A giant partially thrombosed aica aneurysm

Aneurisma gigante trombosado da aica

CLINICAL/SCIENTIFIC NOTE

A giant partially thrombosed aica aneurysm

Aneurisma gigante trombosado da aica

Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo^I; Marcos Q. T. Gomes^II; Rubens V. Brito-Neto^III; Wellingson S. Paiva^IV; Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira^V

^ISupervisor and Cerebrovascular Surgery Coordinator – Division of Neurological Surgery – University of São Paulo School of Medicine – São Paulo SP, Brazil

^IISkull Base Surgery Coordinator – Division of Neurological Surgery – University of São Paulo School of Medicine – São Paulo SP, Brazil

^IIIAssistant Professor, Division of Otorhinolaringology – Division of Neurological Surgery – University of São Paulo School of Medicine – São Paulo SP, Brazil

^IVResident – Division of Neurological Surgery – University of São Paulo School of Medicine – São Paulo SP, Brazil

^VDirector and Chairman – Division of Neurological Surgery – University of São Paulo School of Medicine – São Paulo SP, Brazil

Aneurysms of the anteroinferior cerebellar artery (AICA) are rare, comprising far less than 1% of all intracranial aneurysms. By 1989, only 33 cases had been reported in the literature^1-4. Subsequently, numerous case reports and small series of AICA aneurysms have been reported^1,2,5-15. Giant aneurysms of proximal portion of AICA are even more uncommon, being difficult to estimate their actual incidence. These aneurysms constitute formidable surgical challenge and a judicious preoperative planning is mandatory since surgical nuances often determined the final outcome.

We present a case of giant partially thrombosed AICA aneurysm and discuss operative nuances required to minimize the morbidity associated with such surgically challenging lesions.

CASE

A 62 years old female presented sudden headache. At emergency room, neurological examination revealed meningismus. TC scan disclosed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiographic evaluation diagnosed three aneurysms at left middle cerebral artery, posterior communicating artery and a small left AICA aneurysm (Fig 1). Anterior circulation aneurysms were treated trough a left pterional approach. Postoperative course was uneventful. After two years, she returned complaining of trigeminal disestesias. Neurological examination displayed mild left facial paresis and right hemiparesis. TC scan revealed image suggestive of a thrombosed aneurysm compressing brainstem. This finding was confirmed by angiotomography and digital angiography that demonstrated giant thrombosed AICA aneurysm (Fig 2). Occlusion balloon test was carried out and patient stood asymptomatic after thirty minutes of occlusion.

A right transcocclear approach was performed and the facial nerve was skeletomized and mobilized. Vertebral arteries, basilar trunk and AICA were identified and dissected (Fig 3). Temporary clips were applied proximal and distally, aneurysm sac was incised. Thrombus was removed in order to deflate the aneurysm. Two fenestrated clips were applied to the neck to preserve AICA (Fig 4). Two temporary clipping (thirty minutes each) were necessary to performing these maneuvers. Abdominal fat pad was harvested and used to pack the petrosal space and a catheter for lumbar drainage was inserted.

Definitive deficits were deafness in the right side and right facial paresis. Postoperative angiogram disclosed adequate surgical result (Fig 5). The patient has agreed with this case publication.

DISCUSSION

The surgical exposure of AICA aneurysms is difficult due to distance of the lesions from the cranial base and their close relationship to the brainstem and lower cranial nerves³. Giant aneurysms displace the pons, making surgical access difficult. AICA aneurysms are located ventral to the brainstem, where the artery emerges from the basilar artery, or on the lateral surface of the cerebellopontine fissure. When selecting a technique, two important factors must be considered: the location of the aneurysm with respect to the clivus and along the course of the parent artery³.

The retrosigmoid approach is associated with minimal intrinsic complications compared with transpetrosal techniques³. Skeletonizing the transverse sigmoid junction, including the anterior aspect of the sigmoid sinus, allows the sinus to be retracted laterally to obtain extra space, minimizing retraction over the cerebellum. It offers a straight corridor between the cranial nerves (Vth and VIIth) to access the origin of the AICA from the basilar artery³.The retrosigmoid approach offers an excellent route to distal aneurysms on the postmeatal or meatal segments of the artery^3,9. It is not suitable to approach giant proximal AICA aneurysms. In such cases, more "dramatic" approaches are needed^13-15.

The drawbacks of transpetrosal techniques arise from the intrinsic side effects associated with these techniques (e.g., facial nerve palsy, deafness, CSF leakage)³. We opt for transpetrosal approaches in selected cases with giant aneurysms. Deflating an aneurysm and rendering it pulseless facilitates dissection from the ventral surface of the pons and isolates the aneurysm from the perforators to ensure adequate clipping³.

The complication rate of almost 60% indicates the complexity of these lesions³. Given that the AICA originates ventral to the brainstem and cranial nerves, the most common complication is related to injury of the cranial nerves, especially the VIth cranial nerve. Compromise of the long tracts possibly indicates brainstem ischemia during dissection of the perforators³. After posterior fossa surgery and transpetrosal approaches, CSF leakage is common³. The incidence of CSF leaks can be decreased by optimizing the dural closure. The closure can be covered with strips of fat harvested from the abdomen, and fibrin glue can be applied to seal dural defects³. Tight soft tissue approximation is paramount for preventing CSF leaks. The use of lumbar drains after surgery also helps avoid a CSF leak³.

Definitive morbidity is associated with the surgical route. Hearing loss is universal finding following transcocclear approach, as well as paresis of facial nerve. We consider the occlusion test important for the good outcome of this patient. It ensured that patient would tolerate at least thirty minutes of temporary clipping during surgery. This information provides us confidence while we were working to secure the aneurysm and save parent and efferent vessels. Furthermore, if the aneurysm proved to be unclippable, a reverse flow technique, with occlusion of proximal basilar artery, might be tempted.

Most authors do not recommend coil embolization for large or giant aneurysms that constrict the brainstem³. Aggressively packing an aneurysm with coils may exert additional mass effect³. Provided that the high rates of recurrence associated with coiling large and giant aneurysms, endovascular treatment⁸ may be reckoned as an alternative treatment only for selected cases³.

Deliberate basilar or vertebral artery occlusion is a strategy used to reduce proximal blood flow to treat aneurysms when clipping is not possible³. The ultimate goal is to achieve thrombosis. The most feared complication is progressive uncontrolled thrombosis of the parent vessel. Acute or delayed vascular insufficiency distal to the occlusion is also a concern³. Extracranial-intracranial bypass is indicated only for giant aneurysms that require a reduction in blood flow through the source vessel (reverse-flow technique). In such cases, the aneurysm exerts mass effect against the brainstem, which must be decompressed, and the circulation distal to the aneurysm is compromised. Before a parent vessel is occluded, blood flow to the territory distal to the occlusion must be demonstrated³, as was indicated by the occlusion balloon test in the present case.

Received 31 January 2008, received in final form 11 April 2008. Accepted 16 May 2008.

Dr. Eberval G. Figueiredo - Rua Oscar Freire 1456 / 34 - 05409-010 São Paulo SP - Brasil. E-mail: [e-mail]

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  10 Sept 2008
• Date of issue
  Sept 2008