Pediatric intracranial aneurysms-clinical characteristics and outcome of surgical treatment

Treatment of pediatric intracranial aneurysms: institutional case series and systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are rare and have distinct clinical profiles compared to adult IAs. They differ in location, size, morphology, presentation, and treatment strategies. We present our experience with pediatric IAs over an 18-year period using surgical and endovascular treatments and review the literature to identify commonalities in epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes.

METHODS

We identified all patients < 20 years old who underwent treatment for IAs at our institution between 2005 and 2020. Medical records and imaging were examined for demographic, clinical, and operative data. A systematic review was performed to identify studies reporting primary outcomes of surgical and endovascular treatment of pediatric IAs. Demographic information, aneurysm characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients underwent treatment for 37 aneurysms over 18 years. The mean age was 11.4 years, ranging from one month to 19 years. There were 21 males (63.6%) and 12 females (36.4%), yielding a male: female ratio of 1.75:1. Twenty-six (70.3%) aneurysms arose from the anterior circulation and 11 (29.7%) arose from the posterior circulation. Aneurysmal rupture occurred in 19 (57.5%) patients, of which 8 (24.2%) were categorized as Hunt-Hess grades IV or V. Aneurysm recurrence or rerupture occurred in five (15.2%) patients, and 5 patients (15.2%) died due to sequelae of their aneurysms. Twenty-one patients (63.6%) had a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) on last follow up. The systematic literature review yielded 48 studies which included 1,482 total aneurysms (611 with endovascular treatment; 656 treated surgically; 215 treated conservatively). Mean aneurysm recurrence rates in the literature were 12.7% and 3.9% for endovascular and surgical treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides data on the natural history and longitudinal outcomes for children treated for IAs at a single institution, in addition to our treatment strategies for various aneurysmal morphologies. Despite the high proportion of patients presenting with rupture, good functional outcomes can be achieved for most patients.

Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in an Infant: Case Report and Literature Review

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) in infants are reportedly rare at 0.5% to 4.5% of all aneurysms. Furthermore, subarachnoid hemorrhage in infants younger than three months are even rarer as it has been reported in approximately 20 cases only till date. A 3-month-old infant with seizures and impaired consciousness was admitted to our hospital. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) revealed a dissecting aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 13 mm in the right M2. Internal trapping using detachable coil were successfully performed, following which he was discharged without significant neurological deficit after one month of onset. Thus, we have reported a rare case of a large ruptured dissecting IA in a 3-month-old infant, in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), successfully treated with an endovascular therapy, along with a literature review.

Epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric intracranial aneurysms: comparison with an adult population in a 30-year, prospective database

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are rare. Most large series in the last 15 years reported on an average of only 39 patients. The authors sought to report their institutional experience with pediatric intracranial aneurysms from 1991 to 2021 and to compare pediatric patient and aneurysm characteristics with those of a contemporaneous adult cohort.

METHODS

Pediatric (≤ 18 years of age) and adult patients with one or more intracranial aneurysms were identified in a prospective database. Standard epidemiological features and outcomes of each pediatric patient were retrospectively recorded. These results were compared with those of adult aneurysm patients managed at a single institution over the same time period.

RESULTS

From a total of 4500 patients with 5150 intracranial aneurysms admitted over 30 years, there were 47 children with 53 aneurysms and 4453 adults with 5097 aneurysms; 53.2% of children and 36.4% of adults presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Pediatric aneurysms were significantly more common in males, more likely giant (≥ 25 mm), and most frequently located in the middle cerebral artery. Overall, 85.1% of the pediatric patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 at the last follow-up (with a mean follow-up of 65.9 months), and the pediatric mortality rate was 10.6%; all 5 patients who died had an SAH. The recurrence rate of treated aneurysms was 6.7% (1/15) in the endovascular group but 0% (0/31) in the microsurgical group. No de novo aneurysms occurred in children (mean follow-up 5.5 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are significantly different from adult aneurysms in terms of sex, presentation, location, size, and outcomes. Future prospective studies will better characterize long-term aneurysm recurrence, rebleeds, and de novo aneurysm occurrences. The authors currently favor microsurgical over endovascular treatment for pediatric aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysms in pediatric population: a two-center audit

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) in children are rare, accounting for less than 5% of all IA. Due to their scarcity, the epidemiology is poorly understood and differs from adults in term of clinical presentation, size, location, and origin. Consequently, the treatment strategies are specific and cannot be only based on data from adult series. The aim of our study was to report the characteristics, management, and outcomes of children treated for IA in two university hospitals located in Normandy (France) over the last 17 years and to perform a literature review of this rare pathology.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 18 consecutive children (< 18 years old) admitted with cerebral aneurysm treated in two neurosurgery departments in Normandy, from 2001 to 2018. Computerized tomography and cerebral angiography established the diagnosis. Both endovascular and surgical procedures were discussed in all cases. Data focused on clinical condition at admission, characteristics of the IA, choice of the treatment modalities, and complications. The outcome at follow-up is based on Glasgow outcomes scale (GOS) at 1 year.

