Endovascular versus surgical treatment for improvement of oculomotor nerve palsy caused by unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms

Serum Desmosine Levels Might Be Associated with the Size of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-A Preliminary Study

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a disease associated with high mortality, caused by the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. Decision-support scoring systems used for managing unruptured aneurysms (UIAs) include only radiological parameters related to the size and configuration of the aneurysm, without incorporating blood-based markers. Our aim is to identify a serum marker that shows a correlation with aneurysm size in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Methods: Arterial blood samples were collected from patients who experienced aSAH within 24 h of the ictus, and serum desmosine levels were determined using ELISA. The morphological parameters of the aneurysms were assessed during 3D DSA. A favorable outcome was defined as a 3-month mRS score of 0-3. Results: This study included 135 aSAH patients and 25 controls. (i) The desmosine level in serum collected within 24 h after aneurysm rupture in patients with aSAH was significantly higher compared to the serum level in the control group (aSAH: 0.737 ng/mL [IQR: 0.401-1.214], vs. control: 0.365 ng/mL [IQR: 0.251-0.531], p < 0.001); (ii) examining the size of ruptured aneurysms, patients with aneurysms larger than 7 mm had significantly higher serum desmosine levels than those with aneurysms smaller than 7 mm; (iii) in the group with aneurysms smaller than 7 mm, serum desmosine levels correlated with the aneurysm neck width and the size ratio. Conclusions: Serum desmosine shows a strong correlation with the size of ruptured aneurysms in aSAH patients.

Screening key genes for intracranial aneurysm rupture using LASSO regression and the SVM-RFE algorithm

Background

Although an intracranial aneurysm (IA) is widespread and fatal, few drugs can be used to prevent its rupture. This study explored the molecular mechanism and potential targets of IA rupture through bioinformatics methods.

Methods

The gene expression matrices of GSE13353, GSE122897, and GSE15629 were downloaded. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the limma package. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, and a PPI network was constructed. Furthermore, candidate key genes were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analysis, and PPI network analysis. ROC analysis was conducted to further verify the diagnostic value of the key genes.

Results

A total of 334 DEGs were screened, including 175 upregulated genes and 159 downregulated genes. Further functional analysis suggested that the DEGs were enriched in inflammation and immune response pathways. Fourteen hub genes were identified using the two algorithms. The PPI networks of the hub genes were analyzed using the Cytoscape plugin CytoNCA to obtain two key genes (IL10 and Integrin α5 (ITGA5)). The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values of IL10 and ITGA5 were 0.801, and 0.786, respectively. In addition, the two key genes were significantly positively correlated with macrophages and Treg (T) cells. The immune score and ESTIMATE score of the ruptured IA group were significantly higher than those of the unruptured IA group.

Conclusion

The increase in IL-10 and ITGA5 may weaken the vascular wall by promoting inflammation in blood vessels and immune cells, which could have a harmful effect on the rupture of IAs.

Top-100 Highest Cited Articles on Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: A Bibliometric Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the 100 most highly cited articles assessing posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

METHODS

In May 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted in the Scopus database using the keyword "posterior communicating artery aneurysm" The top-100 most impactful articles were ranked by citation count and analyzed for relevant factors. Citations per year were calculated to minimize the risk of bias. Google Scholar (GS) and Web of Science (WOS) citations were also included.

RESULTS

The top-100 articles were published between 1978 and 2022, with a total of 2935 citations in Scopus, 3988 in GS, and 2508 in WOS. The mean number of citations was 29.4 (range 12-158) on Scopus, 40.7 (range 10-216) on GS, and 26.9 (range 9-120) on WOS. The most contributing country was the United States, while the leading institution was the Second Military Medical University in China. The most productive journal was World Neurosurgery, producing 15 articles. The most prolific author was Liu J.-M with 10 published articles. The funding body with the most funded publication was the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Subcategory analysis revealed that the majority of articles focused on treatment options and postsurgical outcomes, oculomotor nerve palsy, and clinical features.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers a detailed overview of the most cited articles on posterior communicating artery aneurysms. It demonstrates key contributions made by different countries, institutions, journals, and authors, providing a valuable framework for understanding the evidence supporting the management of these aneurysms.

