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Background: T1-weighted (T1W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the delay alternating with nutation for excitation-sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (DANTE-SPACE) is the preferred imaging technique for evaluation of the vessel wall. Purpose: To evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of carotid wall segmentation on T1W DANTE-SPACE in patients with symptomatic (acute stroke or transient ischemic attack) internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Material and Methods: This prospective study included 25 patients with acute (≤3 months) stroke or transient ischemic attack and 50%–99% stenosis of the ICA. All patients underwent 3.0-T high-resolution carotid MRI. Two radiologists independently performed the manual segmentation of the vessel wall and inner lumen of the bilateral carotid artery on DANTE-SPACE. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and Hausdorff distance (HD) were calculated. Results: The ICCs for intra-rater reproducibility of carotid wall volume, inner lumen volume, and normalized wall index were 0.965, 0.990, and 0.962, respectively. The ICCs for inter-rater reproducibility of carotid wall volume, inner lumen, and normalized wall index were 0.856, 0.981, and 0.904. DSC and HD for intra- and inter-rater reproducibility of carotid wall segmentation were as follows: 0.873 and 0.809 (DSC); and 0.079 and 0.118 (HD), respectively. For evaluation of reproducibility only in the carotid artery with symptomatic stenosis, the ICCs for intra- and inter-rater reproducibility indicated all perfect agreement. Conclusion: T1W DANTE-SPACE is a reproducible sequence for evaluation of the carotid wall using carotid MRI in patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of an intraprocedural image fusion technique using flat-panel detector computed tomography-based rotational angiography (FDCT-RA) and image fusion (IF) for the transvenous approach in treating intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent transvenous embolization for dural AVFs. The patients were classified into two groups according to the treatment technique used: the FDCT-RA and IF technique group and the conventional technique group. The primary outcomes assessed were the angiographic and clinical outcomes, complications, fluoroscopy time, and radiation exposure. Univariate analyses were performed to compare the two treatment modalities. Results: Eighty-six patients with intracranial dAVFs were treated with transvenous embolization (TVE), of which 37 patients underwent transvenous approach with flat-panel detector computed tomography-based rotational angiography (FDCT-RA) and image fusion (IF) technique used. The FDCT-RA and IF group showed difference in the location of dAVFs, occlusion state of the sinus, and access routes in comparison to the conventional treatment group. The FDCT-RA and IF technique was predominantly used for dAVFs involving the anterior condylar confluence and cavernous sinus with ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) occlusion. Patients treated with this technique demonstrated a higher rate of complete occlusion (91.9%, n = 34) compared to those treated with the conventional technique (79.6%, n = 39), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.136). Although the implementation of this technique during the treatment procedure showed a tendency to decrease both fluoroscopy duration and radiation dose, the observed results did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.315, p = 0.130). Conclusion: The intraprocedural image fusion technique using FDCT-RA for transvenous treatment of intracranial dAVFs could provide help in treatment of dAVFs of certain locations or access routes. It might provide aid in microcatheter navigation, without increasing the radiation exposure and fluoroscopy time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiological features related to the symptomatic ischemic complications of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) following endovascular treatment (EVT). Methods: The clinical and radiological features of 127 VADAs, which were treated in a single tertiary institute between September 2008 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. We defined a thrombosed aneurysm as being one which the thrombus was in the aneurysm in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Symptomatic ischemic complication was defined as a case in which acute infarction was confirmed on diffusion weighted image after EVT with associated clinical symptoms. Univariate and multivariate analyses were executed to demonstrate the associations between symptomatic ischemic complication and characteristics of VADA. Results: The rate of symptomatic ischemic complication was 13.4% (17 of 127). The thrombosed aneurysms were observed in 24.4% (31 of 127) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) involvement was shown in 38.6% (49 of 127). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that thrombosed aneurysms (odds ratio [OR] = 8.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–36.87, p = 0.004) and PICA involvement (OR = 4.26, 95% CI 1.03–17.68, p = 0.046) were significantly associated with symptomatic ischemic complications following EVT. Conclusion: This study showed that the VADAs with intra-aneurysmal thrombose and PICA involvement may be independent risk factors for symptomatic ischemic complications following EVT. Therefore, when the thrombosed VADAs with PICA involvement are observed, practitioners may consider close postoperative monitoring for early detection of ischemic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of stroke. Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) treatment methods have increased over the last decade as alternative therapies, there is debate regarding the best method of treatment, with medical and surgical therapies often suggested. Methods: We analyzed the long-term follow-up results from 5 years of intracranial stenting for intracranial stenosis from three stroke centers. The primary endpoints were early stroke complications or death within 30 days after stent insertion, and the secondary endpoint was a recurrent stroke between 30 days and 60 months. Correlating factors and Kaplan–Meier survival curves for recurrent stroke and in-stent restenosis (ISR) were also obtained. Results: Seventy-three PTAS in 71 patients were examined in this study. The primary and secondary endpoints were all 8.2% (n = 6), and restenosis was 13.7% (n = 10) during the 5-year follow-up. The primary endpoints were significantly frequent in the high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and early stent (≤ 7 days after dual antiplatelet medication) groups. Secondary endpoint and ISR were identically frequent in the younger age group and in the presence of tandem stenosis in other major intracranial arteries. The cumulative probability of recurrent stroke and ISR at 60 months was 16.4% and 14.1%, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that PTAS is safe and effective for major ICAS. Reducing the early complication rate is still an important factor, despite the fact that long-term stroke recurrence was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to identify the association between the number of anterior choroidal arteries (AchoAs) and procedure-related ischemic complications in microsurgical clipping of unruptured AchoA aneurysms. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings of 153 patients with unruptured AchoA aneurysms treated with microsurgical clipping between January 2012 and November 2020 in a single tertiary institution. Intraoperative video clips were reviewed, and the AchoA type was categorized into two according to the number of AchoAs: (1) single-type group with single origin and single branch and (2) multiple-type group with duplicated origin or divided multiple branches. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between clinical and radiological factors and perioperative ischemic complications. Results: Of the 153 patients, 52 (34%) were categorized as multiple-type group. The frequency of perioperative ischemic complications, including decreased intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP), silent infarction, and postoperative ischemic symptoms, was significantly higher in the multiple-type group than in the single-type group (13 [25%] vs 6 [5.9%], p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple-type group (odds ratio [OR], 3.725; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.171–11.845, p = 0.026) and multilobulated shape (OR, 9.512; 95% CI, 2.093–43.224; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with perioperative ischemic complications. Among 9 patients with decreased MEP, postoperative ischemic symptoms developed in 2 patients after clip adjustment. Conclusions: Multiple-type AchoA aneurysms and multilobulated shape are significantly correlated with perioperative ischemic complications. Postoperative ischemic complications can be minimized by recognizing these variations and using multimodal approach with MEP monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of large (15–25 mm) and giant (> 25 mm) intracranial aneurysms (IAs), according to different treatment modalities. Methods: In total, 112 patients with large and giant IAs treated with various treatment modalities between January 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiological parameters were analyzed and correlated with the treatment modality. Results: A total of 141 procedures were performed on 112 patients. We initially treated 47 cases with coil embolization, 39 with flow diverter (FD), 13 with direct clipping, and 13 with parent artery occlusion (PAO). Recurrence (46.8%) and retreatment (31.9%) rates were significantly higher in the coiling group (p < 0.001). Complete occlusion rate (36.3%) was significantly lower in the coiling group (p = 0.027). PAO could achieve a high complete occlusion rate (90.9%) with low complication rate (12.5%). The total complication rate was 17%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, FD (OR 3.406, p = 0.036) and direct clipping (OR 5.732, p = 0.017) showed a significantly higher complication rate than coiling. The overall mortality rate was 8% (8/139 procedures). At the last follow-up (mean 30.6 ± 26.4 months), 70 of 96 patients (72.9%) showed complete or near-complete occlusion. Good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was observed in 90 of 112 (80.3%) patients at the last follow-up (mean 33.2 ± 30.5 months). Conclusions: Good clinical and radiologic outcomes with acceptable complication and mortality rates can be achieved by various treatment modalities. The selection of appropriate modality should be individualized based on the angiographic findings and clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and morphological factors associated with recurrence in anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms after clipping or coiling. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic features of consecutive 214 patients with AcomA aneurysms treated between January 2012 and December 2016 in a single tertiary institute. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationship between clinical and morphological variables and recurrence. Results: Of 214 patients, 166 were unruptured aneurysms and 109 were treated with coiling. Overall recurrence rate was 13% (28 out of 214 aneurysms) during mean 36.9 ± 18.4-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that size greater than 10 mm (OR = 5.651; 95% CI, 1.317–24.242; p = 0.020), smoking (OR = 3.474; 95% CI, 1.342–8.996; p = 0.010), coiling (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.005–8.832; p = 0.049), and anterior direction of aneurysm (OR = 3.77; 95% CI, 1.12–12.66; p = 0.032) were significantly associated with recurrence of AcomA aneurysms after treatment. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that coiling, large aneurysm, anterior direction, and smoking history may be independent risk factors for the recurrence of AcomA aneurysms. Therefore, careful follow-up should be needed especially in large AcomA aneurysms with anterior direction after coiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The embryological relationship between cerebellar arteries originating directly from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and persistent trigeminal artery is not well understood. Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and pattern of cerebellar arteries originating from the internal carotid artery and persistent trigeminal artery, and to discuss their probable embryological relationship. Material and Methods: We reviewed 5113 angiographic studies from 5093 patients at our institution over the last eight years, searching for patients with persistent trigeminal artery and cerebellar arteries originating from a cavernous segment of internal carotid artery (persistent trigeminal artery variant). Results: Of the 5093 patients, 27 patients had persistent trigeminal artery or persistent trigeminal artery variant (0.53%). Twenty patients (6 men, 14 women; median age = 54 years) had persistent trigeminal artery (0.39%). Seven patients (2 men, 5 women, age range = 37–72 years; median age = 57 years) had a persistent trigeminal artery variant with persistent trigeminal artery terminating in a cerebellar artery without direct connection to the basilar artery (persistent trigeminal artery variant; 0.14%). The terminal branch of the persistent trigeminal artery variant was an anterior inferior carotid artery in five patients and a superior cerebellar artery in two patients. Of the seven patients having persistent trigeminal artery variant, four patients had another artery from the basilar artery to the anterior inferior carotid artery territory. In 6/20 patients with persistent trigeminal artery, there was an anterior inferior carotid artery arising from the persistent trigeminal artery. One of these patients showed another arterial branch from the basilar artery to the anterior inferior carotid artery territory. Conclusion: Persistent trigeminal artery variant and cerebellar arteries originating from the persistent trigeminal artery are both believed to be a spectrum of incomplete fusion of the longitudinal neural arteries. Understanding the precise anatomy is important in diagnostic and therapeutic settings for related vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysm can be classified into sidewall or bifurcation types based on the anatomical variation of fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (fPCA). The aims of this study were to investigate the significance of fPCA as an independent risk factor for the rupture of PcomA aneurysm and to evaluate other associated morphological and clinical risk factors.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological findings of 255 patients with PcomA aneurysms, which were treated in a single tertiary institute between January 2009 and December 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between morphological and clinical variables and rupture status. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on the aneurysms with and without fPCA.Results: Fifty-five out of 255 PcomA aneurysms (21.6%) were associated with fPCA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the superior direction of aneurysm dome (OR 9.106, p = 0.007), the presence of a bleb (OR 4.780, p < 0.001), a high aspect ratio (OR 1.878, p = 0.045), and fPCA (2.101, p = 0.040) were significantly associated with PcomA aneurysm rupture. In the fPCA group, only the presence of a bleb varied significantly between ruptured and unruptured PcomA aneurysms. However, in the non-fPCA group, larger aneurysms, the superior direction of dome, the presence of a bleb, and a high aspect and dome-to-neck ratio were significantly higher in the ruptured aneurysm group than in the unruptured aneurysm group.Conclusions: The results demonstrate that fPCA may be an independent risk factor for rupture, especially together with the presence of a bleb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coil embolization with multiple overlapping stents was performed as an alternative treatment option for blood blister–like aneurysms (BBAs). However, coil placement into the BBAs has the inherent risks of rupture and regrowth. We describe a safe dense coil packing technique into and just proximal of BBAs using a