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BACKGROUND: Complex intracranial aneurysms (CIAs) comprise a subset of lesions with defiant vascular architecture, difficult access, and prior treatment. Surgical management of CIAs is often challenging and demands an assessment on a case-by-case basis. The generational evolution of bypass surgery has offered a long-standing potential for effective cerebral revascularization. Herein, we aim to illustrate a single-center experience treating CIAs. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients treated with cerebral revascularization techniques at Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima, Peru, during 2018-2022. Relevant data were collected, including patient history, aneurysm features on imaging, preoperative complications, the intraoperative course, aneurysm occlusion rates, bypass patency, neurological function, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (70.59% female; median age: 53 years) with 17 CIAs (64.7% saccular; 76.5% ruptured) were included. The most common clinical presentation included loss of consciousness (70.6%) and headaches (58.8%). Microsurgical treatment included first-, second-, and third-generation bypass. In 47.1% of cases, an anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and the M3 segment was predominantly used, followed by an A3-A3 bypass (29.4%), a superficial temporal artery-M2 bypass (17.6%), and an external carotid artery to M2 bypass (5.9%). The intraoperative aneurysm rupture rate was 11.8%. Postoperative complications included ischemia (40%), cerebrospinal fluid fistulas (26.7%), and pneumonia (20%). At hospital discharge, the median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14 (range: 10-15). At the 6-month follow-up, 82.4% of patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2, bypass patency was present in all cases, and the morbidity rate was 17.6%. CONCLUSIONS: CIAs represent a spectrum of defiant vascular lesions with a poor natural history. Bypass surgery offers the potential for definitive treatment. Our case series illustrated the predominant role of cerebral revascularization of CIAs with a critical case-by-case approach to provide optimal outcomes in a limited-resource setting.

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Exploring the landscape of intracranial aneurysms in South America unravels a complex interplay of epidemiological factors, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic challenges. The study methodically conducts a comprehensive literature review spanning the years 2003 to 2023, focusing on English-language articles obtained from diverse databases to elucidate the multifaceted nature of intracranial aneurysms in the region. Results and discussions categorize outcomes into positive domains, emphasizing successful treatments, favorable recoveries, and high survival rates, while also shedding light on negative aspects such as residual aneurysms and complications. The research illuminates significant gaps in pathological typing of intracranial aneurysms and exposes challenges in healthcare accessibility, notably the disparities in neurosurgical resources. Management challenges, including constrained infrastructure access, a neurosurgeon shortage, and gender disparities, are underscored. Transitioning to future prospects, the study advocates for strategic interventions, proposing expanded neurosurgical training, multidisciplinary approaches, improved funding, enhanced access to care, and fostering international collaborations. The study concludes by emphasizing the pivotal role of collaborative efforts, intensified training programs, and global partnerships in propelling intracranial aneurysm management forward in South America, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient outcomes across the region.

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Introducción: El riesgo del ser humano de padecer un aneurisma intracraneal se calcula entre 1-2 %, en el 80 % de los casos su forma de presentación es una hemorragia subaracnoidea. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de diferentes maniobras adyuvantes para facilitar la micro disección y el presillamiento del cuello de los aneurismas intracraneales. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con todos los pacientes admitidos en el servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital "Roberto Rodríguez", en Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, que presentaron un diagnóstico de aneurisma intracraneal y que fueran intervenidos con técnica de microcirugía para su exclusión de la circulación, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 1997 y diciembre del 2020. Resultados: 201 pacientes fueron intervenidos, 198 (98,51 %) con aneurismas de la circulación anterior y solo 3 (1,49 %), de la circulación posterior. En total fueron abordados 252 sacos, se utilizaron estrategias adyuvantes al procedimiento convencional para facilitar el acto del presillamiento aneurismático como lo fueron el drenaje espinal continuo, la ventriculostomìa al exterior para drenaje de LCR y monitorización continua de la PIC y de la presión de retracción cerebral, cierre temporal de la arteria madre, succión retrograda descompresión en los aneurismas gigantes. El 74,62 % de los casos se recuperaron sin ningún tipo de síntomas o secuelas y la mortalidad fue del 1,49 %. Discusión: La microcirugía resulta un procedimiento eficaz, con elevado nivel de eficiencia, para el tratamiento de los aneurismas intracraneales en nuestro medio. Las estrategias adyuvantes facilitan la relajación del parénquima, la disección y el presillamiento del cuello aneurismático.