Oculomotor nerve palsy recovery following microsurgery vs. endovascular treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms: a comparative meta-analysis of short- and long-term outcomes

Recent advancements in endovascular treatment (EVT) and different views on optimal management for posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) highlight a need to compare recovery timelines between microsurgery and EVT; heterogeneous outcomes and influencing factors may also affect results. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The extracted data encompassed patient demographics, details on treatment modalities and timing, and characteristics of PComA aneurysms ONP caused by either unruptured or ruptured aneurysms. The primary outcome was ONP favorable recovery, defined as the resolution of admission symptoms, except for subtle ptosis and mild pupillary asymmetry. We used random effect models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and pool prevalence with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, microsurgical clipping of PComA aneurysms demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of ONP recovery compared to EVT at 1,3,6, and 12 months follow-up. However, recovery rates were comparable in long-term follow-up [18 months: (0.87 vs. 0.64, P-value = 0.36); ≥24 months: (0.86 vs. 0.72 P-Value = 0.26)]. The recovery outcomes for early treatment were similar when assessed during the 6-month follow-up (0.75 vs. 0.56, P-value = 0.07). Our findings suggest microsurgery leads to prompt ONP recovery from PComA aneurysms, while EVT shows potential for delayed favorable recovery; both treatments yield short-term recovery when administered early. A case-by-case approach is recommended, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of patient factors in relation to the immediate and sustained effects of each treatment.

Open Microsurgical Versus Endovascular Management of Unruptured and Ruptured Brain Aneurysms

Open microsurgical and endovascular techniques are the 2 primary strategies for treating intracranial aneurysms. Microsurgical clipping and adjuvant technical maneuvers are well-established techniques with a track record for high occlusion rates and durable repairs. Endovascular, endosaccular, and extrasaccular therapies are associated with lower peri-procedural morbidity but with generally higher rates of retreatment. We discuss key clinical and anatomic considerations in treatment decision-making and compare the risks and benefits of microsurgical vs endovascular treatment within each context.

Risk factors for recovery from oculomotor nerve palsy after aneurysm surgery: a meta-analysis

Background

Risk factors for recovery from oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) after aneurysm surgery explored by meta-analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, web of science, Cochrane library, China Knowledge, Wan fang, and VIP databases were searched for case-control or cohort studies on risk factors of oculomotor nerve palsy recovery after aneurysm surgery, with a cut-off date of 14 February 2024, and data were analyzed using Stata 15.

Result

A total of 12 articles involving 866 individuals were included, meta-analysis results suggesting that gender (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.51-1.10]), age (OR = 1.00, 95% CI [0.93-1.07]), aneurysm size (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [-0.71 to 1.01]), treatment time (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [0.91-1.13]) is not a risk factor for recovery of motor nerve palsy after aneurysm surgery. Preoperative complete ONP (OR = 2.27, 95% CI [1.07-4.81]), surgery (OR = 9.88, 95% CI [2.53-38.57]), subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 1.29, 95% CI [1.06-1.56]) is a risk factor for recovery of motor nerve palsy after aneurysm surgery.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the studies we included, we found that complete ONP before surgery led to poorer recovery, but patients with post-operative and subarachnoid hemorrhage had better recovery.

Impact of Diplopia and Ptosis From Lingering Third Nerve Palsy After Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Third nerve palsies (TNPs) may not resolve after intervention for intracranial aneurysms that have compressed the nerve. The disability related to this lingering condition has not been assessed with the support of patient self-report.

METHODS

A single-institutional retrospective study of patients with TNP who had undergone interventions for intracranial aneurysms. We used residual primary-position diplopia, a narrow zone of single binocular vision, and vision-obscuring ptosis to divide TNP recovery into complete, incomplete nondisabling, and incomplete disabling outcomes based on medical record documentation and patient self-report derived from telephonic interviews.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 33 patients, 13 (39%) had complete TNP recovery. There were 11 patients (33%) with lingering visual disability from diplopia or ptosis present before ophthalmic interventions. Of the 6 patients who underwent ophthalmic interventions, visual disability was relieved in only 2 patients, leaving 9 patients (27%) with lingering impairment in instrumental activities of daily living. Telephonic interviews of 23 patients (70% of the cohort) confirmed that the outcome criteria we applied were accurate in assessing visual disability in 17 patients (74%). Univariate analysis using the Fisher exact test showed that aneurysmal clipping as a treatment modality was the only clinical feature associated with a favorable TNP outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In applying a novel method of assessing disability, this study showed that more than one-quarter of patients undergoing procedures for brain aneurysms had lingering disability from third nerve palsy-associated diplopia or ptosis, despite later ophthalmic interventions. Patient self-report gleaned from telephonic interviews was valuable in largely validating the assessment method derived from medical records and in revealing differences between physician and patient estimation of disability.

