Pipeline embolization in patients with hemoglobinopathies: A cohort study

Area of Science:

• Endovascular neurosurgery
• Cerebrovascular disease management
• Hereditary blood disorders

Background:

• Flow diversion with Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is effective for intracranial aneurysms.
• Thrombogenicity and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are limitations of PED.
• Safety data for PED in hemoglobinopathy patients, who are at high risk for complications, is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PED for treating intracranial aneurysms in patients with hemoglobinopathies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients with hemoglobinopathies undergoing PED treatment from 2014-2024.
• Natural language processing used to identify relevant patient records.
• Analysis of procedural data, clinical outcomes, and imaging follow-up.

Main Results:

• Sixteen procedures in 14 patients (median age 48.8 years) with various hemoglobinopathies were analyzed.
• All 20 aneurysms treated achieved complete occlusion with no thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications.
• No neurological deficits or mortalities were observed during a median 2.2-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) offers a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial aneurysms in patients with hemoglobinopathies.
• This approach appears to mitigate risks associated with hemoglobinopathies in this patient cohort.
• Further research may support broader adoption of PED in this population.