Introduction: The human risk of suffering from an intracranial aneurysm is estimated between 1-2%, in 80% of cases its presentation is a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of different adjunctive maneuvers to facilitate micro dissection and clamping of the neck of intracranial aneurysms. Method: We have carried out a descriptive study including all the patients admitted in the neurosurgery department of "Roberto Rodríguez" Hospital in Moron, Ciego de Avila, Cuba with the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms who were operated on through microsurgical cliping techniques in the period between january 1997 and december 2020. Results: 201 patients were operated on, 198 (98.51%) with aneurysms of the anterior circulation and only 3 (1.49%), of the posterior circulation. A total of 252 sacs were approached, adjuvant strategies to the conventional procedure were used to facilitate the act of aneurysmal clamping, such as continuous spinal drainage, ventriculostomy to the outside for CSF drainage and continuous monitoring of ICP and brain retraction pressure, temporary closure of the mother artery, retrograde suction decompression in giant aneurysms. 74.62% of the cases recovered without any type of symptoms or sequelae, and mortality was 1.49%. Discussion: Microsurgery is an effective procedure, with a high efficiency index, for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in our environment. Adjunctive strategies facilitate parenchymal relaxation, dissection, and clamping of the aneurysmal neck.

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PURPOSE: This study is a systematic review about the WEB device and addresses the efficacy and safety of this device for the endovascular treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This systematic literature review followed PRISMA-P guidelines and included studies published until 2010. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched, resulting in 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The studies involved 1705 patients and 1224 aneurysms, predominantly wide-neck aneurysms in the middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery, and basilar artery. The treatment success rate was 28.1%, with the WEB-SL and WEB-SLS devices being commonly used. The immediate post-treatment adequate occlusion rate was 33.3%, increasing to 49.7% at follow-up. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 6.5% of cases, while other complications were observed in 3.1% of cases. The mortality rate associated with the WEB device was low, approximately 1%. CONCLUSION: The WEB device demonstrates favorable outcomes in treating patients with intracranial aneurysms, with adequate occlusion rates improving over time. Thromboembolic complications are the primary concern, but overall complication and mortality rates remain low. Further research is needed to optimize device selection, standardize classification systems, and enhance long-term evaluation and training protocols.

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Introducción: Un aneurisma intracraneal roto provoca una hemorragia subaracnoidea. La enfermedad presenta una alta mortalidad y morbilidad. Sin embargo, no todos se rompen. Mejorar la predicción de rotura permitirá un tratamiento quirúrgico preventivo en un grupo de pacientes y evitará una intervención quirúrgica con riesgos en otro grupo de enfermos. Es necesario identificar factores predictivos para mejorar la estratificación del riesgo de rotura y optimizar el tratamiento de los aneurismas intracraneales incidentales. Objetivo: Identificar factores predictivos de rotura de aneurismas intracraneales. Métodos: En una muestra de 152 pacientes espirituanos con aneurismas intracraneales saculares rotos (n = 138) y no rotos (n = 22) y 160 imágenes de angiografía por tomografía computarizada, se realizaron mensuraciones de los índices o factores morfológicos, los cuales se combinaron mediante análisis de regresión logística con variables demográficas y clínicas. Resultados: El grupo de edad con mayor frecuencia de presentación de aneurismas fue el de mayor de 65 años. La muestra estuvo representada, en su gran mayoría, por el sexo femenino. Se identificaron tres factores clínicos y cuatro factores morfológicos estadísticamente significativos, asociados con la rotura. El índice de no esfericidad (p = 0,002 y el sexo femenino (p = 0,02) fueron los de mayor significación estadística. Conclusiones: Se detectaron siete factores predictivos de rotura de aneurismas intracraneales estadísticamente significativos, de los cuales el índice de no esfericidad resultó el de mayor significación(AU)

