Adverse events after unruptured cerebral aneurysm treatment: a single-center experience with clipping/coil embolization combined units

Preventive clipping versus coiling in unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to explore safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND

Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling are both effective in preventing aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the choice between these interventions remains controversial, leading to treatment disparities across medical centers.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including relevant two-arm clinical trials up to September 2023, sourced from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Our primary outcomes were complete occlusion rates during mid-term and long-term follow-ups. Standard mean differences and risk ratios were used to analyze variations in outcomes. Python meta-analysis with sensitivity testing and regional subgroup analysis was used to resolve heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The analysis included 139,485 participants. Clipping demonstrated significantly higher complete occlusion rates in midterm follow-up (RR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.75, 0.91], p = 0.0001) but was associated with a higher risk of procedural complications such as bleeding and ischemic stroke. Coiling showed a higher risk of retreatment (RR = 3.46, 95% CI [1.21, 9.86], p = 0.02), yet it had lower procedural complications (RR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.38, 0.78], p < 0.0009), shorter hospital stays (MD 4.36, 95% CI [2.96, 5.77], p = 0.0001), and better post-procedural outcomes as indicated by lower modified Rankin Scale scores (RR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.55, 0.97], p = 0.03). Long-term occlusion rates were comparable between the two methods.

CONCLUSION

While clipping achieves higher mid-term occlusion rates, coiling is associated with fewer complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and potentially better long-term outcomes. Treatment decisions should be individualized, considering patient-specific characteristics and procedural feasibility.

Treatment Strategy of Intracranial Anterior Circulation Aneurysm Presenting with Cerebral Ischemia: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of anterior circulation aneurysm presenting with cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with intracranial anterior circulation aneurysms presenting with cerebral ischemia examined in the Fifth Ward of the Neurosurgery Department of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital between September 2016 and September 2023. Data were reviewed for age, sex, presentation, type and size, location, treatment modalities, postoperative complications, clinical and imaging outcomes, and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 13 patients, there were 8 males and 5 females (1.6:1). Their presentations included ischemic stroke (69.23%, 9/13) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) (30.77%, 4/13). The aneurysms were dissecting (46.15%, 6/13), saccular (30.77%, 4/13), and saccular combined with thrombosis (23.08%, 3/13) in shape. There were 6 giant aneurysms, 4 large aneurysms, and 3 microaneurysms. Three (23.08%, 3/13) aneurysms were located at the internal carotid artery (ICA) and 10 (76.92%, 10/13) were located in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). A preoperative magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) examination was performed in all patients, and 9 (69.23%, 9/13) patients showed hypoperfusion. Treatment modalities included stent-assisted embolization, direct clipping, clipping combined with bypass, resection combined with bypass, isolated combined with bypass, proximal occlusion combined with bypass, and the internal carotid artery constriction combined with bypass. Twelve (92.31%, 12/13) patients had no postoperative complications, and temporary complications occurred in 1 (7.69%, 1/13) patient. Aneurysms disappeared in 11 cases and shrank in 2 cases postoperatively. All patients were followed up for 1 to 72 months. We found no new cerebral infarction, no subarachnoid hemorrhage, and no recurrence or enlargement of aneurysms during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial anterior circulation aneurysm presenting with cerebral ischemia is rare. Saccular aneurysms with wide neck or thrombosis and dissected aneurysms of the anterior circulation may result in cerebral ischemic attack caused by distal vascular embolism. Individualized treatment should be performed, and cerebral revascularization is an effective treatment for patients with intracranial anterior circulation aneurysms presenting with cerebral ischemia.

Trends in the Age of Patients Treated for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms from 1990 to 2020

BACKGROUND

The decision for treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is often difficult. Innovation in endovascular devices have improved the benefit-to-risk profile especially for elderly patients; however, the treatment guidelines from the past decade often recommend conservative management. It is unknown how these changes have affected the overall age of the patients selected for treatment. Herein, we aimed to study potential changes in the average age of the patients that are being treated over time.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify all studies describing the age of the UIAs that were treated by any modality. Scatter diagrams with trend lines were used to plot the age of the patients treated over time and assess the presence of a potential significant trend via statistical correlation tests.

