Flow diversion for compressive unruptured internal carotid artery aneurysms with neuro-ophthalmological symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Background Data on the safety and efficacy of flow diverters (FD) for the treatment of unruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with compressive neuro-ophthalmological symptoms (NOS) are scarce and comprise mainly small case series. Methods We performed a search of three databases and included series with ≥10 patients, with unruptured aneurysms of the ICA and NOS, treated with FD. Random-effects analysis of treatment results and safety was performed. Results A total of 22 studies reporting on 594 patients were included. Pooled proportions of NOS recovery, improvement, transient and permanent worsening were: 47.4% (95% CI 35.0% to 60.1%); 74.5% (95% CI 67.9% to 80.2%); 7.1% (95% CI 3.3% to 14.7%); and 4.9% (95% CI 3.2% to 7.4%), respectively. Rates of complete recovery and improvement in patients with isolated visual symptoms were 30.6% (95% CI 12.5% to 57.7%) and 56.6% (95% CI 42.3% to 69.9%). Isolated oculomotor symptoms recovered completely in 47.8% (95% CI 29.9% to 66.3%) and improved in 78% (95% CI 69.2% to 84.9%). Morbidity occurred in 5% (95% CI 2.8% to 9%) and mortality in 3.9% (95% CI 2% to 7.5%) of patients. An increased likelihood of symptom improvement was observed when treatment was performed early (<1 month) after symptom onset (OR=11.22, 95% CI 3.9% to 32.5%). Conclusion Flow diversion promotes recovery or improvement of compressive symptoms in a large proportion of patients but is associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Transient and permanent NOS worsening is not uncommon. Early treatment is of utmost importance, as it increases the likelihood of symptom improvement more than 10-fold.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)892-897
Number of pages6
Journal Journal of neuroInterventional surgery : JNIS
Volume15
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 35918130
ORCID /0000-0001-5258-0025/work/146644924

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Aneurysm, Complication, Flow Diverter, Stent, Carotid Artery, Internal/diagnostic imaging, Humans, Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects, Carotid Artery Diseases/complications, Treatment Outcome, Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging, Retrospective Studies, Stents, Embolization, Therapeutic/methods

Library keywords