Safety of carotid endarterectomy associated with small intracranial aneurysms

Intervals of endovascular treatment for coincidental non-adjacent unruptured aneurysms in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

Background and purpose

To explore the safety of endovascular therapy for concomitant non-adjacent unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) which is incidentally found in severe patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis at the same session and different sessions.

Methods

Patients between January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed at our institution. Patients with concomitant non-adjacent incidental UIA in severe symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, who underwent endovascular treatment for both lesions were included. They were divided into two groups according to the intervals (The aneurysm was treated at the same session as stenosis or at separated sessions). The demographics, procedure details, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 22 patients were involved. In total, ten patients underwent endovascular treatment for UIA and stenosis at one session and 12 patients at separate sessions. In total, three (13.6%) patients experienced procedural related complications, including 2 (20%) in the one session group and 1(8.3%) in the separate sessions group. Follow-up (Range 6–12, mean = 8.5 months) results showed good clinical outcome in all the patients. There is no statistical significance in terms of complication rate and unfavorable clinical outcome between groups.

Conclusions

Non-adjacent concomitant UIA and severe symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis will not pose additional endovascular treatment risks. Both simultaneous endovascular management and short intervals between separated procedures are technically feasible and safe.

Prevalence, predictors and prognosis of incidental intracranial aneurysms in patients with suspected TIA and minor stroke: a population-based study and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are common incidental imaging findings, but there are few data in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke. The frequency of UIA might be higher due to shared risk factors, but rupture risk might be reduced by intensive secondary prevention. We determined the prevalence and prognosis of UIA in patients with suspected TIA/minor stroke.

METHODS

All patients referred to the population-based Oxford Vascular Study (2011-2020) with suspected TIA/minor stroke and non-invasive angiography were included. We determined the prevalence of incidental asymptomatic UIA and the risk of subsequent subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) by follow-up on intensive medical treatment, with guideline-based monitoring/management. We also did a systematic review of UIA prevalence/prognosis in cohorts with TIA/stroke.

FINDINGS

Among 2013 eligible patients, 95 (4.7%) had 103 previously unknown asymptomatic UIA. Female sex (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.7), smoking (2.1, 1.2 to 3.6) and hypertension (1.6, 1.0 to 2.5) were independently predictive of UIA, with a prevalence of 11.1% in those with all three risk factors. During mean follow-up of 4.5 years, only one SAH occurred: 2.3 (95% CI 0.3 to 16.6) per 1000 person-years. We identified 19 studies of UIA in TIA/stroke cohorts (n=12 781), all with either symptomatic carotid stenosis or major acute stroke. The pooled mean UIA prevalence in patients with TIA/stroke was 5.1% (95% CI 4.8 to 5.5) and the incidence of SAH was 4.6 (95% CI 1.9 to 11.0) per 1000 person-years.

INTERPRETATION

The 5% prevalence of UIA in patients with confirmed TIA/minor stroke is likely higher than that in the general population. However, the risk of SAH on intensive medical treatment and guideline-based management/monitoring is low.

Endovascular treatment of patient with multiple extracranial large vessel stenosis and coexistent unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysm using a WEB device and Szabo-technique

The coexistence of severe extracranial large vessel stenosis and unruptured intracranial aneurysms is not rare. There are different treatment approaches for these conditions, such as initial treatment of the aneurysm before revascularization of the stenosis; single-stage endovascular treatment of both lesions; stenosis eliminating followed by treatment of the aneurysm, or without treating the aneurysm. But, taking into account the risk of aneurysm rupture on the one hand and the risk of ischemic stroke on the other, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right management strategy. Despite this fact, there are still no guidelines or consensus on the management of these coexistent lesions. The article describes a clinical case of endovascular treatment of multiple extracranial stenosis and coexistent unruptured wide-neck aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery. The endovascular treatment of the carotid stenosis and aneurysm using a woven endobridge device was performed in one session; endovascular treatment of vertebral artery stenosis with Szabo technique was performed in another session.

Multiple flow-related intracranial aneurysms in the setting of contralateral carotid occlusion: Coincidence or association?

