International subarachnoid aneurysm trial of neurosurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling: subgroup analysis of 278 elderly patients

Aneurysm management in patients over 80 years old with good grade subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

An increasing proportion of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) occurs in older patients, in whom there is widespread variability in treatment rates due to a different balance of risks. Our aim was to compare outcomes of patients over 80 years old with good grade aSAH who underwent treatment of their aneurysm with those who did not.

METHODS

Adult patients with good grade aSAH admitted to tertiary regional neurosciences centres contributing to the UK and Ireland Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Database (UKISAH) and a cohort of consecutive patients admitted from three regional cohorts were included for analysis. Outcomes were functional outcome at discharge, three months and survival at discharge.

RESULTS

In the UKISAH, patients whose aneurysm was treated were more likely to have a favourable outcome at discharge (OR 2.34, CI 1.12-4.91, p = .02), at three months (OR 2.29, CI 1.11-4.76, p = .04), and lower mortality (10% vs. 29%, OR 0.83, CI 0.72-0.94, p < .01). In the regional cohort, a similar pattern was seen, but after correction for frailty and comorbidity there was no difference in survival (HR 0.45, CI 0.12-1.68, p = .24) or favourable outcome at discharge (OR 0.83, CI 0.23-2.94, p = .77) and at three months (OR 1.03, CI 0.25-4.29, p = .99).

CONCLUSIONS

Better early functional outcomes in those undergoing aneurysm treatment appear to be explained by differences in frailty and comorbidity. Therefore, treatment decisions in this patient group are finely balanced with no clear evidence overall of either benefit or harm in this cohort.

Visualization of "Subclinical Consequence" After Successful and Uneventful Surgical Intervention for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

There are many studies on postoperative cognitive function after surgical clipping (SC) and endovascular coiling (EC) for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, but few reports focusing on possible subclinical damage. The aim of the present study was to detect the subclinical damage after surgical intervention.

METHODS

Patients with anterior circulation aneurysms who underwent either SC (SC group) or EC (EC group) were recruited. Imaging studies and evaluation of cognitive function were performed within 1 month preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. The ipsilateral/contralateral cerebral blood flow (CBF) ratio (I/C ratio) calculated from values in four regions of interest (ROIs) placed on N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP)-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to detect "subclinical consequence". "Subclinical consequence" was defined as postoperative CBF reduction without abnormality in other radiologic examinations and cognitive tests.

RESULTS

There were 14 patients in the SC group (mean age, 60.6 ± 11.7 years) and 33 patients in the EC group (mean age, 67.5 ± 7.2 years). All cognitive assessment results showed no significant reduction through the survey period. However, I/C ratios were restored by 2 years in the EC group not but in the SC group. I/C ratios at 6 months and 2 years were significantly lower in the SC group than the EC group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

123IMP-SPECT revealed a statistically significant reduction in ipsilateral CBF in patients who had an uneventful clinical course and no cognitive problems. The subclinical consequence could persist for at least 2 years following SC, and was less pronounced following EC.

Evaluating the Safety of Stent-Assisted Endovascular Treatment for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Older Adults: Emphasizing the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to compare the outcomes and safety in patients aged ≥75 years and those aged <75 years who underwent stent-assisted endovascular treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, specifically focusing on perioperative antiplatelet therapy (APT).

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study comprised patients who underwent stent-assisted coiling (SAC) or flow diverter stent (FDS) placement for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The primary outcome was defined as the composite outcomes of perioperative thromboembolic events, bleeding events, or death.

RESULTS

Among 632 patients, 533 (84.3%) were aged <75 years and 99 (15.6%) were aged ≥75 years. No significant differences were observed in the dual APT duration. The primary outcome occurred in 14.3% of patients aged <75 years and in 14.1% of those aged ≥75 years, with no significant difference (p = 1.0). The composites of the primary outcome, including thromboembolic events, bleeding events, and death differed insignificantly. Similar findings were observed when the primary outcomes for SAC (12.7% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.95) and FDS (17.5% vs. 18.4%, p = 1.0) were analyzed. The 30-day, 1-year, and 2-year cumulative event-free survival rates for the primary outcome were 89.5, 87.2%, and 85.2%, respectively, in patients aged <75 years, and 90.9%, 88.7%, and 87.0%, respectively, in those aged ≥75 years. These trends were similar (log-rank test, p = 0.92).

CONCLUSION

No significant differences were observed in the rates of the primary outcomes between patients aged <75 years and those aged ≥75 years. Therefore, refraining from stent-assisted treatment for unruptured aneurysms based solely on age might be inappropriate.

Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies in 2665 Elderly Patients with Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remains controversial. We evaluated a national, multihospital database to compare the outcomes of aggressive treatment and medical management for those patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 2665 elderly patients with ruptured IAs admitted to 11 hospitals in China. Patients were divided into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, and 80 years or older). Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio for favorable and unfavorable outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients between 60 and 69 years old undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) had significantly decreased morbidity (13.7% versus 19.7% and 29.9%), compared to those who underwent clipping and medical management, similar mortality to patients who underwent clipping (3.6% versus 2.6%), and decreased mortality (3.6% versus 8.7%) to patients who underwent medical management. Coiled patients 70 to 79 years old had lower morbidity (21.3% versus 33.8%) and mortality (2.8% versus 11.3%) compared to patients who underwent medical management and similar mortality (21.3% versus 27.2%) and mortality (2.8% versus 4.8%) to patients who underwent clipping. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that factors associated with discharge status were age, poor mFisher grade, poor WFNS grade, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, aneurysms 4 mm or larger, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients treated with EVT had significantly less morbidity and mortality than those treated with clipping and medical management. A comprehensive assessment of the general state of elderly patients and IAs characteristic may help us to predict patients' prognosis.

Endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the elderly: a multicenter cohort study

The comparability of endovascular coiling over neurosurgical clipping has not been firmly established in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Data were obtained from all patients with aSAH aged ≥60 across three tertiary hospitals in Singapore from 2014 to 2019. Outcome measures included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 and at 6 months, and in-hospital mortality. Of the 134 patients analyzed, 84 (62.7%) underwent coiling and 50 (37.3%) underwent clipping. The endovascular group showed a higher incidence of good mRS score 0-2 at 3 months (OR = 2.45 [95%CI:1.16-5.20];p = 0.018), and a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.31 [95%CI:0.10-0.91];p = 0.026). There were no significant difference between the two treatment groups in terms of good mRS score at 6 months (OR = 1.98 [95%CI:0.97-4.04];p = 0.060). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications, such as aneurysm rebleed, delayed hydrocephalus, delayed ischemic neurological deficit and venous thromboembolism between the two treatment groups. However, fewer patients in the coiling group developed large infarcts requiring decompressive craniectomy (OR = 0.32 [95%CI:0.12-0.90];p = 0.025). Age, admission WFNS score I-III, and coiling were independent predictors of good functional outcomes at 3 months. Only age and admission WFNS score I-III remained significant predictors of good functional outcomes at 6 months. Endovascular coiling, compared with neurosurgical clipping, is associated with significantly better short term outcomes in carefully selected elderly patients with aSAH. Maximal intervention is recommended for aSAH in the young elderly age group and those with favorable WFNS scores.

Accurately predicting the risk of unfavorable outcomes after endovascular coil therapy in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: an interpretable machine learning model

BACKGROUND

Despite endovascular coiling as a valid modality in treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), there is a risk of poor prognosis. However, the clinical utility of previously proposed early prediction tools remains limited. We aimed to develop a clinically generalizable machine learning (ML) models for accurately predicting unfavorable outcomes in aSAH patients after endovascular coiling.