semi-jailing technique for the treatment of BBAs of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and report the long-term clinical outcomes. Methods: The technique involves the partial deployment of a self-expanding and retrievable stent from the ICA bifurcation to the mid-portion of a BBA followed by coil embolization with gradual unsheathing of the stent from the BBA to its just proximal portion. Seventeen patients were treated using this technique (10 women; mean age, 47.9 ± 11 years; overall mean clinical follow-up period, 42.3 ± 22.8 months). Technique safety and feasibility, and follow-up angiographic results and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, mRS) were evaluated. Results: Procedures were successfully applied without any procedure-related complications. Immediate post-treatment angiograms showed total obliteration of the BBAs in all 17 patients. Follow-up angiograms, which were available in 15 (88.2%) patients, showed complete resolution of BBAs. Fourteen (82.4%) of 17 patients achieved favorable clinical outcomes (mRS ≤ 2). Conclusions: Forward deployed coil embolization with multiple overlapping stents offers a safe and effective reconstructive endovascular technique for the treatment of the BBAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large intracranial aneurysm is challenging for both surgical and endovascular treatment. High recurrence and retreatment rates are still limitations for endovascular treatment. Analysing risk factors of recurrence after endovascular treatment can be useful for planning future treatment strategies. Method: We retrospectively reviewed patients with intracranial saccular aneurysm (≥ 8 mm) who underwent endovascular treatment from 2008 to 2017 at our institution. The demographic features, clinical information and angiographic results were analysed to reveal the risk factors for recurrence and retreatment. Subgroup analysis was performed according to packing density (PD) and stent insertion status. Results: The total recurrence and retreatment rates were 25.7% (44/171) and 10.5% (18/171), respectively. Independent risk factors for recurrence after endovascular treatment were larger aneurysm size (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.17–1.51; p < 0.001), ruptured status (OR 3.91; 95%CI 1.44–10.90; p = 0.008), initial incomplete occlusion (OR 2.72; 95%CI 1.18–6.41; p = 0.020), and low dome-to-neck ratio (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.36–0.97; p = 0.047). The recurrence rate for the no-stent with low PD (< 17.5%) group was 50% (14/28); 37.5% (6/16) for stent-assisted coil (SAC) with low PD group, 22.0% (20/91) for no-stent with high PD group and 11.1% (4/36) for SAC with high PD group. Conclusion: The independent risk factors for recurrence after endovascular treatment in large (≥ 8 mm) intracranial saccular aneurysm were larger aneurysm size, ruptured status, low dome-to-neck ratio and initial incomplete occlusion state. SAC is a useful method for lowering recurrence after endovascular treatment for relatively large (≥ 8 mm) cerebral aneurysm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Predicting the fate of patients who are given a misdiagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains unclear. The purpose was to examine factors associated with initial misdiagnosis of aSAH and to investigate the impact of initial misdiagnosis of aSAH on clinical outcomes.Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2015, medical records and radiographic data for 3118 consecutive patients with aSAH were reviewed. There were 33 patients who had been documented with an initial misdiagnosis of aSAH, and all met the following criteria: (1) failure to correctly identify aSAH upon initial presentation to health care professionals; and 2) subsequently documented aSAH after the initial misdiagnosis. After applying exclusion criteria, remaining 2898 patients were included in the control group.Results: The most common cause of the misdiagnosis is failure to detect aSAH on the initial radiographic imaging. Misdiagnosis group showed lower initial Glasgow Coma Scale, better Hunt-Hess grade, and lower Fisher’s grade. Logistic regression analysis showed that initial HH grade (OR, 0.216; p = 0.014), initial Fisher’s grade (OR, 0.732; p = 0.036), and hospital type during initial contact (OR, 2.266; p = 0.042) were independently associated with misdiagnosis of aSAH.Conclusions: Patients with initially good HH grade, lower Fisher’s grade, and visiting non-teaching hospital for initial contact were at risk of being misdiagnosed. Misdiagnosis of aSAH in patients with initial good HH grade did affect clinical outcomes negatively. The rebleeding rate was not significantly different between two groups. However, the mortality rate due to rebleeding was higher in MisDx group than in non-MisDx group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between aspirin or clopidogrel resistance and the risk of thromboembolic events (TEs). Between June 2011 and April 2015, we reviewed clinical and angiographic characteristics, and TEs in the patients undergoing stent-assisted coil embolization (SAC) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) at our institution. We did not modify antiplatelet medication in patients with resistance. The relationships between antiplatelet resistance and the occurrence of acute symptomatic TEs, any diffusion-positive lesions, multiple diffusion-positive lesions, or delayed TEs were investigated. Ninety-nine endovascular