Coiling of large and giant aneurysms: complications and long-term results of 334 cases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Large and giant intracranial aneurysms are increasingly treated with endovascular techniques. The goal of this study was to retrospectively analyze the complications and long-term results of coiling in large and giant aneurysms (≥ 10 mm) and identify predictors of outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 334 large or giant aneurysms (≥ 10 mm) were coiled in our institution between 2004 and 2011. Medical charts and imaging studies were reviewed to determine baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and clinical/angiographic outcomes. Aneurysm size was 15 mm on average. Two hundred twenty-five aneurysms were treated with conventional coiling; 88, with stent-assisted coiling; 14, with parent vessel occlusion; and 7, with balloon-assisted coiling.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 10.5% of patients, with 1 death (0.3%). Aneurysm location and ruptured aneurysms predicted complications. Angiographic follow-up was available for 84% of patients at 25.4 months on average. Recanalization and retreatment rates were 39% and 33%, respectively. Larger aneurysm size, increasing follow-up time, conventional coiling, and aneurysm location predicted both recurrence and retreatment. The annual rebleeding rate was 1.9%. Larger aneurysm size, increasing follow-up time, and aneurysm location predicted new or recurrent hemorrhage. Favorable outcomes occurred in 92% of patients. Larger aneurysm size, poor Hunt and Hess grades, and new or recurrent hemorrhage predicted poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Coiling of large and giant aneurysms has a reasonable safety profile with good clinical outcomes, but aneurysm reopening remains very common. Stent-assisted coiling has lower recurrence, retreatment, and new or recurrent hemorrhage rates with no additional morbidity compared with conventional coiling. Aneurysm size was a major determinant of recanalization, retreatment, new or recurrent hemorrhage, and poor outcome.