Reconstructive treatment of symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms with Willis covered stent: Initial experience

Background:Symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm(VADA)is a challenging disease with controversy on treatment strategy due to anatomic configuration and their nature.Moreover,the outcomes of reconstructive treatment have not been well established.Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reconstructive endovascular treatment(EVT)for symptomatic VADAs with Willis covered stent.Methods:We evaluated retrospectively 13 patients with symptomatic VADAs who treated with Willis covered stent,compared with stent-assisted coiling(SAC)on the characteristics,posttreatment course,angiographic and clinical follow-up outcomes at an average of 14.4 months(range,3-48 months).Results:A total of 33 patients with symptomatic VADAs were reviewed,23 of these patients with ruptured VADAs.The technical successful rate is 100%respectively in Willis covered stent(Group A)and SAC(Group B,n=20).The initial complete occlusion rate was significant higher in group A(100%)than group B(30%)(p<0.01).Major procedure-related complications were not significant different in the two groups.Serial follow-up angiograms revealed 5 recurrent VADAs in group B and no recurrence in group A(p>0.05).No obvious in-stent stenosis and no re-hemorrhage and delayed ischemic symptoms during the follow-up period.The final angiograms of all survived patients demonstrated the complete occlusion rate was higher in group A(100%)than group B(80%),but no significant statistical difference(p>0.05).Clinical outcomes were favorable in 31(93.9%),severe disability occurred in one in group B,and only one death in group A.The final clinical outcomes were also not significant difference in the two groups(p>0.05).Conclusions:Our initial result demonstrated reconstructive EVT with Willis covered stent provides a viable approach for selected symptomatic VADAs involving the intracranial and extracranial segments,which is similar to favorable results with SAC.However,an expanded clinical experiences and larger cohort studies are needed.

The interactions between bloodstream and vascular structure on aortic dissecting aneurysmal model: A numerical study

Stent-graft implantation is an important means of clinical treatment for aortic dissecting aneurysm （ADA）. However, researches on fluid dynamics effects of stent were rare. Computer simulation was used to investigate the interactions between bloodstream and vascular structure in a stented ADA, which endures the periodic pulse velocity and pressure. We obtained and analyzed the flow velocity distribution, the wall displacement and wall stress in the ADA. By comparing the different results between a non-stented and a stented ADA, we found that the insertion of a vascular graft can make the location of maximum stress and displacement move from the aneurysm lumen wall to the artery wall, accompanied with a greatly decrease in value. These results imply that the placement of a stent-graft of any kind to oc-clude ADA will result in a decreased chance of rupture.

Treatment of pediatric intracranial dissecting aneurysm with clipping and angioplasty,and next-generation sequencing analysis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Large intracranial dissecting aneurysm(IDA)in the anterior cerebral circulation is rare in children.There has been no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment for IDA in children.CASE SUMMARY We report a 3-year-old boy with a large ruptured IDA in the right middle cerebral artery(16 mm×14 mm).The IDA was successfully managed with clipping and angioplasty.Next-generation sequencing of the blood sample followed by bioinformatics analysis suggested that the rs78977446 variant of the ADAMTS13 gene is a risk for pediatric IDA.Three years after surgery,the boy was developmentally normal.CONCLUSION Clipping and angioplasty are effective treatments for ruptured IDA in the anterior cerebral circulation.ADAMTS13 rs78977446 is a risk factor for pediatric IDA.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysm

Objective To analyze the clinical features of intracranial dissecting aneurysm and summarize the experience of its endovascular embolization. Methods 16 cases of intracranial dissecting aneurysm were treated by endovascular embolization. Among these 16 patients,3 patients were treated with single stent or double

Treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysm with SUPERA stent implantation:Two case reports