Introduction: A ruptured intracranial aneurysm causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The disease has high mortality and morbidity. However, not all of them break. Improving the rupture prediction will allow preventive surgical treatment in a group of patients and it will avoid risky surgical intervention in another group of patients. It is necessary to identify predictive factors to improve rupture risk stratification and to optimize treatment of incidental intracranial aneurysms. Objective: To identify rupture predictive factors for intracranial aneurysms. Methods: Measurements of the morphological indices or factors were performed in a sample of 152 patients from Sancti Spiritus with ruptured (n = 138) and unruptured (n = 22) saccular intracranial aneurysms and 160 computed tomography angiography images. They were combined using logistic regression analysis with demographic and clinical variables. Results: The age group with the highest frequency of aneurysm presentation was older than 65. The sample was represented, in its vast majority, by the female sex. Three clinical factors and four statistically significant morphological factors associated with rupture were identified. The non-sphericity index (p = 0.002) and the female sex (p = 0.02) were the most statistically significant. Conclusions: Seven statistically significant predictors of intracranial aneurysm rupture were detected, the non-sphericity index being the most significant(AU)

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PURPOSES: Braided and laser-cut stents both are efficacious and safe for coiling intracranial aneurysms. The study aimed to compare outcomes following braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in 266 patients who were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms of different types and locations. METHODS: Patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms underwent braided (BSE cohort, n = 125) or laser engraved (LSE cohort, n = 141) stent-assisted embolization. RESULTS: The deployment success rate was higher for patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (140 [99%] vs. 117 [94%], p = 0.0142). Seventy-one (fifty-seven percentages) and 73 (52%) were coil embolization procedure success rates of the BSE and the LSE cohorts. Periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients of the BSE cohort than those of the LSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0142). Four (three percentages) patients from the LSE cohort and 3 (2%) patients from the BSE cohort had in-stent thrombosis during embolization. Permanent morbidities were higher in patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0389). Higher successful procedures (76% vs. 68%) and fewer postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs. 5%) and mortality (0% vs. 5%) were reported for patients of the BSE cohort in posterior circulation aneurysmal location than those of the LSE cohort. Laser engraved stent has fewer problems with deployment and may have better periprocedural and follow-up outcomes after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Braided stent-assisted embolization should be preferred when the aneurysm is present in the posterior circulation.

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Background: We present five patients with remodeling of the adult circle of Willis in response to flow diverter stents (FDSs) at the anterior communicating artery (AComA) and the posterior communicating artery (PComA). The observed changes provide a paradigm of how flow change can institute anatomic changes in the adult circle of Willis vasculature. Case Description: In the first two cases, after placement of the FDS covering the AComA, there was an increase in size and flow of the contralateral A1-anterior cerebral artery which had previously been hypoplastic. In one of the cases, this led to the filling of the aneurysm and required placement of coils within the lesion which was curative. In case three, the FDS effect led to asymptomatic occlusion of the PComA and associated aneurysm without change of the ipsilateral P1-segement of posterior-cerebral-artery (P1-PCA) caliber. In the fourth case, the FDS covering an aneurysm with a fetal PCA arising from its neck resulted in significant reduction of the aneurysm size, persistent flow and caliber of the fetal PCA, and the hypoplastic ipsilateral P1-PCA. Finally, in the fifth case, after FDS occlusion of the PComA and aneurysm there was increasement in diameter of the ipsilateral P1-PCA that was previously hypoplastic. Conclusion: The use of FDS can affect vessels covered by the device and other arteries of the circle of Willis adjacent to the FDS. The phenomena illustrated in the hypoplastic branches appear to be a compensatory response to the hemodynamic changes induced by the divertor and to the altered flow in the circle of Willis.

