Lanzino, Giuseppe

Object In this study the authors determined the patency rate of the ophthalmic artery (OphA) after placement of 1 or more flow diversion devices across the arterial inlet for treatment of proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, and correlated possible risk factors for OphA occlusion. Methods Nineteen consecutive patients were identified (mean age 53.9 years, range 23–74 years, all female) who were treated for 20 ICA aneurysms. In all patients a Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) was placed across the ostium of the OphA while treating the target aneurysm. Flow through the OphA after PED placement was determined by immediate angiography as well as follow-up angiograms (mean 8.7 months), compared with the baseline study. Potential risk factors for OphA occlusion, including age, immediate angiographic flow through the ophthalmic branch, status of flow within the aneurysm after placement of PEDs, whether the ophthalmic branch originated from the aneurysm dome, and number of PEDs placed across the ophthalmic branch inlet were correlated with patency rate. Results Patients were treated with 1–3 PEDs (3 aneurysms treated with placement of 1 PED, 12 with 2 PEDs, and 5 with 3 PEDs). In 17 (85%) of 20 treated aneurysms, no changes in the OphA flow were noted immediately after placement of the device. Two (10%) of 20 patients had delayed antegrade filling immediately following PED placement and 1 patient (5%) had retrograde flow from collaterals to the OphA immediately after placement of the device. One patient (5%) experienced delayed asymptomatic ICA occlusion; this patient was excluded from analysis at follow-up. At follow-up the OphA remained patent with normal antegrade flow in 13 (68%) of 19 patients, patent but with slow antegrade flow in 2 patients (11%), and was occluded in 4 patients (21%). No visual changes or clinical symptoms developed in patients with OphA flow compromise. The mean number of PEDs in the patients with occluded OphAs or change in flow at angiographic follow-up was 2.4 (SEM 0.2) compared with 1.9 (SEM 0.18) in the patients with no change in OphA flow (p = 0.09). There was no significant difference between the patients with occluded OphAs compared with nonoccluded branches based on patient age, immediate angiographic flow through the ophthalmic branch, status of flow through the aneurysm after placement of PEDs, whether the ophthalmic branch originated from the aneurysm dome, or number of PEDs placed across the ophthalmic branch inlet. Conclusions Approximately one-quarter of OphAs will undergo proximal thrombosis when covered with flow diversion devices. Even though these events were well-tolerated clinically, our findings suggest that coverage of branch arteries that have adequate collateral circulation may lead to spontaneous occlusion of those branches.

Background and Purpose— Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are typically kept in the intensive care unit to be monitored for signs of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Identifying patients at lower risk for DCI could have a positive financial impact by allowing earlier transfer from the intensive care unit. Methods— We analyzed 307 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data were recorded. The relationship with absent DCI was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results— DCI did not develop in 169 patients (57.9%). Among factors at admission, age 68 years or older ( P =0.0003; OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.66–6.39), World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) I to III at presentation ( P =0.0003; OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.57–4.79), WFNS I to III at worst ( P =0.0003; OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.48–3.87), WFNS I to III after resuscitation ( P =0.0006; OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.56–5.32), modified Fisher grade 1 to 2 ( P =0.0021; OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.37–4.47), absence of intracranial hematoma ( P =0.0042; OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.29–4.01), and aneurysm in the posterior circulation ( P =0.025; OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07–2.87) were associated with absence of DCI. On multivariate analysis, a model including age 68 years or older, WFNS I to III at presentation and a modified Fisher grade 1 to 2 were independently predictive of the absence of DCI, with a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%. Conclusions— We propose a new model that can reliably identify patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who are at very low risk for DCI. These patients could be candidates for early transfer to the general ward.

