Overview of perianeurysmal edema following the endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms: A pooled analysis of 48 cases.

BACKGROUND

Perianeurysmal edema occurring after endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms is uncommon compared to surgical clipping. The clinical aspects and the exact explanation are poorly understood.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. We used the following keywords: "endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms," "perianeurysmal cerebral edema," "perianeurysmal cerebral edema after endovascular treatment endovascular treatment," "intracranial aneurysms with perianeurysmal edema," and "vessel wall enhancement after endovascular therapy." For each case, demographic, clinicopathological, therapeutic, and follow-up data were gathered and analyzed.

RESULTS

Perianeurysmal edema after endovascular treatment has a clear female predilection, with a male: female ratio of 12:29 (25%; 60.41%). The average time from EVT to the onset of edema ranged from 1 day to about 8 years. The aneurysm dimension ranged from 6.8 to 25 mm as the largest size reported. Most patients were asymptomatic (18 [37.5 %]), and headache was the presenting symptom in 10 patients (20.8%). Aneurysmal wall enhancement was reported in 16 (33.3 %) patients with perianeurysmal edema. About 12 patients (25%) developed post-EVT hydrocephalus. The most common coil used was the platinum type (31 [64.58%]). Most of the patients were treated expectantly with follow-up (17 [35.41 %]), while steroids were used only in 14 (29.16%) patients. Most of the patients have their edema resolved (29 [60.41%]) or stable (9 [37.5%]).

CONCLUSION

There is growing evidence supporting the incidence of post-embolization inflammatory reactions involving the vessel wall and the surrounding parenchyma; however, the exact clinical perspectives and the predisposing factors are not fully uncovered. This analysis highlights the possible presentations and short-term outcome of patients presenting with perianeurysmal edema after endovascular management of cerebral aneurysms.