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INTRODUCTION: Radiological indicators in head computed tomography (CT) scan have emerged as tools to evaluate sarcopenia using the sectional area and thickness of the temporal muscle. They can be obtained by standardized measurements in preoperative image assessment of patients with brain aneurysms. We aimed to evaluate the association between functional outcomes after interventions for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and temporal muscle thickness (TMT) and area (TMA), as surrogates of sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study in patients who underwent microsurgery or embolization for ruptured or unruptured IA between January 2018 and December 2019, with a 6-month follow-up. Preoperative CT scans were analyzed to measure TMT and TMA. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The main outcome was the relationship between sarcopenia and the postoperative functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 361 patients were included, of whom 199 (55.1%) had ruptured and 162 (44.9%) had unruptured lesions. Larger TMA significantly predicted better functional outcomes at discharge. TMT was associated with functional outcomes at both discharge and 6 months, adjusted for rupture and hypertension. Maximizing the sum sensitivity-specificity, an optimal TMT cutoff of 6.25 mm can predict unfavorable outcomes. Maximizing the positive predictive value × negative predictive value of a product, the cutpoint was 3.55 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia, represented by TMT and TMA, is associated with poorer functional results at discharge and 6-month follow-up in IA surgery. TMT below 6.25 mm was associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. These easily obtainable measurements may improve the decision-making process for patients with IAs.

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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.

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Abstract Purposes: Braided and laser-cut stents both are efficacious and safe for coiling intracranial aneurysms. The study aimed to compare outcomes following braided stent-assisted coil embolization versus laser engraved stent-assisted coil embolization in 266 patients who were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms of different types and locations. Methods: Patients with unruptured complex intracranial aneurysms underwent braided (BSE cohort, n = 125) or laser engraved (LSE cohort, n = 141) stent-assisted embolization. Results: The deployment success rate was higher for patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (140 [99%] vs. 117 [94%], p = 0.0142). Seventy-one (fifty-seven percentages) and 73 (52%) were coil embolization procedure success rates of the BSE and the LSE cohorts. Periprocedural intracranial hemorrhage was higher in patients of the BSE cohort than those of the LSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0142). Four (three percentages) patients from the LSE cohort and 3 (2%) patients from the BSE cohort had in-stent thrombosis during embolization. Permanent morbidities were higher in patients of the LSE cohort than those of the BSE cohort (8 [6%] vs. 1 [1%], p = 0.0389). Higher successful procedures (76% vs. 68%) and fewer postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage (0% vs. 5%) and mortality (0% vs. 5%) were reported for patients of the BSE cohort in posterior circulation aneurysmal location than those of the LSE cohort. Laser engraved stent has fewer problems with deployment and may have better periprocedural and follow-up outcomes after embolization. Conclusions: Braided stent-assisted embolization should be preferred when the aneurysm is present in the posterior circulation.

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PURPOSE: The location of paraclinoid aneurysms is determinant for evaluation of its intradural compartment and risk of SAH after rupture. Advanced MRI techniques have provided clear visualization of the distal dural ring (DDR) to determine whether an aneurysm is intracavernous, transitional or intradural for decision-making. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in predicting whether a paraclinoid aneurysm is intracavernous, transitional or intradural. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort between January 2014 and December 2018. Patients with paraclinoid aneurysms underwent 3D fast spin-echo MRI sequence before surgical treatment. The DDR was the landmark for MRI characterization of the aneurysms as follow: (i) Intradural; (ii) Transitional; and (iii) Intracavernous. The MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were determined compared to the intraoperative findings. We also evaluated the intertechnique agreement using the Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) for dichotomous classifications (cavernous vs non-cavernous). RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the cohort. The accuracy of MRI showed a sensitivity of 86.7% (95%CI:59.5-98.3) and specificity of 90.0% (95%CI:55.5-99.8). Analyzing only patients without history of SAH, accuracy test improved with a sensitivity of 92.3% (95%CI:63.9-99.8) and specificity reached 100% (95%CI: 63-100). Values of Cohen's kappa (κ), intertechnique agreement was considered substantial for dichotomous classifications (κ = 0.754; p < 0.001). For patients without previous SAH, intertechnique agreement was even more coincident for the dichotomous classification (κ = 0.901; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D fast spin-echo MRI sequence is a reliable and useful technique for determining the location of paraclinoid aneurysms in relation to the cavernous sinus, particularly for patients with no history of SAH.

