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BackgroundData on the frequency and outcome of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with COVID-19 is limited. Addressing this subject, we report our multicenter experience.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed of consecutive acute stroke patients with COVID-19 infection treated with MT at 26 tertiary care centers between January 2020 and November 2021. Baseline demographics, angiographic outcome and clinical outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 90 days were noted.ResultsWe identified 111 out of 11 365 (1%) patients with acute or subsided COVID-19 infection who underwent MT due to LVO. Cardioembolic events were the most common etiology for LVO (38.7%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were 16 (IQR 11.5–20) and 9 (IQR 7–10), respectively. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 97/111 (87.4%) patients and 46/111 (41.4%) patients were reperfused completely. The procedure-related complication rate was 12.6% (14/111). Functional independence was achieved in 20/108 (18.5%) patients at discharge and 14/66 (21.2%) at 90 days follow-up. The in-hospital mortality rate was 30.6% (33/108). In the subgroup analysis, patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection requiring intubation had a mortality rate twice as high as patients with mild or moderate acute COVID-19 infection. Acute respiratory failure requiring ventilation and time interval from symptom onset to groin puncture were independent predictors for an unfavorable outcome in a logistic regression analysis.ConclusionOur study showed a poor clinical outcome and high mortality, especially in patients with severe acute COVID-19 infection undergoing MT due to LVO.

BackgroundThe degree of reperfusion is the most important modifiable predictor of 3 month functional outcome and mortality in ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Whether the beneficial effect of reperfusion also leads to a reduction in long term mortality is unknown.MethodsPatients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy between January 2010 and December 2018 were included. The post-thrombectomy degree of reperfusion and emboli in new territories were core laboratory adjudicated. Reperfusion was evaluated according to the expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) scale. Vital status was obtained from the Swiss population register. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) using time split Cox regression models were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with borderline indications.ResultsOur study included 1264 patients (median follow-up per patient 2.5 years). Patients with successful reperfusion had longer survival times, attributable to a lower hazard of death within 0–90 days and for >90 days to 2 years (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.46; aHR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.62). This association was homogeneous across all predefined subgroups (p for interaction >0.05). Among patients with successful reperfusion, a significant difference in the hazard of death was observed between eTICI2b50 and eTICI3 (aHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.79). Emboli in new territories were present in 5% of patients, and were associated with increased mortality (aHR 2.3, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.86).ConclusionSuccessful, and ideally complete, reperfusion without emboli in new territories is associated with a reduction in long term mortality in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, and this was evident across several subgroups.

Graphical Abstract

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms remain a challenge for endovascular surgeons. Dual-stent-assisted coiling techniques have been defined to treat bifurcation aneurysms with a complex neck morphology. However, there are still concerns about the safety of dual-stenting procedures. Stent plus balloon-assisted coiling is a recently described endovascular technique that enables the coiling of wide-necked complex bifurcation aneurysms by implanting only a single stent.

BackgroundAchieving the best possible reperfusion is a key determinant of clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, data on the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) fibrinolytics as an adjunct to MT with the intention to improve reperfusion are sparse.MethodsWe performed a PROSPERO-registered (CRD42020149124) systematic review and meta-analysis accessing MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2020. A random-effect estimate (Mantel-Haenszel) was computed and summary OR with 95% CI were used as a measure of added IA fibrinolytics versus control on the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and secondary endpoints (modified Rankin Scale ≤2, mortality at 90 days).ResultsThe search identified six observational cohort studies and three observational datasets of MT randomized-controlled trial data reporting on IA fibrinolytics with MT as compared with MT alone, including 2797 patients (405 with additional IA fibrinolytics (100 urokinase (uPA), 305 tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)) and 2392 patients without IA fibrinolytics). Of 405 MT patients treated with additional IA fibrinolytics, 209 (51.6%) received prior intravenous tPA. We did not observe an increased risk of sICH after administration of IA fibrinolytics as adjunct to MT (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.76), nor excess mortality (0.81, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.08). Although the mode of reporting was heterogeneous, some studies observed improved reperfusion after IA fibrinolytics.ConclusionThe quality of evidence regarding peri-interventional administration of IA fibrinolytics in MT is low and limited to observational data. In highly selected patients, no increase in sICH was observed, but there is large uncertainty.

