Epidemiology and burden of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective sentinel surveillance study in a Tunisian Medical ICU, 2022/2023

BACKGROUND

Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) caused by influenza and other respiratory viruses pose significant global health challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained healthcare systems. As the focus shifts from the pandemic to other respiratory infections, assessing the epidemiology and burden of SARI is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Aim: to understand the impact of the post-pandemic period on the epidemiology of SARI cases, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization in Tunisia.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted in a Tunisian MICU part of a national sentinel surveillance system, focusing on enhanced SARI surveillance. SARI cases from week 39/2022, 26 September to week 19/2023, 13 May were included, according to a standardized case definition. Samples were collected for virological RT-PCR testing, and an electronic system ensured standardized and accurate data collection. Descriptive statistics were performed to assess epidemiology, trends, and outcomes of SARI cases, and univariate/multivariate analyses to assess factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Among 312 MICU patients, 164 SARI cases were identified during the study period. 64(39%) RT-PCR were returned positive for at least one pathogen, with influenza A and B strains accounting for 20.7% of cases at the early stages of the influenza season. The MICU experienced a significant peak in admissions during weeks 1-11/2023, leading to resource mobilization and the creation of a surge unit. SARI cases utilized 1664/3120 of the MICU-stay days and required 1157 mechanical ventilation days. The overall mortality rate among SARI cases was 22.6%. Age, non-COPD, and ARDS were identified as independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified a relatively high rate of SARI cases, with 39% positivity for at least one respiratory virus, with influenza A and B strains occurring predominantly during the early stages of the influenza season. The findings shed light on the considerable resource utilization and mortality associated with these infections, underscoring the urgency for proactive management and efficient resource allocation strategies.

Persistent Opacification of the Woven EndoBridge Device: A Conebeam CT Analysis of the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 Phenomenon

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Some Woven EndoBridge devices present a persistent intradevice opacification at imaging follow-up, described as the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score 1 (BOSS 1) phenomenon. The clinical implications remain unknown. We aimed here to analyze the factors influencing this occurrence and to precisely describe the evolution of BOSS 1 with time using conebeam CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained Woven EndoBridge database at our tertiary center and included all patients with isolated BOSS 1 and BOSS 1 associated with small neck remnant (BOSS 1 + 2).

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-seven aneurysms were treated with a Woven EndoBridge device between July 2012 and December 2021. Follow-up with DSA was available for 220 aneurysms (median, 5 months), among which BOSS 1 and 1 + 2 were found in 9.1% (20/220) (95% CI, 5.5%-12.7%). A second DSA follow-up (median, 17 months) was performed in 15 of these 20 aneurysms, which revealed that 40% had evolved to complete Woven EndoBridge occlusion, 33% showed a decreased persistent opacification, and 27% remained stable. BOSS 1 was significantly associated with postoperative antiplatelet medication, a lower aneurysm aspect ratio, and the use of the Woven EndoBridge 17 (P  < .05). The average Woven EndoBridge shape modification was less pronounced in the BOSS 1 population (P  < .02). None of the BOSS 1 or 1 + 2 aneurysms required retreatment or were associated with hemorrhage occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated persistent flow inside the Woven EndoBridge device at follow-up is rare and notably associated with antiplatelet prescription. It seems to present a benign course in most cases.

Endovascular Treatment of Small and Very Small Intracranial Aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge Device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Woven EndoBridge has proved to be a safe and effective treatment, especially for wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. The recent fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge came with smaller devices. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of Woven EndoBridge treatment of small and very small aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2017 and March 2020, all consecutive patients treated with a 3- or 3.5 mm-width Woven EndoBridge device were included in this retrospective intention-to-treat study. Clinical and radiologic findings were evaluated at immediate and last-available follow-up. Angiographic outcome was assessed by an external expert reader.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-eight aneurysms were treated with a fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge device including 29 with a width of ≤3.5 mm. Ten aneurysms were ruptured (34%). In 3 cases (10%), Woven EndoBridge treatment could not be performed because the aneurysm was still too small for the smallest available Woven EndoBridge device and another endovascular strategy was chosen. The median follow-up time was 11.2 months. Complete and adequate occlusion was obtained in 71% and 90% of the treated aneurysms, respectively. Retreatment was needed in 2 cases (10%). Symptomatic ischemic complications leading to transient neurologic deficits occurred in 2 cases (7%) (1 procedure-related and 1 device-related) but with full spontaneous recovery at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The fifth-generation Woven EndoBridge device seems to be a safe and technically feasible treatment for both ruptured and unruptured small and very small intracranial aneurysms, with satisfactory occlusion rates on midterm follow-up. However, further study is needed to evaluate longer-term efficiency.

