Angiographic follow-up after surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term angiographic outcome of surgically treated aneurysms. In addition, the incidence of recurrent aneurysms, the fate of residual aneurysms and the de novo formation of aneurysms were evaluated. Moreover, morphological conditions such as dilatation, stenosis or irregularity in temporarily clipped vascular segments were analyzed.166 aneurysms were operated on in 136 patients and these 166 aneurysms subsequently underwent late follow-up angiography. Late angiographic follow-up review was obtained at a mean of 46.6+/-11.5 months postsurgery (range 36-85 months). Out of the 7 aneurysms with known residua, 5 residual aneurysms were determined as unchanged, 1 residual aneurysm as spontaneous thrombosis and 1 residual aneurysm as enlarged. No recurrent aneurysm was found, however two de novo aneurysms were found. During the surgery of 85 aneurysms, 137 vascular segments clipped temporarily were evaluated in terms of morphological changes in postoperative and long-term angiograms. No morphological changes were determined in any vascular segments. These anatomical long-term results confirm the long-term efficacy of aneurysm clipping, when perfect. Small residual aneurysms can be followed with periodically performed angiography.