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IMPORTANCE: Achieving complete reperfusion is a key determinant of good outcome in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). However, data on treatments geared toward improving reperfusion after incomplete MT are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether administration of intra-arterial urokinase is safe and improves reperfusion after failed or incomplete MT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This observational cohort study included a consecutive sample of patients treated with second-generation MT from January 1, 2010, through August 4, 2017. Data were collected from the prospective registry of a tertiary care stroke center. Of 1274 patients screened, 69 refused to participate, and 993 met the observational studies inclusion criteria of a large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2017, through September 20, 2019. INTERVENTION: One hundred patients received intra-arterial urokinase after failed or incomplete MT using manual microcatheter injections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary safety outcome was the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) according to the Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism II criteria. Secondary end points included 90-day mortality and 90-day functional independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2). Efficacy was evaluated angiographically, applying the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale. RESULTS: After exclusion of patients with posterior circulation strokes and those treated with intra-arterial thrombolytics only, 993 patients were included in the final analyses (median age, 74.6 [interquartile range, 62.6-82.2] years; 505 [50.9%] women). Additional intra-arterial urokinase was administered in 100 patients (10.1%). The most common reason for administering intra-arterial urokinase was incomplete reperfusion (TICI<3) after MT (53 [53.0%]). After adjusting for baseline characteristics underlying case selection, intra-arterial urokinase was not associated with an increased risk of sICH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.31-2.13) or 90-day mortality (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.43-1.40). Among 53 cases of partial or near-complete reperfusion and treated with intra-arterial urokinase, 32 (60.4%) had early reperfusion improvement, and 18 of 53 (34.0%) had an improvement in TICI grade. Correspondingly, patients treated with intra-arterial urokinase had higher rates of functional independence after adjusting for the selection bias favoring a priori poor TICI grades in the intra-arterial urokinase group (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.11-3.37). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In selected patients, adjunctive treatment with intra-arterial urokinase during or after MT was safe and improved angiographic reperfusion. Systemic evaluation of this approach in a multicenter prospective registry or a randomized clinical trial seems warranted.

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IntroductionAn adequate recanalization grade is an independent predictor of a good clinical outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. It can be obtained with stent retrievers (SR) and contact aspiration (CA). The aim of this ancillary study of the ASTER trial was to investigate the effect of the regular and irregular phenotype of the M1-middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA) segment occlusion on the procedural and clinical outcomes in the ASTER trial population.MethodsThe predetermined occlusion phenotype assessment was performed by the core laboratory of the ASTER trial and patients with M1-MCA occlusion were included in this study. Clinical and procedural outcomes were analyzed according to the technique used and to the occlusion phenotype.Results188 patients were included in the analysis (95 received SR, 93 CA as first-line treatment). The occlusion phenotypes were graded as irregular in 52.7% of cases (n=99, 95% CI 45.5% to 59.8%). In patients with an irregular occlusion phenotype, complete or adequate recanalization at the end of the first-line strategy was more often achieved with SR than CA (TICI 3: SR 44.1% vs CA 22.5%, OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.89, p=0.027), with a shorter procedure time, a lower number of passes (>2 passes: SR 32.2% vs CA 57.5%, OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.36 to 8.03, p=0.009), and higher rates of favorable clinical outcome (SR 55.2% vs CA 31.6%, OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.97, p=0.042).ConclusionIrregular M1-MCA occlusion phenotypes treated with SR as first-line approach were associated with better procedural and clinical outcomes in the ASTER trial population

Background and purposeAcute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a devastating disease with a high rate of mortality and morbidity, and early recanalization is crucial to achieve a good prognosis. The best treatment strategy for BAO combined with a proximal stenosis (tandem occlusion) is not yet clear. Our study aimed to evaluate whether and how vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions can be treated effectively and safely compared with isolated BAO.Materials and methodsFifty-two patients with acute vertebrobasilar occlusive stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy were identified in a prospective database from March 2010 to September 2016. We retrospectively analysed the clinical, technical, and functional outcomes of the patients.ResultsOf the 52 patients, 15 presented with a tandem occlusion, 14 with a single intracranial occlusion due to an underlying stenosis, and 23 with a single embolic BAO. Successful recanalization was achieved in all of the patients with tandem occlusions (modified Thrombolysis in Cranial Infarction 2b/3) and in 35 of 37 patients with a single BAO (with and without stenosis). A favourable outcome was achieved (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) in 8 of the 15 patients with a tandem occlusion compared with 4 of the 14 patients with a single BAO with underlying stenosis and 5 of the 23 patients with isolated embolic BAO (p=0.18).ConclusionsWe suggest that endovascular treatment of vertebrobasilar tandem occlusions is safe and feasible, with a high rate of good outcome.

