Marvin Darkwah Oppong

Risk Factors for and Clinical Consequences of Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Purpose— Multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) are common findings of cerebral angiographies; however, MIA prevalence varies in different patient cohorts. We sought to elucidate risk factors influencing MIA prevalence and the clinical consequences. Methods— We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for publications before January 15, 2017, reporting MIA prevalence and risk factors. We used random-effects meta-analysis and multivariate regression analysis to assess the impacts of individual, study, and population characteristics. Results— We included 174 studies reporting on MIA (mean overall prevalence, 20.1%; range, 2%–44.9%) in 134 study populations with 86 989 intracranial aneurysm (IA) patients enrolled between 1950 and 2015. Studies from Europe and North America (P<0.001) and more recent enrolment years (P=0.046) were independently associated with higher MIA prevalence. In meta-analysis, MIA correlated with female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–1.8), higher patient age (>40 years; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.14–2.25), arterial hypertension (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17–1.94), smoking (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.37–2.6) and familial IA (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.47–2.77), and formation of de novo (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.95–7.87) and growth of initial IA (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.87–6.45). Risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage in MIA patients was higher only in longitudinal studies from Japan and Korea (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.46–2.96). Conclusions— Female sex, higher age, arterial hypertension, smoking, and familial IA are major risk factors for MIA. In addition, MIA patients are at risk for enhanced IA formation. Further studies are needed to evaluate rupture risk and the role of ethnicity, especially in the context of increased MIA identification with improved neurovascular imaging.

Laboratory biomarkers of delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a severe complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Clinical and radiographic features of SAH may be helpful in identification of individuals prone to DCI. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the present evidence on predictive value of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of DCI after SAH. We systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for publications before July 15, 2018, reporting correlations between blood/CSF biomarkers and occurrence of DCI and/or vasospasm in SAH patients. Included studies underwent quality assessment according to QUIPS and STARD guidelines. Level of evidence (I–IV) for each of tested biomarkers was assessed according to GRADE guidelines. Of 2181 unique records identified in four databases, 270 original articles and 5 meta-analyses were included to this review. Of 257 blood and CSF parameters analyzed in 16.914 SAH patients, there was no biomarker with positive association with DCI/vasospasm showing level I evidence. Twenty-one biomarkers achieved level II evidence and could be confirmed as predictive biomarkers. In this review, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (for EET metabolic pathways, COMT, HMGB1, ACE, PAI-1 promoter, and Hp genes) and 15 non-genetic biomarkers (pNF-H, ADAMTS13, NPY, Copeptin, HMGB1, GFAP, periostin, Tau, BNP, NT pro-BNP, hs-TnT, PA-TEGMA, MPV:PLT, NLR, and PLR) were selected as predictive DCI biomarkers. We propose that a panel analysis of the selected genetic and protein biomarker candidates would be needed for further validation in a large SAH cohort.

Aneurysmal intracerebral hematoma: Risk factors and surgical treatment decisions

OBJECTIVES Intracerebral hematoma (ICH) complicates the course of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). To date, there are no unique guidelines for management of aneurysmal ICH. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for and impact of aneurysmal ICH with special attention on treatment decisions derived from ICH volume. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients admitted with aneurysmal SAH between 2003 and 2016 were eligible for this study. Various demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients were correlated with the occurrence and volume of ICH in univariate and multivariate manner. The associations between ICH volume and the need for surgical procedures and functional outcome were also analyzed. RESULTS 991 patients were included into final analysis. ICH occurred in 301 (30.4%) cases. Location in the middle cerebral artery (MCA, p < 0.001, aOR = 7.04), WFNS grade 4-5 (p < 0.001, aOR = 4.43), rebleeding before therapy (p = 0.004, aOR = 2.45), intracranial pressure over 20 mmHg upon admission (p = 0.008, aOR = 1.60) and intraventricular bleeding (p = 0.008, aOR = 1.62) were independently associated with ICH presence. In turn, WFNS grade 4-5 (p < 0.001) and MCA aneurysms (p < 0.001) were the only independent predictors of ICH volume. According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the clinically relevant cutoff for additional surgical interventions (decompression/hematoma evacuation) was 17 mL. ICH occurrence and ICH volume ≥17 mL independently predicted poor outcome at 6 months after SAH (defined as modified Rankin Scale>3). CONCLUSION Of over 30 tested variables, the location of the ruptured aneurysm in the MCA remains the major risk factor for occurrence and volume of ICH. Given the presence of brain swelling and other bleeding components of SAH, surgical intervention on aneurysmal ICH is indicated at lower volume values, than it is generally accepted for spontaneous ICH.

Intraventricular mass lesions: Still a question of surgical approach?

BACKGROUND Intraventricular mass lesions represent a small subgroup of intracranial neoplasms with various entities. The anatomy of the ventricular system is complex. Hence multiple surgical approaches are used. We sought to present a single center algorithm regarding surgical approach for intraventricular mass lesion. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients operated in our institution due to a primary intraventricular tumor between 2011 and 2014. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate clinical presentation, imaging, histology, surgical approach, complications, and clinical outcome. RESULTS A total of 52 patients were included in this study comprising 28 (53.8%) female and 24 (46.2%) male patients. The median age was 43.5years. Lesions location in descending order were fourth ventricle (46.2%), lateral ventricles (28.8%) and third ventricle (25.0%). A telovelar approach was used for all lesions in the fourth ventricle. Cystic lesions of the third ventricle were predominantly operated endoscopically. The surgical approach to the lateral ventricle was transcallosal or transcortical depending on the exact location of the lesion inside the lateral ventricle. We achieved a gross total resection in 82.7% and observed perioperative complications in 19.2% of the patients. Permanent morbidity and mortality were low at 7.7% and 1.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION This single center series reveals a predominately used approach for each part of the ventricular system depending on exact location and texture of the mass lesion.