Sean D. Lavine

Spontaneous delayed proximal migration of enterprise stent after staged treatment of wide-necked basilar aneurysm: technical case report.

OBJECTIVETo document a unique technical issue with a relatively newly released intravascular stent used for adjunctive treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONA 48-year-old woman with a sister who had a large unruptured wide-necked basilar aneurysm underwent screening evaluation that revealed a nearly identical aneurysm. She also harbored small unruptured right superior cerebellar and left anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. INTERVENTIONEndovascular treatment of the 11.5-mm basilar aneurysm was performed in a staged manner. Stent placement was performed first, followed by delayed coil embolization of the aneurysm 9 weeks later. Follow-up angiography at the time of the second procedure revealed significant spontaneous proximal migration of the Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System (Cordis Neurovascular, Inc., Miami Lakes, FL) with the distal extent of the device migrating from the right P2 segment into the neck of the aneurysm. Coil embolization was performed despite migration of the vascular reconstruction device. CONCLUSIONThe use of stents in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms has vastly improved our ability to treat complex lesions. Technical issues remain with these devices, and description of this event may alter the way we use the Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System in terms of staging procedures, and when evaluating the particular vascular anatomy of the individual patient with special attention to parent artery vessel size.OBJECTIVEnTo document a unique technical issue with a relatively newly released intravascular stent used for adjunctive treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms.nnnCLINICAL PRESENTATIONnA 48-year-old woman with a sister who had a large unruptured wide-necked basilar aneurysm underwent screening evaluation that revealed a nearly identical aneurysm. She also harbored small unruptured right superior cerebellar and left anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.nnnINTERVENTIONnEndovascular treatment of the 11.5-mm basilar aneurysm was performed in a staged manner. Stent placement was performed first, followed by delayed coil embolization of the aneurysm 9 weeks later. Follow-up angiography at the time of the second procedure revealed significant spontaneous proximal migration of the Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System (Cordis Neurovascular, Inc., Miami Lakes, FL) with the distal extent of the device migrating from the right P2 segment into the neck of the aneurysm. Coil embolization was performed despite migration of the vascular reconstruction device.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe use of stents in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms has vastly improved our ability to treat complex lesions. Technical issues remain with these devices, and description of this event may alter the way we use the Enterprise Vascular Reconstruction Device and Delivery System in terms of staging procedures, and when evaluating the particular vascular anatomy of the individual patient with special attention to parent artery vessel size.

Pre-operative intracranial meningioma embolization

Pre-operative embolization is a routinely utilized therapeutic adjunct to the resection of hypervascular lesions of the head and neck. In particular, pre-operative cerebral angiography and tumor embolization has become standard practice at many centers in the management of select intracranial meningiomas. However, controversy remains regarding its specific indications and clinical utility. In this article, we examine the principles of meningioma embolization, emphasizing the indications, risks and benefits associated with its use in the pre-operative setting.

Clinical usefulness and safety of routine intraoperative angiography for patients and personnel

OBJECTIVEThe routine use of intraoperative angiography (IA) is still surrounded by controversy. We prospectively performed IAs in consecutive patients undergoing surgery for aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and dural arteriovenous fistulae. We calculated the percentage of identified residual pathologies, the cases requiring further surgical intervention, and the complication rates associated with the procedure. We also recorded radiation dose received by personnel during IA for comparison with elective procedures. If our review supported the routine use of IA, recommendations should be tempered by radiation dose to personnel regarding whether or not annual exposure would go beyond recommended limits and whether or not radiation doses indicate a need for specialized operating rooms. METHODSTwo hundred and four consecutive IAs were performed on 191 patients over a 2-year period. Angiographic findings were reviewed retrospectively and noted for additional interventions. Complications related to IA were recorded. Radiation doses received by personnel and fluoroscopy times were compiled from 18 IAs. Mean dose/minutes in intraoperative procedures was compared with mean dose/minutes of a separate cohort of 15 elective angiograms (Students t test). RESULTSTwenty-three percent of IAs revealed relevant findings. Clip repositioning or additional clip placement was performed in 8% of the patients. Resection of residual arteriovenous malformations or additional surgery for residual arteriovenous shunting in dural arteriovenous fistulae was performed in 2% of the patients. Fewer than 1% of the patients received intra-arterial verapamil or topical papaverine. The complication rate was less than 1%. The mean dose per procedure for physicians was 1.018 microsieverts (uSv) versus 0.988 uSv for technicians (P = 0.94). The mean effective dose/minutes in the angiogram suite was 0.9209 uSv/minute versus 1.213 uSv/minute in the operating room (P = 0.33). CONCLUSIONIA identifies a significant number of pertinent findings during open neurovascular surgery, half of which require additional intervention. It is associated with a low complication rate. Radiation dose received by personnel per procedure is negligible. IA radiation dose is not different from dose in the angiogram suite; thus, specialized operating rooms may not be necessary. These data support routine intraoperative angiography in open surgeries for neurovascular disorders.