Cranial nerve palsies and intracranial aneurysms: A narrative review of patterns and outcomes

Background

Cranial nerve palsy (CNP) in patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs) can impose significant burdens on a patient's quality of life. The literature has a paucity of reviews addressing patterns of overall reported cranial nerve (CN) involvement and outcomes in patients with IA.

Methods

The literature systematically reviewed CNP at presentation in the setting of IA using PubMed, Web-of-Science, and Scopus according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Fifty-two studies reported a total of 513 patients with IA and 630 CNPs observed at presentation: oculomotor (58.25%), abducent (15.87%), optic (12.06%), trochlear (8.7%), and trigeminal (1.9%). Most common aneurysms are located in a posterior communicating artery (46%) and cavernous internal carotid artery (29.2%). Trends of CNP based on the rupture status of IAs showed that 80% were associated with unruptured IAs and 20% with ruptured IAs. Post-treatment of IA, 55% of patients had complete resolution of CNP, with most (89%; n = 134) resolving within the first 6 months. Stratified by CNP type: Complete resolution rate is 100% in CN VII-IX, 60% in CN VI, 59% in CN IV, 54% in CN III, 45% in CN V, and 43% in CN II.

Conclusion

In patients with cranial nerve palsies attributed to IAs, the location and rupture status of the aneurysm could determine the type and severity of the nerve palsy. Most patients experienced favorable outcomes in terms of their resolution and long-term function of the CNP after treatment of the IA.

Recovery of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy After Surgical and Endovascular Repair of Unruptured Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Unruptured posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysms cause oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP). However, the time course of recovery after aneurysm repair remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the ONP course after clipping and coiling for unruptured Pcom aneurysms.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 25 consecutive patients with ONP due to unruptured Pcom aneurysms, undergoing aneurysm repair at our institution during 2010-2022. We analyzed the clinical data, angiographic results, and surgical complications. The time to ONP recovery was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

This study included 14 patients undergoing surgical clipping and 11 undergoing endovascular coiling. The two groups exhibited no significant differences in complete or partial ONP percentage or in symptom presentation (ptosis, diplopia, ocular paralysis, pupillary light reflex disorder, or mydriasis). All patients achieved complete or partial recovery during the follow-up period. The median time to partial or complete improvement in ONP was significantly shorter for clipping compared to coiling (2 days vs. 33 days; P = 0.009). Preoperative partial and complete ONP were stratified; clipping improved significantly earlier than coiling in the complete ONP group (P = 0.010). In the early treatment group (based on the median duration of treatment), clipping resulted in earlier improvement than coiling (P = 0.014). In the small aneurysm group (based on the median of the aneurysm maximum diameter), clipping resulted in earlier improvement than coiling (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In ONP caused by an unruptured Pcom aneurysm, clipping may provide faster recovery than coiling, particularly in cases of early onset, complete palsy, and small aneurysms.

An understimated maneuver for oculomotor nerve palsy due to posterior communicating artery aneurysm: the opening of the anterior petroclinoid ligament. A technical note

Posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PcomAs) present with oculomotor nerve (OMN) palsy in 20-30% of cases, and the sudden onset of OMN palsy has to raise the suspicion of rupture, until proven otherwise. The surgical technique is described in a stepwise fashion. An illustrative case is reported: a 57-year-old female was admitted to our department with the diagnosis of a right sided-PcomA. Three months before the admission, when she harbored with the acute onset of complete ptosis, diplopia, orbital pain, impairment of the medial, upward, and downward gaze, with no pupil dysfunction. The origin of the Pcom and the neck of the aneurysm were easily identified and the aneurysm was clipped. Then, we followed the OMN and cut for less than 4 mm the above-lying anterior petroclinoid ligament (APL) to obtain nerve release. Although few cases are described in the literature, and ours represents a single case, we support that this maneuver should be introduced in the clinical practice of expert neurosurgeons dealing with vascular pathologies, such as the opening of the falciform ligament occurs for the decompression of the optical nerve.

