Ruptured dissecting aneurysm in communicating internal carotid artery segments treated using a stent-assisted endovascular technique

Abstract

Hemorrhagic intracranial dissecting aneurysms are known to have a poor natural history and an increased tendency to rebleed. The communicating segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an infrequent site of dissection that is difficult to manage using deconstructive endovascular treatment because of the need to preserve important vascular branches. We report two cases of ruptured dissecting aneurysms that occurred in communicating segments of the ICA and treated using a reconstructive endovascular technique involving stent-assisted coiling. Case 1 was a 59-year-old woman who was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) indicated a ruptured dissecting aneurysm that arose from the left communicating segment of the ICA. Stent-assisted coiling was performed and followed by a second overlapping stent technique. No deterioration was observed on DSA after one week of follow-up or on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) after four months of follow-up. The patient was discharged without neurological complications (Glasgow Outcome Scale 5). Case 2 was a 34-year-old man who was admitted with a diagnosis of SAH. DSA revealed a suspected lesion of a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the left communicating segment of the ICA. Stent-assisted coiling was performed, and partial occlusion was achieved. No deterioration was observed on DSA after two weeks of follow-up or on MRA after six months of follow-up. The patient was discharged without neurological complications (Glasgow Outcome Scale 5). These cases suggest that using stent-assisted coiling could be a feasible modality for treating ruptured ICA dissecting aneurysms in the communicating segment.