diversion using the Pipeline embolization device.

RESULTS

We identified 142 branch vessels covered by the Pipeline device construct for treatment of 89 aneurysms, predominately in the anterior circulation (>90%). Collateral circulation was observed in approximately one third of these vessels and was associated with diminished (P < 0.001) or absent (P < 0.001) flow on follow-up angiography. Only 2 of 80 terminal branch vessels (no collaterals) were occluded, and these occurred in a patient with Pipeline device construct thrombosis. Altered branch vessel flow was not associated with vascular risk factors, treatment technique, or outcome measures, including new or worsening neurologic deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered flow in branch vessels covered during flow diversion reflects underlying collateral circulation and is not associated with downstream ischemic deficits.

Surgical management of superior petrosal sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae with dominant internal carotid artery supply

Background While technological advances have improved the efficacy of endovascular techniques for tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF), superior petrosal sinus (SPS) DAVF with dominant internal carotid artery (ICA) supply frequently require surgical intervention to achieve a definitive cure. Methods To compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes of endovascular and surgical interventions in patients with SPS DAVF, the records of all patients with tentorial DAVF from August 2010 to November 2015 were reviewed. Results Within this cohort, eight patients with nine SPS DAVF were eligible for evaluation. Five DAVF were initially treated with endovascular embolization, while four underwent surgical occlusion without embolization. Of the SPS DAVF treated with embolization, two (40%) remained occluded on follow-up, while the remaining three (60%) persisted/recurred and required surgical intervention for definitive closure. Of the four SPS DAVF treated with primary surgical occlusion, all four (100%) remained closed on follow-up. In addition, of the three SPS DAVF that persisted/recurred following embolization and required subsequent surgical closure, all three (100%) remained occluded on follow-up. Two (100%) SPS DAVF that were successfully treated with embolization had major or minor external carotid artery supply, while the three (100%) persistent lesions had major ICA supply via the meningohypophyseal trunk (MHT). Three (75%) of the four SPS DAVF treated with primary surgical occlusion had dominant MHT supply. Conclusion Complete endovascular closure of SPS DAVF with dominant ICA supply via the MHT may be difficult to achieve, while upfront surgical intervention is associated with a high rate of complete occlusion.

A direct aspiration first-pass technique vs stentriever thrombectomy in emergent large vessel intracranial occlusions

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by occlusion of the proximal anterior circulation arteries is superior to standard medical therapy. Stentriever thrombectomy with or without aspiration assistance was the predominant technique used in the 5 randomized controlled trials that demonstrated the superiority of endovascular thrombectomy. Other studies have highlighted the efficacy of a direct aspiration first-pass technique (ADAPT).

METHODS

To compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes of ADAPT versus stentriever thrombectomy in patients with emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVO) of the anterior intracranial circulation, the records of 134 patients who were treated between June 2012 and October 2015 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Within this cohort, 117 patients were eligible for evaluation. ADAPT was used in 47 patients, 20 (42.5%) of whom required rescue stentriever thrombectomy, and primary stentriever thrombectomy was performed in 70 patients. Patients in the ADAPT group were slightly younger than those in the stentriever group (63.5 vs 69.4 years; p = 0.04); however, there were no differences in the other baseline clinical or radiographic factors. Procedural time (54.0 vs 77.1 minutes; p < 0.01) and time to a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale score of 2b/3 recanalization (294.3 vs 346.7 minutes; p < 0.01) were significantly lower in patients undergoing ADAPT versus stentriever thrombectomy. The rates of TICI 2b/3 recanalization were similar between the ADAPT and stentriever groups (82.9% vs 71.4%; p = 0.19). There were no differences in the rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or procedural complications. The rates of good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale Score 0–2) at 90 days were similar between the ADAPT and stentriever groups (48.9% vs 41.4%; p = 0.45), even when accounting for the subset of patients in the ADAPT group who required rescue stentriever thrombectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that ADAPT and primary stentriever thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to ELVO are equivalent with respect to the rates of TICI 2b/3 recanalization and 90-day mRS scores. Given the reduced procedural time and time to TICI 2b/3 recanalization with similar functional outcomes, an initial attempt at recanalization with ADAPT may be warranted prior to stentriever thrombectomy.