Factors affecting resolution of oculomotor nerve palsy following endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysms on concomitant oculomotor nerve palsy (OMNP) and factors affecting the effect of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with the Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP were retrospectively enrolled for endovascular treatment of the aneurysms. All patients had the endovascular management. The clinical effect, degree of OMNP, size of the aneurysm, type of treatment, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and time from onset to treatment were analyzed on the resolution of OMNP.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients with 99 Pcom aneurysms were enrolled and treated endovascularly, with the success rate of 100%. Immediately after endovascular treatment, 75 aneurysms (75.75%) got complete occlusion, and 24 (24.24%) nearly complete occlusion. Followed up for 3-18 (mean 8.52±0.56) months, complete resolution of the OMNP was achieved in 63 patients (65.63%), partial resolution in 21 (21.88%), and non-recovery in the other 12 (12.50%). The degree of OMNP at onset, SAH, and time from onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the resolution of OMNP. Univariate analysis revealed that younger age of the patient, degree of OMNP at onset, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP. Multivariate analysis revealed that the younger age, degree of OMNP at onset, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular embolization of Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP can effectively improve the OMNP symptoms, especially for patients with moderate and a shorter history of OMNP. Younger age, degree of oculomotor nerve palsy at onset, and time from onset to treatment may significantly affect recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy.

Treated unruptured cerebral aneurysm in elderly patients: a single center study

INTRODUCTION

The increase in life expectancy raises the question of the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in extremely old patients (>80 years). We present results in terms of occlusion and complications in both symptomatic and asymptomatic aneurysm.

METHODS

All patients aged >80 years admitted to the Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild between January 1, 2005 and March, 2023 were included. Aneurysms were grouped as compressive and non-compressive. Procedural complications were grouped as symptomatic (i.e., leading to any temporary or permanent neurological deficit) and severe (defined by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥3 at follow-up).

RESULTS

Forty-two aneurysms were treated in the study period. Coiling (with or without remodeling) was the treatment of choice in 30 patients. Eighteen patients had compressive aneurysm. Six complications occurred (14.2%), all ischemic. The majority of complications occurred in symptomatic aneurysms, in 4 patients (66.6%). One of the patients treated by flow-diverter had severe complications (mRs ≥3) with hemiplegia.

CONCLUSION

In extremely specific cases, treatment of unruptured aneurysm in people older than 80 years may be considered. Compressive aneurysm is associated with a high risk of complications. Treatments can be endovascular. Further prospective studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Mass Effect After Flow Diversion for Unruptured Large and Giant Cavernous or Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

The mass effect associated with large or giant intracranial aneurysms is difficult for traditional endovascular treatment. This study investigated whether flow diverters can relieve the aneurysmal mass effect caused by aneurysmal compression symptoms.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with unruptured large and giant intracranial aneurysms treated by a flow diverter at our institution from January 2014 to February 2022 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, 53 patients were included. Initially, 27 patients (51.9%), including 10 with compressive optic neuropathy, 12 with third nerve palsy, 2 with facial hyperesthesia, and 11 with sixth nerve palsy, were symptomatic. The symptom duration was shorter in the improved group (n = 2.2 ± 4.0 vs. n = 3.1 ± 3.9, P = 0.49). Thrombus formation following the flow diversion procedure was typically observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed immediately and was not significantly associated with symptomatic improvement (OR = 0.395; 95% CI (0.058-2.698), P = 0.343). However, symptomatic improvement was seen in most patients when the aneurysm size decreased on MRI. A reduction in the aneurysm size on the MRI at the 3-month follow-up was correlated with symptomatic improvement in the multivariate analysis (OR = 0.08, 95% CI (0.013-0.485), P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A flow diverter might help alleviate compression symptoms caused by large or giant intracranial aneurysms. Shrinkage of the aneurysm within 3 months postoperatively and a shorter duration of symptoms contribute to the favorable outcomes of mass effect. Ultimately, prompt treatment is crucial for improving symptomatic intracranial artery aneurysms.

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.

