Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of a Wide-Neck Aneurysm of a Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery

Rare neurovascular variants that you probably have not seen before

BACKGROUND

Recognition of neurovascular variants is crucial for safe endovascular and neurosurgical interventions. We aim to review and highlight various uncommon neurovascular variants and anomalies with a discussion of their relevant embryology and pathology.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained neurovascular database was performed to identify uncommon neurovascular variants and anomalies. A pictorial review of these neurovascular findings is provided along with relevant embryological development, clinical significance, and potential pathological associations.

RESULTS

A pictorial review of selected neurovascular variants and anomalies is presented. These entities, divided between intra- and extra-cranial findings, include infra-optic origin of the anterior cerebral artery, meningo-ophtalmic artery, duplicated posterior cerebral artery, duplicate middle cerebral artery (MCA), MCA fenestration, twig-like MCA, pure arterial malformation, corkscrew basilar artery, persistent hypoglossal artery, persistent trigeminal artery and its variants, direct branches from the common carotid and cervical internal carotid arteries (ICA) (ascending pharyngeal artery from the ICA, thyroidal arteries from the CCA/brachiocephalic, arteria thyroidea ima), and extra-cranial carotid fenestration. The angiographic findings of these entities are presented with relevant 3D reconstruction and multimodal cross-sectional imaging correlation when available.

CONCLUSIONS

This pictorial review highlights uncommon neurovascular variants and anomalies that neuroradiologists, interventionalists, and neurosurgeons should be aware of for accurate diagnosis and safe interventions.

Concurrence of multiple aneurysms, extreme coiling of the extracranial internal carotid artery and ipsilateral persistent primitive hypoglossal artery: A case report and literature review

Background

The primitive hypoglossal artery (PHA) is an anastomotic vessel of the carotid-basilar artery system that is prevalent only transiently during the embryonic period. Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a rare vessel variation in which PHA exists persistently in adulthood and occurs in approximately 0.02-0.1% of the population. Tortuosity of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) is relatively common, impacting 10-43% of the population, and is caused by either congenital or acquired factors. It is still unknown whether PPHA and tortuosity of extracranial ICA are associated. Here, we present a case report of the concurrence of three types of pathologies of the carotid artery: extreme coiling of the extracranial internal carotid artery, multiple aneurysms and persistent primitive hypoglossal artery.

Case description

A 66-year-old woman suffered intermittent headaches, dizziness and numbness of the right eyelid for 5 years. Magnetic resonance angiography performed in a local hospital reported an aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery segment of the left ICA and a left PPHA. Digital subtraction angiography conducted after admission showed a PPHA originating from the left cervical ICA and an extremely coiling segment of the ICA distal to the beginning of PPHA. Except for the aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery segment of the left ICA, multiple aneurysms were found at the coiling segment of the ICA.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PPHA accompanied by an adjacent, extremely coiling ICA. There are no reports of similar tortuous ICAs to this extent or at this position. Including aneurysms, three types of pathologies suggest their congenital origin, and a review of the literature infers the probable association of these lesions.

A persistent primitive hypoglossal artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery convergence aneurysm treated by stent-assisted coil embolization: A case report

RATIONALE

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is often associated with intracranial anomalies such as aneurysms. Surgical treatment of aneurysms on the PPHA is challenging due to that the posterior circulation depends solely on PPHA.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A case of an 83-year-old woman with a large aneurysm on PPHA presented with vertigo was reported.

DIAGNOSIS

Three-dimensional angiogram revealed a wide-neck aneurysm on the PPHA.

INTERVENTIONS

The aneurysm was successfully treated using a novel low-profile visualized intraluminal support stent-assisted coiling technique.

OUTCOMES

No complications occurred during the procedure. The final angiogram confirmed the patency of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and the parent artery and its distal branches.

LESSONS

Our case suggests that stent-assisted coil embolization is safe and effective for the treatment of aneurysms on the PPHA.

Persistent hypoglossal artery aneurysm: Case report and qualitative systematic review

A persistent hypoglossal artery was first described in 1889 and is one of the more common anatomical variations arising from aberration in normal development. Endovascular coiling has been recognised as a robust treatment for acutely ruptured intracranial arterial aneurysms, although specific data regarding an aneurysm arising from a persistent hypoglossal artery is lacking due to the low incidence. Here we report both the oldest patient reported to be treated with a persistent hypoglossal artery-associated aneurysm and also explicitly report endovascular treatment of a persistent hypoglossal artery aneurysm arising at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin. Qualitative systematic review of the available medical literature demonstrates limited evidence regarding treatment of persistent hypoglossal artery-associated aneurysms with the majority being carried out via open surgery. Ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm arising from a persistent hypoglossal artery can be successfully and safely treated by endovascular therapy via the persistent hypoglossal artery. Randomised study of this situation is unlikely to be feasible; however, qualitative review of the literature reveals six such aneurysms that have been treated surgically, and this case appears to be the first via an endovascular means.