BACKGROUND There is no standard endovascular treatment for extracranial internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysms.In the past,stent-graft isolation and stent-assisted coil embolization were commonly used for wide-necked and fusiform aneurysms.Here,we present two cases of extracranial internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysms treated successfully using the SUPERA stent.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 57-year-old male patient with sudden right limb weakness and vague speech and diagnosed with cerebral infarction in February 2019.Cervical computed tomographic angiography(CTA)revealed left internal carotid artery dissection with stenosis.CTA at 2 mo showed an eccentric wide-necked dissecting aneurysm(5 mm×5 mm×12 mm,10-mm neck)that was enlarged at 4 mo(7 mm×6 mm×12 mm,11-mm neck).The patient underwent SUPERA stent implantation.His condition was stable in July 2020.Case 2 was a 57-year-old man who suddenly felt dizzy and developed unsteady walking in November 2019.Cervical CTA suggested right internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysm(11 mm×9 mm×31 mm)complicated with severe lumen stenosis(95%).The patient underwent SUPERA stent implantation.The patient had no residual symptoms and was stable in December 2020.CONCLUSION SUPERA stent implantation might achieve good results in treating wide-necked or long fusiform internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysms.

Unruptured Right Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm Dissecting into Interventricular Septum Causing Complete Heart Block: Can Early Surgical Correction Revert Rhythm Disturbances?

A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) is abnormal dilatation of the either aortic sinuses, area of the aortic root between the aortic valve annulus and the sinotubular junction. Their clinical presentation may range from being asymptomatic as an incidental finding on cardiac imaging to symptomatic presentations related to the compression of adjoining structures or intracardiac shunting caused by rupture of the SOVA mostly into the right side of the heart. The compression leads to findings of tricuspid valve regurgitation, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction and rarely complete heart block (CHB). Dissection or erosion into interventricular septum is one of the rarest complications of SOVA. The symptomatic presentation is almost always a surgical emergency. Here we present a case report of a patient with unruptured sinus of valsalva originating from right sinus dissecting into interventricular septum causing complete heart bock. In this case after surgical correction the complete heart block reverted to sinus rhythm.

Innovation in pathogenesis and management of aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm(AA)refers to the persistent dilatation of the aorta,exceeding three centimeters.Investigating the pathophysiology of this condition is important for its prevention and management,given its responsibility for more than 25000 deaths in the United States.AAs are classified based on their location or morphology.various pathophysiologic pathways including inflammation,the immune system and atherosclerosis have been implicated in its development.Inflammatory markers such as transforming growth factorβ,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,matrix metalloproteinase-2 and many more may contribute to this phenomenon.Several genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome,Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome have also been associated with this disease.Recent years has seen the investigation of novel management of AA,exploring the implication of different immune suppressors,the role of radiation in shrinkage and prevention,as well as minimally invasive and newly hypothesized surgical methods.In this narrative review,we aim to present the new contributing factors involved in pathophysiology of AA.We also highlighted the novel management methods that have demonstrated promising benefits in clinical outcomes of the AA.

Giant cavernous aneurysms occluded by aneurysmal thrombosis,calcification,parent artery occlusion:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Patients with giant intracranial aneurysms(GIAs)are at a high risk of rupture,morbidity,and mortality even after surgical or endovascular treatment.We described a case of a spontaneously occluded GIA secondary to gradual growth of the GIA,continuously progressed aneurysmal thrombosis,complete aneurysmal calcification and complete occlusion of the parent artery-the right internal carotid artery(RICA).CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old female patient complained of sudden pain in her right eye upon admission to our hospital.She had been diagnosed with a GIA[30 mm(axial)×38 mm(coronal)×28 mm(sagittal)]containing an aneurysmal thrombus located in the cavernous sinus segment of RICA diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),enhanced MRI,and magnetic resonance angiography more than 14 years ago.Later,with slow growth of the cavernous carotid GIA,aneurysmal thrombosis progressed continuously,spontaneous occlusion of the RICA,complete aneurysmal calcification,and occlusion of the GIA occurred gradually.She had no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage but missed the chance for endovascular therapy at an early stage.As a result,she was left with severe permanent sequelae from the injuries to the right cranial nerves Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,V1/V2,and Ⅴ.CONCLUSION The risk of rupture of the cavernous carotid GIAs was relatively low and possibly further be reduced by the stasis flow and spontaneous occlusion of the parent artery internal carotid artery(ICA)induced by the mass effect of the cavernous carotid GIAs and the extremely rare aneurysmal calcification.However,nowadays,it is advisable to recommend early endovascular treatment for the cavernous carotid GIAs to prevent injuries to the surrounding intracranial nerves and occlusion of the ICA,mainly caused by the mass effect of the cavernous carotid GIAs.