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When simulating blood flow in intracranial aneurysms (IAs), the Newtonian model seems to be ubiquitous. However, analyzing the results from the few studies on this subject, the doubt remains on whether it is necessary to use non-Newtonian models in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of cerebral vascular flows. The objective of this study is to investigate whether different rheology models would influence the hemodynamic parameters related to the wall shear stress (WSS) for ruptured and unruptured IA cases, especially because ruptured aneurysms normally have morphological features, such as lobular regions and blebs, that could trigger non-Newtonian phenomena in the blood flow due to low shear rates. Using CFD in an open-source framework, we simulated four ruptured and four unruptured patient-specific aneurysms to assess the influence of the blood modeling on the main hemodynamic variables associated with aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture. Results for WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) and their metrics were obtained using Casson and Carreau-Yasuda non-Newtonian models and were compared with those obtained using the Newtonian model. We found that all differences between non-Newtonian and the Newtonian models were consistent among all cases irrespective of their rupture status. We further found that the WSS at peak systole is overestimated by more than 50% by using the non-Newtonian models, but its metrics based on time and surface averaged values are less affected-the maximum relative difference among the cases is 7% for the Casson model. On the other hand, the surface-averaged OSI is underestimated by more than 30% by the non-Newtonian models. These results suggest that it is recommended to investigate different blood rheology models in IAs simulations when specific parameters to characterize the flow are needed, such as peak-systole WSS and OSI.

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El diagnóstico temprano de las lesiones compresivas del nervio óptico adquiere cada vez mayor importancia. La descompresión precoz de este o del quiasma puede resultar una mejora significativa de la función visual, mientras que el diagnóstico erróneo puede ocasionar pérdida visual irreversible, disfunción neurológica o la muerte. Las causas de la compresión de la vía visual anterior son increíblemente variadas. Los meningiomas, los tumores hipofisarios y los aneurismas son las lesiones comúnmente más identificadas como causa de neuropatía óptica compresiva sin edema del disco. Presentamos una paciente femenina de 50 años de edad, quien se sometió a la cirugía de catarata congénita del ojo izquierdo, sin mejoría de la función visual, a lo que se sumó el empeoramiento inespecífico de la calidad visual. La psicofísica visual, la campimetría automatizada y la tomografía de coherencia óptica aportaron hallazgos sugestivos de compresión de la vía visual intracraneal. Se indicó imagen por resonancia magnética de cráneo y órbitas para confirmar la sospecha diagnóstica. La angiografía cerebral demostró la presencia de un aneurisma de la arteria carótida interna, que se trató por vía endovascular con resultados satisfactorios(AU)

The importance of early diagnosis of compressive lesions of the optic nerve is on the increase. Timely decompression of the optic nerve or the optic chiasm may bring about significant visual function improvement, whereas erroneous diagnosis may result in irreversible visual loss, neurological dysfunction or death. The causes of compression of the anterior visual pathway are incredibly varied. Meningiomas, pituitary tumors and aneurysms are the lesions most commonly identified as causes of compressive optic neuropathy without disc edema. A case is presented of a female 50-year-old patient undergoing congenital cataract surgery of her left eye without visual function improvement, alongside unspecific visual quality worsening. Visual psychophysical testing, automated campimetry and optical coherence tomography contributed findings suggestive of intracranial visual pathway compression. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits was indicated to confirm the diagnostic suspicion. Cerebral angiography revealed the presence of an internal carotid artery aneurysm which was treated by endovascular procedure with satisfactory results(AU)

