陶山 謙一郎

It is impossible to predict underlying anomalies in acute large vessel occlusion and it could be a problem when performing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We report a case of MT for occlusion of the fenestrated middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment. A 49-year-old woman presented to our hospital with dysarthria and left hemiparesis. Acute ischemic stroke due to right occluded MCA was diagnosed. During performing emergent MT, a part of the M1 segment was revealed to be slit-shaped by digital subtraction angiography, suggesting a fenestrated MCA. The aspiration catheter could not be advanced through the narrow limb of the fenestration, and the distal thrombus was retrieved using a stent retriever, additionally. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms improved without complications. When occlusion of the fenestrated MCA is suspected, it is necessary to consider converting the strategy from an aspiration catheter alone to the combined use of a stent retriever.

PURPOSE: Prasugrel is not approved for patients treated with flow diverters, which have a high metal coverage ratio. However, robust antiplatelet therapy with prasugrel may prevent thromboembolic complications. We administered prasugrel and aspirin to all patients treated with flow diverters and reported the safety of the antiplatelet therapy regimen. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the angiographic and clinical data of consecutive patients treated with flow diverters for cerebral unruptured aneurysms between June 2020 and May 2022. All patients received dual antiplatelet therapy, including prasugrel and aspirin. The administration of prasugrel ended 3 or 6 months after the procedure, whereas aspirin use continued for at least 12 months. Periprocedural complications (< 30 days post-procedure) and delayed complications (> 30 days post-procedure) were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 120 unruptured aneurysms were treated with flow diverters in 110 patients. All patients, except one, survived longer than 12 months after the procedure. The rate of thromboembolic complications was 6.4%, and more than half of the patients had transient symptoms; one (0.9%) had a major ischemic stroke. One patient (0.9%) each had an asymptomatic, small subarachnoid hemorrhage and significant hemorrhagic complications with melena. The rate of permanent neurological deficits was 1.8%, and the mortality rate was 0.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Dual antiplatelet therapy comprising routine use of prasugrel and aspirin for flow diverter-implanted patients possibly contributed to a low rate of thromboembolic complications and low risk of hemorrhagic complications.

PURPOSE: Optimal size selection is important for successful Woven EndoBridge (WEB) treatment. Conventional recommendations for WEB sizing based on aneurysm width and height sometimes require device exchange. We aimed to design a novel volume-based parameter, the ideal WEB-aneurysm volume (iWAVe) ratio, for optimal WEB sizing. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent WEB treatment for wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms between January 2021 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Aneurysm volume was automatically calculated using software. We measured the aneurysm volume based on the expected position of the device within the aneurysm. The WAVe ratio was defined as the ratio of the aneurysm volume to WEB volume. We dichotomized aneurysms treated with a successful sizing or unsuccessful sizing for WEB (successful group and unsuccessful group, respectively). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were eligible for study enrollment. Ten patients (28.6%) needed to exchange the WEB on the first attempt and required another WEB on the second attempt resulting in deployment success. Hence, 35 aneurysms were in the successful group and 10 were in the unsuccessful group. The median WAVe ratio was 1.0 (range 0.76-1.31) in the successful group and 1.27 (0.58-1.89) in the unsuccessful group. Using logistic regression, iWAVe ratio was from 0.90-1.16 to secure a >80% probability of success by the 95% lower confidence limit. The sensitivity and specificity of the iWAVe ratio for optimal size selection on the first attempt were 0.60 and 1.00, respectively. CONCLUSION: Decision-making based on aneurysm width and the iWAVe ratio could promote optimal WEB sizing.

