Classification of anterior communicating aneurysms on a basis of endovascular treatments.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The anterior communicating artery (Acoma) aneurysms are difficult to understand because of their anatomical variations. This study reported a new classification of Acoma aneurysms on a basis of endovascular treatments.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive 94 patients harbored 100 Acoma aneurysms treated with coil embolization. All Acoma aneurysms were classified into 5 orientations (straight, superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior) based on the axis connecting A1 origin and the base of the aneurysm. Aneurysm characteristics, endovascular treatments, angiographic, and clinical outcomes were evaluated using this classification.

RESULTS

According to this classification, there were 64 (64%) straight, 16 (16%) inferior, 16 (16%) superior, 2 (2%) anterior, and 2 (2%) posterior projection aneurysms. There were significant differences between different groups in aneurysm height (p=0.009) and aneurysm neck size (p = 0.003), and in endovascular treatments (p=0.006). There was a significant difference in the proportion of rupture presentation among the three groups of straight, inferior, and superior (p = 0.019). There was no difference in the results of postoperative angiography (p = 0.090). An excellent functional outcome with an mRS ≤1 was achieved in 91 (96.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This classification of Acoma aneurysms based on the axis connecting A1 origin and the base of the aneurysm is associated with aneurysm height, aneurysm neck size, and in need for stent-assisted therapy. Endovascular embolization can provide the same effective treatment for aneurysms in all directions.