title: Treatment and outcomes among 102 posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a comparison of endovascular and microsurgical clip ligation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The vicinity of brainstem and cranial nerves as well as the limited operative working space make clip ligation of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms challenging. The small caliber of the PICA and the broad neck often associated with these aneurysms also create challenges in preserving this artery during treatment. Few data exist to compare the 2 treatment approaches for aneurysms in this location.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess treatment outcomes for PICA aneurysms based on mode of management and anatomical location.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospectively maintained database was queried for PICA aneurysms treated from 2000 through 2012. Patients were categorized on the basis of their aneurysm's anatomical location, presentation status, treatment modality, and subsequent complications. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 113 PICA aneurysms were identified; 11 did not undergo treatment. Of the remaining 102 aneurysms, 77% were ruptured and 64% were treated microsurgically. In the ruptured group, patients with more proximally located aneurysms such as vertebral and proximal PICA aneurysms were more likely to experience hydrocephalus and cranial nerve deficits after treatment. Endovascular therapy was less likely to cause postoperative deficit or lead to a need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Most importantly, discharge, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes were predicted based on presenting Hunt and Hess score and patient's age, not aneurysm location or management mode.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PICA aneurysms are challenging and require a multimodality treatment paradigm. Although microsurgery is associated with more short-term postoperative complications, presenting grade and patient's age remain the primary predictors of long-term outcome.
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Bradley N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Bohnstedt
authors.affiliation: St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziemba-Davis
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brom
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Troy D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Payner
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Leipzig
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: DeNardo
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.affiliation: Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; St. Vincent Neuroscience Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Electronic address: acohenmd@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Cohen-Gadol
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000601:surgery*; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D002548:Cerebral Revascularization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Aneurysm; Clip ligation; Coil embolization; Outcomes; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery