PURPOSE: To analyze the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography angiography compared to digital cerebral angiography for the diagnosis of traumatic aneurysms (TAs) associated with combat-related penetrating head injuries and propose the most suitable angiography protocol in this clinical context. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted to the neurosurgical clinic for penetrating traumatic brain injuries between February, 2022 and July, 2024, for whom both cerebral multidetector computed tomography angiography (MCTA) and digital cerebral angiography (DCA) were available. The inclusion were patients (1) with penetrating head injuries, (2) with missile trajectory traverses through the Sylvian or great longitudinal fissure, (3) basal cisterns with/or major subarachnoid hemorrhage. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MCTA were calculated. DCA was considered as the gold standard of diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MCTA were calculated. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics were used to analyze the study results and their differences, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with 45 TAs were included in the study. Of these, 26 patients (65.0%) were found to have aneurysms on MCTA. The median diameter of the aneurysms diagnosed by MCTA was 4.9 (3.6, 4.8) mm (range of 2.5 - 10.4 mm). However, the mean diameter of TAs not detected by MCTA but diagnosed by DCA was (3.0 ± 1.3) mm (range of 1.3 - 4.9 mm). MCTA demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 35.5% and 99.5%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 92.3% and 90.7%. CONCLUSIONS A low sensitivity of MCTA for the diagnosis of TAs associated with combat-related penetrating head injuries was reported. When MCTA is inconclusive in the setting of radiologic predictors of cerebral artery injury, DSA may be required.
Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Multidetector Computed Tomography/methods* ; Intracranial Aneurysm/etiology* ; Computed Tomography Angiography/methods* ; Female ; Head Injuries, Penetrating/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Cerebral Angiography/methods* ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of Neuroform Atlas stent used in treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Clinical data of 62 patients with unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms undergoing Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling from August 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 64 aneurysms in those 62 patients. Among them, 25 aneurysms were located at the bifurcation of M1 segment on middle cerebral artery, 16 at the anterior communicating artery, 10 at the C7 segment of internal carotid artery, 5 at the C6 segment of internal carotid artery, 4 at the apex of basilar artery, 3 at the A3 segment of anterior cerebral artery, and 1 at the M2 segment of middle cerebral artery. All the patients underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling, including 49 patients with single stent assisted coiling and 15 patients with dual stents assisted coiling (14"Y"style and 1"X"style). After the procedure, the immediate DSA was performed to evaluate the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency. The clinical follow-up was performed 3 months after the operation and evaluated based on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS).DSA image was reviewed at 6 months after operation and Raymond grading scale was used to assess the status of aneurysm occlusion and the parent artery patency. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients with 64 aneurysms were all achieved technical success(100%).The immediate post-procedural Raymond scale was assessed, including Raymond Ⅰ in 57 aneurysms(89.1%, 57/64), Raymond Ⅱ in 6 aneurysms(9.3%, 6/64) and Raymond Ⅲ in 1 aneurysm(1.6%, 1/64). The peri-procedural complications rate was 4.8%(3/62), 2 patients developed intraoperative thrombosis and 1 patient suffered from local subarachnoid hemorrhage. Among them, 55 patients obtained 3 months clinical follow-up after operation and all the patients had good outcomes (mRS≤2), 50 patients with 52 aneurysms were followed up with DSA 6 months after operation, including Raymond Ⅰ in 45 aneurysms(86.5%, 45/52), Raymond Ⅱ in 4 aneurysms(7.7%, 4/52) and Raymond Ⅲ in 3 aneurysms(5.8%, 3/52). CONCLUSION Neuroform Atlas stent for the treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms has high safety and good efficacy, and has its advantages over other traditional stents.
Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm/etiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Embolization, Therapeutic/methods* ; Stents/adverse effects* ; Cerebral Angiography

In recent years, in the absence of venous component, dilated, overlapping, and tortuous arteries forming a mass of arterial loops with a coil-like appearance have been defined as pure arterial malformation (PAM). It is extremely rare, and its etiology and treatment have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we reported 2 cases of PAM with associated aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in this paper. Both patients had severe headache as the first symptom. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was found by CT and computed tomography angiography (CTA) and PAM with associated aneurysm was found by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In view of the distribution of blood and the location of aneurysms, the aneurysm rupture was the most likely to be considered. Based on the involvement of the lesion in the distal blood supply, only the aneurysm was clamped during the operation. It used to be consider that PAM is safety, because of the presentation and natural history of previously reported cases. Through the cases we reported, we have doubted about "the benign natural history" and discussed its treatment. PAM can promote the formation of aneurysms and should be reviewed regularly. The surgical indications for PAM patients with aneurysm formation need to be further clarified. Management of PAM patients with ruptured aneurysm is the same as that of ruptured aneurysm. Whether there are indications needed to treat simple arterial malformations remains to be further elucidated with the multicenter, randomized controlled studies on this disease.
Aneurysm, Ruptured/surgery* ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Cerebral Angiography ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm/surgery* ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/etiology*

The traditional classification, diagnosis, and treatment of intracranial aneurysms are based on the characteristics of their vascular lumen. However, in the past few years, some advances in MRI technology with high-resolution imaging can assess the pathology of intracranial vascular walls. Compared with traditional methods of computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiograhpy, and digital subtraction angiography, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging technology can help us to newly understand the disease by directly evaluating the characteristics of vascular wall, such as aneurysm wall thickness, inflammation, enhancement, permeability and hemodynamics. At present, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly used in clinic to assess the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms, which is of great significance for guiding the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnostic imaging* ; Cerebral Angiography ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Risk Assessment ; Technology

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is one of the most common types of dwarfism and is inherited as an autosomal dominant disease. The patients with achondroplasia suffer from various complications such as craniofacial, central nervous system, spinal, respiratory and cardiac anomalies.CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 35-year-old man with achondroplasia who visited the emergency room with right hemiplegia and aphasia within 6 hours after onset. An Initial CT angiography showed the total occlusion of a left internal cerebral artery due to the thrombus. We treated the patient with endovascular thrombectomy using “Solumbra technique” with balloon guiding catheter. The procedure was successful and result was completely recanalized with Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale 3 and the weakness also improved from grade II to grade IV.CONCLUSION: Acute ischemic stroke patients with achondroplasia could be treated with mechanical thrombectomy.
Achondroplasia ; Adult ; Angiography ; Aphasia ; Catheters ; Central Nervous System ; Cerebral Arteries ; Cerebral Infarction ; Dwarfism ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Stroke ; Thrombectomy ; Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: The spot sign on computed tomography angiography is little known about the relationship between the spot sign and the results of cerebral angiography We retrospectively analyzed the spot sign, digital subtraction angiography results, and other factors.MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2009 to May 2014, DSA was performed in 52 ICH patients with non-specific location or abnormalities on CTA findings. 26 of those patients, whose initial CTA showed the spot sign, were analyzed. Two groups, one with the spot sign in the ventricle (Group A) and others with the spot sign in another location (Group B) were statistically compared.RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 46.9 years (range, 15 to 80 years) and the percentage of males was 53.8%. Thirteen of 26 patients had ICH without intraventricular hemorrhage, and 6 patients had co-existing IVH. In 17 cases, the DSA results were negative. Seven patients were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysms, and two cases showed developmental venous anomalies. Group A consisted of the 8 patients (30.8%) who showed the spot sign in a ventricle. The number of pseudoaneurysms was statistically significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (71.4% versus 28.6%; OR, 13.3; 95% CI, 1.7-103.8 P = 0.014). All three patients who underwent endovascular treatment were members of Group A (P = 0.022), whereas most (92.3%) of those in Group B underwent surgical evacuation. (P = 0.030).CONCLUSION: When CTA shows the spot sign in a ventricle, it is a clue that an existing underlying vascular lesion requires endovascular treatment.
Aneurysm, False ; Angiography ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Cerebral Angiography ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