Objective A study was undertaken to estimate the fraction of intracranial aneurysms that might be amenable to treatment with the pipeline embolization device (PED), a current flow diverter device, and to determine the types of aneurysms that are probably not amenable to treatment with this device. Methods A retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive intracranial aneurysms as seen on three-dimensional rotational angiography images was conducted. Based on aneurysm and parent artery morphology, four independent observers experienced in the use of the PED judged the likelihood that a given aneurysm could theoretically be treated with one or more PED using a 5-point scale: grades 1 and 2 indicated amenability to treatment with multiple devices; grade 3 indicated amenability to treatment with one device; and grades 4 and 5 indicated the aneurysm would not be amenable to treatment with the PED. Aneurysms were analyzed on the basis of anatomical factors only. Rupture status was not considered. Interobserver agreement was determined. Results 94 of 200 aneurysms (47%) were judged to be likely to be amenable to treatment with the PED; 50 cases (25%) were judged to be amenable to the use of multiple overlapping devices while, in 44 cases (22%), coverage with a single device was preferred. There was a significant relationship between the location of the aneurysm and the grade of the aneurysm (p<0.0001). Conclusion On the basis of anatomical configuration, nearly half of the aneurysms in this study were likely to be amenable to treatment with the PED.

Object The management of incidental small unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is controversial and many factors need to be considered in the decision-making process. The authors describe a large consecutive series of patients harboring small incidental intracranial aneurysms. Treatment strategy, natural history, complications, and short-term outcomes are presented. Methods Between January 2008 and May 2011, the authors prospectively evaluated 212 patients with 272 small (< 10-mm) incidental aneurysms. Treatment recommendations (observation, endovascular treatment, or surgery), complications of treatment, and short-term outcomes were assessed. Results Recommended treatment consisted of observation in 125 patients, endovascular embolization in 64, and surgery in 18. Six patients were excluded from further analysis because they underwent treatment elsewhere. In the observation group, at a mean follow-up of 16.7 months, only 1 patient was moved to the embolization group. Seven (6%) of the 125 patients in the observation group died of causes unrelated to aneurysm. Sixty-five patients underwent 69 embolization procedures. The periprocedural permanent morbidity and mortality rates in patients undergoing endovascular treatment were 1.5% and 1.5%, respectively (overall morbidity and mortality rate 3.0%). In the surgery group no periprocedural complications were observed, although 1 patient did not return to her previous occupation. No aneurysmal rupture was documented in any of the 3 treatment groups during the follow-up period. Conclusions A cautious and individualized approach to incidental UIAs is of utmost importance for formulation of a safe and effective treatment algorithm. Invasive treatment (either endovascular or surgery) can be considered in selected younger patients, certain “higher-risk” locations, expanding aneurysms, patients with a family history of aneurysmal hemorrhage, and in those who cannot live their lives knowing that they harbor the UIA. Although the complication rate of invasive treatment is very low, it is not negligible. The study confirms that small incidental UIAs deemed to be not in need of treatment have a very benign short-term natural history, which makes observation a reasonable approach in selected patients.

Object The widespread use of imaging techniques for evaluating nonspecific symptoms (vertigo, dizziness, memory concerns, unsteadiness, and the like) and focal neurological symptoms related to cerebrovascular disease has led to increased identification of asymptomatic incidentally discovered unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The management of these incidental aneurysms is controversial and many factors need to be considered. The authors describe reasons leading to diagnosis, demographics, and risk factors in a large consecutive series of patients with small incidentally found UIAs. Methods The authors prospectively evaluated 335 patients harboring 478 small (< 10-mm) UIAs between January 2008 and May 2011. Patients with known aneurysms, possibly symptomatic aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation–related aneurysms, patients with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage from another aneurysm, and patients harboring extradural aneurysms were excluded from the analysis. Only truly incidental small aneurysms (272 aneurysms in 212 patients) were considered for the present analysis. Data regarding the reason for detection, demographics, location, and presence of potential risk factors for aneurysm formation were prospectively collected. Results There were 158 female (74.5%) and 54 male (25.5%) patients whose mean age was 60.6 years (median 62 years). The most common reason for undergoing the imaging study that led to a diagnosis of the aneurysms was evaluation for nonspecific spells and symptoms related to focal cerebrovascular ischemia (43.4%), known/possible intracranial or neck pathology (24%), and headache (16%). The most common location (27%) of the aneurysm was the middle cerebral artery; the second most common (22%) was the paraclinoid internal carotid artery (excluding cavernous sinus aneurysms). Sixty-nine percent of patients were current or prior smokers, 60% had a diagnosis of hypertension, and 23% had one or more relatives with a history of intracranial aneurysms with or without subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conclusions Small incidental UIAs are more commonly diagnosed in elderly individuals during imaging performed to investigate ill-defined spells or focal cerebrovascular ischemic symptoms, or during the evaluation of known or probable unrelated intracranial/neck pathology. Hypertension, smoking, and family history of aneurysms are common in this patient population, and the presence of these risk factors has important implications for treatment recommendations. Although paraclinoid aneurysms (excluding intracavernous aneurysms) are uncommon in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, this location is very common in patients with small incidental UIAs.

