Aneurysm Rupture after Endovascular Flow Diversion: The Possible Role of Persistent Flows through the Transition Zone Associated with Device Deformation

Abstract

Haemorrhagic complications can occur following aneurysm treatment with flow diverters (FD), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We describe a case where deformation of the device may have contributed to the complication. A patient with a giant, previously unruptured cavernous aneurysm that extended intracranially to cause oedema of the internal capsule was treated with flow diversion. Treatment was followed by multiple episodes of peri-aneurysmal haemorrhages within eight days. A deformation of the device which occurred where it curved to cross the aneurysm neck created residual flows which, in the presence of a stent stenosis immediately beyond the neck, may have contributed to the observed ruptures. Following multiple haemorrhages the patient subsequently died. Autopsy demonstrated early red thrombus partially bridging the struts of the flow diverter, and intra-aneurysmal thrombus of various ages. Microscopic pathology showed an aneurysm wall consisting of collagen infiltrated with neutrophils, but the wall was absent near the cerebral peduncle, adjacent to the brain haemorrhage. Radiographs of the extracted specimen confirmed deformation of the FD construct, located at the transition zone of the stent, leading to increased pore size and porosity. The site of the deformation correlated with the angiographic presence of a continued blood inflow jet into the aneurysm. Stent deformation at the transition zone may promote persistent blood entry into the aneurysm, and in turn potentially contribute to haemorrhagic complications.