[A Case of Brainstem Hemorrhage Following Embolization of a Large Basilar Aneurysm with Hydrogel-Coated Coils].

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms is associated with better outcomes and a lower mortality rate compared with surgical clip occlusion. However, a principal disadvantage of endovascular therapy is the higher rate of retreatment compared with neurosurgical clipping. Self-expandable hydrogel-coated coils were developed to reduce recanalization rates of cerebral aneurysms by promoting complete volumetric aneurysm occlusion. Herein, we report a case of brainstem hemorrhage following coil embolization of a large basilar aneurysm with hydrogel-coated coils.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female with a history of hypertension, who presented with worsening headaches, right hemiplegia, and left oculomotor palsy, underwent endovascular treatment for a large basilar aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated with both hydrogel-coated coils and bare platinum coils. Hydrogel-coated coils represented 46% of the coil length in the aneurysm. The patient was discharged from the hospital with improvement of neurological deficits 6 days after the procedure. However, the patient was readmitted with perianeurysmal edema in the midbrain 23 days after coil embolization. Follow-up angiography 26 days after the procedure showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm. Two weeks later, the patient presented with a large brainstem hemorrhage and died. Pathological findings revealed intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the pons without rupture of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

Hydrogel-coated coils may cause a marked inflammatory response that may result in intracerebral hemorrhage.