Background:
Distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms are rare, representing 1–9% of all intracranial aneurysms. The best treatment strategy for these aneurysms continues to be debated. We clarified the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with ruptured distal ACA aneurysms according to the treatment options at our institute.
Methods:
Thirty-seven consecutive patients (26 women; mean age, 65.2 years) with ruptured distal ACA aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping or coil embolization between 2012 and 2018 were included in the study. Clinical presentations, radiographic findings, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and compared between patients who underwent either surgical clipping or coil embolization. Risk factors associated with poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 4–6) were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.
Results:
Nineteen patients (51.4%) had World Federation Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Grade IV-V, 18 (48.7%) had frontal lobe hematomas, and 13 (35.1%) had multiple aneurysms. Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling were performed in 28 (75.7%) and nine (24.3%) patients, respectively. Aneurysms located at the A4-5 portions were mainly treated by surgical clipping (P = 0.04). There were no significant between-group differences in procedure-related morbidity and mortality; however, the complete occlusion rate was higher in the surgical group (P < 0.01). Overall, a favorable neurological outcome at discharge (mRS 0–3) was obtained in 23 patients (62.5%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that WFNS Grade IV-V and frontal lobe hematomas were risk factors for poor outcomes (mRS 4–6).
Conclusion:
Acceptable outcomes were obtained in 62.5% of cases, and there were no significant between-group differences in treatment results between clipping and coiling. A poor WFNS grade and intracerebral hematomas were risk factors for a poor prognosis.
A 41-year-old woman with Moyamoya disease (MMD) who had undergone bilateral indirect bypass during childhood presented with intracerebral hemorrhage in the genu of the corpus callosum. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed an occluded right anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and a small aneurysm in the frontal lobe, which arose on an unusual collateral artery from the M3 portion of the right middle cerebral artery. Since the aneurysm was still present on day 15, we performed proximal clipping using the navigation-guided trans-sulcal approach. Superficial temporal artery (STA)-ACA bypass with an indirect procedure was also performed to prevent further aneurysmformation. The aneurysm disappeared on DSA, and the patient fully recovered without neurological deficits.Aneurysm formation at this site is extremely rare. Single-stage proximal clipping and bypass surgery to reduce hemodynamic stress can be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy.
Moyamoya disease is a chronic cerebrovascular disease characterized by spontaneous and progressive stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery and its branches. Revascularization procedures have been shown to improve cerebral hemodynamics and decrease the risk of strokes, but several postoperative complications are known to occur.A 14-year-old girl with moyamoya disease with a history of left-sided revascularization surgery underwent right-sided revascularization. On postoperative day 4, she experienced a transient neurological event (left hemiparesis). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed large cortical and subcortical hyperintense lesions in the middle cerebral artery territory on diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient imaging. Subsequently, the radiographic findings improved within several days with resolution of the symptoms.This case is a reminder that hemodynamic complications can develop subacutely in patients who have undergone successful revascularization for moyamoya disease. The radiological features and mechanisms of this rare condition associated with revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease are discussed.
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