Current perspectives and trends in the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations: a review and bibliometric analysis

Long-Term Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Focused Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Based on Rupture Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive treatment option for brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs). However, SRS cures are delayed, making it less favorable for higher risk ruptured bAVMs (rbAVMs) than unruptured (ubAVMs). This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the long-term outcomes of SRS-focused protocols for rbAVMs and ubAVMs. This study adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Literature search was conducted using PubMed, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and hand-search on January 30th, 2025. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies: distinguishing cohorts by rupture status, reporting post-SRS outcomes, and without overlapping series. Pooled analysis was performed from 24 articles using DerSimonian-Laird random effects models. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also conducted. All analyses were performed using R. For rbAVMs, the pooled rupture, obliteration, and mortality rates were 7.14% (95% CI: 5.76%-8.64%), 65.0% (95% CI: 57.2%-72.4%), and 0.87% (95% CI: 0.00%-5.14%), respectively, and for ubAVMs, 6.13% (95% CI: 4.71%-7.69%), 59.5% (95% CI: 51.3%-67.3%), and 0.89% (95% CI: 0.00%-3.82%), respectively. Subgroup meta-analyses of rupture rates and obliteration rates showed no significant differences based on prior treatments (Q = 2.47, p = 0.48; Q = 4.34, p = 0.23; respectively) or volume-staging protocols (Q = 4.90, p = 0.18; Q = 1.12, p = 0.77, respectively). Meta-regression analysis for rbAVMs demonstrated a positive correlation between intranidal aneurysms and rupture rate (p < 0.05, R2 = 100%), an inverse correlation between Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade I-II bAVMs and obliteration rate (p < 0.05, R2 = 68.6%), and a positive correlation between SM grade III-V bAVMs and obliteration rate (p < 0.05, R2 = 68.0%). Meta-regression analysis for ubAVMs demonstrated an inverse correlation between eloquent-region lesions and rupture rate (p < 0.05, R2 = 31.3%), and surprisingly a positive correlation between mean age and obliteration rate (p < 0.05, R2 = 23.8%). SRS-focused studies show similar long-term outcomes regardless of rupture status, but presence of underlying factors indicates the need for individualized risk-benefit analysis.

Research progress and hotspot analysis of type B aortic dissection: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023

This study aimed to analyze and visualize the research on type B aortic dissection (TBAD) over the past 20 years through bibliometric research. To reveal the development process of TBAD research and the transitions of research hotspots. Literatures was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis utilized tools such as Microsoft Office Excel, VOSviewer and CiteSpace for bibliometric mapping and visualization, including assessing publication volumes and constructing collaborative networks and keyword burst graphs. A total of 1391 related articles or reviews on TBAD were included. The number of annual publications is steadily increasing. China was the top country in terms of the number of publications. University of Michigan (n = 60) was the most productive university. The Journal of Vascular Surgery (n = 183) was the most published and co-cited journal. Keywords burst analysis showed that "guidelines", "spinal-cord ischemia", "society", "impact", and "aortic remodeling" were the most frequently used keywords in recent years. In general, the research focus of TBAD has gradually changed from selecting the surgical method to the best clinical management and patient prognosis after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Promoting positive aortic remodeling and aortic hemodynamics may be the research hotspots in the future.

A comparative analysis of microsurgical resection versus stereotactic radiosurgery for Spetzler-Martin grade III arteriovenous malformations: A multicenter propensity score matched study

BACKGROUND

Spetzler-Martin (SM) Grade III brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) represent a transitional risk zone between low- and high-grade BAVMs, characterized by diverse angioarchitecture. The primary treatment options are endovascular embolization, microsurgical resection (MS), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This study compares the efficacy and outcomes of MS and SRS.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study involving patients from the MISTA database with SM Grade III BAVMs treated with MS or SRS between 2010 and 2023. Propensity matching was based on age, favorable modified Rankin Score (mRS) at presentation, nidus size, rupture status, location depth, and eloquence.