METHODS

Functional outcomes at 6 months after endovascular coiling were assessed via the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and unfavorable outcomes were defined as mRS 3-6. Five ML algorithms (logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, deep neural network, and extreme gradient boosting) were used for model development. The area under precision-recall curve (AUPRC) and receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used as main indices of model evaluation. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was applied to interpret the best-performing ML model.

RESULTS

A total of 371 patients were eventually included into this study, and 85.4% of them had favorable outcomes. Among the five models, the DNN model had a better performance with AUPRC of 0.645 (AUROC of 0.905). Postoperative GCS score, size of aneurysm, and age were the top three powerful predictors. The further analysis of five random cases presented the good interpretability of the DNN model.

CONCLUSION

Interpretable clinical prediction models based on different ML algorithms have been successfully constructed and validated, which would serve as reliable tools in optimizing the treatment decision-making of aSAH. Our DNN model had better performance to predict the unfavorable outcomes at 6 months in aSAH patients compared with Yan's nomogram model.

Endovascular treatment of mycotic aneurysms: An update meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial mycotic or infectious aneurysms result from the infection of arterial walls, most caused by bacterial or fungal organisms. These infections can weaken the arterial wall, leading to the formation of an aneurysm, a localized dilation, or a bulge. The management can be conservative mainly based on antibiotics or invasive methods such as clipping or endovascular treatment.

PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature on endovascular treatment of mycotic aneurysms, analyzing the safety and efficacy associated with this procedure.

METHODS

We systematically searched on PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Our search strategy was carefully crafted to conduct a thorough investigation of the topic, utilizing a comprehensive combination of relevant keywords. This meta-analysis included all studies that reported endovascular treatment of mycotic aneurysms. To minimize the risk of bias, studies with fewer than four patients, studies where the main outcome was not found, and studies with no clear differentiation between microsurgical and endovascular treatment were excluded.

RESULTS

In a comprehensive analysis of 134 patients, it was observed that all except one patient received antibiotics as part of their treatment. Among the patients, 56% (a total of 51 out of 90 patients) underwent cardiac surgery. Additionally, three patients required a craniotomy following endovascular treatment. 12 patients experienced morbidity related to the procedures performed, indicating complications arising from the interventions. Furthermore, four aneurysms experienced rebleeding while treatment. A pooled analysis of the endovascular treatment of the mycotic aneurysm revealed a good level of technical success, achieving a 100% success rate in 12 out of 14 studies (97-100%; CI 95%; I2 = 0%), as illustrated in Fig. 2. Similarly, the aneurysm occlusion rate demonstrated a notable efficacy, with a success rate of 97% observed in 12 out of 14 studies (97-100%; CI 95%; I2 = 0%), as depicted in Fig. 3.

CONCLUSION

The results strongly support the efficacy of endovascular treatment in achieving technical success, complete aneurysm occlusion, and favorable neurological outcomes. Additionally, the notably low incidence of complications and procedure-related mortality reaffirms the safety and benefits associated with this intervention.

Preoperative scale proposal based on clinical outcome for elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing microsurgery

INTRODUCTION

Life expectancy in individuals has increased in recent years. There is no consensus in the literature on the best treatment for a ruptured aneurysm in the elderly (> 60 years), but some places only have microsurgery as a therapeutic strategy. This work aims to develop a prognostic scale for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two thousand five hundred thirty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were retrospectively evaluated in the last ten years, and 550 of them were elderly. We developed a prognostic scale from the analysis of medical records, clinical and tomographic features that had statistical significance. Glasgow Coma Outcome (GOS) was the outcome of interest and p value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Five hundred fifty patients were evaluated, and the comorbidities that were independent variables for poor prognosis were smoking and arterial hypertension; clinical variables were Hunt-Hess, modified Rankin and Glasgow Coma Scale; tomographic was Fisher scale. Poor outcome was defined as GOS ≤ 3. Poor surgical outcomes were more remarkable in the high-risk factor categories, being 6.41 times higher among individuals who had 3 to 4 risk factors and 8.80 times higher among individuals with 5 to 6 risk factors.

CONCLUSION

In some vascular neurosurgery services worldwide, microsurgery is the only therapeutic option. This scale aimed at the elderly patient individualizes the treatment and can predict the clinical outcome in ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

The survival and outcome of older patients with primary aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a 2-year follow-up, multi-centre, observational study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The management of older aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) cases is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to analyse the survival and functional outcomes in older aSAH patients (age ≥ 70 years) to provide evidence for making treatment decisions for such patients.

METHODS

We performed a 2-year follow-up analysis of the Chinese Multi-Centre Cerebral Aneurysm Database for older patients suffering from aSAH from 2017 to 2020. A survival analysis was used to investigate the mean survival and hazard ratios for death. Binary logarithmic regression was performed to investigate the odds ratio for independent survival and dependent survival.

RESULTS

A total of 1,136 consecutive older patients with aSAH were assessed in this study, and 944 patients (83.1%) were followed up. The overall mean survival was 37.79 ± 1.04 months. A total of 380 (40.25%) patients died within 2 years after aSAH. In survival analysis, the predictors of mortality were older age, intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) history, Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and operative treatment decreased the risk of mortality compared to conservative treatment. In binary logarithmic regression, the predictors of dependent survival were hypertension, diabetes, WFNS grade.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk for 2-year mortality after aSAH increases markedly with older age, ICH history, H-H grade and WFNS grade. Risk factors for 2-year dependent survival were associated with hypertension, diabetes and WFNS grade in older patients with aSAH. Operative treatment markedly decreased mortality but did not significantly decrease the morbidity of dependent survival compared to conservative treatment.

Chronological Change of the Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Japan: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treatment has progressed, and patients are rapidly aging in Japan. Consequently, dynamic changes must have emerged in the clinical practice of SAH. This study aimed to elucidate chronological changes of aneurysmal SAH and the prognostic factors in the previous quarter century in Japan. We conducted a retrospective survey regarding aneurysmal SAH in eight institutions in Japan. The study included 848, 863, and 781 patients in the first (1989-1993), second (1999-2003), and third (2009-2013) periods, respectively. The chronological changes of factors that influenced the poor outcomes and differences between the nonelderly (<75 years) and elderly patients were investigated. Mean age was significantly higher in patients in the third period (61.4 years) than in those in the other two periods (first, 57.8 years; second, 59.5 years). During these periods, the proportion of good outcomes did not change; however, the mortality rate significantly decreased from 19% in the first period to 11% and 9.2% in the second and third periods, respectively. The poor outcome was mainly caused by the significantly higher incidence of systemic complication and procedural complication in the first period and the significantly lower incidence of delayed ischemic neurological deficit in the third period. The elderly patients had significantly poorer clinical outcomes than the nonelderly ones. During the last 25 years, the age of patients with aneurysmal SAH has rapidly increased. The study results may contribute to the improvement of the treatment strategy of SAH in advanced countries with a rapidly aging population.

