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

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.