Embolization of posterior circulation aneurysms with detachable coils.

We evaluated the usefulness of endovascular treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms with GDCs and IDCs. Five cases were treated with IDCs, and 15 cases were treated with GDCs. In this study, 8 aneurysms were identified at the basilar bifurcation, 3 at the PI segment of the posterior cerebral artery, 1 at the origin of the superior cerebellar artery, 2 at the vertebrobasilar junction, 1 at the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 1 at the distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and 4 dissecting aneurysms at the vertebral artery. Thirteen of the aneurysms were small (< 12 mm), 5 were large (13-24 mm), and 2 were giant (> 25 mm). Of the 20 patients, 14 patients returned to their previous occupation. Patients with permanent deficits included 2 patients with infarction caused by thromboembolic complications during the embolization procedure, and 2 with infarction caused by vasospasm. There were 2 deaths. The outcomes of the patients seemed favorable. However, long-term followup is necessary to determine the usefulness of detachable coils.