Thoracoscopic resection of giant left atrial appendage aneurysm: A case report

Left atrial appendage aneurysm(LAAA)was first reported in the 1960s.1 LAAA is a rare condition,with just over 100 congenital or acquired cases reported to date.2 LAAA is frequently diagnosed incidentally during echocardiography or computed tomography(CT)scans.Most patients with LAAA are asymptomatic,while a few exhibit nonspecific symptoms,such as dyspnea,palpitation,and chest tightness.Patients with LAAA frequently present with atrial arrhythmias and systemic thromboembolism,such as stroke or multiorgan infarctions,due to the formation of a left atrial appendage thrombus.3 The lesion may be cured using aneurysm resection.Considering it as the potential cause of atrial arrhythmias and thromboembolism,the lesion must be identified on time and cured using a suitable treatment approach.

Differences and Correlations of Morphological and Hemodynamic Parameters between Anterior Circulation Bifurcation and Side-wall Aneurysms

Objective:The objective of this research was to explore the difference and correlation of the morphological and hemodynamic features between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms in anterior circulation arteries,utilizing computational fluid dynamics as a tool for analysis.Methods:In line with the designated inclusion criteria,this study covered 160 aneurysms identified in 131 patients who received treatment at Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,China,from January 2021 to September 2022.Utilizing follow-up digital subtraction angiography(DSA)data,these cases were classified into two distinct groups:the sidewall aneurysm group and the bifurcation aneurysm group.Morphological and hemodynamic parameters in the immediate preoperative period were meticulously calculated and examined in both groups using a three-dimensional DSA reconstruction model.Results:No significant differences were found in the morphological or hemodynamic parameters of bifurcation aneurysms at varied locations within the anterior circulation.However,pronounced differences were identified between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms in terms of morphological parameters such as the diameter of the parent vessel(Dvessel),inflow angle(θF),and size ratio(SR),as well as the hemodynamic parameter of inflow concentration index(ICI)(P<0.001).Notably,only the SR exhibited a significant correlation with multiple hemodynamic parameters(P<0.001),while the ICI was closely related to several morphological parameters(R>0.5,P<0.001).Conclusions:The significant differences in certain morphological and hemodynamic parameters between sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms emphasize the importance to contemplate variances in threshold values for these parameters when evaluating the risk of rupture in anterior circulation aneurysms.Whether it is a bifurcation or sidewall aneurysm,these disparities should be considered.The morphological parameter SR has the potential to be a valuable clinical tool for promptly distinguishing the distinct rupture risks associated with sidewall and bifurcation aneurysms.

Unusual Presentation of Heart Failure Secondary to Ruptured Aneurysmal Sinus of Valsalva: A Case Report

Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SOVA) arises from an abnormal dilation of the aortic root, leading to enlargement between the aortic annulus and the sinotubular junction. Although often presenting without symptoms, these aneurysms bear the potential for life-threatening complications, primarily from the looming risk of rupture. We present the case of a 42-year-old Malay gentleman with a history of bilateral pedal edema and dyspnea on exertion who was diagnosed with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The patient underwent successful surgical repair of the aneurysm, leading to symptomatic improvement and favorable outcomes. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention in managing this uncommon condition.

Hematochezia due to rectal invasion by an internal iliac artery aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND This case report presents the rare occurrence of hematochezia due to an internal iliac artery aneurysm leading to an arterioenteric fistula,expanding the differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal bleeding.It emphasizes the importance of considering vascular origins in cases of atypical hematochezia,particularly in the absence of common gastrointestinal causes,and highlights the role of imaging and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating such unusual presentations.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented with 12 d of hematochezia,experiencing bloody stools 7-8 times per day.Initial computed tomography(CT)scans revealed an aneurysmal rupture near the right internal iliac artery with suspected hematoma development.Hemoglobin levels progressively decreased to 7 g/dL.Emergency arterial angiography and iliac arterycovered stent placement were performed,followed by balloon angioplasty.Despite initial stabilization,minor rectal bleeding and abdominal pain persisted,leading to further diagnostic colonoscopy.This identified a neoplasm and potential perforation at the proximal rectum.An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a hematoma and an aneurysm invading the rectal wall,necessitating partial rectal resection,intestinal anastomosis,and ileostomy.Postoperative recovery was successful,with no further bleeding incidents and normal follow-up CT and colonoscopy results after six months.CONCLUSION In cases of unusual gastrointestinal bleeding,it is necessary to consider vascular causes for effective diagnosis and intervention.