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Delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND) is the main preventable cause of poor outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Of 50% of survivors from a SAH, approximately 30% of patients will present clinical vasospasm (VS). The cornerstone of the DIND management comprises prevention and early identification. Several diagnostic methods have been proposed differing in efficacy, invasiveness, and costs. Serial neurological examination is the most reliable method to detect a new neurological deficit. On the other hand, comatose patients require advanced monitoring methods which identify changes in the microcirculatory environment, brain autoregulation, and spreading depolarization. Multimodality monitoring with continuous electroencephalography, microdialysis, and intracranial pressure monitoring represents altogether the current state-of-art technology for the intensive care of SAH patients. Moreover, advances in genetic biomarkers to predict clinical VS have shown consistent accuracy which may in the near future allow the early prediction of DIND through a simple blood test. Several clinical trials have tested drugs with theoretical effects on DIND prevention or treatment. Nevertheless, nimodipine remains the Holy Grail in the prevention of clinical VS. Among rescue therapies, the endovascular treatment through intra-arterial vasodilator (verapamil or nicardipine) infusion is the most employed method for DIND reversal; however, there is no good quality evidence comparing results of intra-arterial infusion of vasodilators versus balloon angioplasty. Although we have addressed the most refined technology in the management of SAH and DIND, the clinical experience and strict follow-up in neurointensive care will be determinant for favorable long-term outcomes.

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OBJECTIVE: Although the clinical and biological importance of calcification is well recognized for the extracerebral vasculature, its role in cerebral vascular disease, particularly, intracranial aneurysms (IAs), remains poorly understood. Extracerebrally, 2 distinct mechanisms drive calcification, a nonatherosclerotic, rapid mineralization in the media and a slower, inflammation driven, atherosclerotic mechanism in the intima. This study aims to determine the prevalence, distribution, and type (atherosclerotic, nonatherosclerotic) of calcification in IAs and assess differences in occurrence between ruptured and unruptured IAs. Approach and Results: Sixty-five 65 IA specimens (48 unruptured, 17 ruptured) were resected perioperatively. Calcification and lipid pools were analyzed nondestructively in intact samples using high resolution (0.35 µm) microcomputed tomography. Calcification is highly prevalent (78%) appearing as micro (<500 µm), meso (500 µm-1 mm), and macro (>1 mm) calcifications. Calcification manifests in IAs as both nonatherosclerotic (calcification distinct from lipid pools) and atherosclerotic (calcification in the presence of lipid pools) with 3 wall types: Type I-only calcification, no lipid pools (20/51, 39%), Type II-calcification and lipid pools, not colocalized (19/51, 37%), Type III-calcification colocalized with lipid pools (12/51, 24%). Ruptured IAs either had no calcifications or had nonatherosclerotic micro- or meso-calcifications (Type I or II), without macro-calcifications. CONCLUSIONS: Calcification in IAs is substantially more prevalent than previously reported and presents as both nonatherosclerotic and atherosclerotic types. Notably, ruptured aneurysms had only nonatherosclerotic calcification, had significantly lower calcification fraction, and did not contain macrocalcifications. Improved understanding of the role of calcification in IA pathology should lead to new therapeutic targets.