2023 Guideline for the Management of Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

AIM

The "2023 Guideline for the Management of Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage" replaces the 2012 "Guidelines for the Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage." The 2023 guideline is intended to provide patient-centric recommendations for clinicians to prevent, diagnose, and manage patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for literature published since the 2012 guideline, derived from research principally involving human subjects, published in English, and indexed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline, was conducted between March 2022 and June 2022. In addition, the guideline writing group reviewed documents on related subject matter previously published by the American Heart Association. Newer studies published between July 2022 and November 2022 that affected recommendation content, Class of Recommendation, or Level of Evidence were included if appropriate. Structure: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a significant global public health threat and a severely morbid and often deadly condition. The 2023 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage guideline provides recommendations based on current evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to preventing, diagnosing, and managing patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' and their families' and caregivers' interests. Many recommendations from the previous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

Predictors of Outcomes Six Months after Endovascular Coil Embolization of Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

To identify factors associated with the outcome and prognosis of coil embolization for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 118 patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade IV or V subarachnoid hemorrhage at our institute between January 2010 and December 2020. Outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge and at six months after aSAH onset. In addition, patient background, aneurysm characteristics, and treatment outcome were compared between patients showing favorable (mRS scores: 0-2) and unfavorable (mRS scores: 3-6) outcomes at six months. Factors for change of mRS during follow-up were explored, and cut off values were calculated for age using the receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Endovascular treatment was performed in 51 of the 118 enrolled patients. Data were analyzed for 43 of these patients who underwent coil embolization of ruptured aneurysms and had complete datasets. The mean age was 61.7 years and 24 (55.8%) patients had WFNS grade V aSAH. Coil embolization-related complications were observed in three patients. There were no treatment-related deaths; however, eight patients (18.6%) died at three months. Multivariate analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the aneurysm (p=0.041) and the postoperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (p=0.040) were associated with unfavorable and favorable outcomes, respectively. Older age (p=0.033) was independently associated with mRS score deterioration following discharge. Age 72 years and older was the cut off value for mRS deterioration.

Conclusion

Aneurysm size and postoperative DAPT might be associated with outcomes at 6 months. Moreover, we identified older age as an independent factor that influences mRS deterioration following discharge; thus, especially in cases of elderly patients over 72 years of age, it is highly likely that long-term care to prevent disuse and regular follow-up on imaging will be necessary.

Endovascular coiling versus microsurgical clipping for ruptured intracranial aneurysms: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the current evidence with regard to the effectiveness and safety between coiling and clipping in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs).

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis that compared clipping with coiling between July 2000 and September 2021. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for related articles systematically. And the treatment efficacy and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

We identified three randomized controlled trials and thirty-seven observational studies involving 60,875 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. The summary results showed that coiling was related a better quality of life (mRS0-2; OR=1.327; CI=1.093–1.612; p<0.05), a higher risk of mortality (OR=1.116; CI=1.054–1.180; p<0.05), higher rate of rebleeding (RR=1.410; CI=1.092–1.822; p<0.05), lower incidence of vasospasm (OR=0.787; CI=0.649–0.954; p<0.05), higher risk of hydrocephalous (RR=1.143; CI=1.043–1.252; p<0.05), lower risk of cerebral infarction (RR=0.669; CI=0.596–0.751; p<0.05), lower risk of neuro deficits (RR=0.720; CI=0.582-0.892; p<0.05), and a lower rate of complete occlusion (OR=0.495; CI=0.280-0.876; p<0.05).

Conclusion

Coiling was significantly associated with a better life quality (mRS0-2), a lower incidence of postoperative complications, and a higher rate of mortality, rebleeding, hydrocephalous, and a lower rate of complete occlusion than clipping.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41016-022-00283-3.

Long-term outcomes, including the survival rate and period to death, in patients over 80 years old after ruptured cerebral aneurysm clipping

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the long-term outcomes, including the survival rate, period to death, causes of death, and predictors of poor outcomes, in patients aged over 80 years who underwent surgical clipping for a ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, the medical records of patients from April 1, 1994, to June 30, 2019, were evaluated. All patients underwent surgical clipping within 72 h of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) onset. Information on the patient, SAH, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

The mean hospitalization and long-term follow-up periods for all patients were 54.5 days and 53.3 months, respectively. The period to death was significantly shorter in patients with modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 4-5 than for those with an mRS of 0-3 at discharge (p=0.001). The Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test demonstrated that patients with an mRS of 4-5 at discharge had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with an mRS of 0-3 at discharge (p<0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that the proportion of patients with Hunt and Hess grade and presence of surgical complications were significantly larger in the group with an mRS of 4-5 than in that with an mRS of 0-3 at discharge (p=0.0013 and 0.011, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that presence of surgical complications was the only independent predictor of poor outcomes (p=0.043, odds ratio [OR] 7.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.061-59.38). The Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test demonstrated that patients with surgical complications had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those with no surgical complications (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Especially in patients aged over 80 years, those with H-H grade 2 and a good clinical condition can be candidates for surgical clipping, whereas avoiding surgical complications is essential for achieving good outcomes.

Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Presenting as Isolated Acute Subdural Hemorrhage

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are often associated with serious neurologic sequelae, often as a result of subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Less commonly, ruptured intracranial aneurysms can lead to subdural hemorrhage. However, the characteristic clinical presentation and optimal treatment of associated subdural hemorrhage are unclear due to the paucity of such cases that exist in the current literature. Affected patients may complain of nonspecific symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and confusion. Because of the severity of the disease, rapid diagnosis and intervention is required to lower the high morbidity and mortality rates. Commonly used treatment options include endovascular coiling and microsurgical clipping. Neuroendovascular surgery is often preferred, especially in aneurysms not amenable to surgical clipping, in poor surgical candidates, and cases with endovascularly favorable anatomy. The authors present the case of a patient who came to the hospital with ischemic stroke-like symptoms and was found to have a ruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm and associated acute subdural hematoma (SDH) without obvious subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Endovascular coiling of the aneurysm was performed successfully the following craniotomy for SDH evacuation, and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility

Horizontal stenting via retrograde route for recurrent ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm after clipping: A case report and literature review

Treatment of recurrent ruptured aneurysms incorporating a branch vessel arising from the dome is challenging. Here, we attempted horizontal stent-assisted coil embolization via a retrograde route from the contralateral internal carotid artery to treat a small ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm incorporating a fetal variant posterior cerebral artery after clipping.

Clinical Trials of Microsurgery for Cerebral Aneurysms: Past and Future

BACKGROUND

New findings and research regarding the microsurgical treatment of intracerebral aneurysms (IAs) continue to advance even in the era of endovascular therapies. Research in the past 2 decades has continued to revolve around the question of whether open surgery or endovascular treatment is preferable. The answer remains both complex and in flux.

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on microsurgery, reflects on the research decisions of previous landmark studies, and proposes future study designs that may further our understanding of IAs and how best to treat them.

RESULTS

The future of IA research may include a combination of pragmatic trials, artificial intelligence integrated tools, and mining of large data sets, in addition to the publication of high-quality single-center studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The future will likely emphasize testing innovative techniques, looking at granular patient data, and considering every patient encounter as a potential source of knowledge, creating a system in which data are updated daily because each patient interaction contributes to answering important research questions.

Clipping versus coiling for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling are both standard therapies to prevent rebleeding after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, controversy still exists about which is the optimal treatment. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of two treatments with high-quality evidence. Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed, Sinomed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases were systematically searched on August 5, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of clipping versus coiling in aSAH patients at discharge or within 1-year follow-up period were eligible. No restriction was set on the publication date. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of relative risk (RR). Eight RCTs and 20 prospective cohort studies were identified. Compared to coiling, clipping was associated with a lower rebleeding rate at discharge (RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29––0.94) and a higher aneurysmal occlusion rate (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.19–1.48) at 1-year follow-up. In contrast, coiling reduced the vasospasm rate at discharge (RR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.23–1.71) and 1-year poor outcome rate (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16–1.39). Subgroup analyses presented that among patients with a poor neurological condition at admission, no statistically significant outcome difference existed between the two treatments. The overall prognosis was better among patients who received coiling, but this advantage was not significant among patients with a poor neurological condition at admission. Therefore, the selection of treatment modality for aSAH patients should be considered comprehensively.