The presence of primary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) without vascular lesion is very rare. We experienced solitary IVH without subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysmal rupture in a 58-year-old man treated with coil embolization, which contributed to his good prognosis. After 33 days of hospitalization, he had mild right hemiplegic symptoms remaining, and he was transferred to a rehabilitation institute for further treatment. In cases of primary IVH, computed tomography angiography seems worthwhile for making a differential diagnosis, although the possibility of IVH due to cerebral aneurysmal rupture is very low. Endovascular intervention is a good option for diagnosis and treatment.
Aneurysm ; Angiography ; Cerebral Angiography ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Endovascular Procedures ; Hemorrhage ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Rehabilitation ; Rupture ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: In patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, collateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow has a protective role against ischemia. However, some of these patients may experience initial major neurological deficits and major worsening on following days. Thus, we investigated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) for ICA occlusion with collateral MCA flow by comparing clinical outcomes of medical treatment versus EVT.METHODS: The inclusion criteria were as follows : 1) acute ischemic stroke with ICA occlusion and presence of collateral MCA flow on transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) and 2) hospital arrival within 12 hours from symptom onset. The treatment strategy was made by the attending physician based on the patient’s clinical status and results of TFCA.RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included (30 medical treatment, 51 EVT). The EVT group revealed a high incidence of intracranial ICA occlusion, longer ipsilesional MCA contrast filling time, and a similar rate of favorable clinical outcome despite a higher mean baseline the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. By binary logistic regression analysis, intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and EVT were independent predictors of favorable clinical outcome. In subgroup analysis based on stroke etiology, the non-atherosclerotic group showed a higher baseline NIHSS score, higher incidence of EVT, and a higher rate of distal embolization during EVT in comparison with the atherosclerotic group.CONCLUSION: In patients with ICA occlusion and collateral MCA flow, decisions regarding treatment strategy based on TFCA can help achieve favorable clinical outcomes. EVT strategy with respect to etiology of ICA occlusion might help achieve better angiographic outcomes.
Carotid Artery, Internal ; Cerebral Angiography ; Collateral Circulation ; Humans ; Incidence ; Ischemia ; Logistic Models ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; Stroke ; Thrombectomy ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator

OBJECTIVE: Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare anatomical variant of the origin of the right subclavian artery. ARSA is defined as the right subclavian artery originating as the final branch of the aortic arch. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and the anatomy of ARSA evaluated with computed tomography (CT) angiography.METHODS: CT angiography was performed in 3460 patients between March 1, 2014 and November 30, 2015 and the results were analyzed. The origin of the ARSA, course of the vessel, possible inadvertent ARSA puncture site during subclavian vein catheterization, Kommerell diverticula, and associated vascular anomalies were evaluated. We used the literature to review the clinical importance of ARSA.RESULTS: Seventeen in 3460 patients had ARSA. All ARSAs in 17 patients originated from the posterior aspect of the aortic arch and traveled along a retroesophageal course to the right thoracic outlet. All 17 ARSAs were located in the anterior portion from first to fourth thoracic vertebral bodies and were located near the right subclavian vein at the medial third of the clavicle. Only one of 17 patients presented with dysphagia.CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware ARSA before surgical approaches to upper thoracic vertebrae in order to avoid complications and effect proper treatment. In patients with a known ARSA, a right transradial approach for aortography or cerebral angiography should be changed to a left radial artery or transfemoral approach.
Angiography ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Aortography ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Cerebral Angiography ; Clavicle ; Deglutition Disorders ; Diverticulum ; Humans ; Korea ; Prevalence ; Punctures ; Radial Artery ; Subclavian Artery ; Subclavian Vein ; Thoracic Vertebrae

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive cerebrovascular disease with unknown etiology, characterized by bilateral stenoocclusive changes at the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery and an abnormal vascular network formation at the base of the brain. MMD has an intrinsic nature to convert the vascular supply for the brain from internal carotid (IC) system to the external carotid (EC) system, as indicated by Suzuki’s angiographic staging. Insufficiency of this ‘IC-EC conversion system’ could result not only in cerebral ischemia, but also in intracranial hemorrhage from inadequate collateral anastomosis, both of which represent the clinical manifestation of MMD. Surgical revascularization prevents cerebral ischemic attack by improving cerebral blood flow, and recent evidence further suggests that extracranial-intracranial bypass could powerfully reduce the risk of re-bleeding in MMD patients with posterior hemorrhage, who were known to have extremely high re-bleeding risk. Although the exact mechanism underlying the hemorrhagic presentation in MMD is undetermined, most recent angiographic analysis revealed the characteristic angio-architecture related to high re-bleeding risk, such as the extension and dilatation of choroidal collaterals and posterior cerebral artery involvement. We sought to update the current management strategy for hemorrhagic MMD, including the outcome of surgical revascularization for hemorrhagic MMD in our institute. Further investigations will clarify the optimal surgical strategy to prevent hemorrhagic manifestation in patients with MMD.
Angiography ; Brain ; Brain Ischemia ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; Choroid ; Dilatation ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Moyamoya Disease ; Posterior Cerebral Artery