RESULTS

During the study period, 18 children (mean age: 12.6 years; sex ratio male/female: 2.3) were admitted with 21 IA. Aneurysms had a mean size of 13.6 mm with 4 giant aneurysms and were mostly located in the anterior circulation (16/21). Clinical presentations at onset were sudden symptoms related to a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 13 patients, headaches in 4 patients with giant aneurysm, and asymptomatic in one patient. Among the 13 patients with ruptured IA, 6 presented in poor preoperative condition (Hunt and Hess Grade ≥ 4). Treatment modalities consisted in embolization in 9 patients and surgery in 9 patients including 2 by-pass surgeries in fusiform aneurysms. Complications were similar in the two groups, but two cases of recanalization were observed in the endovascular group. At 1 year of follow-up, 14 children were in good condition (GOS Score > 4) and one died. Three children presented associated IA treated by the same technique as initial aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric aneurysm is a different pathology compared with adults, occurring more frequently in male population with a higher proportion of giant aneurysms and aneurysms located in the internal carotid bifurcation. The use of endovascular techniques has progressed in the last years, but surgery was proposed for half of our population.

Treatment of Increased Intracranial Pressure and Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a 9-Year-Old Child—A Case Report

In this article, we reported a 9-year-old male child patient who suffered severe subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left parieto-occipital artery. After endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm, increased intracranial pressure refractory to noninvasive therapy required secondary decompressive hemicraniectomy. Critical vasospasm and delayed neurological deterioration were treated by oral nimodipine and successful endovascular rescue therapy consisting of intra-arterial balloon dilatation.

Impact of Young Age on the Presentation of Saccular Intracranial Aneurysms: Population-Based Analysis of 4082 Patients

BACKGROUND

Formation and rupture of saccular intracranial aneurysms (sIAs) may have different pathobiologies in patients with younger age at first diagnosis of sIA disease.

OBJECTIVE

To study the phenotype of sIA disease and formation of new (de novo) sIAs in patients below 40 yr.

METHODS

A population-based cohort study was conducted in 613 young (<40 yr) sIA patients with first diagnosis between 1980 and 2014 and total angiographic follow-up of 3768 yr.

RESULTS

Of the 613 sIA patients <40 yr, 508 had aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (sIA-SAH) and 105 unruptured sIA(s) at first sIA diagnosis. Hypertension was 2 times less common among <40 than >40-yr-old patients (unruptured and ruptured). Smoking was very prevalent in <40-yr-old patients (33% in SAH, 68% unruptured). SAH patients <40 yr more often had family history of sIA, and lower PHASES scores (age omitted, P < .001). Ruptured sIAs were small (<7 mm) in 33% of 39 to 30 yr patients, in 44% of 29 to 20 yr patients, and 57% of <19 yr patients. Their shape was irregular in 90%, 94%, and 95%, respectively. Smoking history (hazard ratio [HR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-7.0), family history for sIAs (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-7.7), and age at presentation (HR .91 per year, 95% CI .85-.98) were risk factors for de novo sIA formation, diagnosed in 4% even after 20 yr (median 11.8 yr).

CONCLUSION

Smoking and family history are risk factors for sIA formation and aneurysmal SAH at young age. Young aneurysmal SAH patients had lower PHASES scores and often rupture from a small sIA, suggesting need for more aggressive management.

Paediatric intracranial aneurysms: a British institutional review

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric intracranial aneurysms are rare, with a differing natural history and thought to account for only up to 7% of all intracranial aneurysms. There is much uncertainty that surrounds the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and it is estimated to be anywhere between 2 and 90 per 1000. This is the largest British single-centre analysis of paediatric intracranial aneurysms. We present the patient course from their initial presentations to the outcome of treatment and evaluate a serial assessment of adequacy of aneurysmal obliteration radiologically.

RESULTS

Twenty-two paediatric cases were identified that required treatment. The median age of presentation was 11.3 years (mean 9.9, range 0 to 15.9), 68% (15/22) were male and 77% (17/22) were ruptured on presentation. The majority of aneurysms were located at the anterior circulation (77% (17/22)). The overall median aneurysm size (n = 21) was 7.4 mm (mean 5 mm, range 2.5-19 mm). Twenty patients survived the acute phase and 80% (16/20) underwent coil embolisation and the other patients' surgical clipping. The overall outcomes were available for the 20 patients; on discharge, 90% (18/20) had a favourable clinical outcome (GOS score of 3-5). Treatment-specific clinical favourable outcomes were 88% (14/16) for coil embolisation against 100% (4/4) after surgical clipping. Of the two patients that died in the acute phase, one had sickle cell anaemia. Aneurysm aetiology was unknown in all other cases. None of the patients had a family history of aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric intracranial aneurysms while rare should be considered a differential diagnosis of children presenting with unexplained loss of consciousness with or without focal neurological deficit and/or headache. There is a two to one preponderance for males with a larger proportion of aneurysms within the posterior circulation (25%). Coil embolisation is the preferred method of securing a paediatric intracranial aneurysm.

