Open and endovascular treatment of unruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms: clinical and radiographic outcomes

Abstract

Background: Aneurysms of the carotid-ophthalmic artery present unique challenges to cerebrovascular neurosurgeons given their proximity to vital anatomic structures.

Objective: To report our experience with a combined-modality treatment of unruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms over a 12-year period.

Methods: A retrospective review of 161 patients who underwent open, endovascular, or combined treatment of 170 aneurysms from January 1997 to July 2009 was conducted. Medical records, operative reports, office notes, and follow-up angiograms were reviewed to obtain data on patient demographics, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes.

Results: One hundred forty-seven aneurysms were treated via endovascular techniques; 17 aneurysms (10%) were treated with microsurgical clip ligation; and 6 aneurysms (3.5%) were treated with a combined approach. Of the aneurysms treated via an endovascular approach alone, 81.6% of aneurysms had evidence of ≥ 95% occlusion on initial angiogram. There was a 1.4% rate of major complications associated with the initial procedure. Twenty-six of these aneurysms (18.9%) required further intervention on the basis of early angiographic results. Major complications occurred after 6 of 23 open microsurgical procedures (26.1%), including 2 instances of permanent visual loss. Nine clipped patients had long-term angiographic follow-up; none required further intervention.

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms with modern endovascular techniques can be performed safely and efficaciously in the elective setting.