The effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization:

BackgroundArterial bifurcations are common locations for aneurysm development given the altered hemodynamic forces and shear stress variations present at these locations. Recent reports indicate that a wide basilar artery bifurcation angle is an independent predictor of aneurysm development, growth, and subsequent rupture.MethodsTo determine the effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization, the records of 46 patients with basilar artery apex aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from 2007 to 2013 were analyzed.ResultsA wide basilar artery bifurcation angle was associated with a Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) III occlusion in univariate analysis, but was not a statistically significant factor in multivariate modeling. An increasing basilar artery bifurcation angle was not associated with aneurysm recanalization or retreatment following coil embolization. Inc...