Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms: Follow up Angiographic and Clinical Results of Endovascular Treatment in Serial Cases

PURPOSE: To report angiographic and clinical results of endovascular treatment in 45 intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to September 2013, a total of 42 patients with 45 VADAs received endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment consisted of internal trapping with detachable coils, stent-assisted coiling, and stenting only. Immediate and follow-up angiographic findings and clinical outcome were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 17 ruptured VADAs and 28 unruptured VADAs. Overall, 26 VADAs were treated with internal trapping, 14 with stent-assisted coil embolization, and 5 with stenting only. Immediate angiographic results revealed complete occlusion in 31 cases and incomplete occlusion in 14 cases. Follow-up imaging studies were available in 31 cases. On follow-up imaging, antegrade recanalization occurred in 2 of 16 cases treated with internal trapping. Aneurysmal recurrence occurred in one case treated with stent-assisted coiling. Procedural complications occurred in 8 patients. In cases of unruptured VADA, favorable outcome (mRS 0 and 1) was achieved in 26 cases and poor outcome (mRS 2-5) in 2 cases. There was no mortality in patients with unruptured VADAs. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of intracranial VADA appears to be safe and effective. Follow-up angiographic study is needed because parent artery recanalization or aneurysmal recurrence can occur.