Unruptured cerebral aneurysms in elderly patients: key challenges and management

Unruptured cerebral aneurysms are increasingly identified in elderly patients as the global life expectancy continues to rise and non-invasive vascular imaging becomes more prevalent. The optimal management of unruptured aneurysms in elderly patients remains controversial. Variability in life expectancy, comorbidities and rupture risk coupled with heterogenous endovascular and surgical treatments contribute to a paucity of clear guidelines, and current management is highly individualized. Elderly patients present unique considerations including frailty, cognitive dysfunction, vasculopathy, reduced life expectancy and overall worse prognosis in case of rupture which shape the risks and likelihood of success of endovascular and microsurgical treatment. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in the elderly, with a particular focus on the natural history, key challenges associated with advanced age, management and future innovations to further refine treatment.Key MessagesThe management of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in elderly patients remains controversial.Key challenges including frailty, cognitive dysfunction, reduced life expectancy, vasculopathy and poor prognosis with aneurysm rupture add complexity to endovascular and surgical decision making not encountered with younger demographics.A thorough understanding of available treatment options, likelihood of treatment success and associated risks weighed against the risk of aneurysm rupture informs patient discussion and management.

Flow Diversion for Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: An International Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Open surgery has traditionally been preferred for the management of bifurcation middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Flow diverting stents present a novel endovascular strategy for aneurysm treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To add to the limited literature describing the outcomes and complications in the use of flow diverters for the treatment of these complex aneurysms.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective review of MCA bifurcation aneurysms undergoing flow diversion. We assessed post-treatment radiological outcomes and both thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

We reviewed the outcomes of 54 aneurysms treated with flow diversion. Four (7.4%) of the aneurysms had a history of rupture (3 remote and 1 acute). Fourteen (25.9%) of the aneurysms already underwent either open surgery or coiling prior to flow diversion. A total of 36 out of the 45 aneurysms (80%) with available follow-up data had adequate aneurysm occlusion with a median follow-up time of 12 mo. There were no hemorrhagic complications but 16.7% (9/54) had thromboembolic complications.

CONCLUSION

Flow diverting stents may be a viable option for the endovascular treatment of complex bifurcation MCA aneurysms. However, compared to published series on the open surgical treatment of this subset of aneurysms, flow diversion has inferior outcomes and are associated with a higher rate of complications.

Visualisation of the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To visualise the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome at discharge in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) while adjusting for covariates, and to address the heterogeneity of this correlation depending on disease severity by a registry-based design.

METHODS

We extracted data from the Japanese Stroke Databank registry for patients with SAH treated via surgical clipping or endovascular coiling within 3 days of SAH onset between 2000 and 2017. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale Score ≥3 at discharge. Variable importance was calculated using machine learning (random forest) model. Correlations between age and poor outcome while adjusting for covariates were determined using generalised additive models in which spline-transformed age was fit to each neurological grade of World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) and treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 4149 patients were included in the analysis. WFNS grade and age had the largest and second largest variable importance in predicting the outcome. The non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome was visualised after adjusting for other covariates. For grades I-III, the risk slope for unit age was relatively smaller at younger ages and larger at older ages; for grade IV, the slope was steep even in younger ages; while for grade V, it was relatively smooth, but with high risk even at younger ages.

CONCLUSIONS

The clear visualisation of the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome in this study can aid clinical decision making and help inform patients with aneurysmal SAH and their families better.

Aging Patient Population With Ruptured Aneurysms: Trend Over 28 Years

BACKGROUND

Given increasing life expectancy in the United States and worldwide, the proportion of elderly patients affected by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) would be expected to increase.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether an aging trend exists in the population of aSAH patients presenting to our institution over a 28-yr period.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients presenting to our institution with subarachnoid hemorrhage between January 1991 and December 2018 was utilized. The 28-yr period was categorized into 4 successive 7-yr quarter intervals. The age of patients was compared among these intervals, and yearly trends were derived using linear regression.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 1671 ruptured aneurysm patients with a mean age of 52.8 yr (standard deviation = 15.0 yr). Over the progressive 7-yr time intervals during the 28-yr period, there was an approximately 4-fold increase in the proportion of patients aged 80 yr or above (P < .001) and an increase in mean patient age from 51.2 to 54.6 yr (P = .002). Independent of this trend but along the same lines, there was a 29% decrease in the proportion of younger patients (<50 yr) from 49% to 35%. On linear regression, there was 1-yr increase in mean patient age per 5 calendar years (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Analyses of aSAH patients demonstrate an increase in patient age over time with a considerable rise in the proportion of octogenarian patients and a decrease in patients younger than 50 yr. This aging phenomenon presents a challenge to the continued improvement in outcomes of aSAH patients.

Neurointensive care results and risk factors for unfavorable outcome in aneurysmatic SAH: a comparison of two age groups

Background

The mean age of actively treated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients is increasing. We aimed to compare outcomes and prognostic factors between older and younger SAH patients.

Methods

A retrospective single-center analysis of aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to a neuro-ICU during 2014–2019. We defined older patients as ≥70 years and younger patients as <70 years. For every older patient, we identified three younger patients with the same World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade. We only included patients receiving active aneurysm treatment. Favorable functional outcome, defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 4–5 at 12 months, was our primary outcome. We used logistic regression to compare prognostic factors between the groups.

Results

Ninety-five (85%) of 112 older patients and 317 (94%) of 336 younger patients received aneurysm treatment. Of the younger patients, 91% with a good-grade SAH (WFNS I-III) had a favorable outcome compared to 52% in the older good-grade SAH group. In poor-grade patients (WFNS IV-V), favorable outcome was seen in 51% of younger patients, compared to 24% of older patients. Acute hydrocephalus and intracerebral hemorrhage were associated with unfavorable outcome in the younger (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.6–8.4, and OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.1–6.4), but not in the older patients (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.8–4.2, and OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.5–3.1, respectively).

Conclusions

In actively treated SAH patients, age was a major determinant of outcome. Factors reflecting increases in intracranial pressure associated with outcome only among younger patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-021-04731-4.

Prediction of the difficulty of proximal vascular control using 3D-CTA for the surgical clipping of internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

During surgical clipping of internal carotid artery (ICA)-posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms, proximal vascular control (PVC) is difficult to achieve in some cases because of variations in the anatomy of this type of aneurysm and its parent arteries. The authors investigated morphometric features that may be predictive for the necessity of anterior clinoidectomy (ACL) or cervical ICA exposure for PVC.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 65 patients with an ICA-PCoA aneurysm treated with clipping during the previous 3 years. The factors considered for assessing the difficulty of attaining PVC included the following: the maximum diameter of the aneurysm; the distance between the tip of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and the proximal aneurysmal neck; the presence of calcification at the ophthalmic segment of the ICA; and the angles between the communicating segment of the ICA and the ophthalmic segment of the ICA and a line perpendicular to the cranial base, which reflect the tortuosity of the ICA. These parameters were measured based on preoperative CTA results.

RESULTS

In a total of 21 patients (32.3%), PVC was difficult to perform with the usual pterional approach. In 6 patients, temporary artery occlusions (TAOs) were difficult to achieve because of severe atherosclerotic wall changes in the ophthalmic segment of the ICA. For 15 patients, the ACPs overhanging the ophthalmic segment of the ICA obstructed the ability to secure a space for TAO. In the 21 patients with PVC difficulty, ACL alone, cervical ICA exposure alone, and both ACL and cervical ICA exposure were conducted in 6, 8, and 7 patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression revealed that the maximum diameter of the aneurysm (p = 0.041), the distance between the proximal neck of the aneurysm and the ACP tip (p = 0.002), and calcification of the ICA ophthalmic segment (p = 0.001) were significant predictive factors for difficulties with PVC. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a distance between the proximal aneurysmal neck and the ACP tip of ≤ 5.4 mm was the best cutoff value for predicting the difficulty of attaining PVC (area under the curve 0.800, sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 80.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

A short distance between the proximal aneurysmal neck and the ACP tip and the presence of calcification at the ophthalmic segment of the ICA on preoperative CTA are helpful for predicting the difficulty of achieving PVC.

