Uday Limaye

Endovascular management of ruptured cerebral mycotic aneurysms

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the current endovascular management of cerebral mycotic aneurysms. We report the retrospective evaluation of data of patients with cerebral mycotic aneurysms treated with endovascular approach. Thirteen consecutive patients with cerebral mycotic aneurysms were treated between April 2001 and March 2007. There were seven men and six women with ages ranging from 20 to 52 years (mean age 33 years.). All 13 patients had rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with endocarditis. The aneurysms were located within the distal cerebral circulation (n = 12) or in the circle of Willis (n = 1). All were ruptured aneurysms. Distal aneurysms were treated by parent vessel occlusion. Proximal saccular aneurysms were selectively treated. Endovascular treatment was technically successful in all patients. No patient had a rebleed after embolization during the clinical follow-up. Two patients deteriorated and died after endovascular treatment. Repeat CT scan showed increased mass effect because of earlier intracerebral bleed. The late clinical outcome in the other 11 patients was normal neurological status (n = 8) or permanent disability that was related to the initial stroke (n = 3). Endovascular approach is a reliable and safe technique for management of cerebral mycotic aneurysms.

Embolization of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae with ONYX: Indications, techniques, and outcomes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish the role of the liquid embolic agent, ONYX, in the treatment of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVFs) and to redefine the indications, techniques and outcomes of treatment with ONYX. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 25 DAVF patients who underwent endovascular treatment with ONYX between February 2006 and July 2008. All patients of DAVF presenting in this period were treated with ONYX. Results: Anatomic cure (i.e., complete angiographic closure of the fistula) was achieved in a single session and through a single arterial pedicle injection in 21 out of 25 patients (cure rate of 84%). Out of four patients with residual fistulae, one achieved cure that was evident on a control angiogram obtained at 3 months while three had no vascular access for further embolization and so were referred for radiosurgery. There was only one recurrence seen in angiograms obtained at the end of one year and this patient was re-embolized successfully with ONYX. Complications were seen in two patients. Conclusion: ONYX embolization of DAVFs has revolutionized the endovascular treatment of DAVFs, achieving high cure rates in a single session with minimal complications. Transarterial ONYX embolization should be the first option for all locations, except cavernous DAVFs.

Developmental Deep Venous System Anomaly Associated with Congenital Malformation of the Brain

We report a rare case of developmental deep venous system anomaly. The great vein of Galen and the straight sinus were absent. Both internal cerebral veins and the basal veins of Rosenthal drained into a large frontal interhemispheric falcine vein, which eventually drained into the superior sagittal sinus. The patient also had an associated neuronal migration anomaly.

Evolution of endovascular management of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: Single center experience

AIM We aim to focus on the treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) with emphasis on the evolution of endovascular management at our center over the last 13 years. We also aim to highlight the present treatment strategy, considering all the embolic agents available with us. SETTING AND DESIGN This is a retrospective study of 99 patients of DAVFs treated from December 1995 to March 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven patients were found to have spontaneous thrombosis when taken up for treatment. The other 92 patients underwent endovascular treatment through transarterial or transvenous routes using polyvinyl alcohol particles, glue, detachable platinum coils or injection onyx as embolic agents. The treatment strategies have evolved over a period of time with changing philosophies and availability of different embolic agents. RESULTS Transverse- sigmoid and cavernous sinuses were the commonest sites of DAVFs. Intracranial hemorrhage was common presentation. Transarterial PVA embolization was performed in four patients, transarterial glue in 15, transvenous embolization in 33 and transarterial Onyx in 36. Direct puncture and packing of the sinuses was done in four patients. Cure was achieved in 80 out of 92 patients (cure rate of 87%). Patients who had Onyx embolization had cure rate of 92% (33 out of 36 patients). 14 complications were seen of which two were in the Onyx group. CONCLUSION Embolization of DAVFs has evolved over the last decade and has become the treatment of choice with high cure rates and improved safety. We propose the use of Onyx as the embolic agent of choice in the treatment of DAVFs.