Early experience with the Penumbra SMART coil in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND

Penumbra SMART coils differ from traditional microcoils used for endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in that they (1) become progressively softer from their distal to proximal end, rather than being of uniform stiffness, (2) have a tight conformational structure, and (3) have a more robust stretch-resistance platform. These properties aid in preventing microcatheter prolapse and coil herniation during coil deployment and in filling small pockets of the aneurysm sac.

OBJECTIVE/METHODS

To determine the safety and efficacy of this device, the records of 17 consecutive patients with IAs treated with SMART coils were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirteen female and four male patients were identified. Eleven patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, four had recurrent aneurysms, and two had incidentally discovered aneurysms. Twelve aneurysms (two of which were recurrent) were treated with stand-alone coiling, three were treated with stent-assisted coiling, and two with flow diversion with adjuvant coiling. Microcatheter prolapse occurred in one case of a recurrent aneurysm, due to mechanical limitations imposed by a stent placed during prior coiling. Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) I or II occlusion was achieved in 12 aneurysms, including all 10 undergoing primary stand-alone coiling. Of the five RROC III occlusions, two were expected given treatment with flow diversion, while the other three occurred in complex, recurrent aneurysms. One patient suffered a thromboembolic complication of unclear clinical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The Penumbra SMART coil is a safe and effective device for the endovascular treatment of IAs. Follow-up studies are required to establish long-term results.

Transarterial venous sinus occlusion of dural arteriovenous fistulas using ONYX

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to present a case series of transarterial venous sinus occlusion for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2006 to 2012, 11 patients with DAVF of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses were treated with transarterial closure of the affected venous sinus using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (ONYX). The consecutive retrospective cohort included six female and five male patients with an age range of 30-79. Patients presented with stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, seizure, headache, focal neurologic deficit or cognitive change. Lesions were categorized as Cognard II a + b (n = 5) or Cognard II b (n = 6). Four of this latter group consisted of isolated sinus segments. Selection criteria for dural sinus occlusion included direct multi-hole fistulas involving a broad surface in length or circumference of the sinus wall. External carotid artery (ECA) branches were directly embolized when considered safe. High-risk arterial supply from ICA, PICA, AICA or ECA cranial nerve branches were closed via retrograde approach during sinus occlusion.

RESULTS

DAVF closure was accomplished in all 11 patients with a total of 17 embolization procedures using ONYX. High-risk arterial collaterals were closed via artery-artery or artery-sinus-artery embolization. The vein of Labbe was spared in the four cases with initial antegrade flow. No neurologic complications occurred, and DAVF closures were durable on three-month angiography.

CONCLUSION

Transarterial closure of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses.

The effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization

BACKGROUND

Arterial bifurcations are common locations for aneurysm development given the altered hemodynamic forces and shear stress variations present at these locations. Recent reports indicate that a wide basilar artery bifurcation angle is an independent predictor of aneurysm development, growth, and subsequent rupture.

METHODS

To determine the effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization, the records of 46 patients with basilar artery apex aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from 2007 to 2013 were analyzed.

RESULTS

A wide basilar artery bifurcation angle was associated with a Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) III occlusion in univariate analysis, but was not a statistically significant factor in multivariate modeling. An increasing basilar artery bifurcation angle was not associated with aneurysm recanalization or retreatment following coil embolization. Increasing packing density (p < .01) was the only statistically significant predictor of a RROC I or II closure. The initial RROC designation was the most powerful predictor of both eventual aneurysm recanalization (p = .01) and retreatment (p = .02). While increasing aneurysm size (p < .01), increasing aneurysm volume (p < .01), and increasing neck size (p < .01) were associated with wide basilar artery bifurcation angles, neck size (p = .03) was the only statistically significant predictor of basilar artery bifurcation angle on multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Basilar artery bifurcation angle fails to predict rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment on multivariate modeling in our series. Basilar artery apex aneurysm neck size independently correlates with basilar artery bifurcation angle.

Validation of the Modified Raymond-Roy classification for intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization

BACKGROUND

The Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) qualitatively assesses intracranial aneurysm occlusion following endovascular coil embolization. The Modified Raymond-Roy Classification (MRRC) was developed as a refinement of this classification scheme, and dichotomizes RROC III occlusions into IIIa (opacification within the interstices of the coil mass) and IIIb (opacification between the coil mass and aneurysm wall) closures.