Long-Term Independence in Older Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial

OBJECTIVE

Older patients have a higher risk for poor neurological outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This study compared functional independence in older versus younger patients with aSAH and compared endovascular coiling with microsurgical clipping in the older cohort.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) with confirmed aSAH were analyzed. Patients were grouped by age: older (≥65 years old) or younger (<65 years old). The primary outcome analyzed was functional independence at long-term follow-up, defined as Barthel index >80 at 6-year follow-up. A second analysis was performed comparing functional independence in older patients treated with endovascular coiling versus microsurgical clipping.

RESULTS

Of 405 patients with aSAH enrolled in BRAT, 77 (19%) were ≥65 years old, and 328 (81%) were <65 years old. A lower percentage of older versus younger patients was functionally independent (Barthel index >80) at 6-year follow-up (42.0% [29/69] vs. 82.2% [217/264]; P < 0.001). A higher percentage of younger patients (69.7% [184/264]) had good neurological outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score <3) at 6-year follow-up compared with older patients (31.9% [22/69]; P < 0.001). A greater percentage of older patients treated with microsurgical clipping (51.0% [18/47]) versus endovascular coiling (22.7% [5/22]) had functional independence at 6-year follow-up (P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients ≥65 years old with aSAH are at increased risk for poor neurological outcomes compared with younger patients. Greater independence was observed in older patients after microsurgical clipping than after endovascular coiling at long-term follow-up.

Application of hybrid operating rooms for clipping large or giant intracranial carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms

BACKGROUND

A hybrid operating room (Hybrid-OR) is a surgical theatre that combines a conventional operating room with advanced medical imaging devices. There are still plenty of limitations when endovascular treatment or microsurgical treatment is used individually to treat large or giant carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms.

AIM

To explore and summarize the technical features and effectiveness of the application of a Hybrid-OR in managing major intracranial carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms.

METHODS

The Department of Neurosurgery treated 12 cases of large or giant intracranial carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms between March 2013 and December 2019 in a Hybrid-OR. All cases were treated with clipping and parent vessel reconstruction.

RESULTS

With the assistance of the Hybrid-OR, the rate of incomplete intraoperative aneurysm clipping decreased from 25% (3/12) to 0%, while the rate of vessel stenosis decreased from 16.7% (2/12) to 8.35% (1/12). In terms of thromboembolic events, ischemic infarction complication occurred in only one patient, and none of the patients experienced embolic infarction complications. All 12 patients were followed for an average of 3 years, and no aneurysms recurred. The postoperative recovery was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS): 11 patients showed no symptoms (mRS = 0), 1 patient showed slight disability (mRS 1-2), and none of the patients had severe disability (mRS = 5) or died (mRS = 6).

CONCLUSION

The Hybrid-OR provides new ideas for the surgical clipping of large or giant intracranial carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms and decreases the rate of intraoperative vessel stenosis and unsuccessful clipping.

Endovascular coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients over 80 years of age

Objective

As the average life span in modern society continues to increase, much interest is focused on high-risk procedures in elderly patients, including major surgical operations. We investigated the results of endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) in patients over 80 years of age.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 39 patients aged over 80 years who underwent coil embolization for UIA between April 2007 and April 2019 at our hospital.

Results

Complete occlusion on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) immediately after surgery was performed in 44 (84.6%) of 52 cases of cerebral aneurysms. Four patients (7.7%) had residual aneurysmal necks, and four (7.7%) had contrast flow in the aneurysmal sac. Follow-up magnetic resonance angiography (mean: 8.2 months) was performed in 37 aneurysms in 24 patients. There was evidence of blood flow in the neck in seven cases (18.9%) and aneurysm in two cases (5.4%). Follow-up DSA (mean: 20.5 months) was performed in 14 aneurysms in 11 patients, and 11 aneurysms (78.6%) had complete occlusion, 1 aneurysm (7.1%) had an aneurysmal neck, and 2 aneurysms (14.3%) had contrast filling into the aneurysmal sac. Coil embolization procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (7.7%). Cerebral infarction occurred in 1 (2.6%), arterial dissection in 1 (2.6%), and hypoesthesia in 1 (2.6%).

Conclusions

Active treatment of UIA in elderly patients over 80 years of age through endovascular coil embolization can be considered.

Long-Term Outcomes of Elderly Patients with Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Long-term outcomes after surgical treatment and intensive care have not been investigated in elderly patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This study aimed to analyze 12-month outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with poor-grade aSAH who were at least age 70 years.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective study including poor-grade (World Federation of Neurological Societies [WFNS] grades IV and V) aSAH patients who were at least age 70 years, were admitted to our stroke center, and received aneurysmal treatment between April 2012 and September 2018. The clinical outcomes were evaluated at months 3 and 12. Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors of good neurologic outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3). These factors included sex, age, WFNS grade, Fisher group, delayed cerebral ischemia, aneurysm treatment, aneurysm size, aneurysm location, and blood examination data in the 14 days post subarachnoid hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3) was increased at 12 months compared with that at 3 months. No intracerebral hemorrhage was a significant predictor of good neurologic outcomes at 3 months (P = 0.03). The absence of delayed cerebral ischemia and small fluctuations in the average absolute daily difference from normal sodium levels were significant predictors of good neurologic outcomes at months 3 and 12 (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of delayed cerebral ischemia and small fluctuations in the average absolute daily difference from the normal sodium levels were independently associated with good neurologic outcomes at 12 months in elderly patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage did not appear to affect long-term outcomes. These findings suggest that elderly patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage should not be excluded from receiving surgical treatment on the basis of their age alone.

Incidence and Case-Fatality of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Australia, 2008-2018

BACKGROUND

Contemporary aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and case-fatality studies have suggested a diminishing worldwide incidence. The purpose of this study was to examine whether such epidemiologic trends occur in Australia.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was based on data retrieved from the Nationwide Hospital Morbidity Database for all aSAH cases across hospital networks in Australia between 2008 and 2018. Information on patient characteristics, aneurysm location, procedures performed, and discharge disposition were extracted. We estimated the crude and age-adjusted incidences, trends of aSAH, and case fatality rate over time. Putative risk factors were investigated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of unfavorable discharge outcome (death and dependency).

RESULTS

A total of 12,915 acute hospital admissions with aSAH were identified. Annual aSAH rate remained stable (mean 5.5, range 5.3-6.0 cases per 100,000 person-years) with no decline. The overall aSAH-associated 30-day case-fatality rate was 26.7% of admissions and declined by approximately 0.7% annually (P < 0.0001). Age-adjusted incidence increased with advancing age at increments of 1.3 cases per 100,000 person-years for each 5 years after the age of 40 years. Endovascular therapy accounted for 63.1% of the overall treatment strategy. Logistic regression demonstrated older age (P < 0.0001), presence of intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage (P < 0.0001), and hypertension (P = 0.0007) were significant predictors of unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

A decline in 30-day case-fatality rate but not aSAH incidence from 2008 to 2018 was observed.