Impact of A1 Asymmetry on the Woven EndoBridge Device in Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices are increasingly used to treat intracranial aneurysms. A1 asymmetry contributes to anterior communicating artery aneurysm formation and to treatment instability after coiling. We sought to evaluate whether A1 asymmetry had an impact on angiographic outcome in anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with the WEB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated between July 2012 and July 2020 with the WEB from an institutional review board-approved database were reviewed. A1 asymmetry was categorized as the following: absence of the A1 segment on 1 side (unilateral A1) versus bilateral A1. Univariate and multivariable analyses assessed independent predictors of adequate (WEB Occlusion Scale A, B, and C) and complete occlusion (WEB Occlusion Scale A and B).

RESULTS

Forty-eight individual aneurysms (47 patients) were included in the final analysis, of which 16 (33%) were acutely ruptured. The mean size was 6.5 (SD, 2.2) mm. Adequate and complete occlusion was achieved in 33 (69%) and 30 (63%) cases, respectively. Unilateral A1 was associated with significantly higher rates of adequate (92% versus 60% for bilateral A1; P = .03) and complete occlusion (92% versus 50% for bilateral A1; P < .01). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed unilateral A1 as an independent predictor of both adequate (OR = 10.6; 95% CI, 1.6-220.7; P = .04) and complete occlusion (OR = 9.5, 95% CI, 1.5-190.2; P = .04. A sensitivity analysis comparing unilateral "functional" A1 with bilateral "functional" A1 showed similar results. WEB shape modification was not influenced by the unilateral A1 configuration (P = .70).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior communicating artery aneurysms with a unilateral A1 configuration treated with WEB devices are associated with better angiographic outcome than those with bilateral A1. This finding supports the hypothesis that WEB devices are resistant to unilateral flow in the aneurysm as opposed to coils.

Blood Flow Mimicking Aneurysmal Wall Enhancement: A Diagnostic Pitfall of Vessel Wall MRI Using the Postcontrast 3D Turbo Spin-Echo MR Imaging Sequence

Our aim was to compare the detectability of aneurysmal wall enhancement in unruptured intracranial aneurysms between conventional and motion-sensitized driven equilibrium-prepared postcontrast 3D T1-weighted TSE sequences (sampling perfection with applicationoptimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolution, SPACE). Twenty-two patients with 30 unruptured intracranial aneurysms were scanned at 3T. Aneurysmal wall enhancement was more significantly detected using conventional compared with motion-sensitized driven equilibrium-prepared SPACE sequences (10/30 versus 2/30, P < .0001). Contrast-to-noise ratio measurements did not differ between conventional and motion-sensitized driven equilibrium-prepared sequences (P = .51). Flowing blood can mimic aneurysmal wall enhancement using conventional SPACE sequences with potential implications for patient care.

Retrospective Analysis of Delayed Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage after Flow-Diverter Treatment: Presentation of a Retrospective Multicenter Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intracranial aneurysm treatment with flow diverters has shown satisfying results in terms of aneurysm occlusion, and while some cases of delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage have been described, no systematic analysis of the risk factors affecting its occurrence has been conducted in a large series of patients. This retrospective analysis of delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage after flow-diverter treatment is a multicenter, retrospective study using a large series of treated patients to analyze factors affecting the occurrence of delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated with flow diverters and presenting with delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage were included from December 2007 to December 2014 in 7 participating centers in France. Patient and aneurysm characteristics were recorded as were characteristics of bleeding (size, lateralization, and time to bleed), treatment, and clinical outcome after 1, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS

Delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 11 patients between 1 and 21 days after the procedure. In 10 of these patients, hemorrhages were ipsilateral to the treated aneurysms. Five of the 11 underwent surgery, and 9 of the 11 had good clinical outcomes at 6 months (mRS ≤2).