IMPORTANCE: Various signs may be observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). However, the lack of a classification system integrating these findings limits decision making in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To develop a probability score based on the most relevant brain MRI findings to assess the likelihood of an underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients with SIH. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This case-control study in consecutive patients investigated for SIH was conducted at a single hospital department from February 2013 to October 2017. Patients with missing brain MRI data were excluded. Three blinded readers retrospectively reviewed the brain MRI scans of patients with SIH and a spinal CSF leak, patients with orthostatic headache without a CSF leak, and healthy control participants, evaluating 9 quantitative and 7 qualitative signs. A predictive diagnostic score based on multivariable backward logistic regression analysis was then derived. Its performance was validated internally in a prospective cohort of patients who had clinical suspicion for SIH. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Likelihood of a spinal CSF leak based on the proposed diagnostic score. RESULTS: A total of 152 participants (101 female [66.4%]; mean [SD] age, 46.1 [14.3] years) were studied. These included 56 with SIH and a spinal CSF leak, 16 with orthostatic headache without a CSF leak, 60 control participants, and 20 patients in the validation cohort. Six imaging findings were included in the final scoring system. Three were weighted as major (2 points each): pachymeningeal enhancement, engorgement of venous sinus, and effacement of the suprasellar cistern of 4.0 mm or less. Three were considered minor (1 point each): subdural fluid collection, effacement of the prepontine cistern of 5.0 mm or less, and mamillopontine distance of 6.5 mm or less. Patients were classified into groups at low, intermediate, or high probability of having a spinal CSF leak, with total scores of 2 points or fewer, 3 to 4 points, and 5 points or more, respectively, on a scale of 9 points. The discriminatory ability of the proposed score could be demonstrated in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This 3-tier predictive scoring system is based on the 6 most relevant brain MRI findings and allows assessment of the likelihood (low, intermediate, or high) of a positive spinal imaging result in patients with SIH. It may be useful in identifying patients with SIH who are leak positive and in whom further invasive myelographic examinations are warranted before considering targeted therapy.

Background and purpose To evaluate the durability and safety of complete intracranial aneurysm occlusion at one year using the low-profile braided intracranial LVIS EVO stent.Materials and methods This is a retrospective, monocentric, observational study of unruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with the LVIS EVO stent-through-balloon technique after balloon-assisted hydrocoil embolization. Imaging and clinical data were assessed by two blinded independent neuroradiologists and neurologists, respectively. Primary endpoint was complete angiographic occlusion on day 0 and at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included clinical safety using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), ischemic and hemorrhagic adverse events, parent vessel stenosis > 50% or occlusion and retreatment rate.Results 103 aneurysms in 103 patients were included (53 years-old, 77% women). Mean aneurysm size and neck were 7 and 4 mm, respectively. Complete occlusion was 97% initially and 90% at 12 months, with pending follow up in 17.5% patients. Five patients (5%) with partially stented necks were retreated with a second stent in a T-configuration. Two stents failed to open initially and were immediately retrieved. Asymptomatic parent vessel occlusion and severe in-stent stenosis occurred in 1% and 3%, respectively. The 12-month procedure-related permanent neurological deficit and mortality rates (mRS 3–6) were 2% and 1%, respectively. There was one fatal bleeding but no large ischemic complications.Conclusion Delivering the LVIS EVO stent through a dual lumen balloon after balloon-assisted hydrocoil embolization yields a high and stable rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at one year with a reasonable immediate and delayed complication rate.

BackgroundPerforming mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is currently not evidence-based.ObjectiveTo compare patients’ outcome, relative merits of achieving recanalization, and predictors of futile recanalization (FR) between BAO and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) MT.MethodsIn the multicenter BEYOND-SWIFT registry (NCT03496064), univariate and multivariate (displayed as adjusted Odds Ratios, aOR and 95% confidence intervals, 95%-CI) outcome comparisons between BAO (N=165) and ACLVO (N=1574) were performed. The primary outcome was favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale, mRS 0-2). Secondary outcome included mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and FR. The relative merits of achieving successful recanalization between ACLVO and BAO were evaluated with interaction terms.ResultsMT in BAO was more often technically effective and equally safe in regards to mortality and sICH when compared to ACLVO. When adjusting for baseline differences, there was no significant difference between BAO vs ACLVO regarding rates of favorable outcome (aOR 0.986, 95%-CI 0.553 – 1.758). However, BAO were associated with increased rates of FR (aOR 2.146, 95%-CI 1.267 – 3.633). Predictors for FR were age, stroke severity, maneuver count and intracranial stenting. No significant heterogeneity on the relative merits of achieving successful recanalization on several outcome parameters were observed when comparing BAO and ACLVO.ConclusionsIn selected patients, similar outcomes can be achieved in BAO and ACLVO patients treated with MT. Randomized controlled trials comparing patient selection and interventional strategies seem warranted to avoid FR.Trial registration numberNCT03496064

