Recurrence and risk factors of posterior communicating artery aneurysms after endovascular treatment

Abstract

Background: Endovascular treatment (EVT) of posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PcomA) is challenging because of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) architecture. Additionally, these aneurysms have a high risk of recanalization compared with those located elsewhere.

Methods: The radiographic findings of 171 patients treated with EVT at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and subgroup analyses were performed based on Pcom characteristics.

Results: Recanalization of PcomAs occurred in 53 patients (30.9%). Seven patients (4.0%) were retreated (six endovascularly and one with microsurgical clipping). The mean follow-up duration was 27.7 months (range: 3.5-78.6). The maximum diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, P = .006, 95% CI 1.07-1.44), a Raymond-Roy classification of grade II or III (OR 2.26, P = .03, 95% CI 1.08-4.82), and the presence of reinforcement (balloon or/and stent, OR 0.44, P = .03, 95% CI 0.20-0.91) were associated with recanalization using multivariate logistic regression. Significant differences were found in maximum aneurysm diameter (P = .03) between normal- and fetal-type Pcoms on analysis of variance.

Conclusions: The recanalization rate of PcomAs after EVT was 30.9%; the retreatment rate was 4.0%. Maximum diameter, Raymond-Roy classification, and presence of reinforcement were significantly associated with recanalization but not associated with fetal-type Pcom. Aneurysm size was larger in patients with a fetal-type Pcom than in those with a normal Pcom. Pcom size was not related to recanalization rate.

Keywords: Endovascular treatment; Fetal-type Pcom; Posterior communicating artery aneurysm; Raymond–Roy classification; Recanalization; Reinforcement.