CONCLUSIONS

The pathogenesis of delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage occurring after flow-diverter treatment remains unclear. The multidisciplinary management of delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage yields a relatively low morbidity-mortality rate compared with the initial clinical presentation.

[Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage: Anatomical, clinical and therapeutic considerations about one case, and review of the literature]

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae with perimedullary venous drainage are unusual type of vascular brain malformations. Patients may present with a rapidly progressive ascending myelopathy associated with autonomic dysfunction, which can cause a misdiagnosis and delay the therapeutic management. These clinical signs must be quickly recognized to avoid a poor outcome. The authors report the case of a 60-year-old woman presenting with a progressive myelopathy due to a dural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage. The diagnosis was suspected on brain-spinal MRI and confirmed by brain arteriography visualizing the arteriovenous shunt in the middle segment of the superior petrous sinus. MRI showed edema in the medulla oblongata. The treatment was performed early by endovascular glue embolization of the arteriovenous shunt and of the origin of the vein. Brain arteriography and clinical follow-up, one month later, showed complete disappearance of the dural fistula and regression of clinical symptoms. MRI control showed the reduction of the brain stem edema. Because of the early pejorative prognosis of these kinds of fistulae, early diagnosis and treatment are needed.

Predictive factors for successful sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence: results of trial stimulation in 200 patients

AIM

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has a place in the treatment algorithm for faecal incontinence (FI). However, after implantation, 15-30% of patients with FI fail to respond for unknown reasons. We investigated the effect of SNS on continence and quality of life (QOL) and tried to identify specific predictive factors of the success of permanent SNS in the treatment of FI.

METHOD

Two hundred consecutive patients (six men; median age = 60; range 16-81) underwent permanent implantation for FI. The severity of FI was evaluated by the Cleveland Clinic Score. Quality of life was evaluated by the French version of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) quality of life questionnaire (FIQL). All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation. After permanent implantation, severity and QOL scores were reevaluated after six and 12 months and then once a year.

RESULTS

The severity scores were significantly reduced during SNS (P = 0.001). QOL improved in all domains. At the 6-month follow-up, the clinical outcome of the permanent implant was not affected by age, gender, duration of symptoms, QOL, main causes of FI, anorectal manometry or endoanal ultrasound results. Only loose stool consistency (P = 0.01), persistent FI even though diarrhoea was controlled by medical treatment (P = 0.004), and low stimulation intensity (P = 0.02) were associated with improved short-term outcomes. Multivariate analysis confirmed that loose stool consistency and low stimulation intensity were related to a favourable outcome.

CONCLUSION

Stool consistency and low stimulation intensity have been identified as predictive factors for the short-term outcome of SNS.

Long-term follow-up of 1036 cerebral aneurysms treated by bare coils: a multicentric cohort treated between 1998 and 2003

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The endovascular treatment (EVT) of cerebral aneurysms has experienced a revolution since 1991 with the introduction of platinum coil technology. During the past 10 years, there has been significant study of the feasibility of this technique, and clinical results of EVT have been published. The long-term durability of Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization of cerebral aneurysms still remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of anatomic occlusion of aneurysms and to assess the rate of recanalization and retreatment of these aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1998 and December 2003, 1036 aneurysms (804 ruptured and 232 nonruptured) were treated consecutively with GDC coils in 5 neuroradiology centers. Procedural feasibility, acute angiographic occlusion results, morbidity, and mortality associated with this technique were assessed. All patients were regularly followed by digital subtraction angiography and MR imaging each year after treatment.

RESULTS

Initial acute angiographic results in 1036 aneurysms demonstrated total occlusion in 731 patients (70.5%), subtotal occlusion in 252 (24.3%), incomplete occlusion in 20 (1.9%), and failures in 33% (3.3%) aneurysms. A remodeling technique was used in 10%. A second procedure was performed for 72 aneurysms (7%). The total aneurysm follow-up time was 49,923 months (4160.25 aneurysm-years). The retreatment period was either in the months following initial treatment in aneurysms incompletely occluded or in years due to recanalization or de novo aneurysms. Fewer than 5 patients rebled during 10 years of follow-up. Long-term follow-up angiograms were obtained in 899 aneurysms, with 646 total, 230 subtotal, and 23 incomplete results.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up of cerebral aneurysms is necessary to depict recanalization. Only 7% of the aneurysms were retreated. Use of bare coils gives a good long-term level of occlusion.