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BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown low rupture rates for small aneurysms (<10 mm), suggesting that the risk of treatment could exceed the benefits. However, evidence has changed, showing crescent rates of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) associated with small aneurysms. We report trends in size, localization, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 200 clinical histories of patients diagnosed with IAs over an 8-year period were analyzed. Variables considered included age, sex, tobacco consumption, morphological characteristics of the aneurysm, complications, vasospasm, and mortality. Qualitative variables were assessed by measurements of absolute and relative frequency. Smoking behavior, aneurysm size, and aneurysm rupture (AR) were compared using 1-way analysis of variance. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test. RESULTS: The average age at presentation was 58 years. The average size of ruptured aneurysms in the general group was 2.5-7.5 mm, and AR was most common in women (76%) and in patients age 50-60 years (33%). The rate of vasospasm was 19%, and mortality was 37%. Smokers composed 32% of the cohort. Heavy smokers had a 57% rate of aSAH, with an average size of rupture of 5 mm. The most common location of aneurysms and AR was the AComA (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest increasing AR rates in aneurysms smaller than 10 mm. This trend is seen especially in individuals with heavy tobacco consumption and in women of perimenopausal age. Our findings show a tendency of AR in accordance with previous results and are expected to serve as basis for further research on aneurysm management.

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BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the epidemiology of intracranial aneurysms in relation to location, gender, age, presence of multiple aneurysms, and comorbidities in the Brazilian population. METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of a cohort of 1404 patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysm admitted to the Hospital das Clinicas of the University of Sao Paulo, a referral hospital for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in Brazil. Patients admitted between September 2009 and September 2018 with radiological diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 2251 aneurysms were diagnosed. Females accounted for 1090 aneurysms (77.6%) and the mean age at diagnosis was 54.9 years (ranging 15-88). The most common location was middle cerebral artery (MCA) with 593 aneurysms (26.3%) followed by anterior cerebral artery (ACA) with 417 aneurysms (18.5%) and internal carotid artery in the posterior communicating segment with 405 aneurysms (18.0%). Males had higher rates of ACA aneurysms (29.7%) while females had higher rates of MCA aneurysms (26.1%). Sorting by size, 492 aneurysms were <5 mm (21.8%), 1524 measured 5-10 mm (67.7%), 119 size 11-24 mm (5.3%), and 116 were >24 mm (5.2%). The occurrence of multiple aneurysms was associated with female gender (P < 0.001) and smoking (P < 0.001), but not with hypertension (P = 0.121). CONCLUSION: In this population, the occurrence of intracranial aneurysm is related to several factors, including gender, age, smoking, and hypertension. Our study brought to light important characteristics of a large number of Brazilian patients regarding epidemiology, location, size, and multiplicity of intracranial aneurysms.

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One of the main difficulties in intracranial aneurysms (IA) surgery refers to the choice of the appropriate clip(s) to be implanted. Although the imaging exams currently available ensure visualization of IA's morphology, they do not bring an accurate reference positioning for the surgeon in executing the surgery procedure nor efficiently contribute to planning the surgery. Unfortunately, for IA's largely inaccessible regions, there is not an efficient method of treatment planning. Therefore, we propose a novel method that allows the generation of a 3D biomodel of the IA region under investigation using additive manufacturing technology (AM). Thus, a physical copy of the IA is produced and offers the surgeon a full view of the anatomy of that region of the brain. The aim of this study is the creation of a flexible 3D physical model (elastomer) through the AM technique, in order to allow the clip selection prior to the surgery. DICOM angio-CT images from eight patients who underwent IA surgery were transformed into STL format and then built on a 3D printer. Preoperative surgical clip selection was performed and then compared with those used in surgery. At the end of the study, all 3D IA biomodels were reproduced for microsurgical clipping selection and it was possible to predict the metal clip to be used in the surgery. In addition, the proposed methodology helps to clarify the surgical anatomy and to avoid excessive manipulation of the intracranial arteries and prolonged surgical time. The major advantage of this technology is that the surgeon can closely study complex cerebrovascular anatomy from any perspective using realistic 3D biomodels, which can be handheld, allowing simulation of intraoperative situations and anticipation of surgical challenges.