Clinical Outcome of Elderly Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Validation of Modality Assignment Based on Aneurysmal Morphology and Location

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage is increasing. Elderly patients have been postulated to benefit more from endovascular coiling, compared with neurosurgical clipping. However, we based our therapeutic modality on the morphology and location of the aneurysms, rather than patients' age or their World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of our therapeutic modality over earlier approaches by assessing their clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The study sample included 539 patients who underwent surgical procedures between January 2010 and May 2019. Baseline characteristics, aneurysmal morphology and location, surgical and clinical complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between elderly (defined as aged 75 years or older) and young patients.

RESULTS

There were 124 elderly patients (23.0%) in the sample. Eighty-five elderly patients (68.5%) received neurosurgical clipping, whereas 67.0% of the young patients (P = 0.827) received neurosurgical clipping. Of the elderly patients who had a poor World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade, 49.4% and 48.7% underwent neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling, respectively (P = 1.000). Elderly patients had fewer favorable outcomes (21.8%) relative to young patients (61.8%; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the rate of favorable outcomes between patients undergoing neurosurgical clipping relative to endovascular coiling (21.2% vs. 23.1%; P = 0.818).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling yield comparable clinical outcomes in elderly and young patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. These findings indicate that using a therapeutic modality based on aneurysmal morphology and location may be an effective treatment approach.

The changing face of neurosurgery for the older person

Increased life expectancy and illness prevention and treatment have led to a growing population of older patients. These changes in patient population are apparent in neurosurgery; however, relatively little is reported about specific outcomes and prognostication in this group. This review summarises the challenges and management changes occurring in the treatment of three common neurosurgical pathologies; aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, head injury, and haemorrhagic stroke. A move towards less invasive neurosurgical techniques has implications on the risk-benefit profile of interventions. This creates the opportunity to intervene in older patients with greater co-morbidity, as long as improved outcomes can be evidenced. A critical part of assessing appropriateness for surgical intervention in older patients may be to change from a mindset of age to one of frailty and growing interest in scales assessing this may aid treatment decisions in the future.

One-Year Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) has increased. We aimed to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of such patients in a tertiary university hospital during a 5-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center analysis was performed of patients with aSAH ≥70 years old admitted to a tertiary neuro-ICU during January 2014-May 2019 based on medical records and computed tomography scans. The primary outcome was functional outcome at 12 months. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1-3 and institutionalized).

RESULTS

Of 117 included patients, 49% had a favorable outcome at 12 months, and mortality was 41%. In multivariable analysis, poor-grade aSAH and intraventricular hemorrhage were predictors of poor outcome (odds ratio, 4.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.7-12.5 and odds ratio, 2.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.2, respectively). None of the patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) motor score of 1-3 three days after admission was alive at 12 months. In contrast, 65% of those with a GCS motor score 6 had favorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of elderly patients with aSAH admitted to a neuro-ICU were able to live at home after 12 months. Mortality was significant, but the number of severely disabled patients was low. Clinical status at admission was the strongest predictor of outcome, whereas intraventricular hemorrhage increased the risk of poor outcome as well. GCS motor score 3 days after admission seemed to predict mortality and outcome.

Treatment outcome after coiling or clipping for elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze treatment outcomes according to treatment modality for elderly patients over 75 years with unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Methods

Fifty-four elderly patients treated in a single tertiary institute between January 2010 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared clinical outcome, radiological results, and complications between the coiling and clipping groups.

Results

A total of 55 procedures were performed in 54 patients. Of 55 aneurysms, 44 were treated endovascularly and 11 were treated surgically. There was no significant difference in patient baseline characteristics including mean age, sex, and preexisting co-morbidity between the two groups. Even though there was no significant difference (p=0.373), procedure-related symptomatic complication occurred only in coiling group (3 out of 44 patients, 6.6%). Mortality rate was significantly higher in clipping group (1 out of 11 patients, 9.1%) than in coiling group (0%, p=0.044). Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) at 90 days was achieved in 43 cases treated with coiling (97.7%), and 10 cases with clipping (90.9%, p=0.154).

Conclusions

Clipping is more invasive procedure and takes longer operation time, which might lead to unpredictable mortality in elderly patients. Coiling might have high procedure-related stroke rate due to tortuous vessels with atherosclerosis. Therefore, aggressive treatment of elderly patients should be carefully considered based on patient’s medical condition and angiographic findings.

Surgical Management of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms in the Presence of a Low-Coursing Internal Carotid Artery and Narrowed Retrocarotid Window

BACKGROUND

Anatomical variations of the course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) may complicate surgical clipping of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms by narrowing the retrocarotid window. We evaluated the efficacy of the periclinoid surgical maneuvers for expanding the retrocarotid window and analyzed computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from patients with PCoA aneurysms to define parameters for low-coursing ICAs.

METHODS

Using cadaveric specimens, standard pterional craniotomies were fashioned and extradural or intradural periclinoid surgical maneuvers-cutting of the meningo-orbital band, anterior clinoidectomy, and cutting of the distal dural ring (DDR)-were performed, and their relative advantages for expanding the retrocarotid window were assessed. Additionally, preoperative CTA data from 24 patients with PCoA aneurysms used to calculate the angles of the ICA relative to the skull base.

RESULTS

Periclinoid maneuvers, especially the anterior clinoidectomy, provided additional exposure of the retrocarotid space. Cutting of the DDR allowed for partial mobilization of the ICA and widened the retrocarotid surgical window, enhancing maneuverability. The anterior clinoidectomy with cutting of the DDR allowed for enhanced exposure of the medial, middle, and posterolateral aspects of the retrocarotid space. Cutting the anterior petroclinoid fold and mobilizing cranial nerve III provided wide exposure of the lateral aspect of retrocarotid space.

CONCLUSION

When clipping PCoA aneurysms in the presence of normal-coursing ICAs (approximately ≥30° ICA angle), a standard pterional craniotomy with anterior clinoidectomy and cutting of the DDR allows for substantial expansion of the retrocarotid window.

Prognostic factors varying with age in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

With the advent of an aging society, more elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have been treated. We investigated if prognostic factors differ with age in aSAH patients. In a prospectively maintained aSAH database at multiple institutions from 2013 to 2016, 238 patients who underwent clipping or coiling for a ruptured aneurysm within 48 h of onset were divided into elderly (≥75 years; 57 patients) and non-elderly groups, or categorized into 4-age groups (<54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years). Prognostic factors and clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. The elderly group had a higher incidence of pre-morbidities, co-morbidities, poor admission World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades, modified Fisher grade 4, and resultantly 90-day poor outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] 3-6). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that independent determinants for poor outcomes were hypertension and modified Fisher grade 4 in the elderly group, and admission WFNS grades IV-V, systemic complications, non-procedural cerebral infarction and shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus in the non-elderly group. The 4-age group analyses showed that higher age group was more frequently associated with the prognostic factors. As higher age itself causes poor outcomes and more association of prognostic factors, prognostic factors in elderly patients may be rather limited.

Effect of treatment modality and cerebral vasospasm agent on patient outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the elderly aged 75 years and older

Objective

We sought to examine whether the effect of treatment modality and drugs for cerebral vasospasm on clinical outcomes differs between elderly and non-elderly subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed the J-ASPECT Study Diagnosis Procedure Combination database (n = 17,343) that underwent clipping or coiling between 2010 and 2014 in 579 hospitals. We stratified patients into two groups according to their age (elderly [≥75 years old], n = 3,885; non-elderly, n = 13,458). We analyzed the effect of treatment modality and anti-vasospasm agents (fasudil hydrochloride, ozagrel sodium, cilostazol, statin, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and edaravone) on in-hospital poor outcomes (mRS 3–6 at discharge) and mortality using multivariable analysis.