Impact of swallowing and ventilation on oropharyngeal cortical representation

Our aim was to determine whether ventilation and swallowing tasks can modify oropharyngeal cortical motor organisation. Mylohyoid motor-evoked potentials (MEP) induced by non-focal (NF) and focal (F) magnetic stimulations were recorded in nine healthy volunteers four times, with 1 week between each recording. Baseline values were evaluated and their reproducibility was assessed 1 week later. Thereafter, the subjects were asked to perform swallowing and ventilation tasks in random order 15 min per day for 1 week. The NF MEP amplitudes after the swallowing and ventilation tasks increased after effortful swallows (p<0.001) and ventilation efforts (p<0.001). The F MEP amplitudes obtained after focal cortical stimulations increased after effortful swallows (p<0.01) and ventilation efforts (p<0.05). The cortical magnitude of the oropharyngeal muscle representation increased after swallowing practice (p<0.01). In conclusion, swallowing and ventilation tasks modified the motor cortex of oropharyngeal muscles and should be evaluated for use in rehabilitation strategies.

Does magnetic stimulation of sacral nerve roots modify colonic motility? Results of a randomized double-blind sham-controlled study

Although sacral nerve root stimulation (SNS) can result in a symptomatic improvement of faecal incontinence, the mechanism of action remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether short-term magnetic SNS can inhibit pharmacologically induced propulsive colonic contractions. Twelve healthy volunteers (median age: 43.5 years old) were studied on two separate occasions and randomized into either active (15 Hz, 100% output intensity for 5 s min(-1) for 30 min) or sham rapid rate lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLSMS). Colorectal motility was recorded with a manometric catheter located at the most proximal transducer in the left colon and the most distal, in the rectum. Colonic contractions were provoked by instilling Bisacodyl. The effects of rLSMS on colonic, sigmoid and rectal contractions were monitored and recorded after Bisacodyl instillation. The appearance of high-amplitude contractions propagated or not (HAC/HAPC) provoked by Bisacodyl instillation was significantly delayed during active compared to sham stimulation (P = 0.03). There was no difference in the characteristics of HAC/HAPC (i.e. frequency, amplitude, duration, velocity of propagation) or the motility index with active or sham stimulation. The perception of urgency tended to be decreased with rLSMS following Bisacodyl instillation. The catheter was expulsed within a median of 16.5 min (range 8-39) after Bisacodyl administration during active stimulation compared to 14 min (range 5-40) during sham stimulation (P = 0.03). This study suggests that rLSMS could delay the appearance of the first Bisacodyl-induced colonic contractions.

Feasibility, procedural morbidity and mortality, and long-term follow-up of endovascular treatment of 321 unruptured aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, morbidity and mortality, and durability of occlusion of unruptured aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) with a long-term follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1998 and January 2005, we treated 321 unruptured aneurysms with GDCs in 5 neuroradiologic institutions. During this period, 63% of unruptured aneurysms were treated by endovascular technique. Procedural feasibility, technical complications, morbidity and mortality, and acute and long-term angiographic occlusion were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall technical feasibility of coiling treatment was 94%; 302 aneurysms were treated by endovascular technique. At the end of the initial procedure, acute occlusion was classified as complete in 207 cases (70%), subtotal in 84 cases (26.1%), and incomplete in 11 cases (3.9%). Ischemic complications were observed in 28 patients (9%); 8 patients (2.6%) had perforation of their aneurysms. Treatment-related morbidity was 14.4%, and morbidity with clinical complications was evaluated at 7.7% (n = 23 patients). Five patients (1.7%) died as a result of aneurysm perforation. Final follow-up angiograms, after 9 secondary treatments, demonstrated complete occlusion in 193 patients (69.5%), subtotal in 80 aneurysms (28.5%), and incomplete occlusion in 5 (1.8%). Nineteen patients were lost to follow-up (6.3%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular coiling with detachable coils is an attractive option for treatment of unruptured aneurysms. This method of treatment is safe with a low rate of complications. Prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to assess the long-term durability of occlusion in unruptured aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms as first option: a single center experience of 92 aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the results of endovascular treatment (EVT) of middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCAAs) in a center where embolization is the first treatment option considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two MCAAs were diagnosed in 87 patients between September 2001 and January 2006. The strategy of treatment (endovascular versus surgical), the clinical and angiographic results of embolization, and the ensuing complications are described.