OBJECTIVE: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) was developed to treat wide-neck bifurcation intracranial aneurysms. Occasionally, persistent contrast-filling has been observed in the WEB after treatment. The purpose of our study was to investigate its incidence, predictive factors, and clinical impact. METHODS: All patients treated with the WEB between January 2021 and September 2021 at our institute were reviewed. Age, gender, antiplatelet therapy, and angioarchitecture were compared between the persistent-filling group and the no-filling group at the three-month follow-up angiography. RESULTS: We included 20 patients with 20 unruptured aneurysms. Ten of the 20 intracranial aneurysms (50 %) showed contrast-filling in the WEB after three months. Two of the 10 had contrast not only inside, but around the device. Statistically significant differences were observed between the persistent-filling group and the no-filling group in neck size (median: 4.5 mm vs. 3.8 mm), deviation of the aneurysm axis from the inlet flow line where the orifice of the bifurcated arteries overlaps (mean: 15.1° vs. 33.0°), and postoperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for at least a month (90 % vs. 20 %). One case had additional coil embolization six months after the WEB implantation. Including this case, one year after the treatment or the re-treatment, the filling in the device had disappeared in nine of 10 cases. No bleeding was observed during the mean follow-up period of 24 months. CONCLUSION: Persistent contrast-filling was associated with postoperative DAPT for at least a month, a wide neck, and less deviation of the aneurysm axis from the inlet flow line. If the contrast-filling is only within the WEB and not between the aneurysmal wall and the WEB, we are not concerned. To further assess the clinical impact of this phenomenon, long-term follow-up will be needed.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate factors associated with inhibition of early aneurysm obliteration after flow diverter (FD) treatment. We also created the early obliteration inhibition (EOI) score for pre-operative evaluation. METHODS: We examined 110 cerebral aneurysms in 104 patients who underwent FD treatment. The following parameters were investigated: age, sex, symptoms, aneurysm location and type, maximum aneurysm diameter, parent vessel diameter, neck diameter, and dome-neck ratio. We also noted aneurysm location relative to the curvature of the parent artery and any branches arising from the aneurysm dome. Procedural factors such as FD diameter and length, number of FDs placed, type of FD, and use of adjunctive coiling were also investigated. Aneurysm obliteration was evaluated using digital subtraction angiography 3 months after the procedure. Adequate obliteration was defined as grade C or D on the O'Kelly-Marotta scale. RESULTS: The following factors inhibited early obliteration: 1) extradural location, 2) saccular aneurysm, 3) aneurysm neck located at the outer convexity of the parent artery, and 4) arterial branch arising from the aneurysm dome. Odds ratios were used to create an EOI score. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off EOI score for adequate obliteration was 1.5 (area under the curve, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.9; sensitivity, 0.9; specificity, 0.57). CONCLUSION: The EOI score, which is based on factors that inhibit early obliteration, may predict early treatment outcomes of FD placement.

The posterior condylar vein is an emissary vein that connects the extracranial and intracranial venous systems through the posterior condylar canal (PCC). Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) of the PCC are rare, and only seven cases have been reported. Transvenous embolization (TVE) is the first-line treatment for PCC DAVF and is predominantly performed through the internal jugular vein. Herein, we report a case of PCC DAVF treated with TVE through the deep cervical vein. This is the first case report of a PCC DAVF treated with TVE through the deep cervical vein.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the impact of the approval of prothrombin complex concentrates on the treatment of vitamin K antagonist-related intracerebral hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients with vitamin K antagonist-related intracerebral hemorrhage treated with prothrombin complex concentrate at our institutes between January 2010 and June 2021. Before approval, prothrombin complex concentrate was administered as either 500 or 1000 IU at the physician's discretion (previous dose group). After approval, we adopted the manufacturer's recommended regimen (recommended dose group). The primary outcome was post-administration international normalized ratio. Secondary outcomes were the amount of prothrombin complex concentrate administered and proportion of post-administration international normalized ratio <1.5, hematoma expansion, thrombotic events within 30 days, modified Rankin scale 0-3 at discharge, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Thirty-two and 19 patients in the previous and recommended dose groups, respectively, were included. The post-administration international normalized ratio significantly differed between groups. The prothrombin complex concentrate dose and proportion of patients achieving post-administration international normalized ratio <1.5 were significantly higher in the recommended dose group than in the previous dose group (1500 IU vs. 500 IU, p<0.001 and 100% vs. 68%, p = 0.008). The proportions of hematoma expansion, thromboembolic events, modified Rankin scale 0-3, and mortality did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: After prothrombin complex concentrate approval, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio correction was more effective with a significant increase in the prothrombin complex concentrates dose for vitamin K antagonist-associated intracerebral hemorrhage; however, there was no apparent difference in clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke is highly time dependent. However, time to treatment is longer for in-hospital stroke patients than community-onset stroke patients. This study aimed to clarify the cause of this difference. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study was performed to analyze patients with large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy between January 2017 and December 2019. Patients were divided into in-hospital stroke and community-onset stroke groups. Clinical characteristics and treatment time intervals were compared between groups. RESULTS: One hundred four patients were analyzed: 17 with in-hospital stroke and 87 with community-onset stroke. Patient characteristics did not significantly differ between groups. Median door (stroke recognition)-to-computed tomography time (36 min vs. 14 min, P<0.01) and door-to-puncture time (135 min vs. 117 min, P=0.02) were significantly longer in the in-hospital stroke group than the community-onset stroke group. However, median computed tomography-to-puncture time (104 min vs. 104 min, P=0.47) and puncture-to-reperfusion time (53 min vs. 38 min, P=0.17) did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: Longer door-to-puncture time in in-hospital stroke patients was mostly caused by longer door-to-computed tomography time, which is the initial part of the workflow. An in-hospital stroke protocol that places importance on early stroke specialist consultation and prompt transportation to the computed tomography scanner might hasten treatment and improve outcomes in patients with in-hospital stroke.

