Hua-Qiao Tan

Endovascular treatment of post-traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas: A single-center experience

We report our single-center experience using detachable balloons (DB), coils and Willis covered stents (MicroPort, Shanghai, China) to treat post-traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (DCCFs), focusing on preservation of the internal carotid artery (ICA). We retrospectively reviewed the records of 51 patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT). EVT with DBs was chosen as the first-line therapeutic strategy, and Willis covered stent placement and coiling was the alternative. The patency and stability of all DCCFs was evaluated by angiographic and clinical follow-up for between 3 and 48 months. A total of 54 DCCFs in 51 patients were treated as follows: DB alone (n=40); combined DB and Willis covered stent (n=8); Willis covered stent alone (n=2); combined DB and coils (n=2); coils alone (n=1); and DB in combination with both coils and a Willis covered stent (n=1). Overall, 98% of DCCFs were successfully treated with the occlusion of the fistula and preservation of the ICA; the ICA was sacrificed in only one patient. Approximately 85% of DCCFs were successfully treated with DBs alone. Second and third administrations of EVT were required in 12 DCCFs. DCCF-related symptoms improved gradually between 1 day and 6 months after treatment. EVT using DB to occlude fistulas and preserve the ICA is the preferential treatment for DCCFs. When standard treatment has failed, coils and/or Willis covered stents can be used as a safe alternative or remedial tool with ICA preservation and reconstruction.

Accurate Diagnosis of Small Cerebral Aneurysms ≤5 mm in Diameter with 3.0-T MR Angiography

PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography at 3.0 T in the detection of small cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved the study protocol, and patients or qualifying family members provided informed consent. A total of 403 consecutive patients undergoing 3D TOF MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were prospectively enrolled. Small aneurysms were those 5 mm in diameter or smaller. DSA served as the reference standard. Three observers were blinded to clinical and DSA results, and they independently analyzed all 3D TOF MR angiographic data sets. Interobserver agreement was expressed in terms of Cohen κ value for categorical variables. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 3D TOF MR angiography in the detection of cerebral aneurysms were determined by using patient-, aneurysm-, and location-based evaluations. RESULTS Of 403 patients, 273 aneurysms were detected with DSA in 230 patients. Patient-based evaluation with 3D TOF MR angiography at 3.0 T yielded an accuracy of 96%-97%, a sensitivity of 98.2%-98.7%, a specificity of 93.2% -94.8%, a PPV of 94.9%-96.2%, and an NPV of 97.6%-98.2% in the detection of cerebral aneurysms. Aneurysm-based evaluation yielded an accuracy of 96.4%-97.3%, a sensitivity of 98.5%-98.9%, a specificity of 93.2%-94.9%, a PPV of 95.7%-96.8%, and an NPV of 97.6%-98.2%. Aneurysm-location evaluations yielded similar results. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional TOF MR angiography is a noninvasive method that shows promising diagnostic accuracy in the detection of small cerebral aneurysms.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of Treatment with a Willis Covered Stent in Recurrent Intracranial Aneurysms after Coiling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysm recurrence is an innate problem after coiling, and the recurrence rate is higher in complicated aneurysms. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of using the Willis covered stent in treating recurrent aneurysms after coil embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight aneurysms in 8 patients treated with detachable coils had confirmed recurrent aneurysms: 3 giant, 1 large, 1 dissecting, and 3 small wide-necked. The recurrent aneurysms involved C3 in 1 patient, C4 in 1, C7 in 5, and V4 in 1. A total of 11 covered stents were implanted into 8 target arteries. Follow-up angiography was performed 1–16 months after the procedure. Clinical follow-up data were collected and retrospectively analyzed, grading as fully recovered, improved, unchanged, or aggravated. RESULTS: Willis covered stent placement succeeded technically in all of the aneurysms. No technique-related adverse event occurred. Total occlusion was achieved immediately in 6 aneurysms, and a small endoleak was observed in 2 aneurysms. No mortality or morbidity occurred during or after the procedures, including during the follow-up period. Follow-up angiograms revealed that all 8 of the recurrent aneurysms were completely isolated, and 8 parent vessels kept patency, except 1 with mild stenosis. Clinical neurologic symptoms fully resolved in 5 patients, improved in 1, and were unchanged in 2 at the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this small study with a middle-term follow-up, the Willis covered stent was used safely and effectively to occlude recurred aneurysms after coiling. Longer-term follow-up and additional clinical experience are needed to fully determine the safety and efficacy of the device.

Risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms rupture: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The presence of predicting the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms has recently generated considerable controversy. We retrospectively investigated the risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms related to rupture. METHODS Between July 2007 and July 2011, 134 patients with 294 aneurysms were identified after review. Every patient had two or more aneurysms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for multiple intracranial aneurysms with age, gender, site and size. RESULTS 134 patients were divided into three groups according to patient age category (<45, 45-65, >65 years of age). The incidence of aneurysms ruptured in the second group was significantly higher. Three groups showed significant difference (P=0.001 versus >65 years of age). Thirteen of 35 AComA aneurysms were ruptured, accounting for 26% of all ruptured aneurysms, and the rate of rupture at AComA aneurysms in patients was 37.1%. The rate of aneurysm rupture in the AComA was significantly higher than that in other sites (P=0.001). In all 294 aneurysms, 88.1% of the aneurysms were 5mm or less, of which 58.2% were less than 3mm. In the ruptured aneurysms, 68% were 5mm or less. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the pattern of ruptured multiple intracranial aneurysms, in terms of age, size and location of aneurysms. Age, size, and site of aneurysm should be considered in the decision whether to treat an unruptured aneurysm or not. Especially, in cases of multiple aneurysm, the AComA aneurysm is most prone to hemorrhage.

Trans-arterial embolisation therapy of dural carotid-cavernous fistulae using low concentration n-butyl-cyanoacrylate

BackgroundTrans-venous embolisation has been accepted as the preferred treatment for dural carotid–cavernous fistulae (DCCF). However, such an approach is not always feasible. In this circumstance, trans-arterial embolisation with low concentration n-butyl-cyanoacrylate glue (NBCA) may be a feasible alternative. We report our results and experience of this method for DCCF.Materials and methodsFive patients with DCCF were treated by trans-arterial embolisation using low concentration NBCA by wedging the microcatheter into the main feeding artery. All five lesions were associated with venous drainage into the superior ophthalmic vein. The inferior petrosal sinus was patent in one patient and thrombosed in four. Additional venous drainage into the Sylvian vein and the superior petrosal sinus was observed in two patients.FindingsThe definitive NBCA injection was performed via the branches of the middle meningeal artery in three patients and accessory meningeal artery as well as ascending pharyngeal artery in two patients. Four patients showed complete obliteration of the DCCF on the post-embolisation angiogram, and follow-up studies showed clinical cure or improvement and successful obliteration of the DCCF. One patient had a residual DCCF after the procedure, but showed complete obliteration and clinical cure at 5-month follow-up. Glue penetrated into the Sylvian vein in one patient during the procedure without sequelae. Two patients had transient worsening of ocular symptoms after the procedure.ConclusionsTrans-arterial embolisation with low concentration NBCA using a wedged microcatheter technique is still a safe and effective treatment for DCCF when the transvenous approach is not feasible. However, care must be taken to prevent inadvertent arterial and venous embolisation.

Endovascular Reconstruction with the Willis Covered Stent for the Treatment of Large or Giant Intracranial Aneurysms

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of large or giant intracranial aneurysms with the Willis covered stent. Methods: Nineteen patients, each with a large or giant intracranial aneurysm, were treated with the Willis covered stent. Of these 19 aneurysms, 6 were giant and 13 were large; 18 were located in the cranial internal carotid artery and 1 in the vertebral artery. Results of the procedure, technical events and complications were recorded. Clinical and imaging follow-ups were performed at 3 and 6–12 months after the procedure. Results: Placement of Willis covered stent was successful in all patients. Complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 13 of the 19 aneurysms immediately after the procedure. No mortality or morbidity developed during the treatment or the follow-up period. During the follow-up period, complete aneurysm exclusion was achieved in 18 of the 19 patients; 11 aneurysms were totally involuted, 3 decreased to 25% of the original diameter, 4 decreased to 50% and 1 remained unchanged. Nine patients experienced full recovery, 9 improved and 1 was unchanged. No obvious in-stent stenosis was noted. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of large or giant intracranial aneurysm with the Willis covered stent is feasible, safe and efficacious in selected cases. Endoleak is a frequent issue after initial covered stent placement, but can be eliminated or dramatically reduced to minimal endoleak by additional covered stent placement and/or balloon reinflation. Minor endoleak is likely to spontaneously resolve over time.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for eosinophilic granuloma of the cervical spine in a child

We report a case of eosinophilic granuloma at the fourth cervical vertebra in a 10-year-old girl presenting with a 1-month history of cervical pain and stiffness. This lesion was histologically diagnosed by needle biopsy and then treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. After the procedure, the cervical pain and stiffness resolved rapidly. The height of the vertebral body remained stable without further collapse over a 6-month follow-up period.