RESULTS

Initially, 59 aneurysms (64.1%) in 55 patients were embolized, 18 (19.6%) were clipped, and 15 (16.3%) were not treated. Four endovascular procedures failed (7.3%), and 55 aneurysms in 51 patients were finally treated by embolization. During the procedure, complications occurred in 13 patients (25.5%) comprising 3 ruptures and 10 thromboembolisms. In the follow-up, 4 patients having a preoperative complication had a modified Rankin scale more than 2 (3 patients [5.9%]) or died (1 patient [2.0%]). Of the 55 embolized aneurysms, according to the Raymond scale, 23 (41.8%) were completely occluded, 24 (43.6%) retained a residual neck, and 8 (14.6%) were residual at the end of the first procedure. No bleeding was detected during the follow-up period in the embolized patients.

CONCLUSION

EVT of MCAA is effective for preventing rebleeding episodes within the first year of treatment judging by historical controls. The real question is whether clipping or coiling of MCAAs is better in terms of reducing rebleeding rates and complications rates in the long term, and such a determination would require a far larger number of patients over a much longer observation period.

Gastric electrical stimulation modulates hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor-producing neurons during post-operative ileus in rat

High-frequency/low-energy gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an efficient therapy to treat gastric emptying-related disorders but its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess the effects of high-frequency/low-energy GES on corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), which are involved in gastric ileus induced by laparotomy. Two electrodes were implanted in the rat gastric antrum during laparotomy, then stimulation (amplitude: 2 mA; pulse duration 330 micros; frequency: 2 Hz; 1 min ON/2 min OFF) or sham stimulation (control group) were applied. Using immunohistochemistry, the number of c-Fos protein-expressing neurons (c-Fos protein-immunoreactive cells, Fos-IR) was quantified in the PVN after 1 h of stimulation. The number of neurons expressing simultaneously c-Fos protein and CRF mRNA was measured by means of immunocytochemistry combined with in situ hybridization. Finally, c-Fos and CRF mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were determined by in situ hybridization or quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Fos-IR in the PVN was significantly decreased 1 h after GES (P<0.05) but was not affected by sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy. The number of neurons containing c-Fos protein and CRF mRNA was lower in the GES group compared with the control group (P<0.05). In addition, c-Fos and CRF mRNA levels in the PVN were significantly decreased by GES (P<or=0.05). It is concluded that acute GES reduces the number of CRF-producing neurons and decreases CRF expression in the PVN during post-operative gastric ileus.

Mylohyoid motor-evoked potentials relate to swallowing function after chronic stroke dysphagia

This work aimed to study mylohyoid motor-evoked potentials (MHMEPs) and examined if it is related to chronic stroke dysphagia. Conduction time (CT) and amplitudes of the right and left MHMEPs in response to focal cortical magnetic stimulations over affected and unaffected hemispheres were recorded in 16 stroke patients with aspiration (n = 9) or residue (n = 7) and compared with eight control patients. In control group, MHMEPs were present on ipsilateral and contralateral sides after stimulation of both hemispheres and permitted to determine a dominant hemisphere. In stroke patients, after stimulation of the affected hemisphere, ipsilateral MEPs had a longer CT and lower amplitudes in patients with aspiration compared with patients with residue or control patients (P < 0.05). Contralateral CT was not different between the three groups, but amplitudes were lower in patients with residue and aspiration than in control patients (P < 0.01). In the unaffected hemisphere, MHMEPs were present, and not different between the three groups for the ipsilateral side and amplitudes were decreased in contralateral side in patients with residue. In conclusion, MHMEP alterations of the affected hemisphere related to chronic stroke dysphagia severity and were closed to normal in the unaffected hemisphere.