Results

The elderly patients were more likely to be female, have impaired levels of consciousness and comorbidity, and less likely to be treated with clipping and anti-vasospasm agents, except for ozagrel sodium and statin. In-hospital mortality and poor outcomes were higher in the elderly (15.8% vs. 8.5%, 71.7% vs. 36.5%).

Coiling was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.2–1.7) despite a lower proportion of poor outcomes (0.84, 0.75–0.94) in the non-elderly, in contrast to no effect on clinical outcomes in the elderly.

A comparable effect of anti-vasospasm agents on mortality was observed between non-elderly and elderly for fasudil hydrochloride (non-elderly: 0.20, 0.17–0.24), statin (0.63, 0.50–0.79), ozagrel sodium (0.72, 0.60–0.86), and cilostazol (0.63, 0.51–0.77). Poor outcomes were inversely associated with fasudil hydrochloride (0.59, 0.51–0.68), statin (0.84, 0.75–0.94), and EPA (0.83, 0.72–0.94) use in the non-elderly. No effect of these agents on poor outcomes was observed in the elderly.

Conclusions

In contrast to the non-elderly, no effect of treatment modality on clinical outcomes were observed in the elderly. A comparable effect of anti-vasospasm agents was observed on mortality, but not on functional outcomes, between the non-elderly and elderly.

Transcranial Doppler Sonography Defined Vasospasm, Ischemic Brain Lesions, and Delayed Ischemic Neurological Deficit in Younger and Elderly Patients after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND), and ischemic brain lesions after acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze age cutoffs for vasospasm, DIND, and ischemic brain lesions after SAH.

METHODS

This study included 292 aneurysmal SAH patients from January 2005 to December 2015. Patients' data were extracted from a prospective database with measurements of transcranial Doppler sonography. Any vasospasm was defined as a maximum mean flow velocity (MMFV) >120 cm/sec. Severe vasospasms were defined as at least 2 measurements of MMFVs >200 cm/sec or an increase of MMFV >50 cm/sec/24 hours over 2 consecutive days or a new neurologic deficit. All MMFVs >120 cm/sec in absence of severe vasospasm criteria were defined as mild vasospasm. Age-related cutoff values were calculated using receiver operating curve analysis.

RESULTS

Any vasospasms occurred in 142 patients and thereof mild vasospasm in 86/142 (60.6%) patients and severe vasospasm in 56/142 patients (39.4%). Significantly higher incidences of any vasospasm (P = 0.005), severe vasospasm (P = 0.003), DIND (P = 0.031), and ischemic brain lesions (P = 0.04) were observed in patients aged <50 years. According to receiver operating curve analysis, the optimal age cutoff was 50 years for the presence of overall vasospasms, severe vasospasms, DIND, and ischemic brain lesions and 65 years for mild vasospasms.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher incidences of any vasospasms, severe vasospasms, DIND, and ischemic brain lesions were observed in younger SAH patients.

Outcome of retreatment for recurrent saccular cerebral aneurysms: a propensity score-matched analysis

Although endovascular or surgical treatment has been performed for preventing the rupture of saccular cerebral aneurysms (sCA), in some patients, the aneurysms may recur and require retreatment. We aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of treating recurrent sCA. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 52 patients with 60 recurrent sCAs who were retreated and 1534 patients with 1817 sCAs who received initial treatment. The primary outcome was a recurrence of the aneurysm. Secondary outcomes were an additional treatment, rupture after treatment, and a neurological worsening, which was defined as an increase of 1 or more scores using the modified Rankin Scale at 12-month. Safety outcomes included postoperative ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. We compiled the 120 (60 each) propensity score-matched cohort based on a propensity score for the treatment of recurrent sCA. In the propensity score-matched cohort, recurrence after treatment was observed in 25% and 6.7% of cases in the retreatment and initial treatment groups, respectively. The odds ratio of recurrence after treatment was 4.7 (95% CI, 1.4-15; P = 0.011). The secondary and safety outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. This study showed that the treatment of recurrent sCA was a risk factor for recurrence after treatment but not for additional treatment, rupture after treatment, or neurological worsening. Although decision-making regarding the treatment varies depending on the institutional protocols and personal experience of the physicians, endovascular or surgical retreatment could be performed without hesitation.

Intracranial Aneurysms in Young Adult Patients: Surgical and Endovascular Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Despite its relative rarity, the potential for loss of productive years makes aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) a considerably important entity in young adult patients (20-39 years of age). This study aimed to analyze outcomes of microsurgery (MS) and endovascular treatment (EVT) for saccular intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in young adult patients.

METHODS

A total of 276 young adult patients with 315 IAs, treated with MS or EVT between January 2001 and December 2015, were studied. Major recurrence and treatment-related complications were the primary outcome measures. Functional outcomes in patients with SAH were also assessed.

RESULTS

Major recurrence occurred in 21 cases (6.7%). Younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-9.83; P = 0.007), ruptured IA (aHR, 6.44; 95% CI, 2.09-19.89; P = 0.001), size (aHR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06-3.18; P = 0.030), and EVT (aHR, 7.21; 95% CI, 2.44-21.35; P < 0.001) were independently related to major recurrence. Treatment-related complications occurred in 5 cases (1.6%) and did not differ between the MS and EVT groups (P > 0.999). Unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score ≥2) were identified in 30 patients (19.6%) with SAH, and only Hunt and Hess grade was independently associated with unfavorable functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MS and EVT are safe for treating IAs in young adult patients. MS showed better durability of treatment and may be preferred over EVT in young patients in view of their longer life expectancy compared with older patients.

Functional outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Population aging raises questions about extending treatment indications in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We therefore assessed functional status 1 year after treatment.

METHODS

This study involved 310 patients, aged over 70 years, with ruptured brain aneurysm, enrolled between 2008 and 2014 in a prospective multicentre trial (FASHE study: NCT00692744) but considered unsuitable for randomisation and therefore analysed in the observational arms of the study: endovascular occlusion (EV), microsurgical exclusion (MS) and conservative treatment. The aims were to assess independence, cognition, autonomy and quality of life (QOL) at 1 year post-treatment, using questionnaires (MMSE, ADLI, IADL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) filled in by independent nurses after discharge.

RESULTS

The 310 patients received the following treatments: 208 underwent EV (67.1%), 54 MS (17.4%) and 48 were conservatively managed (15.5%). At 1 year, independence rates for patients admitted with good clinical status (WFNS I-III) were, according to the aneurysm exclusion procedure (EV, MS or conservative), 58.9%, 50% and 12.1% respectively. MMSE score was pathological in 26 of the 112 EV patients (23.2%), 10 of the 25 MS patients (40%) and 4 of the 9 patients treated conservatively (44%), without any statistically significant difference [Pearson's Chi² test, F ratio=4.29; P=0.11]. Regarding QoL, overall score was similar between the EV and MS cohorts, but significantly lower with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients in good clinical condition with aSAH should be treated regardless of associated comorbidities. Curative treatment (EV or MS) reduced mortality without increasing dependence, in comparison with conservative treatment.

Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy versus Microsurgical Treatment for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients ≥70 Years of Age

Purpose

This retrospective research aimed to compare the efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) versus microsurgical treatment (MST) for elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods

Elderly (>70 years) patients with aSAH who underwent aneurysm obliteration during 2007-2017 were selected from our hospital database and enrolled in this retrospective study. We reviewed each patient's background, the severity of the aSAH, and aneurysmal characteristics that compelled EVT or microsurgery treatment and then compared the two treatment groups. A favorable primary outcome was defined by a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at hospital discharge. The 78 patients formed two cohorts (39 patients each) based on their propensity scores for EVT or MST. We estimated the adjusted odds ratio, followed by a sensitivity analysis of the original 201 patients (118 with EVT and 83 with MST).

