Multi-modality treatment for intracranial arteriovenous malformation associated with arterial aneurysm

Postoperative Hemorrhage in Patients with Aneurysms Associated with Arteriovenous Malformations. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rates of postoperative hemorrhages (PHs) for aneurysms associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) evaluating the lesion that was initially treated.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. After the data extraction, the total numbers and percentages were calculated through summary statistics and were subject to meta-analysis. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the ROBINS-I tool and to determine the certainty of the evidence, we utilized the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology.

RESULTS

Out of the 738 records screened, 28 studies were chosen for data extraction with a total of 1671 patients. Hemorrhagic presentation was observed between 38% and 100% of patients across the studies included. The pooled period prevalence of PH after intervention was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI = 0.03-0.07). Stratified analysis according to which lesion was treated first demonstrated a slightly lower rates of PH when aneurysms were treated first, compared when the AVM was managed first or if both lesions were treated simultaneously (P = 0.02). Rates of hemorrhage for lesions in the infratentorial location (0.21; 95% CI = 0.01-0.42) were much higher after intervention compared to noninfratentorial location (0.05; 95% CI = 0.03-0.07), and this difference reached statistical significance (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage rates were lower when treating the aneurysm first, but their risk was higher when treating infratentorial lesions. The decision on which lesion should be treated first should be individualized according to the feeder vessels, the AVM and aneurysmal size, location, and overall functionality of the patients.

The incidence of infratentorial arteriovenous malformation-associated aneurysms: an institutional case series and systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)-associated aneurysms represent a high-risk feature predisposing them to rupture. Infratentorial AVMs have been shown to have a greater incidence of associated aneurysms, however the existing data is outdated and biased. The aim of our research was to compare the incidence of supratentorial vs infratentorial AVM-associated aneurysms.

METHODS

Patients were identified from our institutional AVM registry, which includes all patients with an intracranial AVM diagnosis since 2000, regardless of treatment. Records were reviewed for clinical details, AVM characteristics, nidus location (supratentorial or infratentorial), and presence of associated aneurysms. Statistical comparisons were made using Fisher's exact or Wilcoxon rank sum tests as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis determined independent predictors of AVM-associated aneurysms. As a secondary analysis, a systematic literature review was performed, where studies documenting the incidence of AVM-associated aneurysms stratified by location were of interest.

RESULTS

From 2000-2024, 706 patients with 720 AVMs were identified, of which 152 (21.1%) were infratentorial. Intracranial hemorrhage was the most common AVM presentation (42.1%). The incidence of associated aneurysms was greater in infratentorial AVMs compared with supratentorial cases (45.4% vs 20.1%; P<0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that infratentorial nidus location was the singular predictor of an associated aneurysm, odds ratio: 2.9 (P<0.0001). Systematic literature review identified eight studies satisfying inclusion criteria. Aggregate analysis indicated infratentorial AVMs were more likely to harbor an associated aneurysm (OR 1.7) and present as ruptured (OR 3.9), P<0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

In this modern consecutive patient series, infratentorial nidus location was a significant predictor of an associated aneurysm and hemorrhagic presentation.

Endovascular Management of AVM-Associated Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Intracranial aneurysms are present in up to 18% of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. No consensus exists on the optimal treatment strategy for AVM-associated aneurysms. The goal of this study was to systematically review current endovascular treatment methods of AVM-associated intracranial aneurysms, radiographic outcomes, and periprocedural complications.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that investigated the use of endovascular treatments for management of patients with AVM-associated aneurysms. Collected variables included aneurysm and AVM location, aneurysm size and characteristics, AVM and aneurysm treatment modality, periprocedural complications, and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies with 237 patients and 314 AVM-associated intracranial aneurysms were included. Two-hundred twenty four aneurysms were flow-related (71.3%; 224/314), 80 were intranidal (25.5%; 80/314), and 10 were unrelated (3.2%; 10/314). Complete occlusion was 56.3% (18/32) for aneurysmal coil embolization and 99% (104/105) for parent vessel sacrifice. Of the 13 aneurysms treated with ethanol sclerotherapy, eight were successfully obliterated (8/13; 61%) using ethanol sclerotherapy alone and the rest required adjunct endovascular embolization for obliteration of the artery and associated aneurysm. The periprocedural complication rate was approximately 12% and consisted of ischemic symptoms, intracranial hemorrhage, and coiling complications.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular management options of AVM-associated intracranial aneurysms are limited and mostly comprised of primary aneurysmal coil embolization or parent vessel sacrifice using coils or liquid embolics. Embolization strategy depends on factors such as AVM angioarchitecture, rupture status, and adjunct AVM treatments.