Fatal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from an Aneurysm of a Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery: Case Series and Literature Overview

BACKGROUND

Persistent carotid-basilar connections have a prevalence of 0.14%. Recognizing such persistent fetal anastomoses between the carotid and the vertebrobasilar circulation is of great importance because they are reportedly associated with an increased prevalence of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

We report the case of a 15-year-old female patient who presented with a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage from an aneurysm at the junction of a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin. Supratentorially, unfortunately, there was no parenchymal blush or cortical venous return. Eventually, a multidisciplinary decision was made to withdraw care.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven cases were reported in the literature to date of persistent hypoglossal arteries, 16 of which presented with an associated aneurysm, 5 with an arteriovenous malformation, and 6 with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our case is the youngest patient reported so far. Hypoplasia or aplasia of the vertebral artery often were encountered (36 and 13 cases, respectively), as well as carotid artery stenosis (15 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, it is important to recognize persistent carotid-basilar connections, since they have a considerable hemodynamic impact on the posterior cerebral circulation via the carotid system. A critical reduction in the carotid blood flow will, therefore, have ischemic consequences in the posterior cerebral territories. In addition, such connections might be associated with anomalies of the vessel wall and be predisposed to aneurysm formation. The endovascular neurointerventionalist, as well as the vascular and skull base neurosurgeon, need to be aware of their anatomy and variations.

Unilateral Aplasia versus Bilateral Aplasia of the Vertebral Artery: A Review of Associated Abnormalities

Morphological characteristics of 108 cases of uni- and bilateral aplasia of the vertebral artery (VA) in reports or images of retrospective studies, including one recent case, published between 1967 and 2016 are analyzed. Incidence, gender, persistence of carotid-vertebrobasilar anastomosis (CVBA), associated with other vascular variants, and vascular pathology in each group of uni- and bilateral VA aplasia are mutually compared. Most of the cases of VA aplasia in ages 31 to 80 were discovered in USA, Japan, and India. The bilateral VA aplasia is more common in the male gender than in the female one. The side of the VA aplasia had a significant effect on the side of CVBA persistence. Associated aplasia of other arteries was more common in cases of unilateral VA aplasia. The left VA was more commonly hypoplastic in cases of single right VA aplasia than the right VA in cases of single left VA aplasia. Aneurysms of definitive arteries were more frequent in cases of single right VA aplasia than in cases of single left VA aplasia. We claim that the aplasia of the VA probably depends on genetic factors in some races, while diseases are expressed usually in persons over 30 years of age.

Long-term outcomes of coil packing for visceral aneurysms: correlation between packing density and incidence of coil compaction or recanalization

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between packing density and the incidence of coil compaction or recanalization of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) after coil packing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2004 and April 2012, coil packing was performed for 46 true visceral aneurysms (16 splenic, 11 pancreaticoduodenal, eight renal, six hepatic, three superior mesenteric, one right gastric, and one gastroepiploic) in 42 patients. The size and volume of the aneurysm, packing density, and the incidences of compaction and recanalization were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 37 months ± 8 (range, 11-80 mo). The mean packing density was 19% ± 8 (range, 5%-42%), mean aneurysm size was 19 mm ± 8 (range, 5-40 mm), and mean volume was 4,108 mm(3) ± 5,435 (range, 72-26,235 mm(3)). Compaction and recanalization occurred in two (4%) and 12 aneurysms (26%), respectively. The mean packing density was significantly lower in aneurysms with compaction or recanalization than in unaffected aneurysms (12% vs 22%; P = .00014). There was a significant difference in mean packing density between small (< 20 mm; 22%) and large (≥ 20 mm) aneurysms (15%; P = .0045). The mean size and volume were significantly larger for coil-compacted or recanalized aneurysms than for unaffected aneurysms (P < .05). In aneurysms with a packing density of at least 24%, no compaction or recanalization occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil compaction or recanalization after coil packing for VAAs more often occurs after insufficient embolization with low packing density and in patients with large aneurysms.

Endovascular Treatment of an Aneurysm of a Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery With Complete Resolution of Brainstem Compressive Symptoms: Case Report

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Aneurysms of the posterior circulation may manifest with neurological deficits related to mass effect on the brainstem. We present an unusual case of an aneurysm resulting in selective lower-extremity weakness and gait instability.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 61-year-old man presents with progressively worsening gait instability over the course of several months. A magnetic resonance image and computed tomographic angiogram demonstrate a persistent hypoglossal artery associated with an aneurysm invaginating into the pontomedullary junction. The patient manifested only lower-extremity symptoms. An endovascular approach through the right internal carotid artery and persistent primitive hypoglossal artery was assayed, coiling off the aneurysm with complete angiographic occlusion. One month after the procedure, the patient reported marked improvement in symptoms with residual difficulty walking. At the 1-year postprocedure interval, he reported nearly complete resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Endovascular therapy of an aneurysm invaginating into the brainstem is safe and efficacious.

Coil embolization of a celiac artery aneurysm using the neck remodeling technique

Aneurysms of the celiac trunk are rare. Untreated lesions enlarge progressively and may rupture spontaneously. We report the case of a 56-year-old man whose wide neck celiac aneurysm was successfully packed with coils with preservation of the native arterial circulation by percutaneous transcatheter embolization using the neck remodeling technique.

A case of aneurysm on a persistent hypoglossal artery treated by endovascular coiling

SUMMARY

We describe a 22-year-old woman admitted to hospital in emergency with nuchal headache and vomiting. CT scan disclosed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography with three-dimensional rotational acquisitions showed a ruptured aneurysm of a right persistent primitive hypoglossal artery as the cause of symptoms and hemorrhage. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. This is the second literature report describing endovascular treatment in this unusual condition.