Pediatric Intracranial Aneurysms: Favorable Outcomes Despite Rareness and Complexity

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are rare and differ from their adult counterparts in terms of their aneurysmal characteristics, presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Their treatment is often more difficult and complex compared with that of adults. However, studies outlining the clinical effect of pediatric IAs remain sparse.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients aged ≤18 years admitted to our hospital from 2000 to 2017 with a diagnosis of IAs.

RESULTS

From the sample of 8207 patients with an IA diagnosis, 26 patients with 33 IAs were involved. Our cohort included 17 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 12.5 years. The mean follow-up duration was 4 years and 3 months. Seven patients (26.92%) were assumed to have a traumatic origin for their IAs. Ruptured aneurysms were more common than unruptured ones (61.53% vs. 38.46%). Complex features were observed in 14 aneurysms (42.42%). Initially, microsurgical and endovascular treatment were both performed in 10 patients (38.46%). A good recovery was obtained in 16 patients (61.54%) as determined by the Glasgow outcome scale scores at the 6-month follow-up visits. The complete obliteration of aneurysms was observed in 17 patients (65.38%). Endovascular treatment was the initial treatment in 3 patients with incomplete obliteration.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of pediatric IAs is challenging and technically demanding owing to their discrete nature compared with adult IAs and the need for greater surgical skills. We found a male predominance, with internal carotid artery bifurcation as the most frequent location of the aneurysms. Despite the greater incidence of ruptured and complex aneurysm cases, many patients had experienced a good recovery at the 6-month follow-up examinations.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms: changes from previous studies

PURPOSE

To develop a better understanding of pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs).

METHODS

All PIAs treated in our center from January 2012 to April 2017 were retrospectively included. Clinical data, treatment summaries, and follow-up outcomes were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 66 PIAs were found in 64 patients with a mean age of 11.4 ± 5.7 years, 68.8% of whom were male. The most common symptoms were seizure (n = 7, 63.6%) for the 0-5 age group and headache (n = 38, 71.7%) for the 6-18 age group. Fifty-one PIAs (77.3%) were located in the anterior circulation, with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) being the most common site (n = 28, 42.4%). Fifteen patients (23.4%) had PIAs that were pseudoaneurysms, and nine of them (60%) had a combined history of head trauma. Thirty-five patients (54.7%) had distal arterial aneurysms, and 21 of them (60%) presented with seizure. During a mean follow-up time of 1.6 ± 1.2 years, 79.7% of patients (n = 51) had favorable outcomes, 5 patients (7.8%) died, and the remaining 8 patients (12.5%) had unfavorable outcomes with severe neurological deficits.

CONCLUSION

Apart from characteristics consistent with previous studies, several new findings regarding PIAs were reported, including a difference in the most common symptoms in different age groups, the MCA as the predominant location of PIAs, the high ratio of pseudoaneurysms and their head trauma etiology, and the incidence of distal arterial aneurysms and their relationship with the risk of seizures.

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms: case report and review of the literature

Intracranial aneurysms in the neonate, presenting in the first 4 weeks of life, are exceedingly rare. They appear to have characteristics, including presentation and location, that vary from those found in adults. The authors present a case of a 28-day-old neonate with a ruptured distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. Initial noninvasive imaging with transfontanelle ultrasound and CT confirmed intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed a 14-mm ruptured fusiform MCA aneurysm that was not identified on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Microsurgical treatment was performed with partial neurological recovery. A comprehensive review of the literature from 1949 to 2017 revealed a total of 40 aneurysms in 37 neonates, including the present case. The most common presenting symptom was seizure. Although subarachnoid hemorrhage was the most common form of hemorrhage, 40% had intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The median aneurysm size was 10 mm (range 2-30 mm) and the most common location was the MCA, with two-thirds of cases involving the distal intracranial vasculature. Over the last 10 years, there has been a trend of increasing noninvasive diagnosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in neonates, with CT angiography and contrast-enhanced MRI being the most useful diagnostic modalities. The use of contrast-enhanced MRI may improve sensitivity over time-of-flight MRA. Microsurgical treatment was the most common treatment modality overall, with increased use of endovascular treatment in the last decade. Most patients underwent microsurgical vessel ligation or endovascular parent vessel occlusion. There were high rates of neurological recovery after microsurgical or endovascular treatment, particularly for patients with distal aneurysms.

Epidemiologic and Demographic Features, Therapeutic Intervention and Prognosis of the Patients with Cerebral Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Cerebral aneurysms are a kind of cardiovascular diseases which are accompanied with high morbidity and mortality due to rupturing and causing subarachnoid hemorrhages. The current study aimed to determine epidemiologic and demographic features and prognosis of patients with cerebral aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 465 patients with cerebral aneurysms hospitalized in Al-Zahra Hospital were studied. The required information including demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical features of the disease were extracted from their records. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software and the factors associated with the prognosis of the disease were determined.

