Clinical Features, Management Considerations and Outcomes in Case Series of Patients with Parasellar Intracranial Aneurysms Undergoing Anterior Skull Base Surgery.

BACKGROUND

The coincidence of parasellar aneurysms (IAs) and anterior skull base (ASB) lesions, while rare, presents a management challenge. IAs embedded within, or adjacent to, ASB lesions are at risk in the perioperative period and may have unique presentations, natural histories, and outcomes. The objective of this study was to outline management options and nuances in patients with coexisting IAs and ASB lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated all patients who presented for management of IAs and ASB lesions from January 2006 to January 2014. Medical charts and imaging were reviewed for patient, tumor and IA characteristics, pathology, operative findings, complications, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 13 patients included in the study, 11 had histologically proven or presumed pituitary macroadenomas. The majority of cases presented with visual and endocrine deficits, and the median maximal tumor diameter was 3.1 cm. There were 17 IAs, all located in the parasellar area. Endovascular treatment of the IA was performed before tumor resection in 2 cases. Transsphenoidal resection was performed before IA occlusion in 1 case, and intraoperative vascular injury occurred in 2 cases. The median follow-up was 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Management decisions for patients with coincident IA and ASB lesions require careful, individualized treatment plans. Coil embolization is well tolerated and does not delay surgery, except in cases requiring stent placement. Inadvertent intraoperative rupture of an adjacent IA during anterior skull base surgery may be treated with emergent coil embolization, flow diversion, or carotid sacrifice, but adequate preoperative planning can reduce this risk.