treatments with stent-assisted technique were performed on 99 patients. The prevalence of aspirin resistance was 12% and clopidogrel resistance was 62.6%. Acute symptomatic TEs were demonstrated in 4 patients (4%). Diffusion-positive lesions were found in 82 patients [82.1%; 36 patients were group I (≤5) and 46 patients were group II (>5)]. Delayed TEs were demonstrated in 10 patients (10.1%). Neither aspirin resistance nor clopidogrel resistance was relevant to the development of acute symptomatic TEs, any diffusion-positive lesions, multiple diffusion-positive lesions, and delayed TEs (P logistic = not available, 0.448, 0.362, and 0.829 for aspirin resistance and P logistic = 0.607, 0.367, 0.278, and 0.245 for clopidogrel resistance). Without modification of antiplatelet medication, we demonstrated 4% of acute symptomatic TEs and 10% of delayed TEs. Aspirin or clopidogrel resistance did not show significant relationships with acute and delayed TEs in the SAC of UIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the course of headache in patients with moderate-to-severe headache due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage ( aSAH) and to identify its predisposing factors. Background Little is known about the long-term course of headache in patients with aSAH. Methods Since September 2009, patients with aSAH have had their headaches prospectively rated using a numeric rating scale ( NRS). From this database containing 838 patients, 217 were included and all included patients met the following criteria: (1) presence of ruptured intracranial aneurysms on computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography; (2) alert consciousness ( Glasgow Coma Scale 15); (3) newly onset moderate-to-severe headache ( NRS ≥ 4) due to ruptured intracranial aneurysms; and (4) good clinical outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale 0, 1, or 2). We observed the changes in NRS scores from initial to 12-month follow-up and identified the predisposing factors of NRS changes. Results Of the 217 patients, 182 (83.9%) experienced improvement in NRS score ≤ 3 upon discharge. The NRS scores at discharge were significantly lower than those on admission ( P < .001). The independent predisposing factors for headache improvement included previous stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 0.141; 95% CI 0.051-0.381; P < .001), previous headache treated with medication (OR = 0.079; 95% CI 0.010-0.518; P = .008), and endovascular treatment ( EVT; OR = 2.531; 95% CI 1.141-5.912; P = .026). The NRS scores tended to decrease continuously until the 12-month follow-up. EVT and symptomatic vasospasm were independently associated with a decrease of NRS in the follow-up periods. Conclusions The course of headache in patients with aSAH continuously improved during the 12 months of follow-up. Headache improvement might be expected in patients who were treated with EVT and in those who did not have previous stroke or headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The radiologic diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) depends on characteristic intraluminal findings on angiography and intramural hematoma or a double-lumen sign on high-resolution vessel wall imaging. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of intramural hematoma sign on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in VAD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed SWI, phase map images and brain computed tomography (CT) of the consecutive patients who suffered an ischemic stroke in the vertebral artery territory from August 2010 to July 2012. We divided the patients into 2 groups: the VAD group and the nondissection group. VAD was diagnosed by conventional catheter angiographic findings (aneurysmal dilatation, pearl-and-string or tapered steno-occlusion) and pathognomonic findings such as intramural hematoma or a double-lumen sign on the source images of TOF-MRA, high-resolution T1-weighted MRI or high-resolution T2-weighted MRI. Intramural hematoma sign was considered positive if the patient had an eccentric or concentric hypointense signal lesion in the vertebral artery on SWI, a corresponding hyperintense signal on phase map and no evidence of calcification on the brain CT, suggesting blood products other than calcification. Two experienced neuroradiologists blinded to clinical information and angiographic findings were asked to judge for the presence of intramural hematoma sign on SWI. The accuracy of intramural hematoma sign on SWI was evaluated. Phase value, demographic and clinical data were compared between the VAD and the nondissection groups. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included: 10 in the VAD group and 29 in the non-dissection group. Among the VAD group cases, intramural hematoma sign on SWI was positive in 9 of the 10 VAD cases and in 1 out of the 29 cases in the nondissection group. The intramural hematoma sign on SWI was significantly associated with VAD (p < 0.001), and showed sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96.6%. Mean phase values of intramural hematomas (n = 9) were all positive and those of calcified lesions (n = 13) were all negative (0.45 radian vs. -0.42 radian, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The intramural hematoma sign on SWI was significantly associated with VAD and the phase map values were higher in intramural hematomas when compared with atherosclerotic calcifications. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]