RESULTS

Four hundred and sixty-five cases with cerebral aneurysm undergoing surgery were investigated. The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 14 years whereas 216 cases (46.5%) were male and 249 (53.5%) were female. Two hundred and thirty-seven patients (51%) remitted completely while the disease caused moderate disability in 84 cases (18.1%), severe disability in 24 ones (5.2%) and vegetative state in 9 cases (1.9%) and mortality in 57 ones while it was unknown in 54 cases (11.6%). In terms of the age of patient, WFNS index, anatomical position of aneurysm, type of aneurysm lesion, the incidence season of the disease, type of postoperative complications, family history and operative approach, the disease outcome had a significant difference while gender, ethnicity, and risk factors had no significant effect on the disease outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the type of aneurysm, the incidence position of the aneurysm and other epidemiologic, demographic, and clinical features, providing the prevention and treatment strategies is necessary.

Acute Obstructive Hydrocephalus due to a Giant Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm in a Pediatric Patient

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial aneurysms are very rare in children. Although subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) is by far the most common presentation of aneurysms in the majority of the pediatric case series, it is not rare for an unruptured aneurysm to present with a mass effect. Acute hydrocephalus is a common finding following aneurysmal SAH. However, this malady may develop even in the absence of SAH but secondary to direct obstruction by a giant aneurysm. This situation is extremely rare in children, with only a few known case reports in the literature.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with signs and symptoms of acute hydrocephalus; further radiological evaluation revealed obstructive hydrocephalus and a giant posterior cerebral artery aneurysm. Following endovascular treatment of the aneurysm, hydrocephalus was completely resolved, and the patient was symptom free.

CONCLUSION

Although they are very rare, giant intracranial aneurysms must be kept in mind during the differential diagnosis of pediatric acute hydrocephalus cases. Hydrocephalus may resolve spontaneously after the successful treatment of these aneurysms.

Staged Trapping of Traumatic Basilar Trunk Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) of the posterior circulation in the pediatric populations are rare. Only a few reports in the literature document basilar artery TICA in the pediatric population. These cases were typically associated with a clival fracture and commonly diagnosed weeks to months after trauma. We present a case of a patient with a basilar TICA diagnosed after a motor vehicle collision treated with staged trapping and review of the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a high-speed motor vehicle collision and developed a basilar trunk TICA identified on admission. Initially, the patient underwent craniotomy for proximal sacrifice of the basilar artery in hope for spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm through flow reversal. Endovascular options were reviewed and felt to be less feasible than surgical trapping. Due to continued filling through the right posterior communicating artery, the second surgery was performed to distally trap the aneurysm. The aneurysm was opened, showing some thrombosis and the absence of flow. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any new infarction, and the patient was discharged with neurologic improvement over time. At 1 year, he was able to ambulate unassisted and had a modified Rankin Scale score of 3.

CONCLUSION

Development of a TICA may be more acute than literature previously suggested. Treatment consists of a wide range of options and should be considered, especially in the pediatric population, to prevent rupture. Trapping can be performed safely if adequate collateral flow is present in the setting of a large basilar artery aneurysm.

Spontaneous thrombosis in giant aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery complex in pediatric age: five-year follow-up

Intracranial aneurysms are rare in the pediatric population, especially in infancy, representing less than 1% of all aneurysms. In this age group, they are more frequent at the carotid bifurcation and in the posterior circulation, with a greater number of giant aneurysms and spontaneous aneurysm thrombosis when compared with the adults. They are life-threatening, and, therefore, early investigation, characterization of the lesion, and treatment are essential. The appropriate management depends on the child's condition, aneurysm characteristics, and the experience of a multidisciplinary team. Noninvasive and radiation-free imagiological studies play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of these young patients. We present the case of a 3-month-old boy with an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to the rupture of a giant aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery complex, with spontaneous thrombosis, which is a rare situation due to its location. A conservative approach was assumed and noninvasive evolutive imagiological studies revealed a reduction in the thrombosed aneurysm size and no signs of recanalization. The child recovered to his baseline neurological condition and has had no rehemorrhage until 5 years of follow-up.

Treatment of cerebral aneurysms in children: analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database

OBJECT.: Endovascular coiling and surgical clipping are viable treatment options of cerebral aneurysms. Outcome data of these treatments in children are limited. The objective of this study was to determine hospital mortality and complication rates associated with surgical clipping and coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms in children, and to evaluate the trend of hospitals' use of these treatments.

METHODS

The authors identified a cohort of children admitted with the diagnoses of cerebral aneurysms and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage from the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 1998 through 2009. Hospital-associated complications and in-hospital mortality were compared between the treatment groups and stratified by aneurysmal rupture status. A multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality. The Cochrane-Armitage test was used to assess the trend of hospital use of these operations.

