Endovascular treatment of ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

J Neurointerv Surg. 2013 Nov;5(6):557-61. doi: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2012-010500. Epub 2012 Oct 25.

Abstract

Background: Dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare, with optimal treatment strategies not well established according to the location of the aneurysm on the PICA. We present our single-center experience of endovascular treatment of ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the PICA.

Methods: Nine patients with ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the PICA were treated with endovascular embolization at our facility from August 1997 to December 2011. A retrospective chart review study was conducted to examine the efficacy of endovascular treatment and clinical outcome.

Results: The shape of the aneurysms was saccular in five cases, fusiform in three cases and an abrupt cut-off of the PICA in one case. Aneurysmal sac embolization was feasible in five cases and parent artery (PICA) occlusion was performed in four cases. Eight cases (89%) achieved good recovery (modified Rankin Score ≤ 2). There were no clinical/technical complications in this small series.

Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the PICA is safe and efficient.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Dissection; Hemorrhage; Posterior fossa; Subarachnoid.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / pathology
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / therapy*
  • Aortic Dissection / pathology
  • Aortic Dissection / therapy*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / pathology
  • Cerebellar Diseases / therapy
  • Cerebellum / blood supply*
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Cohort Studies
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / pathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Therapeutic Occlusion
  • Treatment Outcome