Enlargement of basilar artery aneurysms following balloon occlusion--"water-hammer effect". Report of two cases.
Two patients with distal basilar aneurysms were treated with intra-aneurysmal balloon occlusion. After apparently successful therapy, follow-up angiograms demonstrated aneurysm enlargement with balloon migration distally in the sac. Geometric mismatch between the base of the balloons and the aneurysm neck together with transmitted pulsation through the 2-hydroxyl-ethylmethacrylate (HEMA)-filled balloon directly contributed to aneurysm enlargement. In this report, the authors discuss the problems of progressive aneurysm enlargement due to a "water-hammer effect" and the possibility of hemorrhage following subtotal occlusion.
Department of Radiology, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, Massachusetts.
E S
ES
Kwan
C B
CB
Heilman
W A
WA
Shucart
R P
RP
Klucznik
D000328:Adult; D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008793:Metrizamide; D008875:Middle Aged; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D011859:Radiography
D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D008793:Metrizamide