Results

In the propensity score-matched cohorts, favorable outcomes were observed in 33.3% and 7.7% of patients in the EVT and MST groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Results of the sensitivity analysis were similar to the main results.

Conclusion

The clinical outcomes for the elderly aSAH patients were better in the EVT group than in MST group.

Safety and Feasibility of Neuroendovascular Therapy for Elderly Patients: Analysis of Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy 3

Japan has a rapidly aging population and the application of neuroendovascular therapy (NET) for cerebrovascular diseases among elderly patients has increased, but feasibility and safety of NET for elderly patients are still debated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate feasibility and safety of NET by analyzing the Japanese nationwide database, the Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy 3 (JR-NET 3). In total, 35,972 patients in the JR-NET 3 were analyzed retrospectively. "Elderly patients" were defined as those aged ≥75 years. Approximately one-quarter of patients who received NET were elderly patients. The proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 before treatment and 30 days after NET was significantly low across all diseases in the elderly patients. Technical success rates were generally high across all procedures, but complication rate was significantly higher among elderly patients; ischemic complications were significantly higher with NET for unruptured aneurysms (UA) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Multivariate analysis revealed that mRS 0-2 before treatment [odds ratio (OR): 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.94, P = 0.03], middle cerebral artery aneurysm (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.92, P = 0.04), and complete obliteration (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.97, P = 0.03) were associated with ischemic complications with NET for UA. Moreover, mRS 0-2 before treatment (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.86, P < 0.01), high intensity with time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03-2.32, P = 0.04), open-cell stent (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.50-3.22, P <0.01) were associated with ischemic complications with NET for CAS. Taken together, our findings indicate that cautious and precise selection of patients suitable for NET is necessary.

CEREBRAL ANEURYSM WALL STRESS AFTER COILING DEPENDS ON MORPHOLOGY AND COIL PACKING DENSITY

Endovascular coil embolization is widely used to treat cerebral aneurysms as an alternative to surgical clipping. It involves filling the aneurysmal sac with metallic coils to promote the formation of a coil/thrombus mass (CTM) to protect the aneurysm wall from hemodynamic forces and prevents rupture. A significant number of aneurysms are incompletely coiled leading to aneurysm regrowth and/or recanalization. Porcine blood and platinum coils were used to construct an in-vitro CTM for uniaxial compression testing with coil packing densities (CPDs) of 10%, 20%, and 30%. Mechanical properties for each case were derived and used in finite element simulations of patient specific 3D reconstructions of aneurysms with simple or complex geometries. Reproducible stress/strain curves were obtained from compression testing of CTM and predicted by a polynomial mechanical response function. An exponential increase in the CTM stiffness was observed with increasing CPD. Elevated wall stresses were found throughout the aneurysm dome, neck, and parent artery in simulations of the aneurysms with no filling. Complete, 100% filling of the aneurysms with whole blood clot and CPDs of 10%, 20%, and 30% significantly reduced mean wall stress (MWS) in simple and complex geometry aneurysms. Sequential increases in CPD resulted in significantly greater increases in MWS in simple but not complex geometry aneurysms. These results provide a quantitative measure of the degree to which CPD impacts wall stress and suggest that complex aneurysmal geometries may be more resistant to coil embolization treatment.

Predictors of Outcomes and Complications After Microsurgical and Endovascular Treatment of 1300 Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

We performed a rigorous statistical analysis of the complications and outcomes of patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Our emphasis was on the potential predictive factors when both surgical and endovascular management are offered by a team with balanced microsurgical and endovascular expertise.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2011, 1297 consecutive patients presenting with ruptured (n=829) or unruptured (n=468) aneurysms were prospectively enrolled in our vascular database. The treatment modality was determined by consensus of the endovascular and microsurgical teams. The patients' medical and neurological conditions and aneurysm characteristics were compared against the postintervention complication rates and outcomes using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The patients mostly underwent clipping for ruptured (63.7%) or unruptured (56.6%) aneurysms. For ruptured aneurysms, higher Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades on admission were key predictors of increased neurological (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and medical (P < 0.001 and P=0.041, respectively) complication rates. No significant differences in the outcomes were observed between the coiling or clipping groups during the follow-up period. For the unruptured group, a family history of intracranial aneurysms was the most relevant predictor for reducing neurological complication rates and increasing survival at 6 months. Hypertension was, however, the strongest factor associated with complications negatively affecting the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

For the ruptured and unruptured groups both, the outcomes were generally good, although neurological and medical complications were reasonably more frequent for the ruptured aneurysms. Coiling provided a sustained benefit in lowering the complication rates only in the short term for the unruptured aneurysms. Smoking was associated, paradoxically, with improved outcomes.

Use of a First Large-Sized Coil Versus Conventional Coils for Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysms: Effects on Packing Density, Coil Length, and Durable Occlusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of using a large-sized coil first on embolizing cerebral aneurysms compared with conventional coils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six patients with 51 saccular intracranial aneurysms who underwent embolization with a large-sized coil first were enrolled as the large-sized coil group. There were 33 female and 13 male patients with a mean age of 56.9 ± 8.8 years. The treatment modality was coiling alone in 30 aneurysms and stent-assisted coiling in 21. Meanwhile, 50 patients with 53 intracranial aneurysms who were treated with conventional-sized coils were selected as the control conventional-sized coil group, including 36 female and 14 male patients with a mean age of 54.6 ± 5.8 years. The treatment modality was coiling alone in 29 aneurysms and stent-assisted coiling in 24 aneurysms. The occlusion rate, percent packing volume, total coil number and length, and follow-up occlusion rate were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Significantly (P < 0.001) decreased percent packing volume (19.54% ± 6.44% vs. 27.39% ± 5.68%), decreased coil number (2.98 ± 1.09 vs. 6.38 ± 1.65), and length (26.20 ± 26.57 vs. 44.35 ± 35.88 cm) were achieved in the large versus the conventional coil group. At angiographic follow-up of 8 months, only 1 aneurysm (2.2%) recurred in the large coil group compared with 5 aneurysms recurrent (11.1%) in the conventional coil group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a large-sized coil as the first one for embolizing cerebral aneurysms may be a better embolization strategy because it achieves similar initial occlusion rates, decreased packing density, decreased coil numbers and lengths, and reduced recurrence prevalence at follow-up.

Cost Analysis of Endovascular Coiling and Surgical Clipping for the Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Cost-effectiveness analyses for the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are necessary to determine health policy, treatment guidelines, and screening protocols for cerebral aneurysms. To perform these modeling studies, detailed cost data are necessary and are currently lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine detailed inpatient cost of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our ruptured subarachnoid hemorrhage database was performed to identify consecutive patients between January 2013 and December 2015. Patients were searched by International Classification of Disease 9 diagnosis and procedure codes. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were acquired. The cost breakdown was compiled into a comprehensive itemized list encompassing all aspects of hospitalization. A mean cost based on resource used per patient was obtained.

RESULTS

There were 269 patients treated, 209 were coiled and 60 were clipped. Mean age in the clipping group was 49 years and 55 years in the coil group (P = 0.006). Other patient demographics and clinical characteristics were found to be statistically similar for both groups. Total cost per patient for treatment and hospital stay was $74,192 for clipping and $85,553 for coiling (P = 0.06). Cost amplified with increasing Hunt and Hess grade in both clipping and coiling groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The detailed cost information reported in this article can be used to help establish appropriate, standardized costs nationally by improving transparency. It can also help provide critical information necessary to develop cost-effective treatment algorithms and screening protocols.