Background and Purpose— It is important to know the costs of hospitalization for patients undergoing endovascular embolectomy so that comparisons can be made with payments to hospitals. Methods— Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated the costs of hospitalization for patients treated with endovascular embolectomy in the United States from 2006 to 2008. The primary end point examined in this study was total hospital costs, and these were correlated with clinical outcome. Results— A total of 3864 patients received endovascular embolectomy. A total of 1649 patients were <65 years old and 2205 patients were ≥65 years old. Median hospital costs in 2008 dollars were $36 999 (interquartile range, $26 662–$56 405) for patients with good outcome, $50 628 (interquartile range, $33 135–$76 063) for patients with severe disability, and $35 109 (interquartile range, $25 053–$62 621) for patients with mortality. Conclusions— Hospitalization costs for patients treated with endovascular embolectomy are rather high, probably due to the serious nature of their illness. Medicare payments have not been adequate reimbursement for these hospitalizations.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Extradural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon vascular malformations of the spine. They are characterized by an arteriovenous communication (localized in the paraspinal soft tissues and the epidural venous plexus) that may have retrograde intradural venous drainage. Surgical treatment of extradural AVMs can be challenging because of the common location ventral to the dural sac and the presence of arterialized venous lakes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of embolization with a liquid embolic material (Onyx; ev3 Inc, Irvine, California) in 7 consecutive patients with extradural spinal AVMs and intradural venous drainage. METHODS: We retrospectively collected information regarding patient characteristics, clinical presentation, symptom duration, diagnostic imaging, treatment, complications, and clinical and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were 5 men and 2 women (mean age, 66 years; range, 45-76 years). Symptom duration varied from 2 months to 6 years. Six patients underwent embolization of the AVM as the primary treatment; 1 patient was treated after attempted surgery. Complete obliteration was demonstrated in each patient on completion angiography and was confirmed during follow-up in 6. Three patients had resolution of their preembolization symptoms. Three patients had improvement but not complete resolution of their motor deficits. In 1 patient, the AVM was an incidental finding during an investigation for chronic low-back pain; symptoms were not thought to be related to the AVM, and symptoms were not ameliorated by successful embolization. CONCLUSION: Our early experience with these uncommon lesions suggests that Onyx embolization is a valuable and effective strategy for extradural spinal AVMs and intradural venous drainage.

Background and Purpose Endovascular and surgical options are both available for the treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Knowledge of the costs for hospitalization of these patients is important to understanding economic impact of these patients on hospitals. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample, hospitalizations for clipping and coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms from 2001 to 2008 were identified by cross-matching ICD-9 codes for diagnosis of unruptured aneurysm with procedure codes for clipping or coiling of cerebral aneurysms, and excluding all patients with diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Hospital costs for 2008 were correlated with age, gender, and discharge status, and compared to Medicare payments. Results Costs of both clipping and coiling have increased from 2001 to 2008. The median 2008 hospital costs were US$23 574 (IQR 18233–29941) for clipping and US$25 734 (IQR 17436–35846) for coiling without complication, which were higher than the average Medicare payment of US$12 599. The median hospital costs were US$36 188 (IQR 21831–55308) for clipping and US$40 502 (IQR 24289–50108) for coiling treatments complicated by major morbidity, and US$68 165 (IQR 32972–100211) for clipping and US$56 020 (IQR 00000–00000) for coiling treatments complicated by mortality, which were higher than the average Medicare payments for patients with major complications and comorbidities of US$22 946. In multivariate analysis, female gender was associated with higher costs for coiling (p=0.02), and poor discharge status was associated with higher costs for both clipping (p<0.001) and coiling (p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalization costs for patients undergoing clipping and coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms are substantially higher than Medicare payments.