Long-Term Characteristics of De Novo Bleb Formation at the Aneurysm Neck After Coil Embolization in Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

De novo bleb formation at the aneurysm neck after coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is a rarely observed type of recurrence. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of recurrent aneurysms in the long-term period.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and December 2015, 290 unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated with coil embolization at our institution. Patients who underwent retreatment due to aneurysm recurrence were divided into 2 patterns of recanalization: de novo bleb formation at the neck of a coiled sac (type DNV) and an enlarged residual cavity without de novo bleb formation (type non-DNV).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients with aneurysms (9.3%) underwent retreatment (type DNV, 7; type non-DNV, 20). The initial aneurysm size of type DNV aneurysms was significantly smaller than that of type non-DNV (6.1 ± 2.2 mm vs. 10.1 ± 3.6 mm; P < 0.01), and time to retreatment in type DNV was significantly longer than that in type non-DNV (9.4 ± 5.3 years vs. 2.0 ± 2.0 years; P < 0.01). Two type DNV basilar artery (BA) aneurysms ruptured after a few years; however, the other type DNV aneurysms, including 4 anterior circulation aneurysms (including the internal carotid artery), were observed to grow gradually without rupture for >10 years until retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

De novo bleb formation at the neck of a coiled sac emerges with insidious growth during long-term follow-up. Constant caution should be exercised, even in cases of small- and medium-sized anterior circulation aneurysms. A risk of rupture risk may be anticipated, especially in BA lesions.