PurposeThe aim of our study was to assess the technical success and the safety of this new low-profile flow diverter Silk Vista Baby (SVB) by evaluating the intraprocedural and periprocedural complication rate.Material/methodsClinical, procedural, and angiographic data were analyzed.Results: 41 consecutive patients (28 women; age average 50.5 years) with 43 aneurysms were treated with SVB. Aneurysm sizes were classified by their maximum diameter, with an average size of 9.5 mm (range 2–30 mm). Thirty-four cases were unruptured. five aneurysms previously ruptured, had recurrence after the initial coiling. There were two ruptured cases. Aneurysms' locations were: M1 segment (five cases), M2 segment (three cases), M3 segment (one case), middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation (six cases), carotid-T (two cases), anterior communicating artery/A1/A2 (11 cases), pericallosal artery (four cases), supraclinoid ICA (two cases), PCom (one case), V4 segment (three cases), PCA (three cases), SCA (one case), and PICA (one case). We had five intraprocedural complications which resolved without clinical consequences and three events postprocedural events. Initial occlusion rates were: eight aneurysms (18.6%) were completely occluded, five aneurysms (11.6%) showed near-complete occlusion, four cases (9.3%) showed incomplete filling, and 26 cases (60.4%) showed persisting filling. The mRS score at discharge from the hospital did not change from the admission mRS score.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the use of the new low-profile flow diverter, SVB device, for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is feasible and technically safe.

We propose a modified dynamic CT myelography technique to identify a dural tear, which results in lower radiation dose, covering only a few vertebral levels suspected of harboring discogenic microspurs or perineural cysts.

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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

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ObjectiveA reperfusion quality of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI)≥2b has been set as the therapeutic angiography target for interventions in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. This study addresses whether the distinction between TICI2b and TICI3 reperfusions shows a clinically relevant difference on functional outcome.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was carried out and presented in conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria to test the primary hypothesis that TICI2b and TICI3 reperfusions are associated with different rates of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at day 90. Secondary endpoints included rates of haemorrhagic transformations, mortality and excellent functional outcome (mRS ≤1). Summary estimates of ORs (sOR) with 95% CI were calculated using the inverse variance heterogeneity model accounting for multiple true effect sizes.ResultsFourteen studies on 2379 successfully reperfused patients were included (1131 TICI3, 1248 TICI2b). TICI3 reperfusions were associated with higher rates of functional independence (1.74, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.10) and excellent functional outcomes (2.01, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.53), also after including adjusted estimates. The safety profile of patients with TICI3 was superior, as demonstrated by lower rates of mortality (sOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92) and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.71).ConclusionTICI3 reperfusions are associated with superior outcome and better safety profiles than TICI2b reperfusions. This effect seems to be independent of time and collaterals. As reperfusion quality is the most important modifiable predictor of patients’ outcome, a more conservative definition of successful therapy and further evaluation of treatment approaches geared towards achieving TICI3 reperfusions are desirable.

IntroductionDual coaxial lumen balloon microcatheters through which small stents can be delivered have recently been described. We report a series of a new type of dual lumen balloon catheter with a parallel lumen design enabling enhanced inflation and deflation properties through which larger stents may be deployed, including flow diverters (FD).MethodsAll aneurysms that were treated with a Copernic 2L (COP2L) dual lumen balloon catheter at our institution between February 2014 and December 2016 were assessed. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, clinical and angiographic follow-up, as well as adverse events were analyzed.ResultsA total of 18 aneurysms in 16 patients (14 women) were treated with the COP2L. Mean maximal aneurysm diameter was 6.4 mm, mean neck size was 3.3 mm (min 1; max 6.3), and mean aneurysm height/width was 1.1 (min 0.5; max 2.1). The COP2L was used for balloon-remodeled coiling exclusively in 2 aneurysms; coiling and FD stenting in 8; coiling and braided stent delivery in 3; coiling, braided and FD stenting in 1; and FD stenting without coiling in 4 (stenting alone). The rate of Roy–Raymond 1 (complete occlusion) changed from 22% in the immediate postoperative period to 100% at 3 months (mean imaging follow-up 8.2 months). There were three technical complications (3/16, 18.7%), including a perforation and two thromboembolic asymptomatic events that were rapidly controlled with the COP2L. There was no immediate or delayed morbidity or mortality (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1 in 100% of patients).ConclusionThe COP2L is a new type of dual lumen balloon catheter that may be useful for balloon and/or stent-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms. The same device can be used to deliver stents up to 4.5 mm and to optimize stent/wall apposition or serve as a life-saving tool in case of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events. Long-term efficacy and safety need to be further assessed with larger case-controlled cohorts.