[Natural history of intramedullary cavernomas. Results of the French Multicentric Study]

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of cerebral cavernomas is about 0.5% in the general population. In contrast, spinal cord cavernomas are considered as rare. The objective of this study was to determine the natural history of spinal cord cavernomas in a multicentric study.

METHODS

Clinical and neuroradiological findings were retrospectively collected. Diagnosis was based on pathological criteria or magnetic resonance (MR) findings.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were included (26 males, 27 females). Mean age at onset of symptoms was 40.2 years (range: 11-80). Initial symptoms were progressive (32) and acute myelopathy (20). One patient was asymptomatic. Clinical symptoms were related to spinal cord compression (24) and hematomyelia (19). Cavernoma location was dorsal (41) and cervical (12.). MR findings consisted of hyperintense signal on T1 and T2 sequences (19 cases), mixed hyperintense and hypointense signal (33 cases), and hypointense signal on T1 and T2 sequences in 1 case. Mean size was 16.3 mm (range: 3-54). Forty patients underwent surgical resection. Improvement was observed in 20 patients and worsening of neurological symptoms in 11. Length of follow up was 7.1 years. At the end of the study, 26 patients were autonomous, 18 handicapped and 1 bedridden.

CONCLUSION

This study provided precise data on the clinical and MR patterns of these lesions. The natural history is associated with a higher risk of hemorrhage recurrence, but is favorable in many operated patients. Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for most of these lesions.

[GDC 18 treatment of ruptured and non-ruptured aneurysms: angiographic results and early and midterm follow-up of 115 aneurysms]

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the technical feasibility, safety and results of intracranial aneurysm treatment by coils of 0.018-inch diameter wire (GDC 18) for ruptured and non-ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a commune database from five neuroradiological centers, we analysed endovascular technique with Gugliemi Detachable Coils (GDC) 18, complications of technique, acute angiographic occlusion results and long-term angiographic follow-up. Sixty-six percent of aneurysms were ruptured. The mean size of treated aneurysms was 13.7 mm.

RESULTS

Overall feasibility of coil 18 treatments was 95%. Acute angiographic results in 110 aneurysms demonstrated total occlusion in 63 aneurysms (57.2%), subtotal occlusion in 37 cases (33.6%), and incomplete occlusion in 10 cases (9%). A second treatment was performed in 15 cases; follow-up demonstrated 60 (61%) total occlusions, 32 (33%) subtotal occlusion and 5 (5%) incomplete. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and 8 patients had died. Stability of occlusion with these coils was 61%.

CONCLUSION

Coiling of intracranial aneurysms, ruptured or non-ruptured, using coils with a wire diameter of 0.018-inch is safe, with no more complications than standard coils. Remodelling technique is possible. This type of coils must be considered for treatment of large aneurysms.

Preoperative embolization of a cervicodorsal paraganglioma by direct percutaneous injection of onyx and endovascular delivery of particles

We report the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous injection of Onyx (Micro Therapeutics, Irvine, Calif.), a nonadhesive liquid embolic agent, into an unusually located paraganglioma, followed by endovascular embolization with particles before surgery.

Présentation atypique d’adem

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis is a serious demyelinating disorder of childhood that typically occurs following vaccination or a viral prodrome. Some etiologies remain unrecognized, and multiple mechanisms of immune response may explain the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Based on a report of two adult cases presenting with neurologic deficit and ataxia, we report our experience with this syndrome that may affect adults without evident infectious disorder. Prompt treatment is important to avoid rapid progression.

Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms selectively treated with coils: Prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced MR angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) for the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils, by comparing CE-MRA with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D time-of- flight (TOF) MRA.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with 42 treated aneurysms were included in the study; 6 had been treated for multiple aneurysms. All MRAs were performed with a 1.5T unit within 48 hours of DSA. We performed 2 types of acquisition: a 3D TOF sequence and CE-MRA. Twenty-eight patients were included 1 year after endovascular treatment, and 4 patients, after 3 years or more. DSA was the technique of reference for the detection of a residual neck or residual aneurysm.