Hybrid operation for arteriovenous malformations with associated multiple intracranial aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage: Case report

RATIONALE

The hybrid surgical concept for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with associated intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is still not widely practiced. Concomitant occurrence of AVMs with IAs is common. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as a result of AVM or IA rupture is often associated with these dual pathological phenomena. We present a case of concomitant occurrence of AVMs and IAs that was successfully treated using the hybrid operation concept.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 62-year-old man presented with sudden onset of severe headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting for 4 hours.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography revealed SAH and a hematoma in the right frontal lobe. A computed tomographic angiogram also revealed a right frontal AVM with 3 IAs.

INTERVENTIONS

We used a hybrid operating room to successfully treat both AVMs and IAs.

OUTCOMES

Two years of follow-up showed that the patients were well and performed their daily duties.

LESSONS

The hybrid operating room is an innovative, safe, and effective method for the treatment of AVMs with associated IAs, particularly high-grade AVMs and IAs with hemorrhage or SAH. Patients with concomitant AVMs and IAs have the highest chance of hemorrhage compared with those with AVM or IAs alone.

The Effect of Flow-Related Aneurysms on Hemorrhagic Risk of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations

BACKGROUND

Previous reports indicated an association between hemorrhagic presentation and flow-related aneurysms in arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients. However, it remains unclear whether these flow-related aneurysms result in the hemorrhage of AVM.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize this hemorrhage risk using our institutional experience over 25 yr.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients at our institution diagnosed with AVM from 1990 to 2015. Patients without associated aneurysms (AVM only) and those with flow-related aneurysms (AVM-FA) were compared. Those with intranidal or unrelated aneurysms were excluded. Annual risk of AVM-related hemorrhage was calculated using the birth-to-treatment approach and compared using Poisson rate ratio test.

RESULTS

Among 526 patients, there were 457 AVM only patients and 69 with flow-related aneurysms. AVM-FA patients were older (P = .005). AVMs with flow-related aneurysms were more likely located in the cerebellar vermis and hemispheres (P = .023 and .001, respectively). Presence of flow-related aneurysms increased the risk of presentation with subarachnoid hemorrhage (P < .001). Interestingly, no significant differences in presenting hemorrhage due to AVM rupture were found (P > .356). The majority of aneurysms were untreated (69.5%), and only 8 (9.8%) had ruptured presentation. At follow-up (mean = 5.3 yr), patients with flow-related aneurysms were less likely to develop seizures (P = .004). The annual risk of AVM hemorrhage was 1.33% and 1.05% for AVM only patients and AVM-FA patients, respectively (P = .248).

CONCLUSION

Despite increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation, there was no increased likelihood of rupture in AVMs with flow-related aneurysms. More studies are warranted, as clarifying the competing risks of AVM vs aneurysm rupture may be critical in determining optimal treatment strategy.

[Foreign accent syndrome after aneurysmal disappearance due to AVM treatment]

Introducción:

Los aneurismas asociados a malformaciones arteriovenosas (MAV) son lesiones vasculares que suelen encontrarse hasta en el 15% de los casos, incrementando el riesgo global de hemorragia. La conducta frente a los aneurismas asociados es dicotómica en la literatura, mientras existen reportes de la desaparición de los mismos luego de la exéresis de la MAV, otros artículos enfatizan su tratamiento precoz. El síndrome del acento extranjero es un raro trastorno neurológico en el que el paciente habla su lengua materna como lo haría una persona extranjera y suena con “acento” extranjero a oídos de los oyentes nativos.

Objetivo:

Presentar un paciente que desarrolla el síndrome del acento extranjero posterior a la exéresis de una MAV y la evolución de un aneurisma asociado.

Presentación de caso:

Paciente pediátrico que luego de la exéresis de una MAV fronto-opercular posterior izquierda remite por completo un aneurisma de hiperflujo asociado, presentando en el postquirúrgico el síndrome del acento extranjero.

Conclusión:

Queda reportado el caso de este raro síndrome y la resolución espontánea de un aneurisma proximal luego de la exéresis de una MAV.

Arterial aneurysms associated with arteriovenous malformations of the brain: classification, incidence, risk of hemorrhage, and treatment-a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Aneurysms associated with brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) influence the natural history of these lesions and pose important therapeutic challenges. However, the epidemiology, natural history, and appropriate management of the aneurysms associated with bAVMs are not completely understood due to the paucity of large and uniform studies. We performed a systematic review of published series examining the association between aneurysms and bAVMs with the purpose of clarifying the prevalence, risk of hemorrhage, and appropriate management of these lesions.