The use of a balloon guide catheter for mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers improved the rates of recanalization in both middle cerebral artery and internal carotid artery occlusions, with faster interventions compared with procedures in which a non–balloon guide catheter was used.

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Endovascular treatment of small anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms can be challenging, especially if the AChA arises from the sac. Preserving its patency during embolization is as important as obliterating the aneurysm. We describe a variant of the “protective microcatheter technique” (PMT) in a series of six patients with AChA aneurysms where the AChA emerged from the sac.

IntroductionA new generation of carotid artery stents that use a dual micromesh layer to reduce embolic events during carotid artery stenting has recently been introduced. We aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of the new Casper-RX stent in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke with large vessel intracranial occlusion associated with a tandem lesion (another carotid occlusion or severe stenosis).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients treated with carotid Casper-RX stents from our stroke registry. We analyzed clinical, angiographic, and neuroimaging data. Endpoints included acute intra-stent thrombus formation, stent occlusion prior to hospital discharge, 3 month modified Rankin Scale score (mRS), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Results21 patients were included: 10 patients had tandem carotid occlusions and 11 patients had severe carotid stenosis, 8 of whom had a hemodynamically significant stenosis. We observed acute in-stent thrombus formation in 11 patients. No stent occlusion occurred prior to hospital discharge. We report no stroke recurrence at 3 months but symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in two patients. mRS score at 3 months was 0–2 (favorable) for 15 patients (71%), 3–5 for 3 patients, and 6 for 3 patients.ConclusionsIn the present series, we frequently observed clot formation during the procedure with Casper-RX stents, which required periprocedural intravenous infusion of anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment. This motivated us, in the absence of a prospective randomized controlled study demonstrating the non-inferiority of micromesh dual layer stents compared with the single layer design, to discontinue using this stent type in acute stroke requiring carotid angioplasty.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may be cured by injecting liquid embolic agents such as Onyx. Reflux, however, can sometimes be difficult to control and may jeopardize a complete embolization. The pressure cooker technique (PCT) was designed to create an anti-reflux plug by trapping the detachable part of an Onyx-compatible microcatheter with coils and glue in order to obtain wedge-flow conditions, thereby enabling a better understanding of macrofistulous AVMs and a more comprehensive, forceful and controlled Onyx embolization. The PCT might enlarge the range of AVMs amenable to endovascular cure. Three illustrative cases are presented.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume is associated with poor outcome after thrombolysis, and it is unclear whether endovascular therapies are beneficial for large DWI lesion. Our aim was to assess the impact of pretreatment DWI lesion volume on outcomes after endovascular therapy, with a special emphasis on patients with complete recanalization.

Graphical Abstract

To compare efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) depending on mono versus biplane angioroom (AR), radiation exposure, contrast dose, procedure duration for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AISLVO) according to procedural factors. To realize a systematic literature review on the single/biplane comparison.

Onset-to-reperfusion time (ORT) has recently emerged as an essential prognostic factor in acute ischemic stroke therapy. Although favorable outcome is associated with reduced ORT, it remains unclear whether intracranial bleeding depends on ORT. We therefore sought to determine whether ORT influenced the risk and volume of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after combined intravenous and intra-arterial therapy.

The authors report the case of a 75-year-old man presenting with an exceptionally large giant posttraumatic mucocele of the frontal sinus years after a gunshot blast to the head. The lesion had grown so extensively that the right eye had shrunk and calcified, resulting in total monocular blindness, a complication that has been reported only once. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that a giant mucocele of such a large size is reported. We describe how the patient underwent surgical removal of this massive lesion, cranial base reconstruction, and a cosmetic oculoplastic procedure. The etiology, clinical presentation, and possible complications are reviewed, as well as the importance of a regular clinical follow-up and early surgical cure. Although the diagnosis and management of mucoceles are nowadays considered quite standard, the exceptional size of the lesion illustrated here emphasizes the destructive potential of such seemingly indolent lesions. Despite the benign histology of mucoceles, one should never underestimate their morbid potential or be lulled in delaying surgical cure. Large mucoceles should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent such unacceptable complications as permanent visual loss.

Le traitement des anévrysmes sur et au-delà du polygone de Willis par stents à « diversion de flux » reste controverse. Nous rapportons l’expérience sur le traitement des anévrysmes de l’artère communicante antérieure par stent « à diversion de flux ». En particulier, les évènements ischémiques survenus dans le territoire des artères perforantes où ont été implantés les stents, ont été revues.