RESULTS

After matching, 60 patients were equally divided between MS and SRS groups. Median age (MS: 45.0 vs. SRS: 42.5 years, p = 0.3) and AVM size (MS: 3.2 vs. SRS: 2.9 cm3, p = 0.6) were similar. MS showed higher obliteration rates (93.3 %) compared to SRS (46.7 %) at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). The median time to obliteration post-SRS was 31.5 months (IQR: 15.3-60.0). SRS obliteration rates were 19 %, 29 %, and 59 % at 24, 36, and 60 months, respectively. Overall complication rates (MS: 30 % vs. SRS: 20 %, p = 0.4) and permanent complications (MS: 10 % vs. SRS: 13.3 %, p > 0.9) were similar. Hemorrhage occurred once in the MS group and none in the SRS (p > 0.9). Favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) were higher with SRS than MS (93.3 % vs 80.0 %, p = 0.3), with one AVM-related mortality in the MS group.

CONCLUSION

MS and SRS are viable treatments for SM Grade III BAVMs. Treatment choice should be individualized by a multidisciplinary team, considering patient goals.

Adenosine-assisted embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex lesions that can cause hemorrhagic stroke and significant neurological disability. Adenosine induces cardiac standstill and hypotension, which are thought to be useful during cerebral AVM embolization. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the technique's safety.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases were queried for studies describing the use of adenosine-assisted embolization of cerebral AVMs. Adenosine-related intraoperative complications, permanent neurological outcomes, morbidity, and mortality assessed the technique's safety. Single proportion analysis under a random-effects model was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot analysis and Egger's regression test.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included, involving 79 patients (55.7% male) with 79 AVMs (54.4% unruptured and 70.9% Spetzler-Martin grade III-V) who underwent 123 embolizations (80.4% and 5.9% under transarterial and transvenous approaches, respectively) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (80.4%), ethylene vinyl alcohol (14.4%), or both (5.2%). The incidence of transient adenosine-related intraoperative complications was 0% (95% CI 0% to 3%, I2=24%). Besides, the incidence of adenosine-related morbidity, mortality, and permanent outcomes was 0% (95% CI 0% to 3%, I2=0%). During follow-up, good functional outcomes were reported for 64 patients (81%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenosine's effects on blood flow control can facilitate embolization and mitigate the risk of AVM rupture and embolic agent migration. Although current evidence stems from observational studies, the results of this meta-analysis suggest a safe drug profile due to minimal associated morbidity and mortality. Further research from larger randomized and controlled studies is warranted to attain a higher level of evidence.

PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER

CRD42023494116.

Rapid and Significant Angioarchitectural Changes in the Carotid Artery and Its Branches After Endovascular Treatment of Acute Hemorrhage Due to a Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) are rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.01%. Symptoms typically present in adults under 40, often beginning with hemorrhage in 61% of cases. The annual risk of hemorrhage is between 2-4%, with a mortality rate of 10%, and 50% of survivors may experience permanent neurological deficits. Embolization can induce changes in the angioarchitecture of the affected vessels. Our case uniquely demonstrates a morphological alteration in the carotid artery (CA) and its primary branches, associated with the presence of a CAVM. Detailed Case Presentation: A 52-year-old patient presented to the Emergency Department with weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that began earlier that morning. Clinical and radiological evaluations suggested acute bleeding from a ruptured CAVM. The patient was admitted for digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and potential embolization. DSA confirmed the presence of a CAVM, supplied by the middle meningeal and occipital arteries, with distortion of the left CA angioarchitecture. Selective catheterization and embolization using Onyx 18 were successfully performed. After receiving supportive treatment, the patient was discharged in good condition. A follow-up CT scan three months later showed complete resolution of the brain pathologies. A repeat angiogram revealed no recanalization of the CAVM, with normalization of the CA and its branches. The patient is currently asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of pathological changes in the head and neck arteries linked to CAVM can predict rupture risk and complicate endovascular access. Identifying these changes early warrants consideration of interventions to prevent hemorrhage, though alternative access routes or strategies may be needed for safe, effective treatment.