Efficacy and long-term results of endovascular embolization and surgical clipping for posterior communicating artery unruptured aneurysms complicated with oculomotor nerve palsy

to investigate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of endovascular embolization and surgical clipping for patients with posterior communicating artery unruptured aneurysms (PcomAs) concomitant with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP). No significant (P > .05) difference existed in the age, gender, proportion of complete ONP, and size of eye fissure and pupil before treatment between 2 groups. After compared with before treatment, the eye fissure was widened significantly (P < .05) and the pupil narrowed significantly (P < .05), but no significant (P > .05) differences existed between the 2 groups. Complete ONP recovery was observed in 32 (80%) patients in the embolization group and 31 (77.5%) in the microsurgical group, partial ONP recovery occurred in 6 (15%) in the embolization group and 8 (20%) in the microsurgical group. The recovery rate was 95% in the embolization group and 97.5% in the microsurgical group, with no significant (P > .05) difference between 2 groups. The recovery rate of the ONP was significantly (P < .01) greater in the microsurgical group than that in the embolization group at follow-up of 1 month, 3 months, six and 12 months, respectively. At 18 months, the ONP recovery rate was not significantly different between 2 groups (95% vs 97.5%) Surgical clipping may have a faster effect on the recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy than endovascular embolization for patients with posterior communicating artery unruptured aneurysms complicated with oculomotor nerve palsy, but both approaches may result in a similar effect on the nerve recovery in the long run.Eighty patients treated with endovascular embolization or surgical clipping were retrospectively enrolled into the endovascular embolization group or surgical clipping and analyzed.

Microsurgery for intracranial aneurysms: A qualitative survey on technical challenges and technological solutions

Introduction

Microsurgery for the clipping of intracranial aneurysms remains a technically challenging and high-risk area of neurosurgery. We aimed to describe the technical challenges of aneurysm surgery, and the scope for technological innovations to overcome these barriers from the perspective of practising neurovascular surgeons.

Materials and Methods

Consultant neurovascular surgeons and members of the British Neurovascular Group (BNVG) were electronically invited to participate in an online survey regarding surgery for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. The free text survey asked three questions: what do they consider to be the principal technical barriers to aneurysm clipping? What technological advances have previously contributed to improving the safety and efficacy of aneurysm clipping? What technological advances do they anticipate improving the safety and efficacy of aneurysm clipping in the future? A qualitative synthesis of responses was performed using multi-rater emergent thematic analysis.

Results

The most significant reported historical advances in aneurysm surgery fell into five themes: (1) optimising clip placement, (2) minimising brain retraction, (3) tissue handling, (4) visualisation and orientation, and (5) management of intraoperative rupture. The most frequently reported innovation by far was indocyanine green angiography (84% of respondents). The three most commonly cited future advances were hybrid surgical and endovascular techniques, advances in intraoperative imaging, and patient-specific simulation and planning.

Conclusions

While some surgeons perceive that the rate of innovation in aneurysm clipping has been dwarfed in recent years by endovascular techniques, surgeons surveyed highlighted a broad range of future technologies that have the potential to continue to improve the safety of aneurysm surgery in the future.

Endovascular Treatment for Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with Oculomotor Nerve Palsy

Objective

Coil embolization for the treatment of internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PComAAn) associated with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) remains controversial in terms of the therapeutic effect to improve ONP. Patients with PComAAn treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of coil embolization on ONP.

Methods

Twenty-three patients who had coil embolization for PComAAn with ONP were included in the analysis. In the evaluation of postoperative outcome of ONP, complete resolution of all symptoms was considered as a total recovery. ONP with a few residual symptoms that are stable and not disabling was considered as a subtotal recovery and that with only a slight improvement as a partial recovery.

Results

Preoperative ONP was complete palsy in 14 and partial palsy in nine cases. The mean maximum diameter of the aneurysms was 9.1 ± 3.5 mm (3-17 mm), and the mean time from the onset to treatment was 46.3 ± 98.4 days (0-300 days). The embolization state immediately after the procedure was complete occlusion in seven, neck remnant in eight, and body filling (BF) in eight cases. Total recovery was observed in nine, subtotal recovery in 11, and partial recovery in three cases. The mean time to any improvement in ONP was 6.0 ± 6.0 months (0.5-25 months). Comparing 20 cases with total plus subtotal recovery and three cases with partial recovery, five (25.0%) and three (100%) cases showed BF immediately after the procedure, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

The analysis indicated that coil embolization for the treatment of PComAAn with ONP resulted in satisfactory recovery of ONP in 87% of the cases and the outcome of aneurysm embolization was related to improvement in ONP.