The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is higher in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, likely due to alterations in intracranial hemodynamics. Severe stenosis or occlusion of one ICA may result in increased demand and altered hemodynamics in the contralateral ICA, thus increasing the risk of contralateral IA formation. In this article, we discuss a relevant case and a comprehensive literature review as it pertains to the association of ICA stenosis and IA. Our patient was a 50-year-old female with a chronic asymptomatic right ICA occlusion who presented with diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Emergent angiography revealed left-sided A1-A2 junction, paraclinoid, left middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation, and left anterior temporal artery aneurysms. Brisk filling of the right anterior circulation through the anterior communicating artery was also identified, signifying increased demand on the left ICA circulation. Complete obliteration of all aneurysms was achieved with coil embolization and clipping. For our literature review, we searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for case reports and case series, as well as references in previously published review articles that described patients with concurrent aneurysms and ICA stenosis. We selected articles that provided adequate information about the case presentations to compare aneurysm and patient characteristics. Our review revealed a higher number of patients with multiple aneurysms contralateral (25%) to rather than ipsilateral to (6%), the ICA stenosis. We discuss the pathogenesis and management of multiple flow-related IA in the context of the existing literature related to concurrent ICA stenosis and IA.

A clinical study and meta-analysis of carotid stenosis with coexistent intracranial aneurysms

Carotid stenosis (CS) and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) may concur in one person. We studied the prevalence of IAs in CS patients in our retrospectively collected database and systematically reviewed this issue. Five hundred and fifty-seven CS (≥50%) patients confirmed by DSA in our hospital from 2010-06 to 2015-06 were screened for coexistent IAs. After searching the related literatures from English and Chinese journal literature databases, a meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence of CS with coexistent IAs. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the causes of heterogeneity among studies. IAs were detected in 98(17.0%) out of the 577 CS patients. 12 literatures and the present study including a total of 6965 CS patients and 446 cases with coexistent IAs. The pooled prevalence of CS with coexistent IAs was 6.3% (95%CI: 4.2-8.3%) in all the CS patients. The pooled RR for female to male CS patients to have coexistent IAs was 1.67 (95%CI: 1.34-2.08, P = 0.000). 3 studies and the present study were carried out in Asian countries with a pooled prevalence of 10.8% (95%CI: 5.3-16.3%); 6 studies in European countries with 3.0% (95%CI: 2.2-3.7%); and 3 studies in USA with 6.0% (95%CI: 2.2-9.7%). There was a statistically significant difference between the three subgroups (P < 0.001). The prevalence of IAs in CS patients seems higher in our clinical study and the meta-analysis than in the general population and previously reported. The eastern and the women CS patients have a higher risk for coexistent IAs.

Single-stage endovascular treatment in patients with severe extracranial large vessel stenosis and concomitant ipsilateral unruptured intracranial aneurysm

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of single-stage endovascular treatment in patients with severe extracranial large vessel stenosis and concomitant ipsilateral unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

METHODS

Hospital database was screened for patients who underwent single-stage endovascular treatment between February 2008 and June 2013 and seven patients were identified. The procedures included unilateral carotid artery stenting (CAS) (n=4), bilateral CAS (n=2), and proximal left subclavian artery stenting (n=1) along with ipsilateral intracranial aneurysm treatment (n=7). The mean internal carotid artery stenosis was 81.6% (range, 70%-95%), and the subclavian artery stenosis was 90%. All aneurysms were unruptured. The mean aneurysm diameter was 7.7 mm (range, 5-13 mm). The aneurysms were ipsilateral to the internal carotid artery stenosis (internal carotid artery aneurysm) in five patients, and in the anterior communicating artery in one patient. The patient with subclavian artery stenosis had a fenestration aneurysm in the proximal basilar artery. Stenting of the extracranial large vessel stenosis was performed before aneurysm treatment in all patients. In two patients who underwent bilateral CAS, the contralateral carotid artery stenosis, which had no aneurysm distally, was treated initially.

RESULTS

There were no procedure-related complications or technical failure. The mean clinical follow-up period was 18 months (range, 9-34 months). One patient who underwent unilateral CAS experienced contralateral transient ischemic attack during the clinical follow-up. There was no restenosis on six-month follow-up angiograms, and all aneurysms were adequately occluded.

CONCLUSION

A single-stage procedure appears to be feasible for treatment of patients with severe extracranial large vessel stenosis and concomitant ipsilateral intracranial aneurysm.