PURPOSE: The Flow Re-direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) has recently become available for flow diversion in Japan. We have encountered cases that failed to deploy the FRED. In this study, we report our initial experience with the FRED for cerebral aneurysms and clarify the causes of failed FRED deployment. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis was performed to identify patients treated with the FRED between June 2020 and March 2021. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography was performed at 3 and 6 months and assessed using the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grading scale. RESULTS: Thirty-nine aneurysms in 36 patients (average age: 54.4 years) were treated with the FRED. The average sizes of the dome and neck were 9.9 mm and 5.2 mm, respectively. In nine patients, additional coiling was performed. In one patient (2.6%), proximal vessel injury caused direct carotid-cavernous fistula during deployment. Ischaemic complications were encountered in one patient (2.6%) with transient symptoms. Angiographic follow-up at 6 months revealed OKM grade C or D in 86.6% of patients. FRED deployment was successful in 35 (92.1%) procedures. In the failure group, the differences between the FRED and the minimum vessel diameter (P = 0.04) and the rate of the parent vessel having an S-shaped curve (P = 0.04) were greater than those in the success group. CONCLUSIONS: Flow diversion using the FRED is effective and safe for treating cerebral aneurysms. The use of the FRED for patients with an S-shaped curve in the parent vessel and oversizing of more than 2 mm should be considered carefully.

We report a case of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm (VADA) that developed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and was found to be occluded based on subsequent digital subtraction angiography. Few reports have been published on ruptured VADA in which ipsilateral vertebral arteries are occluded. The proper management of this type of aneurysm is controversial. A 44-year-old woman developed a sudden onset headache. Computed tomography and three-dimensional computed tomography were immediately performed and showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and VADA distal to the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery bifurcation. We decided to treat the VADA immediately and performed digital subtraction angiography but found the VADA had spontaneously occluded. We performed coil embolization, including the aneurysm and the parent artery, with reference to the findings of three-dimensional computed tomography. On Day 16, recurrence was considered due to the finding of dilation of the distal end where the coil was embolized. An additional embolization was performed via the posterior communicating artery. No cases of endovascular treatment have been reported in VADA cases in which the rupture site is spontaneously occluded. In such cases, the treatment may be incomplete, so strict follow-up is required.