RESULTS

Compared with DSA, the sensitivity of MRA was good. For the detection of residual neck, there was no significant difference between the results of 3D TOF MRA (sensitivity, 75%-87.5%; specificity, 92.9%, according to both readers) and CE-MRA (sensitivity, 75%-82.1%; specificity, 85.7%-92.9%). For the detection of residual aneurysm, sensitivity and specificity of both techniques were the same, respectively 80%-100% and 97.3%-100%. Therefore, CE-MRA was not better than 3D TOF MRA for the detection of residual neck or residual aneurysm. For large treated aneurysms, there was no difference between decisions regarding further therapy after CE and 3D TOF MRA, even though CE-MRA with a short echotime and enhancement gave fewer artifacts and better visualization of recanalization than 3D TOF MRA. The interpretation of transverse source images and the detection of coil mesh packing seemed easier with 3D TOF imaging.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study did not show that CE-MRA was significantly better than 3D TOF MRA for depicting aneurysm or neck remnants after selective endovascular treatment using coils. For aneurysms treated with coils, 3D TOF MRA seems a valid and useful technique for the follow-up of coiled aneurysms.

[Management of cerebrospinal fluid fistulae: physiopathology, imaging and treatment]

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae can produce leakage through a defect in the bony skull and meninges into the contiguous air-filled cavities at the base of the skull. The major risk is central nervous system infection. When abundant clear rhinorrhea or otorrhea is present, the diagnosis is obvious and imaging is used to localize the fistula. Computed tomography (CT) with millimetric slices and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most effective diagnostic tools. CT cisternography, an invasive procedure, should only be used when the diagnosis remains uncertain following CT scan and MRI. When CSF leakage is sparse or intermittent, the diagnosis can be made by measuring beta-2 transferrine in the escaping fluid. CT scan followed by MRI are also useful for making the diagnosis and locating the fistula when exterior leakage is absent. CT scan alone is effective for assessing isolated otorrhea. If the diagnosis remains uncertain after all these studies have been used, the patient should be closely followed clinically and isotopic study or surgery should be considered.

Sclérose percutanée des malformations veineuses superficielles : étude rétrospective de 68 cas

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy for the treatment of venous malformations (VMs) with regards to cosmetic and functional outcome as a function of their size and to review the complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed between January 1997 and January 2002 on 68 patients (45 females and 23 males) ranging in age from 3 to 60 Years at the CHRU of Tours.

RESULTS

Percutaneous sclerotherapy was a very effective treatment for small and medium-size VMs, for which the aim was to achieve cure. Aetoxisclerol and Ethibloc are the sclerosing agents used. They were associated with minimal side effects and no major complication. For larger lesions, the treatment was more complex and combined stronger and also more dangerous agents like absolute ethanol and Histoacryl. The aim was then a decrease of cosmetic and functional problems.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy with Aetoxisclerol, Ethibloc, absolute ethanol or Histoacryl, either alone or before surgery, is a safe and effective method of managing soft-tIssue venous malformations.

Follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils: comparison of plain radiographs, 3D time-of-flight MRA and digital subtraction angiography

All patients with aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDC) are undergo angiography to assess long-term stability of aneurysm exclusion or to show recurrence of the aneurysm sac, which may require further treatment. We prospectively compared the plain-film appearance of the coil-mass, 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection of aneurysm recanalisation during follow-up. We studied 60 patients with 74 intracranial aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils. We used the unsubtracted image of the angiograms performed at the completion of any embolisation procedure and at follow-up as the plain radiographs. Recanalisation was considered if loosening, compaction or reorientation of the coil mass was apparent. TOF MRA was performed to assess the presence and size of a neck remnant. DSA was regarded as the definitive investigation. Comparison of the techniques showed good agreement as regards aneurysm recanalisation. MRA was more accurate than plain radiography and could replace DSA for long term follow- up. The initial follow-up examination should, however, include both modalities. In cases of contraindications or limitations to MRA, the interval between follow-up angiographic examinations could be increased if there is no change in the plain-film coil-mass appearances.