Coexistence of internal carotid artery stenosis with intracranial aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Studies have hypothesized that alterations in haemodynamics and rheological properties in the main vessels like the main stem of the carotid artery or the internal carotid arteries are responsible for the formation of cerebral aneurysms.

AIMS

The objectives of the current analyses were to collate data that have examined the occurrence of cerebral aneurysm with coexisting internal carotid artery stenosis.

METHODS

Data sources were collated from detailed PubMed search obtained from 1990 till current. Published literature that deals with the epidemiologic properties as well as prevalence was scanned for data extraction. Publications that reported coexistence of internal carotid artery stenosis with intracranial aneurysm, detected by any modality of imaging, was included in the current study. Spearman's correlation analyses were used to obtain significant information of coexistence of an intracranial aneurysm with an extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis.

RESULTS

The frequency of concurrent extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis and an unruptured cerebral artery aneurysm is not known exactly, but has been estimated to be approximately 4%. The major limitations of the current analyses actually can be retrospectively traced to the lack of detailed analyses in this important area of investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although low in absolute occurrence, there is a significant correlation of the existence of an intracranial aneurysm with carotid artery stenosis. Thus, if peripheral stenosis is detected by any imaging modality including carotid Ultrasonography scan, we recommend digital subtraction intracranial angiography to detect any potential aneurysm and define its radiologic morphology.

Risk of intracerebral aneurysm rupture during carotid revascularization

OBJECTIVE

Robust guidelines exist for the treatment of carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms independently, however, the management of tandem carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms remains uncertain. Although the prevalence of tandem pathologies is small (1.9%-3.2%), treating carotid stenosis can alter intracranial hemodynamics potentially predisposing to aneurysm rupture. In this review, our aim was to assess the safety of intervention in this cohort, by analyzing outcomes from the published literature.

METHODS

The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to conduct the review. Articles from 1947 to 2012 were searched using EMBASE Classic and EMBASE (November, 1947 -March, 2012) and Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process and other NonIndexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R) on Ovid SP, http://ClinicalTrials.gov, http://controlled-trials.com and the Cochrane review database using a predefined search strategy.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-one patients from 27 articles were included. Interventions ranged from single (n=104, 74%), staged (n=26, 18%) to simultaneous procedures (n=11, 8%). The largest cohort of patients was treated by carotid endarterectomy alone (n=92, 66%). The majority of patients presented with a symptomatic carotid stenosis and an asymptomatic ipsilateral intracranial aneurysm (n=70, 50%). Five subarachnoid hemorrhages occurred (4% [5/140], three within 30 days of the procedure and two thereafter) of which two were fatal. All five occurred in patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy as a single procedure (5%). Two of the five patients presented with ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

Published reports of perioperative aneurysm rupture are rare in individuals with tandem carotid stenosis and intracranial aneurysms. This is the first analysis of all published cases. However, it is limited by the small number of studies and the possible underreporting due to publication bias and underdiagnosis where angiography was not performed. Although we report a low incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, analysis of registry data with a larger cohort is warranted to confirm these findings.

Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients With Carotid Disease

Before the routine use of computed tomography (CT) angiography, decisions for carotid artery treatment were mostly based on ultrasound findings and conventional angiography. Implementation and increasing use of CT angiography provided better visualization of the carotid and vertebrobasilar arteries system leading to an unexpected more frequent detection of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Concomitant presence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with severe carotid stenosis is a potential cause of significant mortality and morbidity. Due to the possible higher risk of aneurysm rupture after carotid procedures and ischemic events after aneurysm repair, the simultaneous presence of both lesions creates several therapeutic dilemmas. We review the prevalence of UIAs in patients with carotid occlusive disease and management difficulties and the current treatment strategies for handling the concomitant presence of these life-threatening diseases.

Spontaneous regression of an intracranial aneurysm after carotid endarterectomy

Background:

Recent studies have hypothesized that hemodynamic changes in parent vessels are responsible for the formation and regression of cerebral aneurysms. One author has described regression of a “flow-related” 4-mm posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm following ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA), resulting in reversal of blood flow in the PCoA.