Training in endovascular surgical neuroradiology.

BACKGROUNDnDuring the past few years, the field of endovascular surgical neuroradiology has been expanding. Neurosurgeons, radiologists, and neurologists are currently being trained. We analyzed data from a national survey of endovascular training programs to assess the current training status and future projections.nnnMETHODSnSurvey participation requests were sent out to program directors and members of the Society of Endovascular Neurosurgery, the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery, and the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. The format was an on-line survey designed by the authors, and completed through the SurveyMonkey.com website. Forty-three programs were identified and invited to participate.nnnRESULTSnWe achieved a response rate of 81% (n = 35). Twenty-seven (79%) of the 35 respondents listed their training program as academic, and 7 (20%) listed it as a mixture of academic with private practice. The training program faculty consisted of 57 radiologists, 39 neurosurgeons, and 10 neurologists. Length of fellowship offered was the same for all specialties in 43%, and differed based on clinical experience/background in 51%. Of the programs, 86% offered a 2-year fellowship, 49% had a mandatory resident rotation, 17% offered an infolded complete fellowship for residents, and 34% offered an infolded partial fellowship. Only 9% reported no resident exposure at all. There were 12% of respondents who reported to have knowledge of vascular surgeons or cardiologists performing intracranial procedures. At the time of the survey, there were 68 fellows in training, and most entered training immediately after residency (38%), whereas 26% entered after a fellowship and another 26% trained while in residency. There will be a 14% increase of graduates within the next 5 years. Comparing the past 5 years (2003-2007) with future 5-year projections (2008-2012), the number of radiologists is declining by 37% (73 vs. 46), whereas the number of neurosurgeons (74 vs. 106) and neurologists (20 vs. 37) is increasing by 42.5% and 112%, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThis survey suggests that there is a strong interest in endovascular surgical neuroradiology. The overall number of graduates is increasing, particularly in neurosurgery and neurology. Although the majority of current faculty is still comprised of neuroradiologists, the number of graduates in radiology will be decreasing during the next 5 years, reflecting a trend toward greater subspecialization within the fields of neurosurgery and neurology. Peer-Review Article.

Role of embolization for cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex high-flow lesions that can result in devastating neurological injury when they hemorrhage. Embolization is a critical component in the management of many patients with cerebral AVMs. Embolization may be used as an independent curative therapy or more commonly in an adjuvant fashion prior to either micro- or radiosurgery. Although the treatment-related morbidity and mortality for AVMs--including that due to microsurgery, embolization, and radiosurgery--can be substantial, its natural history offers little solace. Fortunately, care by a multidisciplinary team experienced in the comprehensive management of AVMs can offer excellent results in most cases.

Analysis of Hemorrhage Volumes After Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUNDnAntiplatelet medication use is associated with worsened outcome after angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been hypothesized that these worsened outcomes may be the result of an association between antiplatelet medication use and increased hemorrhage volumes after angiogram-negative SAH. To test this hypothesis, we performed volumetric analysis of computed tomography (CT)-defined hemorrhage after angiogram-negative SAH.nnnMETHODSnThis was a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with nontraumatic, angiogram-negative SAH in the Columbia University Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcomes database between 2000 and 2013. SAH volumes on admission head CT scans were measured using the MIPAV software package, version 7.20 in a semiautomated fashion.nnnRESULTSnA total of 108 presenting CT scans from patients with angiogram-negative SAH were analyzed. The mean hemorrhage volume was 14.3 mL in the patients with a history of antiplatelet medication use, compared with 6.8 mL in those with no history of antiplatelet use. This difference was found to be significant (Pxa0= 0.0029).nnnCONCLUSIONSnAntiplatelet medication use is associated with increased SAH volumes in patients with angiogram-negative SAH. Increased hemorrhage volumes may contribute to poor outcomes in this patient population. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm this association.