Application of the Willis covered stent in the treatment of aneurysm in the cisternal segment of the internal carotid artery: a pilot comparative study with midterm follow-up.

Purpose: To compare the use of the Willis stent-graft versus coil embolization for complicated aneurysms in the cisternal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Methods: Thirty-four patients (19 women; mean age 46.7±16.8 years, range 3–79) with 36 complicated aneurysms were treated either by Willis covered stents (n=19) or by coil embolization (n=17). Follow-up angiography was performed to investigate aneurysm recurrence, endoleak, and parent artery stenosis. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare the freedom from recurrence and parent artery stenosis rates in both groups. Clinical follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed and categorized as fully recovered, improved, unchanged, or worsened. Results: In the covered stent group, total exclusion was immediately achieved in 13 aneurysms; there were 5 minor endoleaks and 1 delivery failure. In the patients treated with coil embolization, total/near-total occlusion was achieved in 7 aneurysms, subtotal in 8, and partial in 2. Acute thrombosis occurred in 1 patient in each group, while 1 patient experienced recurrent hemorrhage after embolotherapy. Follow-up angiography (mean 14.3±9.4, range 3–31) revealed that 16 aneurysms were completely isolated in the stent-graft group, with only 2 mild in-stent stenoses. Eighteen months after the procedure, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed recurrence-free rates of 93.3% and 50% for the stent-graft versus coil groups, respectively; freedom from parent artery stenosis was 87.5% and 100%. Symptoms were fully eliminated in 9 patients in each group; they were improved in 3 and 5, unchanged in 2 and 2, and worsened in 1 and 0, respectively, at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion: Willis stent-graft application is an alternative to treat complicated aneurysms in the cisternal segment of the ICA. In the case of a tortuous parent artery or potential side branch coverage, however, it is still not a first choice therapy.

Detection of infundibula using three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography with volume rendering at 3.0 Tesla compared to digital subtraction angiography

We aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of unenhanced, three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA) with volume rendering (VR) at 3.0 Tesla in the detection of infundibula (IF). A total of 136 consecutive patients with suspected or known aneurysms detected by MRA were examined using DSA, and IF were identified. A 3D specialist adjusted window width to the appropriate threshold, took level and MR source images and performed MRA post-processing techniques, including VR and the single artery highlighting method. VR-DSA was obtained from the rotational DSA data, and two-dimensional (2D)-DSA and VR-DSA were combined as the gold standard. Three blinded readers evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of 3D-TOF-MRA with VR. The 2D-DSA and VR-DSA revealed 44 IF in 34 of the 136 patients and no cerebral IF in 102 patients. For MRA, sensitivity per patient for all readers ranged from 89.5% to 97.1%, while accuracy per patient ranged from 97.1% to 99.3%. Per IF sensitivity for all readers ranged from 91.7% to 97.7%, while the per IF accuracy ranged from 97.3% to 99.3%. For detection of IF at the internal carotid artery, sensitivity for all readers ranged from 89.5% to 97.1%, and accuracy from 89.5% to 97.4%. For detection of IF at the anterior choroidal arteries, sensitivity and accuracy was 100% in all patients. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity or accuracy of all readers in the detection of single and multiple IF (p>0.05). One false-negative was found for IF by reader 1, two for reader 2 and four for reader 3. We conclude that VR 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T is an ideal, non-invasive imaging exam for the detection of IF and can be used effectively in its diagnosis.

Comparative study of covered stent with coil embolization in the treatment of cranial internal carotid artery aneurysm: a nonrandomized prospective trial

To evaluate whether Willis covered stent implantation yielded angiographic and clinical results were better than those with coil embolization. Eighty-nine patients with cranial internal carotid artery (CICA) aneurysms were treated nonrandomly with covered stents (n = 43, group A) or coil embolization (n = 46, group B). Data on the technical success, procedure time, initial and final angiographic results, and final clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed at >6 months post-procedure. Covered stent placement and coil embolization were successful in all patients, except for one patient in group A. The initial angiographic results showed complete occlusion in 34 group-A patients (80.9%; 95% CI: 69%, 93%) and 24 group-B patients (52.2%; 95% CI: 37%, 67%) (P = 0.004). The final angiographic results indicated complete occlusion in 39 group A patients (39/41, 95.1%; 95% CI: 88%, 102%) and 22 group B patients (48.9%; 95% CI: 34%, 64%) (P < 0.001). The average procedure time was shorter in group A than that in group B (P < 0.001). CICA aneurysm treatment with covered stents yielded better intermediate-term angiographic outcome than those with the recommended approach of coil embolization. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01029938)