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ABSTRACT Thromboembolism is the most frequent complication in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, causing disability and death. As stent retrievers have achieved high rates of arterial recanalization in the management of ischemic stroke, these devices were tested as rescue therapy of thromboembolism during aneurysm embolization. We retrospectively analyzed 10 consecutive patients with transprocedural arterial occlusion, treated with mechanical thrombectomy at a single center. Good angiographic recanalization was achieved in eight cases, mTICI 3, 2b and 2a in five, three and two patients, respectively, without additional complications or any deaths. Five patients showed complete recovery (mRS 0) and all patients showed improvement of disability (average mRS 1.1) over a mean follow-up period of 31 months. Eight patients had good clinical recovery, while two remained with deficits (mRS 3 and 4). The study found that the stent retriever is a valuable, rapid and effective tool for restoring blood flow, improving the safety of endovascular treatment.

RESUMO Tromboembolismo é a complicação mais frequente no tratamento endovascular de aneurismas cerebrais, podendo causar morte ou sequelas. Como os stent retrievers alcançaram altas taxas de recanalização arterial no tratamento do acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico, testamos esses dispositivos para tratar eventos tromboembólicos ocorridos durante a embolização de aneurismas. Foram analisados retrospectivamente 10 pacientes apresentando oclusão arterial transoperatória, tratados com trombectomia mecânica em um único centro. Obtivemos recanalização angiográfica em oito casos, mTICI 3, 2b e 2a em cinco, três e dois pacientes, respectivamente, sem complicações adicionais ou óbito. Cinco casos apresentaram recuperação completa (mRS 0) e todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora dos déficits (mRS médio 1.1) durante acompanhamento médio de 31 meses. Oito pacientes apresentaram boa recuperação clínica, enquanto dois permaneceram com déficits (mRS 3 e 4). O estudo concluiu que stents são uma ferramenta valiosa, rápida e eficaz para restaurar o fluxo sanguíneo, aumentando a segurança do tratamento endovascular.

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Posterior circulation aneurysms represent 10­15% of intracranial aneurysms. The diagnosis is usually secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to its initial asymptomatic presentation and higher risk of rupture compared with aneurysms in the anterior circulation. The surgical treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms is complex and challenging for neurosurgeons because of the particular anatomy of the posterior circulation with its close relation to the brainstem and cranial nerves and also because of the depth and narrowness of the surgical approach. Aneurysms from different locations have specific anatomical relationships and surgical approaches for better visualization and dissection. Therefore, a detailed anatomy knowledge of the posterior circulation is mandatory for an individualized preoperative planning and good neurological and angiographic outcomes.We selected the main aneurysm sites on the posterior circulation, such as: posterior inferior cerebellar artery, basilar trunk, basilar bifurcation, posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and superior cerebellar artery for a detailed description of the relevant anatomy related to aneurysm, and the main surgical approaches for its surgical treatment. Furthermore, we performed a literature review with the most recent outcomes regarding to the surgical treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms.

Aneurismas de circulação posterior representam de 10­15% dos aneurismas intracranianos. O diagnóstico, frequentemente, é secundário a hemorragia subaracnoide devido à apresentação assintomática na maioria dos casos e ao alto risco de sangramento comparado com aneurismas da circulação anterior. O tratamento cirúrgico de aneurismas de circulação posterior é complexo e desafiador para os neurocirurgiões devido à anatomia particular da região, profundidade do acesso cirúrgico, e relação intima com o tronco encefálico e os nervos cranianos. Aneurismas de diferentes localizações têm diferentes relações anatômicas e, portanto, acessos cirúrgicos específicos para melhor dissecção e visibilização de estruturas. Logo, um conhecimento detalhado de anatomia é mandatório para planejamento operatório individualizado e bons resultados clinico-radiológicos. Foram selecionadas as principais localizações de aneurismas de circulação posterior: Artéria cerebelar póstero-inferior; tronco de artéria basilar, bifurcação de artéria basilar, artéria cerebral posterior, e artéria cerebelar superior para detalhamento anatômico da anatomia relevante. O estudo objetiva realizar uma revisão da literatura dos principais resultados sobre tratamento cirúrgico de aneurismas de circulação posterior, além de descrever os principais pontos anatômicos relevantes à técnica microcirúrgica.

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