RESULTS

A total of 1120 children were included in this analysis; 200 (18%) underwent aneurysmal clipping and 920 (82%) underwent endovascular coiling. Overall in-hospital mortality was higher in the surgical clipping group compared with the coil embolization group (6.09% vs 1.65%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.52, 95% CI 0.97-6.53, p = 0.05). The risk of postoperative stroke or hemorrhage was similar between the two treatment groups (p = 0.86). Pulmonary complications and systemic infection were higher in the surgical clipping population (p < 0.05). The rate of US hospitals' use of endovascular coiling has significantly increased over the years included in this study (p < 0.0001). Teaching hospitals were associated with a lower risk of death (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.46; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although both treatments are valid, endovascular coiling was associated with fewer deaths and shorter hospital stays than clip placement. The trend of hospitals' use of coiling operations has increased in recent years.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms--our experience and review of literature

PURPOSE

Intracranial aneurysms in children are not as common as in adults and there are many differences in the etiology, demographic variables, aneurysm location, aneurysm morphological characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcome in pediatric and adult intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

All children (≤18 years) suffering from intracranial aneurysm managed at our center from July 2001 through June 2013 were included in the study, and the details of these patients were retrieved from the computerized database of our hospital.

OBSERVATIONS

A total of 62 pediatric patients were treated for 74 aneurysms during the study period and constituted 2.3% of all intracranial aneurysms treated during the same period. The mean age at presentation was 13.5 years. Headache (82%) was the commonest presenting feature; other symptoms included seizures (21%), ictal loss of consciousness (27%), and motor/cranial nerve deficits (22.6%). Computed tomogram revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in 58% of patients. Eighty-two percent of aneurysms were in anterior circulation. Sixty-seven percent of aneurysms were complex aneurysms. Fifty-eight percent of patients underwent surgical intervention while 30% underwent endovascular procedures. Twenty-one percent of the patients developed vasospasm. There was no postoperative mortality. Favorable outcome was seen in 72% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are uncommon as compared to in adult patients. Seizures and cranial nerve involvement are seen more often as the presenting features in children. Posterior circulation aneurysms are more common in children, as are the internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms. There is high incidence of giant, posttraumatic, and mycotic aneurysms in children.

Intracranial Non-traumatic Aneurysms in Children and Adolescents

An intracranial aneurysm in a child or adolescent is a rare, but potentially devastating condition. As little as approximately 1200 cases are reported between 1939 and 2011, with many of the reports presenting diverting results. There is consensus, though, in that pediatric aneurysms represent a pathophysiological entity different from their adult counterparts. In children, there is a male predominance. About two-thirds of pediatric intracranial aneurysms become symptomatic with hemorrhage and the rate of re-hemorrhage is higher than in adults. The rate of hemorrhage from an intracranial aneurysm peaks in girls around menarche. The most common aneurysm site in children is the internal carotid artery, in particular at its terminal ending. Aneurysms in the posterior circulation are more common in children than adults. Children more often develop giant aneurysms, and may become symptomatic from the mass effect of the aneurysm (tumorlike symptoms). The more complex nature of pediatric aneurysms poses a larger challenge to treatment alongside with higher demands to the durability of treatment. Outcome and mortality are similar in children and adults, but long-term outcome in the pediatric population is influenced by the high rate of aneurysm recurrences and de novo formation of intracranial aneurysms. This urges the need for life-long follow-up and screening protocols.

A comprehensive analysis of early outcomes and complication rates after 769 craniotomies in pediatric patients

PURPOSE

Perioperative complications following craniotomy in pediatric neurosurgery have received little attention. We analyzed perioperative complications and early outcomes following craniotomy in a large cohort of pediatric patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified 769 operations (27 % epilepsy surgery, 26 % trauma, 21 % tumor, 7 % vascular, 4 % infections, 14 % other, and 88 % supratentorial) in 641 patients <16 years (mean age 8.5 years). We recorded all perioperative complications and functional outcomes 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Excluding epilepsy surgery cases, 17.5 % patients had emergency surgery. There were 38 new major neurological deficits (5.0 %; excluding deficits incurred as part of the surgical strategy). New neurological deficits occurred more frequently following operations for brain tumors, when compared to other surgeries (P < 0.001), and after surgery for infratentorial lesions (P < 0.001). Local complications occurred in 3.9 %, systemic complications in 2.5 % of patients. Ventricular shunting or endoscopic ventriculostomy was necessary in 87 patients (11.3 %). Surgical mortality was 2.0 % (including moribund patients after trauma or vascular incidence). Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Index (KPI) and the incurrence of new neurological deficits proved the most powerful predictors of functional outcome. Emergency surgery or repeat craniotomies were not correlated with increased rates of local complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Craniotomies for pediatric patients carry a low morbidity and mortality. Systemic complications seem to occur less often in the pediatric than in the adult population. Good surgical outcomes require a proper balance between local pediatric neurosurgical care for emergency cases and centralized treatment of more difficult cases.

