Endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior circulation dissecting aneurysms.

BACKGROUND

and aim: Dissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation constitute a relatively uncommon subgroup of aneurysms. They account for 3-7% of cases of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Because of high risk, in most cases the patients require surgical or endovascular therapy. In this study we discuss the clinical efficacy of endovascular treatment with long-term follow-up in ruptured dissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at our institution between January 1995 and June 2005. Eight patients (4 male; 4 females) ranging in age from 24 to 65 years (mean, 46.75 years), were included. All presented with SAH. Endovascular treatment was based on the configuration of the dissecting aneurysm. Attempt was made to occlude the dissecting aneurysm.

RESULT: A total of 8 ruptured dissecting aneurysms in the posterior circulation were treated. Out of them 5 were in the intradural vertebral artery, 2 in the basilar trunk and one in the proximal PCA. All the cases were technically successful. We have seen only two complications. The pre and post procedure (at the time of discharge) mean modified Rankin scores in the patients were 4.6 (SD 0.51) and 1.7 (SD 1.98). This improvement in Rankin score after endovascular treatment was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=.017).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular management of these lesions is safe and effective mode of treatment and gives adequate protection from rebleed.