Case Description:

We report a 68-year-old woman with a coincidental intracranial aneurysm (ICA) and contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis. The aneurysm spontaneously regressed subsequent to contralateral ICA endarterectomy as documented by repeat computed tomographic angiography. This report also demonstrates the first known case of an ICA in the anterior cerebral artery territory to undergo spontaneous regression.

Conclusions:

We conclude that the regression and potentially the formation of this aneurysm correlated with hemodynamic factors associated with stenosis of the contralateral ICA.

Carotid artery revascularization in patients with concomitant carotid artery stenosis and asymptomatic unruptured intracranial artery aneurysm

BACKGROUND

The incidence of concomitant carotid artery stenosis and unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) has been reported to be between 3% and 5%. The rupture risk of UIA measuring <7 mm is very low according to International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm data. However, there may be a potential risk of aneurysm rupture after carotid artery revascularization because of increased cerebral blood flow. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of concomitant UIA in patients who needed carotid artery intervention and to survey the incidence of aneurysm rupture after treatment.

METHODS

Between October 2004 and December 2009, 114 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis were treated in our hospital (69 carotid endarterectomies and 45 carotid artery stentings). Cerebral angiography and medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Cerebral angiography revealed seven asymptomatic UIAs in six patients (5%, 6/114). Of them, four patients underwent carotid endarterectomy and two underwent carotid artery stenting. All patients were male, and the mean age of the patients was 72 years (range, 67-79 years). Aneurysm size ranged between 2.3 and 4.0 mm. Two patients had UIAs on the same side of the treated carotid artery, whereas others developed UIAs on the contralateral side. There was no periprocedural aneurysm rupture. During follow-up (mean: 18 months, 5-31 months), two patients died from other causes, and no rupture of aneurysm occurred in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

In our series, the carotid artery revascularization did not have an effect on the natural course of small-sized asymptomatic UIA.

Incidental Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients With Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Background and Purpose— Smoking and hypertension are important risk factors for atherosclerotic carotid artery disease, but also for intracranial aneurysms. We studied the presence of aneurysms in a series of patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and performed a systematic review of the literature to assess in patients with ICA stenosis the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms, gender differences in prevalence, and the size of the aneurysms found.

Methods— In a prospectively collected series of patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis >50% on CTA we assessed the proportion with intracranial aneurysms. We performed “Embase” and “Pubmed” searches for studies on patients with ICA stenosis (domain) and intracranial aneurysms (outcome measurement). We calculated overall prevalence and relative risks for gender, both with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results— We found an intracranial aneurysm in 8 of our 194 patients (4.1%; [95% CI 1.3 to 6.9]). The literature search resulted in 5 relevant and valid articles, totaling 4251 patients. The overall prevalence in all series combined was 3.2% (95% CI 2.7 to 3.7); the prevalence of aneurysms larger than 5 mm was 0.9% (95% CI 0.6 to 1.1). Women had a higher risk then men (relative risk 1.6; [59% CI 1.1 to 2.3]).

Conclusion— About 1% of patients with a symptomatic ICA stenosis have an intracranial aneurysm with a higher than negligible risk of rupture, but in deciding aneurysms treatment the risk of cardiovascular diseases other than aneurismal rupture should be taken into account. The proportion of patients with aneurysms seems higher in series of patients with ICA stenosis than in the general population.

Concomitant intracranial aneurysm and carotid artery stenosis: A therapeutic dilemma

Concurrent occurrence of carotid artery stenosis and intracerebral aneurysm is uncommon and poses a therapeutic dilemma. We report a patient with bilateral carotid artery stenosis and a 2.5 cm left middle cerebral artery aneurysm who simultaneously underwent a successful stent-assisted coiling for his intracerebral aneurysm and left carotid artery angioplasty with stenting during the same setting.

Extracranial Severe Carotid Stenosis and Incidental Intracranial Aneurysms

Among 474 patients having 547 carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) over an 80-month period, 11 (2.3%) with symptomatic (n = 8) and asymptomatic (n = 3) severe (>70%) carotid stenosis had 12 asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms (IAs). None had postoperative stroke or died, and none had surgical or endovascular IA treatment before or after CEA. In an average 5-year follow-up, no patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Having an IA does not seem to be an additional risk factor for CEA, nor does CEA seem to increase the chance of IA rupture.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a review

OBJECT

In this article, pathological, radiological, and clinical information regarding unruptured intracranial aneurysms is reviewed.

