Tandem cervical carotid stenting for stenosis with flow diversion embolisation for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

BackgroundAn estimated 2%–3% of the population harbour an intracranial aneurysm. Concomitant atherosclerotic cervical carotid disease is not uncommon. The management of these two entities remains a challenge within the field.Case presentationWe report a single case of concomitant carotid stenosis and two ipsilateral unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with a single-staged cervical carotid stenting and cerebral aneurysm embolisation with the Pipeline embolisation device.DiscussionNo consensus currently exists to guide endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms associated with asymptomatic ipsilateral stenosis. Here, we present a case of asymptomatic moderate carotid stenosis with two ipsilateral intracranial aneurysms and suggest carotid artery stenting takes procedural priority over aneurysm embolisation in single-stage treatment. The rationale for the sequence of neurointerventions is based on the tracking a robust distal access system beyond a stenotic proximal carotid lesion and stabilisation of the ulcerated plaque to avoid thromboembolic complications associated with plaque irritation during aneurysm embolisation. Additional cases and longer follow-up will be needed to further assess the efficacy of this technique.