RESULTS

A total of 280 studies including 83,437 UIAs treated between 1987 and 2021 met all eligibility criteria and were entered in the analysis. Mean age of the patients was 55.5 years, and 70.7% were female. There was a significant increasing trend in the age of the treated patients over time (Spearman r: 0.250; P < 0.001), with a 1-year increase in the average age of the treated patients every 5 years since 1987.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that based on the treated UIA patient data published in the literature, older UIAs are being treated over time. This trend is likely driven by safer treatments while suggesting that re-evaluation of certain UIA treatment decision scores may be of great interest.

Acute ischemic stroke due to unruptured small aneurysm of internal carotid artery: A case report

RATIONALE

Intracranial small aneurysm is a rare cause of ischemic stroke, and been described only in sparse case reports. The exact pathophysiology, treatment strategies, and prognosis remain incompletely understood.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 42-year-old man presented with an acute onset weakness of the right limbs.

DIAGNOSES

Neuroimaging evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke and left internal carotid artery (ICA) small aneurysm.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent oral anti-platelet therapy (100 mg aspirin daily).

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered to normal status within 4 weeks following antiplatelet treatment. During a follow-up period of 1 year, he remained neurologically asymptomatic and led a virtually normal life.

LESSONS

It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this entity, as cerebral infarction caused by small cerebral aneurysm is extremely rare.

White Matter Lesions as Brain Frailty and Age are Risk Factors for Surgical Clipping of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in the Elderly

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to identify the risk factors for surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in individuals aged >60 years, particularly focusing on white matter lesions (WMLs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We investigated a total of 214 patients with UIAs. The patient group comprised 53 males and 151 females with an average age of 68.2 years. UIA size ranged from 2.7 to 26 (mean: 7.3) mm. The primary endpoint of the study was patient prognosis evaluated at the time of discharge using the modified Rankin Scale. We examined the risk factors for poor outcome and WMLs using magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Poor outcome was observed in 23 (10.7%) patients. Significant correlations were observed between poor outcome and UIA size (P < 0.0001), UIAs located posteriorly (P = 0.0204), UIA thrombosis (P = 0.0002), and presence of WMLs (P < 0.0001) in univariate regression analysis. However, no significant correlations were noted between poor outcome and age (P = 0.1438). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed significant correlations between poor outcome and UIA size (P < 0.0001), presence of WMLs (P = 0.001). Severe WMLs based on the Fazekas classification was correlated to age (P < 0.0001) and atherosclerosis (P = 0.0001). Severe WMLs were associated with ischemia (P < 0.001) and epilepsy (P = 0.0502) as well as length of hospitalization (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Severe WMLs are risk factors for surgical treatment of UIAs in the elderly. Surgical indications must be considered and caution should be taken when managing patients with severe WMLs.

Endovascular coiling versus surgical clipping for the treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms: Direct comparison of procedure-related complications

BACKGROUND

Endovascular coiling and surgical clipping are routinely used to treat unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs). However, the evidence to support the efficacy of these approaches is limited. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of endovascular coiling compared with surgical clipping in patients with UCAs.

METHOD

A systematic search of 4 databases was conducted to identify comparative articles involving endovascular coiling and surgical clipping in patients with UCAs. We conducted a meta-analysis using the random-effects model when I> 50%. Otherwise, a meta-analysis using the fixed-effects model was performed.

RESULTS

Our results showed that endovascular coiling was associated with a shorter length of stay (WMD: -4.14, 95% CI: (-5.75, -2.531), P < .001) and a lower incidence of short-term complications compared with surgical clipping (OR: 0.518; 95% CI (0.433, 0.621); P < .001), which seems to be a result of ischemia complications (OR: 0.423; 95% CI (0.317, 0.564); P < .001). However, surgical clipping showed a higher rate of complete occlusion after surgery, in both short-term (OR: 0.179, 95% CI (0.064, 0.499), P = .001) and 1-year follow-ups (OR: 0.307, 95% CI (0.146, 0.646), P = .002), and a lower rate of short-term retreatment (OR: 0.307, 95% CI (0.146, 0.646), P = .002). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in postoperative death, bleeding, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2 between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The latest evidence illustrates that surgical clipping resulted in lower retreatment rates and was associated with a higher incidence of complete occlusion, while endovascular coiling was associated with shorter LOS and a lower rate of complications, especially ischemia.