METHODS

To demonstrate in an external cohort the predictive accuracy of the MRRC, the records of 326 patients with 345 intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from January 2007 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Within this cohort, 84 (24.3%) and 83 aneurysms (24.1%) had MRRC IIIa and IIIb closures, respectively, during initial coil embolization. Progression to complete occlusion was more likely with IIIa than IIIb closures (53.6% vs 19.2%, p≤0.01), while recanalization was more likely with IIIb than IIIa closures (65.1% vs 27.4%, p<0.01). Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated a significant difference in the test of equality for progression to complete occlusion (p=0.02) and recurrence (p<0.01) between class IIIa and IIIb distributions. For the entire cohort, male gender (p<0.01), ruptured aneurysm (p=0.04), intraluminal thrombus (p<0.01), and MRRC IIIb closure (p<0.01) were identified as predictors of recanalization. For aneurysms with an initial RROC III occlusion, MRRC IIIa closure was found to be an independent predictor of progression to complete occlusion (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that the MRRC enhances the predictive accuracy of the RROC.

Rapid growth of an infectious intracranial aneurysm with catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage

Infectious intracranial aneurysms are rare vascular lesions that classically occur in patients with infective endocarditis. We present a 49-year-old man with altered mental status and headache with rapid growth and rupture of an infectious intracranial aneurysm with catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage, and review issues related to open neurosurgical and endovascular interventions.

Reducing radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality of cerebral three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography: an in vivo study in swine

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) is a modern technique that allows for better appreciation of complex vascular lesions. This study evaluates the impact of various dose reduction strategies on 3D-DSA image quality.

METHODS

The standard manufacturer 5 s 0.36 μGy/frame setting was modified to create lower dose 3D-DSA protocols by varying the acquisition time (5 or 3 s) and/or dose per frame (0.36, 0.24, 0.17, and 0.10 μGy/f). All protocols were evaluated in three swine. Four raters measured a segment of the external carotid artery on two-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction images. The raters were also presented with three-dimensional volume rendered images from all protocols in a blinded manner and asked to choose the superior image. A full model analysis of variance with repeated measure factors was performed to compare mean differences in measurements between protocols.

RESULTS

Measurement differences between the standard and low dose protocols were not clinically significant (<0.5 mm). All raters demonstrated high inter-rater reliability. The 5 s protocols were considered as qualitatively superior to the 3 s protocols. Delivered system doses ranged from 43.8 to 6.5 mGy. The 5 s 0.10 μGy/frame protocols generated 65-68% less delivered dose compared with the 5 s 0.36 μGy/frame setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose 3D-DSA protocols with preserved image quality are achievable, and can help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to both patients and operators. The 5 s low dose protocols generated clinically acceptable and superior images compared with the 3 s protocols, suggesting a more important role for acquisition time than dose per frame to maintain image quality.

Functional cartilage MRI T2 mapping: evaluating the effect of age and training on knee cartilage response to running

OBJECTIVE

To characterize effects of age and physical activity level on cartilage thickness and T2 response immediately after running.

DESIGN

Institutional review board approval was obtained and all subjects provided informed consent prior to study participation. Cartilage thickness and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 values of 22 marathon runners and 15 sedentary controls were compared before and after 30 min of running. Runner and control groups were stratified by age<or=45 and >or=46 years. Multi-echo [(Time to Repetition (TR)/Time to Echo (TE) 1500 ms/9-109 ms)] MR images obtained using a 3.0 T scanner were used to calculate thickness and T2 values from the central femoral and tibial cartilage. Baseline cartilage T2 values, and change in cartilage thickness and T2 values after running were compared between the four groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

After running MRI T2 values decreased in superficial femoral (2 ms-4 ms) and tibial (1 ms-3 ms) cartilage along with a decrease in cartilage thickness: (femoral: 4%-8%, tibial: 0%-12%). Smaller decrease in cartilage T2 values were observed in the middle zone of cartilage, and no change was observed in the deepest layer. There was no difference cartilage deformation or T2 response to running as a function of age or level of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Running results in a measurable decrease in cartilage thickness and MRI T2 values of superficial cartilage consistent with greater compressibility of the superficial cartilage layer. Age and level of physical activity did not alter the T2 response to running.