Factors affecting resolution of oculomotor nerve palsy following endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysms on concomitant oculomotor nerve palsy (OMNP) and factors affecting the effect of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with the Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP were retrospectively enrolled for endovascular treatment of the aneurysms. All patients had the endovascular management. The clinical effect, degree of OMNP, size of the aneurysm, type of treatment, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and time from onset to treatment were analyzed on the resolution of OMNP.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients with 99 Pcom aneurysms were enrolled and treated endovascularly, with the success rate of 100%. Immediately after endovascular treatment, 75 aneurysms (75.75%) got complete occlusion, and 24 (24.24%) nearly complete occlusion. Followed up for 3-18 (mean 8.52±0.56) months, complete resolution of the OMNP was achieved in 63 patients (65.63%), partial resolution in 21 (21.88%), and non-recovery in the other 12 (12.50%). The degree of OMNP at onset, SAH, and time from onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the resolution of OMNP. Univariate analysis revealed that younger age of the patient, degree of OMNP at onset, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP. Multivariate analysis revealed that the younger age, degree of OMNP at onset, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular embolization of Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP can effectively improve the OMNP symptoms, especially for patients with moderate and a shorter history of OMNP. Younger age, degree of oculomotor nerve palsy at onset, and time from onset to treatment may significantly affect recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy.

Clipping versus coiling for the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy induced by posterior communicating artery aneurysms: A comparison of effectiveness

BACKGROUND

A long debate has been going on in the clinical effectiveness to determine whether surgical clipping or coiling more favorable for oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) caused by PcomAA. We aimed to perform a study, focusing on the effectiveness of ONP induced by PcomAA after treatment of surgical clipping and endovascular coiling.

METHOD

Potential studies were searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from database inception to February 2021, and STATA version 12.0 was exerted to process the pooled data.

RESULTS

A total of 16 articles are included in the study, hailing from the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, Britain, and Singapore. The results showed that the clipping group was related to a higher incidence of complete ONP recovery at follow-up (OR = 5.808, 95% CI 2.87 to 11.76, p < 0.001), the lower rates of partial ONP recovery (OR = 0.264, 95% CI 0.173 to 0.402, p < .001) and no improvement of ONP at follow-up (RD = -0.149, 95% CI -0.247 to -0.051, p = .003). In the subgroup of complete ONP recovery based on the condition of patients, clipping was associated with a higher incidence of complete ONP recovery in patients with the incomplete initial ONP (OR = 3.579, p = .020) and ruptured aneurysm (OR = 5.38, p = .020). Regarding the subgroup of complete ONP recovery based on the quality of studies, similar results also appeared.

CONCLUSION

Surgical clipping was more favorable to the recovery from ONP caused by PcomAA endovascular coiling due to a higher rate of recovery and recovery degree of ONP. Besides that, more evidence-based performance is necessary to supplement this opinion.

Identification of Hub Genes Associated with the Pathogenesis of Intracranial Aneurysm via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

BACKGROUND

At present, the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IA) remains unclear, which significantly hinders the development of novel strategies for the clinical treatment. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify the potential hub genes and pathways associated with the pathogenesis of IA.

METHODS

The gene expression datasets of patients with intracranial aneurysm were downloaded from the Gene Expression Database (GEO), and the different data sets were integrated by the robust rank aggregation (RRA) method to identify the differentially expressed genes between patients with intracranial aneurysm and the controls. The functional enrichment analyses of the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed; thereafter, the hub genes were screened by cytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape, and finally sequencing dataset GSE122897 was used to verify the hub genes.

RESULTS

The GSE15629, GSE75436, GSE26969, and GSE6551 expression profiles have been included in this study, including 34 intracranial aneurysm samples and 26 control samples. The four datasets obtained 136 significant DEGs (45 up-regulated, 91 down-regulated). Enrichment analysis showed that the extracellular matrix structural constituent and the ECM-receptor interaction were closely related to the occurrence of IA. It was finally determined that eight hub genes associated with the development of IA, including VCAN, COL1A1, COL11A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, POSTN, THBS2, and CDH2.