Arteriovenous malformations and headache

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are complex vascular lesions commonly associated with chronic headache. An occipital location appears to increase the risk of concurrent migraine-like headaches in AVM patients. We have experienced great success in treating these headaches through a multidisciplinary approach to eradicate cerebral AVM. However, the specific clinical characteristics of AVM-associated headaches and the most effective treatment strategies for these patients remain unclear. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on AVM-associated headaches. We detail the history, classification, epidemiology, presentation, pathophysiology, treatment options, and outcomes for this poorly described condition. Additionally, we illustrate our approach to the management of patients with occipital AVM and associated intractable headaches.

Functional Outcomes and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Nonperimesencephalic Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Similar to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUNDnThe angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) literature includes patients with perimesencephalic hemorrhage, which is recognized to have a much better outcome than aneurysmal SAH.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of Nonperimesencephalic Angiogram-Negative SAH (NPAN-SAH).nnnMETHODSnA prospective, spontaneous SAH database of 1311 patients that accrued between April 2006 and December 2014 was screened. All patients with NPAN-SAH and 2 consecutive negative cerebral angiograms were included.nnnRESULTSnWe identified 191 (11%) from a total of 1311 patients with spontaneous SAH. Amongst angiogram-negative patients, 83 (4.9%) were adjudicated to have NPAN-SAH. Patient characteristics were similar across the groups, except NPAN-SAH patients were more likely to be men and had higher rates of diabetes. In a multivariable logistic regression model, NPAN-SAH patients were less likely to develop vasospasm, after adjusting for Fisher grade, sex, and diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 0.197, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.07-0.55], P = .002). In another adjusted model accounting for Hunt and Hess clinical grade, NPAN-SAH patients were also less likely to develop vasospasm (OR: 0.2, 95% CI [0.07-0.57], P = .002). We found no statistical significance between 2 groups for rebleed, developing hydrocephalus, seizures, or delayed cerebral ischemia. NPAN-SAH patients were equally associated with poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale ≥3; OR: 1.16, 95% CI [0.615-2.20], P = .6420), and death (OR: 1.22, 95% CI [0.362-4.132], P = .7455) compared to aneurysmal SAH.nnnCONCLUSIONnAlthough the risk of vasospasm may be lower, patients with NPAN-SAH are equally associated with delayed cerebral ischemia, poor outcome, and death as compared to patients with aneurysmal SAH. Furthers studies may be necessary to further clarify these findings.

Post-subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm in Patients with Primary Headache Disorders

BackgroundAltered cerebral vasomotor reactivity leading to vasospasm can be seen both in patients with primary headache disorders (PHD) and in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The pathogenesis of vasospasm in post-SAH patients and in headache disorder sufferers may be related. To address this hypothesis, we analyzed a large cohort of SAH patients to determine whether a diagnosis of PHD predisposes to vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, or worsened clinical outcome.MethodsProspectively collected data from patients enrolled in the SAH Outcomes Project between 1996 and 2006 were analyzed. Patients were segregated based on whether they had a diagnosis of PHD or not and were subsequently compared for differences in clinical and radiographic outcome.ResultsA total of 921 SAH patients were analyzed, 265 of which had a diagnosis of PHD. In total, symptomatic vasospasm was seen in 17xa0%, while angiographic vasospasm was seen in 28xa0%. Vasospasm rates were similar among patients with a PHD and in those without a PHD (pxa0>xa00.05). However, on multivariate analysis new ischemic infarcts were more common in patients with a PHD as compared to patients without a PHD (pxa0=xa00.015). Functional outcomes at 3xa0months were similar among PHD and non-PHD patients (pxa0>xa00.05).ConclusionA history of PHD is associated with an increased rate of ischemic infarcts during admission for SAH. Increased rates of vasospasm within small cerebral blood vessels may be implicated. Further studies are warranted to more closely link the mechanisms of vasospasm in PHD and SAH patients.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Pediatric Neurovascular Diseases

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an evolving approach for the treatment of pediatric neurovascular disease. Since its first use in the treatment of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 1970, it has been used safely and effectively in treating adult patients with AVMs, selected cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). More recently, several case series have shown expansion to the pediatric population that have yielded promising results, with SRS achieving total obliteration of AVMs in up to 90 % of patients. The benefits of SRS are likely greatest in lesions that are deep-seated or adjacent to eloquent cortex, where the risks of microsurgery are typically greater than the risks of SRS. The validation of risk scores, which have identified smaller AVM volume and younger age as prognosticators of radiosurgical success, has helped guide patient selection and improve outcomes overall. However, concerns of persistent hemorrhage risk during the latency period prior to obliteration, as well as limited knowledge of long-term, radiation-specific complications, continue to limit the usage of SRS for pediatric neurovascular disease.