Role of Endovascular Treatment in Pediatric Cerebral Aneurysms: A Series of Two Case Reports

Aneurysms in the pediatric age group are rare and have preponderance for the posterior circulation. These aneurysms are more commonly large, giant, and complex. We present two case reports of saccular aneurysms in pediatric patients who were treated successfully by endovascular technique.

Clinical and radiological profiles and outcomes in pediatric patients with intracranial aneurysms

OBJECT

Intracranial aneurysms are extremely uncommon in the pediatric population, their characteristics are not well studied, and certain features make them unique. The authors analyzed pediatric patients with aneurysms to try to understand their clinical, radiological, and outcome profile.

METHODS

Sixty-three pediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) with ages ranging from 4 to 18 years and features (clinical and radiological) suggestive of aneurysm presented to, and were treated at, the authors' center in the past 20 years (1991-2011). Included in the present study were only those patients who underwent surgical intervention, and thus data for 57 patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-three aneurysms in 57 patients were surgically treated. There was a slight female predominance (M/F 1:1.2), and the mean age among all patients was 12.69 ± 3.75 years. Fifty patients (87.72%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 4 (7.02%) with mass effect, and 3 (5.26%) with seizure. On presentation the majority of patients (45 [78.95%]) had a good clinical grade. Eleven patients had multiple aneurysms. The internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation was the most common aneurysm site (18 cases [24.66%]), followed by the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation (11 cases [15.07%]). At a mean follow-up of 18.58 ± 10.71 months (range 1.5-44 months), 44 patients (77.19%) had a favorable outcome, and 5 patients had died.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with intracranial aneurysms most commonly presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and there was a slight female predominance. The ICA bifurcation followed by the MCA bifurcation was the most common aneurysm site. The incidence of posterior circulation and giant aneurysms is higher in pediatric patients than in the adult population. Children tend to present with better clinical grades and have better overall survival results and good functional outcomes.

Internal carotid artery stenosis as the sequela of a pseudoaneurysm after methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery is an extremely uncommon complication of pediatric deep neck space infections in the postantibiotic era, and poses a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Early recognition and aggressive management are essential to prevent mortality and serious morbidity. We describe a pseudoaneurysm of the left internal carotid artery after a retropharyngeal abscess in an infant. The retropharyngeal abscess required surgical drainage, and the pseudoaneurysm was managed conservatively with antibiotic therapy. The patient developed 50% stenosis of the left internal carotid artery after recovery. Limited data are available about long-term outcomes of pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery. During 7-year follow-up, she demonstrated no neurologic sequelae and normal development. Despite the left internal carotid artery stenosis, blood supply to the left cerebral hemisphere is well maintained through the circle of Willis. We highlight the importance of early recognition and aggressive management to avoid serious outcomes.

Intracranial pediatric aneurysms: endovascular treatment and its outcome

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to analyze the location, clinical presentation, and morphological characteristics of pediatric aneurysms and the safety, feasibility, and durability of endovascular treatment.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of all cases involving patients 18 years old or younger who underwent endovascular treatment for pediatric aneurysms at their institution between July 1998 and July 2010. The clinical presentation, aneurysm location, endovascular management, and treatment outcome were studied.

RESULTS

During the study period, 23 pediatric patients (mean age 13 years, range 2 months-18 years) were referred to the authors' department and underwent endovascular treatment for aneurysms. The aneurysms were saccular in 6 cases, dissecting in 4, infectious in 5, and giant partially thrombosed lesions in 8. Fourteen of the aneurysms were ruptured, and 9 were unruptured. Thirteen were in the anterior circulation and 10 in the posterior circulation. The most common location in the anterior circulation was the anterior communicating artery; in the posterior circulation, the most common location was the basilar artery. Saccular aneurysms were the most common type in the anterior circulation; and giant partially thrombosed and dissecting aneurysms were the most common types in the posterior circulation. Coil embolization was performed in 7 cases, parent vessel sacrifice in 10, flow reversal in 3, glue embolization in 2, and stent placement in 1. Immediate angiographic cure was seen in 21 (91%) of 23 patients. Complications occurred in 4 patients, 3 of whom eventually had a good outcome. No patient died. Overall, a favorable outcome was seen in 22 (96%) of 23 patients. Follow-up showed stable occlusion of aneurysms in 96% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric aneurysms are rare. Their clinical presentation varies from intracranial hemorrhage to mass effect. They may also be found incidentally. Among pediatric patients with aneurysms, giant aneurysms are relatively common. Endovascular management is associated with low rates of complications and is a safe, durable, and effective treatment for pediatric aneurysms.

Long-term outcome of 114 children with cerebral aneurysms

OBJECT

Population-based data on pediatric patients with aneurysms are limited. The aim of this study is to clarify the characteristics and long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with aneurysms.