CONCLUSION

The discovery of potential hub genes and pathways could enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of IA. These hub genes may be potential therapeutic targets for the management and new biomarker for the diagnosis of IA.

Surgical management of persistent post-traumatic trans-tentorial brain hernia

INTRODUCTION

Temporal engagement may persist after etiologic surgical treatment of acute subdural hematoma (ASH) without clinical improvement despite normalized intracranial pressure (ICP). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of secondary direct temporal lobe disengagement (DTLD) after surgery for supratentorial ASH and to evaluate clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 4 patients undergoing secondary DTLD. Patient data were recorded at admission, pre- and postoperatively and at 6months' follow-up (FU): age, gender, Rotterdam score, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), neurological deficits, oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP), ICP, midline shift, complications and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E).

RESULTS

At postoperative evaluation 48h after DTLD, we observed a significant improvement in GCS score (initial 6±3, preoperative 7±3, postoperative 14±1; P=0.02), midline shift (initial 16±3mm, preoperative 13±5mm, postoperative 9±2mm; P=0.049) and ONP (P=0.01). In all cases, early postoperative imaging documented visualization of a patent ipsilateral peri-mesencephalic cistern. At 6-month FU, GOS-E showed 75% good recovery and 25% disability. Complete ONP recovery was observed in 75% of patients (P=0.01). Neurological deficits were present at FU in 25% of patients. No surgery-related complications or mortality were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

In traumatic brain injury, secondary DTLD may allow simple, effective and safe management of trans-tentorial uncal herniation, avoiding more challenging procedures. Clinical results are promising, as this technique seems to favorably influence neurological outcome in this selected subgroup of patients with persistent clinical and radiological signs of temporal engagement after etiological treatment with normal ICP values.

Third Nerve Palsy Due to Intracranial Aneurysms and Recovery after Endovascular Coiling

INTRODUCTION

The modality of treatment of third nerve palsy (TNP) associated with intracranial aneurysms remains controversial. While treatment varies with the location of the aneurysm, microsurgical clipping of PComm aneurysms has generally been the traditional choice, with endovascular coiling emerging as a reasonable alternative.

METHODS

Patients with TNP due to an intracranial aneurysm who subsequently underwent treatment at a mid-sized Canadian neurosurgical center over a 15-year period (2003-2018) were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 616 intracranial aneurysms in 538 patients were treated; the majority underwent endovascular coiling with only 24 patients treated with surgical clipping. Only 37 patients (6.9%) presented with either a partial or complete TNP and underwent endovascular embolization; of these, 17 presented with a SAH secondary to intracranial aneurysm rupture. Aneurysms associated with TNP included PComm (64.9%), terminal ICA (29.7%), proximal MCA (2.7%), and basilar tip (2.7%) aneurysms. In general, smaller aneurysms and earlier treatment were provided for patients for ruptured aneurysms with a shorter mean interval to TNP recovery. In the endovascularly treated cohort initially presenting with TNP, seven presented with a complete TNP and the remaining were partial TNPs. TNP resolved completely in 20 patients (55.1%) and partially in 10 patients (27.0%). Neither time to coiling nor SAH at presentation were significantly associated with the recovery status of TNP.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular coil embolization is a viable treatment modality for patients presenting with an associated cranial nerve palsy.

Clipping versus coiling in the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy induced by unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms: A meta-analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Although the superiority of clipping compared to coiling on the oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) recovery for ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PcomAAs) has been widely accepted, which treatment modality is better in the treatment of ONP induced by unruptured PcomAAs still remains unclear.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of studies that compared clipping with coiling was performed after a literature search. Perioperative data and clinical outcome were extracted. Analysis on the effect of the two treatment modalities was then performed.

RESULTS

Nine eligible studies with a total of 136 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference in the total efficiency (any degree of improvement) on ONP favoring clipping [RR= 1.21, 95%CI (1.01, 1.44), p = 0.04], the effect was most notable for complete recovery of ONP after having suffered preoperative partial palsy [RR= 0.72, 95%CI (0.55, 0.95), p = 0.02]. There was neither a significant difference regarding the complete recovery of ONP [RR= 1.11, 95%CI (0.77, 1.61), p = 0.58] nor the frequency of complications [RR= 0.07, 95%CI (0.00, 1.10), p = 0.06]. Also when subdividing there was no significant difference in complete recovery of ONP in patients who had initially suffered a complete ONP [RR= 0.79, 95%CI (0.38, 1.64), p = 0.53] and partial ONP [RR= 1.16, 95%CI (0.65, 2.08), p = 0.61] between clipping and coiling.