METHODS

Treatment decisions require that surgeons and interventionists take into account information obtained in pathological, radiological, and clinical studies of unruptured aneurysms. The author has performed a detailed review of the literature and has compared, contrasted, and summarized his findings. Unruptured aneurysms may be classified as truly incidental, part of a multiple aneurysm constellation, or symptomatic by virtue of their mass, irritative, or embolic effects. Unruptured aneurysms with clinical pathological profiles resembling those of ruptured lesions should be considered for treatment at a smaller size than unruptured lesions with profiles typical of intact aneurysms, as has been determined at autopsy in patients who have died of other causes. The track record of the surgeon or interventionist and the institution in which treatment is to be performed should be considered while debating treatment options. In cases in which treatment is not performed immediately, ongoing periodic radiological assessment may be wise. Radiological investigations to detect unruptured aneurysms in asymptomatic patients should be restricted to high-prevalence groups such as adults with a strong family history of aneurysms or patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. All patients with intact lesions should be strongly advised to discontinue cigarette smoking if they are addicted.

CONCLUSIONS

The current state of knowledge about unruptured aneurysms does not support the use of the largest diameter of the lesion as the sole criterion on which to base treatment decisions, although it is of undoubted importance.

Reconstructive surgery of the extracranial arteries

The first carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is usually accredited to Eastcott who reported in 1954 the successful incision of a diseased carotid bulb with end-to-end anastomosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the common carotid artery (CCA). During the following years surgeons were quick to adopt and improve the intuitively attractive procedure. But by the early to mid 1980s several leading neurologists began to question the growing number of CEAs performed at that time. Six major CEA trials were then designed which are now completed or nearing completion. Most conclusive data are available from the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) for symptomatic carotid disease, and from the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) for asymptomatic carotid disease. The key result of these studies is that CEA is beneficial to high grade symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis. While the benefit in symptomatic disease is clear, it may be negligible in asymptomatic patients suffering from other medical conditions, the most important being coronary artery disease. Since the conclusions from the different studies vary significantly, guidelines and recommendations with regard to CEA have been issued by a number of interest groups, so-called consensus conferences. The best known guidelines are published by the American Heart Association (AHA). However, the practice of interest groups to issue guidelines is currently being criticized, the main reason being that interest groups have different ideas and all claim the right to issue guidelines. At present we recommend CEA for symptomatic high-grade stenosis in patients without significant coincident disease. With regard to asymptomatic stenosis we suggest surgery to otherwise healthy patients if the stenosis is very narrow or progressive. Preoperative evaluation has changed over the years. Currently we recommend duplex sonography in combination with intra- and extracranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Concurrent coronary artery disease is a major consideration in the perioperative management, and the use of a specific algorithm is recommended. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with intraoperative monitoring such as electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD). A temporary intraluminal shunt is used selectively if after cross-clamping the flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) falls to below 30 to 40% of baseline. For years we employed routine barbiturate neuroprotection during cross-clamping. At the present time we use barbiturate selectively, if the flow velocity in the MCA falls to below 30 to 40% of baseline and if the use of a temporary intraluminal shunt is not possible due to difficult anatomic conditions. The reason to abandon systematic barbiturate protection was to accelerate recovery from anaesthesia. Our patients are monitored overnight on the ICU or a surveillance unit. Routine hospitalization after surgery is 5 to 7 days with a control duplex sonography being performed prior to discharge. A number of details with regard to surgical technique and perioperative management are a matter of discussion. Our surgical routine is described here step by step. Such management resulted in 6 major complications among the 402 cases with 4 of cardiopulmonary and 2 of cerebrovascular origin. For the future we can expect the development of percutaneous transluminal techniques competing with standard carotid endarterectomy. At the present time several comparative studies are under way. Irrespective of the technical approach to treat carotid stenosis, several other issues have to be clarified before long. One of the major unresolved items is the timing of treatment after completed stroke. In this regard prospective trials need to be performed. Although numerically not as important as carotid stenosis, vertebral artery (VA) and subclavian artery (SA) stenoses are more and more accepted as indication for surgical