Prospective sonographic assessment of uterine artery embolization for the treatment of fibroids

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate sonographic features following uterine artery embolization and to assess using ultrasound the efficacy of embolization as the primary treatment of fibroids.

DESIGN

Fifty-eight women (mean age, 44.5 years; range, 33-65 years) suffering from symptoms due to fibroids (menometrorrhagia, bulk-related symptoms, pelvic pain) were followed-up after uterine artery embolization by ultrasound examination at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years with assessment of volume and vascularization of fibroids as well as uterine vascularization.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were examined at 3 months, 46 at 6 months, 36 at 1 year and 19 at 2 years. Most patients were improved or free of symptoms at 3 months (90%), 6 months (92%) and 1 year (87%) and all monitored patients were free of symptoms at 2 years. Clinical failure of treatment occurred in only two cases (3%). Progressive significant reduction in fibroid size with reference to the baseline was demonstrated during follow-up from 3 months (-29%) to 24 months (-86%). Absence of intrafibroid vessels was observed in all except three cases as early as 3 months, whereas perifibroid vessels persisted in 21 cases. No changes in uterine vascularization or uterine artery resistance were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine artery embolization is a valuable endovascular method for the treatment of fibroids, resulting in marked reduction in fibroid size and disappearance of intrafibroid vessels without reduction in uterine vascularization which is well depicted by sonography.

Utility of balloon-assisted Guglielmi detachable coiling in the treatment of 49 cerebral aneurysms: a retrospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The management of wide-necked aneurysms or aneurysms with a neck-to-body ratio close to 1 is a difficult challenge for the interventional radiologist because of the risk of coil migration or coil protrusion into the parent vessel. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon-assisted coiling as well as the follow-up results of occlusion for those difficult aneurysms in which conventional treatment with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) had failed.

METHODS

A nondetachable balloon was used in 49 procedures performed in 44 patients (35 women and nine men) who underwent GDC coiling of aneurysms. Every aneurysm had either a wide neck or a sac diameter/neck size ratio (SNR) of 1.5 or less.

RESULTS

In four (8%) of the procedures, balloon placement failed, leaving a total of 45 aneurysms treated with balloon-assisted coiling. Final results consisted of total occlusion in 30 cases (67%), subtotal occlusion in 11 cases (24%), and incomplete occlusion in four cases (9%). We found a correlation between the diameter of the sac and the occlusion rate, but not between the size of the neck or the SNR and the occlusion rate. Two thromboembolic complications occurred, but neither had clinical consequences. No aneurysmal rupture was observed during treatment. Final angiographic follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 5 years (mean, 16 months).

CONCLUSION

Balloon-assisted coiling is an important adjunct in the treatment of aneurysms with a wide neck or low SNR. In our experience, this technique allowed safe and efficient treatment of aneurysms when conventional GDC treatment had failed.

Uterine artery embolization in the primary treatment of uterine leiomyomas: technical features and prospective follow-up with clinical and sonographic examinations in 58 patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the technical features of uterine artery embolization and to evaluate the effectiveness of this method as the primary treatment of uterine leiomyomas in a series of 58 patients monitored by clinical and sonographic examinations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight women (age range, 33-65 years; mean age, 44.5 years) with symptoms caused by uterine leiomyomas (abnormal bleeding, bulk-related symptoms, pelvic pain) were included in this prospective study. We performed embolization with a single catheter using the single-femoral artery approach, injection of particles (150-250 mm), and an absorbable gelatin sponge. Postprocedural pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Systematic follow-up included clinical and sonographic examinations at 3 months for 58 patients, at 6 months for 46 patients, at 1 year for 27 patients, and at 2 years for seven patients.

RESULTS

Embolization was performed without problems in 84% of the patients. Post-procedural pain control was excellent in 90% of the patients. In most patients, symptoms were improved or had resolved at 3 months (90%), 6 months (92%), and 1 year (93%), and all patients were symptom-free at 2 years. Clinical failure of treatment occurred in only two patients (3%). Progressive reduction in leiomyoma size was revealed during sonographic follow-up, and new leiomyomas were seen in one patient at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Uterine artery embolization is an endovascular method for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas that is clinically effective in most patients and that induces a progressive reduction in the size of the largest leiomyomas.