CONCLUSIONS

A superiority of clipping over coiling for the improvement of ONP secondary to unruptured PcomAAs was found. Patients with partial ONP were more likely to attain a complete resolution of ONP, as compared to complete ONP.

Clinical Significance of Isolated Third Cranial Nerve Palsy in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Detailed Description of Four Different Mechanisms of Injury through the Analysis of Our Case Series and Review of the Literature

Third cranial nerve palsy (3cnP) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worrying neurological sign and is often associated with an expanding mass lesion, such as extradural or acute subdural haematomas. Isolated 3cnP can be found in the absence of posttraumatic space-occupying mass lesion, yet it is often considered as a devastating prognostic factor in the context of diffuse axonal injury (DAI). Through the analysis of five exemplificative cases and a thorough review of the literature, we identified four possible mechanisms leading to 3cnP: (1) a partial rootlet avulsion at the site of exit from the midbrain, representing a direct shearing injury to the nerve; (2) a direct traction injury due to the nerve stretching against the posterior petroclinoid ligament at the base of the oculomotor triangle secondary to the downward displacement of the brainstem at the time of impact; (3) a direct vascular compression as a result of internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection or pseudoaneurysm; (4) an indirect injury caused by impaired blood supply to the third nerve in addition to the detrimental biochemical effects of the underlying brain injury itself. Understanding the exact mechanism underlying the onset of 3cnP is key to provide an informed clinical decision-making to the patients and ensure their best chances of recovery. Our experience corroborates data from the literature showing that, even in Grade III DAI, prompt recognition of isolated 3cnP can guide adequate treatment. Nonetheless, even when an overall good neurological outcome is achieved, recovery of isolated 3cnP is dismal, and only rarely the visual deficit completely resolves.

Extradural minipterional approach for giant intracranial aneurysms

Background:

The clinical applicability of the minipterional (MPT) craniotomy is still limited to small and superficial anterior circulation aneurysms. We discuss the technical nuances of a modified MPT approach, the extradural MPT approach (eMPTa), for the treatment of a giant intracranial aneurysm (GIA) arising from the paraclinoid carotid artery.

Case Description:

A 44-year-old female presented with facial hypoesthesia and third cranial nerve palsy. Further investigations revealed the presence of a 27 mm aneurysm arising from the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery. The patient underwent surgical clipping through an extradural MPT craniotomy and combined anterior clinoidectomy. Postoperative angio-computed tomography demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion and patency of the parent vessels. The patient recovered fully from her previous deficits.

Conclusion:

The skull base drilling, interdural dissection, and anterior clinoidectomy are key steps during the eMPTa that optimizes the use of the extradural corridor. Such adaptations are enough to improve the surgical maneuverability along the paraclinoid region and adapt the MPT suitability for the treatment of complex GIA.

Recovery of posterior communicating artery aneurysm induced oculomotor nerve palsy: a comparison between surgical clipping and endovascular embolization

BACKGROUND

Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is a common symptom of posterior communicating artery aneurysm (PcomAA) that can lead to impaired eye movement and pupil dilation. Currently, surgical clipping and endovascular embolization are the two most popular treatment methods for PcomAA-induced ONP; however, the recovery outcome between the two methods remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

In the present study, we thoroughly compared the pretreatment factors and recovery outcome of the two treatments on 70 patients with PcomAA-induced ONP. The patients were separated into two groups based on the treatment that was received. Pretreatment factors, including age, sex, time period between ONP onset and treatment, ONP type, aneurysm diameter, status of subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm rupture were recorded for each individual patient. Recovery outcome of the patients was assessed over a 12-month period.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed factors. Importantly, we revealed a significantly higher full recovery rate for the patients receiving the surgical clipping treatment than the ones that received the endovascular embolization treatment. In addition, we showed that patients' age was negatively correlated with the recovery extent in both treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of our study suggests that surgical clipping might be a better option to treat PcomAA-induced ONP.