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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 27:527-532, March 2006
© 2006 American Society of Neuroradiology

INTERVENTIONAL

Endovascular Treatment of Isolated Dissecting Aneurysm of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery

S. Maimon^a, E. Saraf-Lavi^a, Z.H. Rappaport^b and G. Bachar^a

^a From the Department of Radiology, Interventional Neuroradiology Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
^b Department of Neurosurgery, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Please address correspondence to Efrat Saraf-Lavi, MD, Department of Radiology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel 49100

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Isolated dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) carry a high risk of rebleeding with an associated increased mortality rate. Although rare, they present a therapeutic challenge. Surgical treatment carries a significant risk of neurologic complications, predominantly lower cranial nerve deficits because of the close relationship of the aneurysm with the brain stem and cranial nerves. The purpose of this article is to show that endovascular treatment of dissecting aneurysms of the PICA can be effective and can allow the patient to avoid the complications associated with surgery.

METHODS: Six patients (age range, 28–70 years) with dissecting aneurysms of the PICA were treated at our center by endovascular occlusion with Guglielmi detachable coils or glue and followed for up to 30 months. Inclusion of patients in the study was based on careful angiographic assessment of the vascular anatomy and collateral supply of the posterior fossa. When on the basis of the anatomy, potential lack of sufficient collaterals was suggested, a test occlusion was performed to determine the feasibility of an endovascular approach. Four additional cases, which have been described in the literature, were included in the analysis of results.

RESULTS: In all patients, the aneurysm was successfully occluded with no apparent procedure-related complications. Follow-up studies showed stable and complete occlusion of the aneurysm in all patients with no long-term neurologic deficits.

CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment by aneurysm and parent artery occlusion is a relatively safe and reliable alternative to surgery for isolated dissecting aneurysms of the PICA.

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