Acute subarachnoid hemorrhage in posterior condylar canal dural arteriovenous fistula: imaging features with endovascular management

A 43-year-old man presented with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was investigated and found to have a rare posterior condylar canal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). DAVFs of the posterior condylar canal are rare. Venous drainage of the DAVF was through a long, tortuous, and aneurysmal bridging vein. We describe the clinical presentation, cross sectional imaging, angiographic features, and endovascular management of this patient. The patient was treated by transarterial embolization of the fistula through the ascending pharyngeal artery. This is the first report of an acutely bled posterior condylar canal DAVF treated by transarterial Onyx embolization with balloon protection in the vertebral artery. The patient recovered without any neurological deficit and had an excellent outcome. On 6 month follow-up angiogram, there was stable occlusion of the dural fistula.

Mechanical device the Penumbra system in the management of acute stroke: report of five cases.

Use of mechanical devices in acute ischemic stroke has shown promise not only in recanalization rates but also with better clinical outcome and also extension of the window period to 8 hours. This is the first reported series of use of mechanical devices in India. We report five patients with acute stroke in whom mechanical devices (Penumbra System, Alameda, California) were used for thrombolysis. All the treated vessels (100%) were successfully re-canalized, Trials In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 3. At 90-day follow-up, of the 5 patients treated, 2 had modified Rankin score (mRS) of < 2. This small series shows the safety and efficacy of the Penumbra System in the thrombolysis of large vessel occlusive disease.

Endovascular management of giant intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation

BACKGROUND Large size, and location in posterior circulation, both individually portend high risk in the endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of endovascular management of giant posterior circulation aneurysms at our centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of 22 consecutive patients with giant posterior circulation aneurysms, who were managed by endovascular techniques between 1997 and 2009. The aneurysms included: Vertebral-6 (27%), basilar or vertebrobasilar - 7 (32%) and nine posterior cerebral artery (PCA) - 9 (41%). RESULTS There were 14 males and eight females with a mean age of 37 years. Treatment modalities included: Parent vessel sacrifice (PVS), coil embolization, flow reversal, stent-assisted coiling, and telescopic stent placement. Angiographic cure or stasis was achieved in 21 (95%) patients and no recurrence was observed in 17 of the 18 patients who had follow-up. Complications occurred in 9 (41%) patients, death in 4 and morbidity in 5 (3 with good eventual outcome). Overall, good clinical outcome was noted in 16 (73%) patients. The majority of the poor outcomes were observed in the management of basilar/vertebrobasilar aneurysms and flow reversal. Parent vessel sacrifice showed the best outcomes with stable results. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PVS remains the procedure of choice wherever possible and is relatively safe, particularly for giant vertebral and PCA aneurysms. When PVS is not feasible, stent-assisted coiling is a reasonable and safe option and requires follow-up. Management of basilar or vertebrobasilar aneurysms is complicated and still evolving.

Endovascular management of a refractory traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery using a covered stent graft

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Bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: an unreported association

Rete mirabile is a fine meshwork of anastomosing vessels that replace the parent artery. A 30-year-old woman complained of slurring of speech, right eye proptosis, recurrent vomiting, and loss of bladder and bowel control, followed by drowsiness lasting 30–40 min, for the past 6 months. On cross sectional imaging and angiography, the patient was found to have a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile. The patient was offered both endovascular and open surgical options but she refused any form of surgical treatment and opted for conservative management. At the 6 month follow-up, she continued to have occasional episodes of headache and vomiting but was otherwise normal. We describe the clinical, cross sectional, and angiographic features of this patient. A comparison with other patients with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile is also reported.

Dental arcade arteriovenous fistulas: From diagnosis to treatment with emphasis on the role of endovascular or percutaneous treatment: Single centre experience ☆

OBJECTIVE Dental arcade arteriovenous fistula (DA-AVF) are rare. The purpose of this study was to understand the angioarchitecture of these lesions, changing strategies of endovascular treatment and to analyse the best therapeutic option which will allow normal skeletal development especially in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study of all the patients of DA-AVF managed at our centre over the last 16 years. Detailed analysis of the clinical features, the imaging findings, endovascular treatment and angiographic outcomes was done. RESULTS Total of six patients were treated. 5 were in the mandible and one in the maxilla. Transarterial glue embolization was done in 3 patients and direct puncture of the intraosseous venous pouch in 2. Transarterial Onyx was used in 2 patients through dual lumen balloon catheter. Overall cure was achieved in 5 out of 6 patients (83%). CONCLUSION High index of suspicion is required to diagnose it on panoramic radiographs. CT/MR/CTA can lead to early diagnosis. Transarterial Onyx embolization using dual lumen balloon catheter is a promising technique & allows excellent penetration of Onyx into the intraosseous venous pouch.