METHODS

All pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) with aneurysms among the 8996 aneurysm patients treated at the Department of Neurosurgery in Helsinki from 1937 to 2009 were followed from admission to the end of 2010.

RESULTS

There were 114 pediatric patients with 130 total aneurysms during the study period. The mean patient age was 14.5 years (range 3 months to 18 years). The male:female ratio was 3:2. Eighty-nine patients (78%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The majority of the aneurysms (116 [89%]) were in the anterior circulation, and the most common location was the internal carotid artery bifurcation (36 [28%]). The average aneurysm diameter was 11 mm (range 2-55 mm) with 16 giant aneurysms (12%). Eighty aneurysms (62%) were treated microsurgically, and 37 (28%) were treated conservatively due to poor medical and neurological status of the patient or due to technical reasons during the early years of the patient series. No connective tissue disorders common to pediatric aneurysm patients were diagnosed in this series, with the exception of 1 patient with tuberous sclerosis complex. The mean follow-up duration was 24.8 years (range 0-55.8 years). At the end of follow-up, 71 patients (62%) had a good outcome, 3 (3%) were dependent, and 40 (35%) had died. Twenty-seven deaths (68%) were assessed to be aneurysm-related. Factors correlating with a favorable long-term outcome were good neurological condition of the patient on admission, aneurysm location in the anterior circulation, complete aneurysm closure, and absence of vasospasm. Six patients developed symptomatic de novo aneurysms after a median of 25 years (range 11-37 years). Fourteen patients (12%) had a family history of aneurysms. There was no increased incidence for cardiovascular diseases in long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Most aneurysms were ruptured and of medium size. Internal carotid artery bifurcation was the most frequent location of the aneurysms. There was a male predominance of pediatric patients with aneurysms. Most patients experienced good recovery, with 91% of the long-term survivors living at home independently without assistance and meaningfully employed. Altogether, almost a third of these patients finished high school and one-fifth had a college or university degree. Pediatric patients had a tendency to develop de novo aneurysms.

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms in children: case series and review

OBJECT

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are rare lesions that differ from their adult counterparts. Aneurysms involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are particularly challenging to treat in children, as they are often fusiform and cannot undergo direct clipping alone. The authors recently treated a patient with a heavily calcified, dysplastic, left-sided MCA aneurysm. The present study was performed to evaluate the authors' previous operative and follow-up experience with these difficult lesions.

METHODS

The authors performed a review of a prospectively maintained database of all aneurysms treated at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, from January 1990 through November 2010. Relevant operative notes, clinical charts, and radiological reports were reviewed for all patients 18 years of age or younger.

RESULTS

A total of 2949 patients with aneurysms were treated over the study period, including 28 children (0.95%). Seven children harbored MCA aneurysms. Five of these 7 aneurysms (71.4%) were fusiform. Two patients were treated with direct clipping, 2 underwent parent vessel occlusion without bypass, and 3 underwent aneurysm trapping with extracranial-intracranial vessel bypass. Long-term follow-up data were available in 6 cases. All 6 patients had a 1-year follow-up Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 5. Long-term radiological follow-up was available in 4 patients. One patient required a reoperation for a recurrent aneurysm 4 years after the initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms in children are often fusiform, giant, and incorporate the origins of proximal artery branches. Direct clipping may not be possible; trapping of the lesion may be required. Children seem to tolerate surgical trapping with or without bypass extremely well. Aggressive therapy of these rare lesions in children is warranted, as even patients presenting with a poor clinical grade may have excellent outcomes. Long-term surveillance imaging is necessary because of the risk of aneurysm recurrence.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm in a child

Intracranial arterial aneurysms in children are very rare. The authors present the clinical and neuroradiological findings in a 12-year-old child with subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage related to posterior communicating artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was successfully treated with endovascular coiling. The literature regarding this topic is reviewed and the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage in children is discussed.

A Pediatric Patient With a Dissecting Thrombotic Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

We report a unique case of a dissecting thrombosed left anterior choroidal aneurysm.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The aneurysm was diagnosed in a pediatric patient who presented with right-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography, computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and conventional angiography studies were helpful in diagnosing the aneurysm in this patient. Imaging was consistent with an acute infarct in the left globus pallidus.

INTERVENTION

An orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed for surgical clipping of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the unique appearance of a dissecting aneurysm in the anterior choroidal artery and stresses the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of complex aneurysms in the pediatric population.

Multiple saccular aneurysms of the extracranial and intracranial internal carotid artery associated with convexobasia and arachnoid cyst in a 6-year-old boy: a case report

INTRODUCTION

We report an extremely rare case of multiple saccular aneurysms of the extracranial and intracranial internal carotid artery associated with convexobasia of the left temporal region and arachnoid cyst in a 6-year-old boy.