Isolated Third Nerve Cranial Palsy: Complication of Brain Aneurysm

This case report highlights a critical and emergent condition, isolated third nerve cranial palsy due to a brain aneurysm. It emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis and attentiveness to the physical exam in an emergency setting. The detailed progression from initial symptoms and misinterpretation to final diagnosis offers valuable insight into the dangers of overlooking critical diagnoses. A bilobed intracranial aneurysm arising from the internal carotid artery (ICA) caused symptoms in this patient that could have been attributed to a less malignant etiology, such as a complex migraine. Overlooking the urgency of the situation and missing the diagnosis could have had a grave and irreversible outcome.

Prenatal Diagnosis of an Apically Located Congenital Left Ventricular Aneurysm: A Rare Case

Congenital ventricular aneurysm is a very rare cardiac anomaly.A diagnosis can be made during the prenatal period using fetal echocardiography.This study presents a very rare apically located left ventricular aneurysm case,and the relevant literature was reviewed and discussed.In this case,a 35-year-old,gravida 2,parity 1 preg-nant woman at 24 weeks of gestation,displayed a wide aneurysmal image in the left ventricular apical wall on fetal echocardiography.There was a 1.79 mm muscular ventricular septal defect at the apical region of the interven-tricular septum.In the course of the color Doppler ultrasonography examination,an aberrantfibrous band within the left ventricle and consequent turbulentflow during systole were observed.The baby,born via cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation,is now in its postnatal seventh month.However,during echocardiographic follow-ups,changes have been observed,including mild to moderate mitral insufficiency and a decrease in systolic function.Despite thesefindings,the clinical condition remains asymptomatic.It is of great importance to use a multidis-ciplinary approach in managing these rare cases that could lead to potential adverse outcomes during the antena-tal or postnatal periods.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured lobulated anterior communicating artery aneurysms:A retrospective study of 24 patients

BACKGROUND Lobulated intracranial aneurysm is a special type of aneurysm with at least one additional cyst in the neck or body of the aneurysm.Lobulated intracranial aneurysm is a complex aneurysm with complex morphology and structure and weak tumor wall,which is an independent risk factor for rupture and hemorrhage.Lobular aneurysms located in the anterior communicating artery complex account for 36.9%of all intracranial lobular aneurysms.Due to its special anatomical structure,both craniotomy and endovascular treatment are more difficult.Compared with single-capsule aneurysms,craniotomy for lobular intracranial aneurysms has a higher risk and complication rate.AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment for ruptured lobulated anterior communicating artery aneurysm(ACoAA).METHODS Patients with ruptured lobulated ACoAA received endovascular treatment in Sanming First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from June 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively included.Their demographic,clinical and imaging characteristics,endovascular treatment methods and follow-up results were collected.RESULTS A total of 24 patients with ruptured lobulated ACoAA were included,including 9 males(37.5%)and 15 females(62.5%).Their age was 56.2±8.9 years old(range 39-74).The time from rupture to endovascular treatment was 10.9±12.5 h.The maximum diameter of the aneurysms was 5.1±1.0 mm and neck width were 3.0±0.7 mm.Nineteen patients(79.2%)were double-lobed and 5(20.8%)were multilobed.Fisher's grade:Grade 2 in 16 cases(66.7%),grade 3 in 6 cases(25%),and grade 4 in 2 cases(8.3%).Hunt-Hess grade:Grade 0-2 in 5 cases(20.8%),grade 3-5 in 19 cases(79.2%).Glasgow Coma Scale score:9-12 in 14 cases(58.3%),13-15 in 10 cases(41.7%).Immediately postprocedural Raymond-Roy grade:grade 1 in 23 cases(95.8%),grade 2 in 1 case(4.2%).Raymond-Roy grade in imaging follow-up for 2 wk to 3 months:grade 1 in 23 cases(95.8%),grade 2 in 1 case(4.2%).Followup for 2 to 12 months showed that 21 patients(87.5%)had good functional outcomes(modified Rankin Scale score≤2),and there were no deaths.CONCLUSION Endovascular treatment is a safe and effective treatment for ruptured lobulated AcoAA.

Endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula resulting from rupture of intracavernous carotid aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND Direct carotid cavernous fistulas(CCFs)are typically the result of a severe traumatic brain injury.High-flow arteriovenous shunts secondary to rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm,resulting in direct CCFs,are rare.The use of a pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coils and Onyx glue for treatment of direct high-flow CCF resulting from ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm in a clinical setting is not well documented.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of blepharoptosis and intracranial bruits for 1 wk.During physical examination,there was right eye exophthalmos and ocular motor palsy.The rest of the neurological examination was clear.Notably,the patient had no history of head injury.The patient was treated with a pipeline embolization device in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery across the fistula.Coils and Onyx were placed through the femoral venous route,followed by placement of the pipeline embolization device with assistance from a balloon-coiling technique.No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred.Preoperative symptoms of bulbar hyperemia and bruits subsided immediately after the operation.CONCLUSION Pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coiling and Onyx may be a safe and effective approach for direct CCFs.

Massive Epistaxis Revealing a Post-Traumatic Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Clinical Case and Review of the Literature

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are an unusual but serious cause of epistaxis. This epistaxis is massive and sometimes uncontrollable threatening the vital prognosis of patients. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent received in emergency with severe bilateral epistaxis, asthenia and grade-3 left exophthalmos. In his history, the subject had been the victim of an assault six months before consultation. He had received blows on the cephalic extremity with light but repeated epistaxis. The treatment consisted to blood products transfusion and local compression by sterile gazes. An ICA aneurysm in sphenoid sinus has been confirmed in a craniofacial CT scan coupled to vascular opacification. Although the ICA has a variable course in contact with the sphenoid sinus, massive epistaxis would be the consequence of a pronounced dehiscence of the ICA in the sphenoid sinus, particularly in a traumatic context. In front of this type of epistaxis in our context, general practitioners must be able to suspect a ruptured ICA aneurysm in the presence of exophthalmos and a notion of old or recent cranio-encephalic injury. Additionally, due to the high morbidity and mortality of this condition, a monitoring algorithm is necessary for patients with head trauma to facilitate early detection.

Research Progress on Individualized Treatment of Splenic Aneurysm

Splenic artery aneurysm has a hidden onset and atypical symptoms.There are various diagnostic methods for splenic aneurysms,among which ultrasound is the first choice for aneurysm screening.The diagnostic rate of CTA and DSA reaches 100%.In clinical practice,it is necessary to integrate medical history,symptoms and signs,and multiple imaging results to improve the diagnostic rate.In terms of treatment plans,both intervention and surgical procedures have their strengths,and the application of intervention will be more extensive.We need to adhere to the principle of individualization and choose a reasonable treatment plan for patients.At present,there are many reports on pregnant women with large splenic aneurysms both domestically and internationally.Some scholars believe that large splenic aneurysms may be related to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy,and the specific pathogenic mechanism will become a hot topic in future research.

Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Aortic Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a Hostile Neck Anatomy

Objective This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular aortic repair(EVAR)for the treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)with a hostile neck anatomy(HNA).Methods From January 1,2015 to December 31,2019,a total of 259 patients diagnosed with an AAA who underwent EVAR were recruited into this study.Based on the morphological characteristics of the proximal neck anatomy,the patients were divided into the HNA group and the friendly neck anatomy(FNA)group.The patients were followed up for up to 4 years.Results The average follow-up time was 1056.1±535.5 days.Type I endoleak occurred in 4 patients in the HNA group,and 2 patients in the FNA group.Neither death nor intraoperative switch to open repair occurred in either group.The time of the operation was significantly longer in the HNA group(FNA vs.HNA,99.2±51.1 min vs.117.5±63.8 min,P=0.011).There were no significant differences in short-term clinical success rate(P=0.228)or midterm clinical success rate(P=0.889)between the two groups.The overall mortality rate was 10.4%,and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the two groups had similar cumulative survival rates at the end of the follow-up period(P=0.889).Conclusion EVAR was feasible and safe in patients with an AAA with a proximal HNA.The early and midterm results were promising;however,further studies are needed to verify the long-term effectiveness of EVAR.