METHOD

PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines were followed. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of three databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid EMBASE) on aneurysms associated with bAVMs. Only studies examining consecutive case series of aneurysms associated with bAVMs were included. From the collected studies, we extracted data regarding prevalence of bAVM-associated aneurysms, risk of aneurysm rupture in relation to bAVM location and aneurysm characteristics, and treatment-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Our systematic review included 44 articles with a total of 10,093 bAVMs. The proportion of bAVMs with an associated aneurysm was 20.2 % (95 % CI = 19.4-20.9 %). Among ruptured bAVMs with associated aneurysms, the aneurysm was the source of hemorrhage in 49.2 % (95 % CI = 43.7-54.7 %) of cases. Flow-related aneurysms were the most common source of aneurysm rupture (78.5 %, 95 % CI = 70.6-84.9 %). Infratentorial bAVM-associated aneurysms presented a higher risk of rupture (60 %, 95 % CI = 47.4-71.9 %) when compared with supratentorial lesions (29 %, 95 % CI = 21.4-38.5 %). Endovascular treatment of aneurysms associated with bAVMs had a cure rate of 80.0 % (95 % CI = 73.3-85.3 %), complication rate of 8.7 % (95 % CI = 5.5-13.1 %), and a good neurological outcome rate of 78.8 % (95 % CI = 72.5-83.9 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty percent of bAVMs harbored arterial aneurysms. The presence of aneurysm increases the risk of bleeding of the bAVM, especially when flow-related or infratentorially located. Aneurysms associated with bAVMs should be treated promptly. Selective endovascular treatment of bAVM-associated aneurysms appears safe and effective.

Targeted embolization reduces hemorrhage complications in partially embolized cerebral AVM combined with gamma knife surgery

This study investigated the effect and safety of targeted embolization in partially embolized cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) followed by gamma knife surgery (GKS). We retrospectively analyzed 86 AVM patients who were targeted embolized by Onyx followed by GKS for residual nidus. Embolization-related complications were collected and the clinical effect was evaluated. During targeted embolization, intranidus or hemodynamic aneurysms and AVM-related fistula were evaluated and targeted embolized. Patients with AVM-related aneurysms and fistula were divided into a targeted embolization group and non-targeted embolization group based on the retrospectively determined treatment strategy. The effect of targeted embolization on hemorrhage risk was evaluated. The overall annual hemorrhage rate was 1.66% with 2.26% for ruptured AVMs and 1.08% for unruptured lesions. The annual mortality rate was 0.4%. Only one in 16 patients with embolization-related complications had permanent neurologic deficit. Twenty-four of 29 cases with intranidus aneurysms were targeted embolized, four of five cases with hemodynamic aneurysms were targeted embolized and eight of nine cases with arteriovenous fistula were targeted embolized. Chi square results showed the hemorrhage complications in the target embolization group were significantly lower than those in the non-target embolization group (p < 0.01). Targeted embolization combined with GKS treatment decreased the annual hemorrhage rate and improved clinical outcome with low permanent complications in partially embolized AVMs. This method could be proposed for the treatment of large brain AVMs when a single-technique treatment is not feasible.

Ruptured feeder aneurysm associated with cerebellar arteriovenous malformation

We report 2 cases of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery associated with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The aneurysm and AVM were simultaneously embolized with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. In one case both the aneurysm and the AVM were totally obliterated; in the other case the AVM was subsequently treated with radiosurgery. In both cases the aneurysms were successfully occluded. The effectiveness and limitations of this treatment are discussed.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms associated with arteriovenous malformations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In univariate survival analysis, coexisting aneurysms was associated with a significantly increased risk of hemorrhage in AVMs. We report here on our clinical experience with AVMs associated with arterial aneurysms that were managed by endovascular treatment.

METHODS

To determine the incidence of associated aneurysms, the authors reviewed 366 consecutive patients with AVMs managed between 1999 and 2009. In 86 (23.5%) of these 366 patients, 55 intranidal aneurysms and 40 proximal aneurysms were observed. Targeted endovascular treatment with coils, n-butylcyanoacrylate(NBCA) and Onyx was performed for patients in this series, using a standard protocol. We reviewed the treatment plans, radiological findings and clinical courses of 86 patients suffering AVM associated with aneurysm.