Procedural Clinical Complications, Case-Fatality Risks, and Risk Factors in Endovascular and Neurosurgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The risk of procedural clinical complications and the case-fatality rate (CFR) from preventive treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms varies between studies and may depend on treatment modality and risk factors.

Objective

To assess current procedural clinical 30-day complications and the CFR from endovascular treatment (EVT) and neurosurgical treatment (NST) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and risk factors of clinical complications.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane Database for studies published between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2017.

Study Selection

Studies reporting on clinical complications, the CFR, and risk factors, including 50 patients or more undergoing EVT or NST for saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysms after January 1, 2000, were eligible.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Per treatment modality, we analyzed clinical complication risk and the CFR with mixed-effects logistic regression models for dichotomous data. For studies reporting data on complication risk factors, we obtained risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs and pooled risk estimates with weighted random-effects models.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical complications within 30 days and the CFR.

Results

We included 114 studies (106 433 patients with 108 263 aneurysms). For EVT (74 studies), the pooled clinical complication risk was 4.96% (95% CI, 4.00%-6.12%), and the CFR was 0.30% (95% CI, 0.20%-0.40%). Factors associated with complications from EVT were female sex (pooled OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01-1.11]), diabetes (OR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.05-3.13]), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.3-2.37]), cardiac comorbidity (OR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.53-3.37]), wide aneurysm neck (>4 mm or dome-to-neck ratio >1.5; OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.38-2.11]), posterior circulation aneurysm (OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.15-1.74]), stent-assisted coiling (OR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.16-2.85]), and stenting (OR, 3.43 [95% CI, 1.45-8.09]). For NST (54 studies), the pooled complication risk was 8.34% (95% CI, 6.25%-11.10%) and the CFR was 0.10% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.20%). Factors associated with complications from NST were age (OR per year increase, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.02]), female sex (OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.85]), coagulopathy (OR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.13-4.06]), use of anticoagulation (OR, 6.36 [95% CI, 2.55-15.85]), smoking (OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.36-2.79]), hypertension (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03-2.03]), diabetes (OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.54-3.67]), congestive heart failure (OR, 2.71 [95% CI, 1.57-4.69]), posterior aneurysm location (OR, 7.25 [95% CI, 3.70-14.20]), and aneurysm calcification (OR, 2.89 [95% CI, 1.35-6.18]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study identifies risk factors for procedural complications. Large data sets with individual patient data are needed to develop and validate prediction scores for absolute complication risks and CFRs from EVT and NST modalities.

Symptomatic and silent cerebral infarction following surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome

Cerebral infarction (CI) associated with clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has not been completely studied. The role of individual and operative characteristics is not known, and the risk of silent CI has not been well described. To determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of postoperative CI, we retrospectively analyzed 388 consecutive patients undergoing clipping of UIAs between January 2012 and December 2015. We reviewed the pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) images of each patient. Postoperative CI was defined as a new parenchymal hypodensity in the vascular territory of treated artery. Patient-specific, aneurysm-specific, and operative variables were analyzed as potential risk factors. Functional outcome at discharge was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Postoperative CI was found in 49 (12.6%) patients, 29 of whom manifested neurological deficits. The incidences of symptomatic stroke and silent CI were 7.5 and 5.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that larger aneurysm size and history of hypertension were significantly associated with CI. Disability (mRS > 2) rate was 42.9% among patients with CI, which was substantially higher than that among patients without (0.9%). In conclusion, the incidence of CI following clipping of UIAs was not low. Larger aneurysm size and history of hypertension were independent risk factors. Postoperative symptomatic stroke correlated with an extremely high risk of disability. Silent CI was seemingly nondisabling, but the possible cognitive consequence is pending.

