Endovascular treatment of unruptured carotid cave aneurysms

Objective To summarize the characteristics of carotid cave aneurysms and to investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for this kind of aneurysms. Methods From November 2013 to November 2016, the clinical data of 22 patients with unruptured carotid cave aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment, at the Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, were collected. Among them, 3 patients (14%) were male and 19 patients (86%) were female. Their clinical characteristics, outcomes, complications and follow-up results were analyzed retrospectively. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the outcomes and Raymond Scale was used to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment. Results All 22 patients were treated by stent assisted coiling. Raymond 1 was reported in 19 patients (86%) and Raymond 2 was achieved in 3 patients (14%). Thrombosis occurred in the stent in 1 patient during the operation who did not develop any neurological deficits after Tirofiban treatment. Ten patients underwent angiographic follow-up after 1 year and 9 patients achieved Raymond 1. The mRs score was 0 in all patients. Conclusions Carotid cave aneurysms seem to be more common in females. Endovascular treatment could be a safe and effective approach for carotid artery aneurysms. Key words: Intracranial aneurysm; Carotid cave; Endovascular procedures; Treatment outcome