Endovascular Treatment of 48 Early Branch Aneurysms of the Middle Cerebral Artery

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of endovascular treatment (EVT) for early branch aneurysms (EBAs) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).MethodsWe reviewed 211 MCA aneurysms that received EVT between January 2012 and December 2014. The EBAs were identified according to their special patterns on cerebral angiography. The angiographic features, clinical outcomes, and angiographic results were investigated.ResultsForty-eight EBAs (22.7%) in 47 patients were identified among the MCA aneurysms. The treatments were successful in all EBAs, including coiling in 23 aneurysms, balloon-assisted coiling in 4, and stent-assisted coiling in 21. Immediate angiograms showed complete occlusion in 15 aneurysms, residual neck in 18, and residual aneurysm in 15. A procedure-related complication occurred in 1 patient (2.1%) who experienced rebleeding during treatment, and no neurologic function was insulted. Thirty-nine patients underwent angiographic follow-up (mean, 8.2 months), which showed 36 aneurysms were not aggravated, 3 had minor recanalization, and none showed major recanalization. The clinical follow-up (mean, 22.8 months) of all patients demonstrated no neurologic deterioration or rebleeding; however, 1 patient died of unexplained cerebral hemorrhage.ConclusionsPreliminary experience demonstrates that EVT for EBAs is feasible and safe. Direct comparison of clipping and coiling is warranted.