Coma and Stroke Following Surgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study

OBJECTIVE

A large national surgical registry was used to establish national benchmarks and associated predictors of major neurologic complications (i.e., coma and stroke) after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set between 2007 and 2013 was used for this retrospective cohort analysis. Demographic, comorbidity, and operative characteristics associated with the development of a major neurologic complication (i.e., coma or stroke) were elucidated using a backward selection stepwise logistic regression analysis. This model was subsequently used to fit a predictive score for major neurologic complications.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 662 patients. Of these patients, 57 (8.61%) developed a major neurologic complication (i.e., coma or stroke) within the 30-day postoperative period. On multivariable analysis, operative time (log odds 0.004 per minute; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002-0.007), age (log odds 0.05 per year; 95% CI, 0.02-0.08), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (log odds 1.26; 95% CI, 0.43-2.08), and diabetes (log odds 1.15; 95% CI, 0.38-1.91) were associated with an increased odds of major neurologic complications. When patients were categorized according to quartile of a predictive score generated from the multivariable analysis, rates of major neurologic complications were 1.8%, 4.3%, 6.7%, and 21.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a large, national multi-institutional cohort, this study established representative national benchmarks and a predictive scoring system for major neurologic complications following operative management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The model may assist with risk stratification and tailoring of decision making in surgical candidates.

Factors for Achieving Safe and Complete Treatment for Unruptured Saccular Aneurysm Smaller Than 10 mm by Simple Clipping or Simple Coil Embolization

OBJECTIVE

Reducing complications from unruptured aneurysms (UAs) treatment is important. We clarify the criteria for achieving safe and complete treatment for UAs ≤10 mm by clipping or coil embolization.

METHODS

This study included 59 newly treated UAs in the past 2 years. We prospectively decided on criteria to recommend active treatment. UAs ≤10 mm and in ≤75 year-olds, located at in the internal carotid artery at the paraclinoid portion and the posterior circulation aneurysms except for a vertebral artery-inferior posterior cerebellar artery aneurysm were mainly treated by coil embolization, and those in the internal carotid artery except at the paraclinoid portion, in the anterior or middle cerebral artery, and in the vertebral artery-inferior posterior cerebellar artery were treated preferably by clipping. UAs with a height/neck ratio or a dome/neck ratio ≤1.4 were treated preferentially by clipping. Specific preoperative imaging and careful manipulation were adopted for clipping.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven (96.6%) achieved modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-1, 2 (3.4%) mRS 2-5, and 0 had mRS 6. Fifty-three UAs (89.8%) achieved complete occlusion (CO) and 7 (10.1%) had neck remnants (NR). Forty-one UAs (100%) within the criteria achieved mRS 0-1, 40 (98%) achieved CO, and 1 (2%) NR. The odds ratio of NR for those outside the criteria was 18.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.83-186.6) (P < 0.05). CO treated within the criteria was 39 and NR was 1. CO treated outside the criteria was 14 and NR was 5 (P < 0.05). The mRS 0-1 with age ≤75 years was 55 and the mRS 2-6 was 0. The mRS 0-1 with age ≥76 years was 2 and the mRS 2-6 was 2 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment for UAs within the criteria, with the most recent points of concern, can lead to safe and complete results.

Treatment outcomes of unruptured intracranial aneurysm; experience of 1,231 consecutive aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to review our experience with surgical clipping and endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), with a special focus on complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiological data from patients who underwent surgery or EVT. Surgery was performed by one neurosurgeon, and EVT was performed by two neurointerventionists according to one hybrid neurosurgeon's decision. Adverse events included the following: (1) decline of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score from 1 to 2 and (2) any unexpected neurological deficit or imaging finding affecting the prognosis and/or requiring additional procedures, medication, or prolonged hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the 1231 UIAs in 1124 patients, 625 (50.7 %) aneurysms were treated with surgery, and 606 (49.3 %) aneurysms were treated with EVT. The overall complication rate of UIA treatment was 3.2 %. The rate of adverse events was 2.4 %, and the rates of morbidity and mortality were 0.6 and 0.2 %, respectively. The rates of adverse events, morbidity, and mortality were not significantly different between surgery and EVT. The rate of hospital use for EVT was stationary over the years of the study. Posterior circulation in surgery, large aneurysms (>15 mm) in EVT, and stent- or balloon-assisted procedures in EVT were associated with the occurrence of complications. Poor clinical outcome (mRS of 3-6) was 0.8 % at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Both UIA treatment modalities decided by one hybrid neurosurgeon showed low complication rates and good clinical outcomes in this study. These results may serve as a point of reference for clinical decision-making for patients with UIA.