Endovascular treatment of ruptured anterior communicating aneurysms: a 17-year institutional experience with coil embolization

Abstract

BackgroundRuptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms can be challenging to treat via an endovascular procedure. This study analyzed retreatment rates and neurological outcomes associated with ruptured ACoA aneurysms treated via endovascular coiling.MethodsAll patients with a ruptured ACoA aneurysm treated with endovascular coiling from 2003 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed at a single center. Two comparisons were performed: no retreatment versus retreatment and coil embolization versus balloon-assisted coil embolization. Outcomes included retreatment and neurological outcome assessed via modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsDuring the study period, 186 patients with ruptured ACoA aneurysms underwent coil embolization. Treatment included standard coil embolization (68.3%, n=127), balloon-assisted coiling (28.5%, n=53), and stent-assisted embolization (2.7%, n=5). Angiographic outcomes were as follows: class I, 65.1% (n=121); class II, 28.5% (n=53); and class III, 6.5% (n=12). There were no aneurysm reruptures after the index procedure. The mean (SD) mRS score was 2.7 (2.0) at last follow-up (mortality, 19 (10%)). Retreatment occurred in 9.7% (n=18). Patients with retreatment were younger with lower-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage and more favorable functional status at discharge. Patients with aneurysms >7 mm (n=36) were significantly more likely to have recurrence (22.2% vs 6.7%, P=0.005).ConclusionsEndovascular treatment of ruptured ACoA aneurysms is safe and is associated with low mortality and retreatment rates. Younger patients with favorable functional status and larger aneurysm size are more likely to be retreated. Ruptured aneurysms <4 mm, although prevalent in the study (29%), never required retreatment.