The PulseRider (Cerenovus, Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, New Brunswick, NJ, USA) is a neck reconstruction device that is used for the treatment of unruptured wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. Herein, we describe the case of a 51-year-old male patient with a basilar apex aneurysm who was treated with PulseRider but had post-procedural brainstem infarctions caused by one of the proximal markers covering the origin of a perforator. In such cases, repositioning of the PulseRider should be performed to avoid infarctions.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms with fetal-type posterior communicating artery originating from the aneurysm dome is often challenging because, with conventional techniques, dense packing of aneurysms for posterior communicating artery preservation is difficult; moreover, flow-diversion devices are reportedly less effective. Herein, we describe a novel method called the λ stenting technique that involves deploying stents into the internal carotid artery and posterior communicating artery. METHODS: Between January 2018 and September 2020, the λ stenting technique was performed to treat eight consecutive cases of aneurysms. All target aneurysms had a wide neck (dome/neck ratio < 2), a fetal-type posterior communicating artery with hypoplastic P1, and a posterior communicating artery originating from the aneurysm dome. The origin of the posterior communicating artery from the aneurysm, relative to the internal carotid artery, was steep (< 90°: V shape). RESULTS: The maximum aneurysm size was 8.0 ± 1.9 mm (6-12 mm). The average packing density (excluding one regrowth case) was 32.7 ± 4.2% (26.8-39.1%). Initial occlusion was complete occlusion in 6 (75.0%) patients and neck remnants in 2 (25.0%) patients. Follow-up angiography was performed at 18.4 ± 11.6 months (3-38 months). There were no perioperative complications or reinterventions required during the study period. CONCLUSION: The λ stenting technique enabled dense coil packing and preservation of the posterior communicating artery. This technique enabled safe and stable coil embolization. Thus, it could become an alternative treatment option for this sub-type of intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms after combined clipping and endovascular surgery are challenging, and if conventional techniques are adapted, advanced surgical, endovascular, and a combination of both techniques are often required. For such complex aneurysms, safe and effective straightforward techniques for all neurovascular surgeons are warranted. We describe the details of staged hybrid techniques with straightforward bypass surgery followed by flow diverter deployment in a patient with complex MCA aneurysm. ILLUSTRATIVE CASE: A 69-year-old woman presented with left recurrent large MCA aneurysm enlargement 25 years after direct surgery and coil embolization for ruptured aneurysm. The recurrent MCA aneurysm had large and complex morphology and was adhering to the brain tissues. Therefore, it was unsuitable to treat such aneurysm with conventional surgical and endovascular techniques with a high risk of morbidity. We performed (1) M2 ligation following superficial temporal artery-M2 bypass and (2) flow diverter deployment assisted with coil packing in two sessions. Three months after the second session, the aneurysm was completely occluded with endothelialization of the neck. Angiographic findings revealed no recurrence 12 months after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Staged hybrid techniques with straightforward bypass surgery followed by flow diverter deployment may be a safe and effective treatment for complex recurrent MCA aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic complications (TECs) are frequent during the endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms. To prevent TECs, dual antiplatelet therapy using aspirin and clopidogrel is recommended for the perioperative period. In patients with a poor response, clopidogrel is a risk factor for TECs. To prevent TECs, our study assessed the stratified use of prasugrel. METHODS: Patients who underwent endovascular therapy for unruptured cerebral aneurysms from April 2017 to August 2019 were enrolled in this clinical study and given premedication with aspirin and clopidogrel for 2 weeks prior to the procedure. P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) were measured using the VerifyNow assay on the day before the procedure (tailored group). In subgroups with PRU <240, the clopidogrel dose was maintained (CPG subgroup). In subgroups with PRU ≥240, clopidogrel was changed to prasugrel (PSG subgroup). We compared the occurrence of TECs with retrospective consecutive cases from January 2015 to March 2017 without PRU assessments (non-tailored group). The frequency of TECs within 30 days was assessed as the primary endpoint. RESULTS: The tailored and non-tailored groups comprised 167 and 50 patients, respectively. TECs occurred in 11 (6.6%) and 8 (16%) patients in the tailored and non-tailored groups (P=0.048), respectively. The HR for TECs was significantly reduced in the tailored group (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.81); P=0.017) compared with the non-tailored group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that tailored dual antiplatelet therapy medication with PRU significantly reduces the frequency of TECs without increasing hemorrhagic complications.

BACKGROUND: The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale is widely accepted for predicting outcomes for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. However, it is difficult to definitely predict outcomes for the most poor grade, WFNS grade 5. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic ability of a novel classification using computed tomography perfusion (CTP) findings, called the cortical blood flow insufficiency (CBFI) scores. METHODS: CTP was performed on admission for aneurysmal SAH followed by radical treatments within 72 hours of onset. Twenty-four cerebral cortex regions of interest (ROIs) were defined. CBFI was defined as Tmax > 4 s in each ROI, and CBFI scores were calculated based on the total number of ROIs with CBFI. Using the optimal cutoff value based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to predict patient functional outcomes, CBFI scores were divided into "high" or "low" CBFI scores. Patient functional outcomes at 90 days were categorized based on modified Rankin Scale scores (0-3, favorable group; 4-6 unfavorable group) (0-4, non-catastrophic group; 5-6, catastrophic group). RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included in this study, of whom 21 (36.8%) and 13 (22.8%) were in the unfavorable and the catastrophic groups, respectively. A factor predicting unfavorable and catastrophic outcomes was CBFI score cutoff value of 7 points (area under the curve, 0.73 and 0.81, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression analysis for unfavorable outcome, high CBFI scores (odds ratio (OR), 8.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-65.4; P = 0.04) and WFNS grade 5 (OR, 30.0; 95% CI, 4.5-201.0; P < 0.001) remained as independent predictors, while for catastrophic outcome, high CBFI scores (OR, 25.3; 95% CI, 3.3-194.0; P = 0.002) and age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2; P = 0.02) remained as independent predictors. Conversely, WFNS grade 5 was not an independent predictor of catastrophic outcomes (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 0.6-24.0; P = 0.15). In high CBFI scores, the OR of the delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurrence was 9.6 (95% CI, 1.5-61.4; P = 0.02) after adjusting for age. CONCLUSION: High CBFI scores could predict unfavorable and catastrophic outcomes for aneurysmal SAH patients and DCI occurrence.