RESULTS

Ninety-five aneurysms in 86 patients with AVMs were enrolled in this study. Hemorrhage was the most frequent presenting symptom (69 patients, 80.2%). Bleeding was caused by an AVM nidus in 44 cases, aneurysm rupture in 20 and an undetermined origin in 5. Four patients were treated for associated aneurysm with coils followed by AVM embolization and 82 patients were treated with NBCA or Onyx embolization. There were total of 3 complications (3.5%) clinically significant complications in this series. Excellent or good outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale ≥ 4) were observed in 63 (73.3%) patients at discharge. Neurological deficits (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1-4) were 16.6% at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment can be adequately used for cerebral aneurysms associated with AVMs as an adjunct to microsurgery and radiosurgery.

Embolization and radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations

The treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) requires a multidisciplinary management including microsurgery, endovascular embolization, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This article reviews the recent advancements in the multimodality treatment of patients with AVMs using endovascular neurosurgery and SRS. We describe the natural history of AVMs and the role of endovascular and radiosurgical treatment as well as their interplay in the management of these complex vascular lesions. Also, we present some representative cases treated at our institution.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations associated with flow-related and circle of Willis aneurysms

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with coexisting flow-related and Willis circle aneurysms.

METHODS

The 302 consecutive retrospectively reviewed patients from the Beijing Tiantan Hospital were analyzed in this study. The presence of cerebral aneurysms was confirmed by pretreatment selective and superselective angiography. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for patient age, sex, history of rupture, associated aneurysms, AVM size, and deep and superficial venous drainage.

RESULTS

Of the 302 patients, 41 (13.6%) had AVMs associated with intranidal aneurysms, and 33 (10.9%) had AVMs associated with extranidal aneurysms. Of the 33 patients, 24 (72.7%) had a flow-related and 9 (27.3%) had a Willis circle aneurysm. Flow-related and Willis circle aneurysms correlated positively with intracranial hemorrhage (P = 0.003), patient age (P = 0.003), and infratentorial AVMs (P = 0.040) in multiple univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Flow-related and Willis circle aneurysms coexisting with cerebral AVMs frequently are associated with initial hemorrhage presentation, patient age, and infratentorial AVM location.

Characteristics of arteriovenous malformations associated with cerebral aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) associated with cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

A total of 302 consecutive, retrospectively reviewed patients from the Beijing Tiantan Hospital were analyzed in this study. The presence of cerebral aneurysm was confirmed by pretherapeutic selective and superselective angiography. Clinical presentation was categorized as intracranial hemorrhage or nonhemorrhagic presentation. Univariate and multivariate statistical models were applied to test the effect of age, sex, AVM size and location, and venous drainage pattern.

RESULTS

Of the 302 patients, 74 (24.5%) had AVMs associated with cerebral aneurysms. AVMs coexisting with aneurysms were significantly associated with hemorrhage at initial presentation (2.27; 95% confidence interval 1.31-3.95; P = 0.003). Infratentorial AVM location was significantly associated with AVMs coexisting with aneurysms (2.31; 95% confidence interval 1.02-5.24; P = 0.040). Deep or superficial venous drainage, female sex, or AVM size were not significantly associated with AVMs coexisting with aneurysms. The regression model showed significant effect was found for initial presentation with hemorrhage (P = 0.003), age (P = 0.003), and infratentorial AVM location (P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that AVMs associated with cerebral aneurysms are frequently associated with initial hemorrhage presentation and infratentorial AVM location.

Interdisciplinary clinical management of high grade arteriovenous malformations and ruptured flow-related aneurysms in the posterior fossa

Posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations are rare entities and treatment modalities technically challenging. In recent years new therapeutic options have emerged through microsurgical and endovascular means. Based on a series of six cases we describe combined interdisciplinary treatment strategies and report the outcome in a midterm follow-up interval of 12 months. Clinical case data were collected during acute phase and follow-up including standardized angiographic control intervals during follow-up and assessment of the outcome. Treatment options included endovascular techniques as well as microsurgical techniques. All reported cases had SAH based on ruptured flow-related aneurysms in posterior fossa AVM; three out of six had multiple aneurysms. In one case we observed a de novo formation of two flow-associated distal aneurysms in an interval of ten years. Two patients were treated only endovascularly, one patient only surgically and three patients with combined methods. Five out of six patients had a good outcome (GOS 4 or 5). One died in the acute phase. Infratentorial AVMs are rare but characterized by a high risk of rupture and SAH, especially in conjunction with flow related aneurysms, which are predictors of poor outcome. The anatomic conditions of the posterior fossa may lead quickly to life-threatening complications due to mass effects. The present study indicates that treatment strategies in the acute phase should focus on flow-related aneurysms, followed by an elective AVM embolization and ectomy whenever possible. An experienced interdisciplinary team and the combination of techniques contribute to a reduction of complications and to a better outcome.