CASE REPORT

A 6-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with chief complaint of ptosis and engorgement of the left eyelid for 50 days. A 4 x 10-cm bony protuberance of the left temporal region with hemangiectasia was observed to beat with pulse without vascular murmur. computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed two saccular aneurysms of the left internal carotid artery. The first one which was about 3 cm in length and 2 cm in maximum diameter was located in the middle of the petrous portion (including parts of C2 and C3). The second one which was about the same size was located from the middle of the cavernous portion to the upper end of the left internal carotid artery. Computed tomography showed an arachnoid cyst in the left temporal region and abnormality of the left temporal bone. According to the specific circumstances of this patient, we believe that surgical treatment is rather risky and the loss might outweigh the gain. Therefore, we suggested to the parents that the child should be followed up for the coming years for monitoring and possible treatment.

DISCUSSION

Multiple saccular aneurysms of extracranial and intracranial internal carotid artery in children are extremely rare. According to this case, the child had congenital bony protuberance of the left temporal region with hemangiectasia, which made this case particularly specific. Besides all those discovered abnormalities, this child was a healthy boy. Due to the difficulty and high risk of possible surgical treatment, we suggested that no further treatment be performed at the moment and the child should be followed up for a long period of time. Worthy examinations such as CT, CTA, and MRI are recommended for reviewing the development of aneurysms and CNS of this boy. Further treatment might be performed in the future. We welcome all forms of discussion about this case and similar cases around the globe.

The clinical features and treatment of pediatric intracranial aneurysm

PURPOSE

Intracranial aneurysms are relatively rare in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to highlight the clinical and radiological features and the therapeutic outcome and clarify the choice of therapeutic strategies for pediatric intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four consecutive children (age <or=14 years) who were diagnosed and treated for intracranial aneurysms in our institute in the last 23 years were included in this study.

RESULTS

There were nine (36%) patients with posterior circulation aneurysms and eight (32%) with giant aneurysms. Eleven (46%) patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Fifteen patients underwent endovascular treatment, and four received microsurgical therapy. Five patients were treated conservatively. Ninety-two percent (n=22) of the patients showed favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms differ in many ways from those in adults: male predominance; high incidence of giant, dissecting, and fusiform aneurysms; high incidence of aneurysms in the posterior circulation; high incidence of spontaneous thrombosis; better Hunt-Hess grades at presentation; and better therapeutic outcome. For children with intracranial aneurysms, both microsurgical approaches and endovascular treatment were effective. For many complex aneurysms, endovascular therapy was the best choice.

Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery in a pediatric giant intracranial aneurysm presenting as migraine-like episodes

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysms of the intracranial arteries in the pediatric population are reportedly rare. There is a male predominance, association with connective tissue disorders, as well as bacterial, mycotic infections, and trauma.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Common sites of presentation are the internal carotid artery bifurcation, posterior circulation, and distal segment of middle cerebral artery. Clinical manifestations can vary from seizures and subarachnoidal hemorrhage to headache, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, or focal motor deficits. Current treatment modalities encompass endovascular or surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

We present a case report on an 11-year-old girl with migraine-like episodes due to an underlying giant fusiform middle cerebral artery aneurysm treated successfully with two superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypasses.

Repair process in spontaneous intradural dissecting aneurysms in children: report of eight patients and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to present a series of eight pediatric patients (less than 16 years old) with complete spontaneous thrombosis of spontaneous intradural dissecting aneurysms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Since 1989, eight consecutive patients in whom the cerebral aneurysms (four in middle cerebral arteries, one in posterior cerebral artery, three in basilar arteries) were found complete spontaneous thrombosis on follow-up MRI/MRA or conventional angiography. Patient histories and angiographic features were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Complete thrombosis of aneurysms in between first few days to 7 months was found in eight out of 1,587 patients (0.5%) in this recent series. Aneurysm repair was related to multivariate processes. Headache (50%), vomiting, and hemiplegia (37.5%) were common presenting symptoms. Partial or total resolution of the symptoms in a few months was often seen. Associated parent artery occlusions (50%) were also observed.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous resolution of intradural dissecting aneurysm with or without parent artery occlusion is not uncommon even in the pediatric population. Aneurysm repair is a dynamic and multifaceted entity. Mural hematoma appears to be the most important factor promoting thrombosis and healing of the dissecting intracranial aneurysms.

Spontaneous thrombosis of giant cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm in a neonate. Case report and review of the literature

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms are rare, with only 20 cases being reported in the literature. No case of spontaneous resolution of a giant intracranial cavernous segment aneurysm in a neonate is reported till date. The authors describe a 3-week-old male child who presented with a left-sided tonic seizure episode and was diagnosed as having a right-sided giant cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was found to be totally thrombosed on angiography done before planning definitive treatment. The child is doing well at 2 years of follow-up. Spontaneous thrombosis, an exceptionally rare but fortunate outcome in a rare case of giant neonatal internal carotid artery aneurysm, has led the authors to report this case. The need of repeat imaging or angiography should be considered to rule out this rare outcome, more so if there is any delay between the ictus and treatment.