Mechanical thrombectomy using a retrograde approach is performed for tandem occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In our patient, a guiding catheter was easily passed by the stenosed lesion despite severe stenosis at the ICA origin. Therefore, we aimed to recanalize the occlusion of the terminal ICA without angioplasty for the stenosed lesion. When contrast was injected, a massive extravasation of contrast from the C2 portion of the ICA was observed. It was speculated that the bleeding was caused by rupture of an aneurysm at that site due to increased intra-arterial pressure caused by the contrast injection to a blind alley, which was created by a wedged guiding catheter at severe stenosis at the ICA origin and the occlusion of the terminal ICA. Our simulation experiment using a silicon vascular model in this situation demonstrated that the elevation of intra-arterial pressure in such blind alley reached over 50, 100, and 200 mmHg by injection of contrast from a microcatheter, a 4-Fr inner catheter, and a 9-Fr balloon-guiding catheter, respectively. When a retrograde approach is planned for tandem occlusion of the ICA, even when the proximal lesion is easily passed, prior angioplasty for the proximal lesion should be considered to avoid wedging by catheter.

A 71-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital, complaining of a seizure for the first time. A tumor was detected in the right frontal lobe, and a craniotomy was performed with a partial tumor resection. The pathological diagnosis was oligodendroglioma with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, and irradiation therapy was performed. Six months later, the patient's lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)level elevated remarkably, and the fluoro-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed abnormal uptake in multiple bone marrow locations. Bone marrow aspiration was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was oligodendroglioma metastasis. The patient was given two cycles of chemotherapy with temozolomide(TMZ), and her LDH level reduced to normal. After a few months, the LDH level elevated again, so we gave her two more cycles of TMZ;however, her LDH level did not change. Thereafter, the patient was hospitalized because of paraplegia, which started a few days prior, and right lower jaw swelling. Her CT and magnetic resonance imaging showed metastasis to the thoracic vertebrae and right mandibular bone. Irradiation therapy was performed to these locations, and the patient was given chemotherapy using nimustine(ACNU), procarbazine, and vincristine(PAV). Her LDH levels reduced temporarily, but elevated again. The patient deteriorated slowly and died 20 months after she presented with a seizure. Oligodendroglioma with extracranial metastasis is extremely rare, and this case report is the 68th report. The chemotherapy approach with TMZ or PAV/PCV may be effective against oligodendroglioma metastasis to the bone marrow.

We report the case of a ruptured dissecting aneurysm in an infant. A 2-year-old boy suffered sudden headache and nausea. CT scan revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and digital subtraction angiography(DSA)revealed a dissecting aneurysm(3.9mm)at a branch of the right middle cerebral artery(MCA). Eight days after onset, carotid angiography revealed enlargement of the aneurysm(up to 6.8 mm). Right frontotemporal craniotomy and aneurysm trapping with STA-MCA bypass was performed. Two years and two months later, the aneurysm recurred as assessed by magnetic resonance angiography(MRA). DSA revealed the recurrence of the aneurysm(7.8mm)proximal to the previous aneurysm and displayed development of collateral flow through leptomeningeal anastomosis between the branches of the MCA. During the second operation, the aneurysm extended to the artery branch proximal to the previous trapping. Parent artery occlusion without bypass was performed. Postoperative DSA revealed collateral flows through leptomeningeal anastomosis between the branch of the MCA and the branch of anterior cerebral artery. At the 3-year follow-up period, abnormal findings on MRI did not appear and he was healthy without any neurologic abnormalities.