[Management of symptomatic cerebral arterial stenoses with coincidental intracranial aneurysms]

To explore the clinical features and management strategies of patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis associated with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

From 2005 to 2011, 24 patients of symptomatic intracranial stenosis with coincidental intracranial aneurysm were divided into two groups of angioplasty and aneurysm embolization (A, n = 12) and non-embolization (B, n = 12). All patients were followed up by phone or at outpatient services. Ten patients were re-assessed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

The patients of group A were followed up without stroke or death, but one patient had restenosis asymptomatically. Two patients of group B died of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Angioplasty or antiplatelet therapy may increase the rupturing risk of aneurysm. Dissecting aneurysms should be handled by coiling positively and in a timely manner by coiling to prevent rebleeding. Coincidental intracranial aneurysms should be handled by coiling actively.